Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing style, elegance, or experience. At Koa’s Events, you can have a stunning, intimate wedding for $5,000 by making strategic choices that maximize value without compromising on quality. Here’s how to make your dream wedding a reality while staying within budget.
1. Choose the Right Package: Gardenia Package ($1,500)
Koa’s Events offers several wedding packages, but the Gardenia Package is the perfect fit if you’re aiming for a budget-friendly celebration. Priced at $1,500, this package includes:
✅ 3-hour venue rental (Sunday-Thursday)
✅ Bridal bouquet
✅ Cake & champagne toast
✅ Seating & tables for 10 guests
✅ Vendor coordination & planning assistance
✅ Sonos sound system for music
💡 Pro Tip: If you need additional time or more guests, you can extend the package with add-ons, but keeping the event small helps maintain affordability.
2. Keep Food Costs Low ($300-$600)
Food can be one of the biggest wedding expenses, but with a little creativity, you can keep costs under $20 per person without sacrificing quality.
Affordable Food Options:
🍽️ Local Catering: Hawaiian BBQ plates from a local restaurant ($10-$15 per person)
🍣 Grazing Table: DIY cheese, fruit, poke, and sushi rolls from Costco
🚚 Food Truck: Hire a taco or plate lunch truck ($12-$20 per person)
🎉 Potluck-Style: If you have local family/friends willing to contribute, this is nearly free!
💡 Pro Tip: A buffet or grazing-style setup reduces the need for waitstaff and keeps the event casual yet elegant.

3. Save on Drinks ($200-$300)
Instead of hiring a full bar service, opt for BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) and a self-serve drink station.
Ways to Cut Costs:
🍹 Serve one or two signature cocktails instead of a full bar.
🍾 Purchase wine, champagne, and beer in bulk from Costco.
🧊 Koa’s Mobile Bar offers a bartender service add-on for a small fee if you prefer professional drink service.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a self-serve water and lemonade station to keep guests hydrated and happy.
4. Find Affordable Photography ($500-$700)
Hiring a freelance photographer or booking a shorter session (2-3 hours) can help you save while still capturing the most important moments.
📸 Alternatives:
Book a photography student or local freelancer.
Use guest photography with a shared online album.
Rent a DIY photo booth with props for fun guest photos.
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule portraits before the ceremony to maximize time and avoid extra fees.
5. DIY Decor & Flowers ($200-$300)
Koa’s Events already provides tables, chairs, and a beautiful open-air pavilion, so you don’t need to go overboard on decorations.
🌿 Affordable Decor Ideas:
Use local greenery & tropical flowers instead of expensive floral arrangements.
Borrow or rent decorations instead of buying new.
Create DIY signage & table decor using Canva and print at home.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep it minimal and elegant—less is more!
6. Free & Low-Cost Entertainment ($100-$200)
🎶 Skip the DJ and use the Sonos sound system to play your custom playlist.
🎸 Hire a solo musician (ukulele or guitarist) for a short live performance.
📀 Ask a friend or family member to MC for a more personal touch.
💡 Pro Tip: Koa’s Events provides twinkle and bistro lighting—use them to set the mood and save on extra rentals.
Final Budget Breakdown
Category | Estimated Cost |
Venue (Gardenia Package) | $1,500 |
Food (DIY or Local Catering) | $300-$600 |
Photography (Freelance or Shorter Session) | $500-$700 |
Drinks (BYOB + Self-Serve or Minimal Bar Service) | $200-$300 |
Decor (DIY & Borrowed) | $200-$300 |
Entertainment (DIY or Minimal Music Setup) | $100-$200 |
💰 Total: $2,800 - $3,600
✅ Under budget!
Final Tips for an Affordable Wedding at Koa’s Events
✅ Keep the guest list intimate (20-30 guests) for a better experience & lower costs.
✅ Choose a weekday or Sunday for the best pricing.
✅ Opt for local and seasonal food & decor to save money.
✅ Prioritize memorable moments over expensive extras—the atmosphere at Koa’s Events is already stunning!
Planning a beautiful and affordable wedding at Koa’s Events is totally possible! With some smart budgeting and creativity, you can have a stunning Big Island wedding without breaking the bank. 💍🌺
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