A Bit About Flower Lei For Your Wedding
Photographer Credit: Schyne Photography
One of the most renowned parts of Hawaiian culture is the gifting of flower lei. It is a beautiful tradition that was brought to the islands by early Polynesian voyagers from Tahiti. These lei were constructed of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers, bone, and teeth. Lei were worn by ancient Hawaiians to beautify and distinguish themselves from others. It was also a gesture of peace among chiefs.
Many of our couples planning destination weddings in Hawaii love the idea of incorporating a touch of Hawaiian culture into their wedding. Choosing to gift guests, family members and each other with a lei is a beautiful option.
Lei for the guests
There are a few ways we love to do this…
Hiring a lei greeter to bestow a lei on each guest upon arrival.
Draping a lei over each ceremony chair as part of the ceremony decor.
Displaying lei on a wall with escort cards attached.
Photographer Credit: Eric Wehner Photography
Lei for the family
Instead of ordering boutonnieres or corsages for key family members, we love when our couples pick out a special lei for each family member to wear. Our favorite way to present these lei is during the ceremony. Gifting family members with a traditional Hawaiian lei as a way to honor them in the ceremony creates an unique and touching memory for your ceremony. The most common lei for women to be gifted consists of Pikake (Jasmine) while a more masculine lei consists of Ti Leaf, Maile, and Kukui Nuts.
Lei for loved ones who have passed
A special way to incorporate family members who have passed is to have a lei draped around an empty chair during the ceremony or around photos of the person being honored at a memorial table during the reception.
Lei for each other
In addition to wedding rings, presenting each other with a special wedding lei during the ceremony is a great alternative to a unity ceremony. The lei symbolizes the aloha between the couple and can also symbolize the love that the guests of the wedding have for the couple.
If you would like to see some of our favorite lei, be sure to check out our dedicated pinterest board!
