April 18, 2009
Hawaiian Wedding Lei
A Hawaiian wedding lei is the perfect way to use beautiful Hawaiian flowers in your ceremony. You can capture the beauty and fragrance of the islands.
The lei has a deep tradition. It was first introduced to the Hawaiian Islands with the Polynesians. They would wear leis made from flowers, leaves,shells and many other beautiful items. They would wear them as accesories and give as gifts.
Today the lei is the classic symbol of Hawaii. It is used in all special occasions: weddings, birthdays, graduations, births, funerals and as a welcome home or to the islands.
The Hawaiian wedding lei is seen in any flower that you can imagine. There is no right or wrong flower to use. Some of the most popular are orchid, ginger, maile and ti leaf, plumeria, tuberose and rose. Many of these are also very fragrant.
It is traditional for the bride to give a lei to the groom’s mother and the groom to give a lei to the bride’s mother to symbolize the union of two families. The entire wedding party (and guests) can wear these beautiful flowers, too.
You can also have your guests throw fresh orchid petals instead of rice and use loose flowers for a circle of flowers that you will stand in for your vows. These will be the perfect compliment to your Hawaiian wedding lei.
