The Art Of Making Hawaiian Wedding Leis

Hawaiian weddings are incomplete without the gift of a lei. Wedding leis are special as they symbolize the love that the couple has for each other, the love of everyone who is there to witness the event, and the spirit of aloha that presides over the ceremony. The groom's lei is often made of maile leaves, while the bride's lei is made of Hawaiian wedding flowers such as tuberose, white ginger, or orchids. The bride may also wear a floral headpiece made from local greenery and haku flowers. Couples can choose to give their mothers a lei as well to show their love and respect. There are no rules when it comes to selecting the perfect pair of leis for your wedding, and couples can choose from a wide variety of options to signify unity and harmony or to celebrate their individuality.

Choosing flowers and colours

The most well-known wedding lei is the lei maile, which is often worn by both the bride and groom. The maile is associated with courtship and romance in Hawaiian history and legend, and its heady scent evokes images of romance. Due to deforestation and over-harvesting, maile is becoming rarer, and excellent substitutes include the lei lāʻ ī and the lei lauaʻ e. The bride might wear a fragrant floral lei intertwined with the maile, such as tuberose, orchid, or Hawaiian wedding flowers like white ginger. The groom might wear 'ilima intertwined with his lei maile. The maile comes in a variety of fragrances and leaf sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences.

When selecting flowers and colours, it's important to consider the overall wedding attire and the tastes of the couple. Lighter-coloured, fragrant floral leis, such as pīkake, stephanotis, tuberose, baby rose, or mixes of these, are typically worn by the bride and female members of the wedding party. Darker, heavier leis, such as maile, mauna loa, carnation, or cigar flower, are usually worn by the groom and male members. However, some brides opt for brightly coloured leis, while others prefer the elegant simplicity of lā`ī. The lei should reflect the unique style and personality of the couple.

It is also important to consider any allergies or sensitivities of the wedding party when choosing flowers and colours. Be sure to select flowers that will not trigger any allergies and avoid flowers that may stain the wedding garments, such as the jade vine. If the bride is pregnant, it is customary to give her only open leis, as closed leis are considered inauspicious for the baby.

Lei styles for brides and grooms

When it comes to lei styles for brides and grooms, there are many options to choose from, each with its unique significance. While there are no strict rules, men often wear larger, heavier leis, while women opt for more delicate and fragrant designs.

For grooms, the most common choice is the maile lei, made from maile leaves, which is associated with courtship and romance throughout Hawaiian history. The ti-leaf wedding lei is another option, sometimes interwoven with flowers such as tuberose, a small, fragrant, white blossom. The groom may also choose to wear the `ilima flower, intertwined with the maile lei. The cigar lei, carnation lei, and mauna loa lei are other popular choices for grooms, as darker, heavier leis are often preferred for male members of the wedding party.

Brides, on the other hand, often wear leis made of flowers such as Hawaiian wedding flowers like tuberose, white ginger, or orchids. Sometimes, a bride's lei is made up of two or three types of flowers woven together in several strands to create a lush floral look. The pīkake flower is another popular choice for brides, as it is said to be the favourite flower of Princess Ka'iulani. Lighter-coloured fragrant floral leis, such as stephanotis, baby rose, and mixes of these, are also commonly worn by brides and female members of the wedding party.

For a harmonious look, the bride and groom may both choose to wear the lei maile, while adding their own unique touch by winding other leis, such as the `ilima for the groom and pīkake or tuberose for the bride.

Incorporating the lei into the ceremony

The Hawaiian wedding lei is a symbol of the love and unity between the couple. There are many ways to incorporate the lei into the wedding ceremony.

One option is to begin the ceremony with the bride and groom each wearing the other's lei, exchanging them early on as a symbol of their union. The flower girl could present the leis to the couple during the ceremony, or the couple's parents could offer a lei to their child's partner, welcoming them into the family.

In traditional Hawaiian weddings, a kahuna pule (holy man) would use a maile lei to tie the couple's hands together, symbolising the weaving together of their lives. Another new tradition is to have a long, floral lei that is wrapped around the couple to bind them together in love and beauty.

The bride and groom can also present their parents with leis to show their love and respect, and to include them in the ceremony. The bride might also wear a floral headpiece, made from local greenery and haku flowers, and the groom might wear a larger, heavier lei, while the bride's is more delicate and fragrant.

Lei customs and traditions

The Hawaiian lei is a symbol of aloha, affection, love, respect, and honour. The tradition is said to have been introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, who settled in Hawaii after an arduous journey from Tahiti. The lei is a wreath of fresh flowers, leaves, shells, or even feathers, and is typically worn around the neck. However, it can also be worn on the head, hips, or used as ceremony decor.

The lei is a symbol deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and has parallels in Polynesian and Asian cultures. The island of Maui is particularly known for its vibrant lei-making tradition, often incorporating indigenous flora such as the plumeria and the orchid. The practice of exchanging leis is embedded in Hawaiian culture, and it is customary to give a lei to show respect and appreciation on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and graduations.

In ancient Hawaii, the lei was used to honour the gods and distinguish the various classes of royalty. The maile lei, a peace offering, was one of the most important types of lei and was exchanged between battling chiefs and given during weddings and other important ceremonies.

Today, the lei is an integral part of Hawaiian weddings, symbolising the love between the couple, the love of everyone witnessing the event, and the spirit of aloha presiding over the ceremony. The groom often wears a maile leaf lei, while the bride wears a lei made of Hawaiian wedding flowers such as tuberose, white ginger, or orchids. The bride may also wear a floral headpiece, known as a lei po'o or haku lei, made from local greenery and flowers.

The exchange of leis between the bride and groom is a sacred moment and a powerful symbol of their unity and commitment. During the ceremony, the couple may switch leis to symbolise their union, or they may be bound together with a long, floral lei to represent their lives being woven together.

Ordering and delivery

When ordering a Hawaiian wedding lei, it is important to plan ahead to ensure timely delivery of fresh flowers. Many companies offer pre-ordering options, allowing you to select a delivery date for your fresh Hawaiian leis to arrive directly at your doorstep. This pre-ordering option is available for both local and nationwide shipping, ensuring that your order arrives when and where you need it.

Some companies specialise in crafting authentic Hawaiian leis using fresh flowers, leaves, and other traditional materials. These companies often have a deep reverence for the cultural significance of the lei and are dedicated to providing meticulous packaging and dependable shipping. They may also offer exclusive features, such as lei coolers, to maintain the freshness of the leis during transit.

When it comes to shipping, you can expect your order to be handled with utmost care. Leis are typically shipped in temperature-controlled boxes with a freshness guarantee. Many companies offer priority overnight shipping to minimise transit time and ensure the leis arrive in pristine condition. This commitment to safe and swift transport ensures that your precious Hawaiian leis will be treated with the care they deserve.

It is recommended to select a delivery date that is two business days before your event. While refunds may not be available for shipping delays, you can rest assured that companies prioritise timely delivery to make your special day even more memorable.

To enhance your experience, some companies provide dedicated local customer support, available seven days a week, to guide you through the ordering process and address any inquiries you may have. Whether you're planning a wedding or any other special occasion, you can rely on their expertise to make your lei ordering process seamless and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions