If you have chosen the Bali Hai, a beautiful Polynesian restaurant on the Shelter Island waterfront, as your wedding venue, high fives! This is a lovely venue with fabulous food, an unbeatable view, and lots of conveniences! Based on my experience working here, I’ve compiled this post of Bali Hai restaurant wedding secrets for you.
PROS OF HAVING A BALI HAI RESTAURANT WEDDING
- Free parking
- Fairly easy to find
- Delicious food
- Fairly easy load-in for your vendors
- Beautiful space with a few different set-up options
- A lot of lovely plants throughout the property
- Ceremony site located on the property
- Three words: San. Diego. Skyline.
- Two thumbs up for the accommodating staff
- The cute seal that comes up on the dock. You’ll probably run into him while you’re out there taking pics!
- Less “cramped” and more private than most restaurant weddings if you opt for their detached event space out back.
CONS OF HAVING A BALI HAI RESTAURANT WEDDING
- They may have more than one event going on at a time
- Sometimes boats speed by or planes pass loudly overhead during outdoor ceremonies, and (even with a mic) your officiant may have to wait a few seconds until the noise passes
- If Polynesian food/seafood isn’t up your alley, it may not be the right fit for you
Considering the pros and cons, I give the Bali Hai restaurant two thumbs way up. This is one of my fave San Diego wedding venues–I love working at the Bali Hai!
TIPS FOR A FABULOUS BALI HAI RESTAURANT WEDDING
- It can get cramped in the detached banquet facility. Limit your guest count.
- Uplighting is a beautiful addition to the detached banquet facility (Be careful about doing string lights too close to the dance floor as they can’t be dimmed and may be too bright for an ideal dance environment).
- Hire hula dancers/fire dancers like Island Inspirations to entertain your guests during dinner and add to the Polynesian flavor. (I worked with them at the Bali Hai before and they were amazing–not to mention they’ve danced at a Hawaiian party on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”)
- Add a lei exchange to your ceremony or give guests leis, again, to highlight the unique space
- Stop by for Sunday brunch before the wedding….no reason, just because!
- Ask guests to carpool since parking can be limited at peak times
CHECK OUT SOME REAL BALI HAI RESTAURANT WEDDINGS
- Brandon & Pat, DJ Staci
- Brandi & Mike, by Petula Pea Photography
- Kirsten & Phil, by Bauman Weddings
- Melissa & Tada, by Sarah Layne Photography
I hope these secrets for a fabulous Bali Hai wedding have been helpful. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Post by DJ Track Star Staci
I'm DJ Track Star Staci, an international DJ, MC, turntablist, & producer for 14 years. My clients have included: Lamborghini, Victoria's Secret, Reebok, and many more. My performances are trusted at A-list events like Comic Con, Entrepreneur of the Year, and movie premieres. I've rocked Sr. Frogs in Cancun, music festivals, the Vegas strip, celebrity events, & 500 weddings. Check my availability, get an instant fee estimate, or listen to some of my DJ sets or my original remixes & mash-ups.
