June 8, 2025 was a special day for me and my wife. It was our wedding day and we ended up paying close to 20,000. if not more than 20,000 for just the venue and dinner.
and ill say the venue and food was good. the downside was that, they did not announce to us nor the guests that they were going to start taking away dinner and desert. and probably 75% of the guests didn't even have desert, because the staff did not let anyone know that there was a timeline on the desert. Also, concerning the wedding cake that was a part of the package. they did not cut it at all for any of the guests to eat. so it was just left there and none of the guests took any because it wasn't cut nor did anyone tell us or make an announcement. there was a lack of communication on their end on the day of that would've been very helpful. also, when it came to our champagne toast, they made no announcement nor communicated anything to us for a toast to be made. so they just randomly poured it on all the tables and the tables had no idea what was going on. and neither did we. TO BE HONEST, IT FELT LIKE THEY ONLY TRIED TO SERVE THEMSELVES TO MAKE THEIR JOB EASIER AND WE DIDN'T FEEL LIKE THEY REALLY CARED ABOUT US. (only in all caps as a emphasis, not yelling or complaining, but just think it's an important detail).
now for all the time before the actual wedding. I would describe my experience as unsure and uncared for. two things that you wouldn't hope for in planning a wedding.
1. the contract they had us sign, was that if "they" felt like we were being hard, then they could terminate the contract and cancel our event at their venue. and at first, they seemed really nice and understanding and gave us the impression that they were okay with everything we were planning to do. we were very upfront about everything and they said it was okay. so we thought it was a no problem. but as the weeks went by, they told us "no" to a lot of the things we already talked about having and they gave us a verbal "yes" to. and so when trying to gain understanding, we didn't want to seem like "hard" clients or else they would take all the money we gave already and cancel our event at their venue. they always said "we have to talk to upper management". WE DID NOT FEEL CARED FOR AND FELT LIKE IT WAS THEIR WAY OR THE HIGHWAY.
2. they were giving our sound engineer and vendor a really hard time throughout the entire process. they would only allow a 30 minute breakdown and a 1 hour set up (if that). when in general it is at least a 45 minute - 1 hour breakdown and usually a 2 hour set up. really whenever the venue opens it doors for any vendor. they had to set up outdoor sounds and board and inside sounds and lights. they also, surprised our vendor with requiring more lights inside, just because they can't provide dimmable lightings. so imagine having a night cap of dancing and music and all the lights are as bright as 3pm. IT SEEMED VERY PERSONAL, AND THAT'S NOT A WAY A BUSINESS SHOULD CONDUCT ITSELF. and our sound vendor, is the nicest guy who was truly on our side and just wanting to throw a great party. he only has good reviews. and for koolau ballrooms to treat a local vendor, a local business man like this, i thought was unacceptable and very cold. it's sad that their conduct affects how first presbyterian church is looked at. on the day of, they allowed our coordinators and our florist to enter the premises and set up everything, as well as other vendors. but they did not allow our sound vendor in. who was setting up everything for the ceremony and reception. our cocktail hour singer just had to wait in her car because nothing could be set up and no sound check.
3. they did not tell us at all about food tasting, if anything, they told us they don't offer it. and 1 month to our wedding day, we were asking about the food and finally they tell us, they do it once a month and it's not what we pick, but whatever they pick to let us try. and so i couldn't go because i had appointments to tend to. and my wife ended up going with my sister because of such a late notice. and if was not that 1 day then, we were stuck not knowing anything.
4. they also told us a part of the package was any colored napkins was on the house, but when we were choosing the color, they said that it is an extra cost. something small. but again, just another moment of their fickleness and not keeping their word.
5. And for the bar, we got a premium option, and when people asked for shots, the bartender told them no. but when other people asked the bartender said yes and poured it for them. and also, their signage was very deceptive because we covered the whole bar tab, but they left their signage with all the prices. so there was confusion with people thinking they had to pay, when they didn't. we paid. and i really don't like that our guests who we wanted to treat, felt like their enjoyment was coming at a cost.
there is more,but length fails me.if it wasn't for venue, not worth it read more