Leis for Weddings – A Beautiful Hawaiian Tradition For Your Special Day

What Are Leis?

Leis are a traditional way to honor special occasions in Hawaii and other Polynesian cultures. They are wreaths or necklaces made of flowers, leaves, shells, stones, nuts, feathers, ribbons, and more – woven together as a symbol of love, friendship, and celebration. Couples exchange lei to signify their commitment to each other on birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations.

Weddings have become an increasingly popular occasion for leis too, adding a touch of tradition and beauty to the ceremony. There’s something for everyone with classic Hawaiian-style leis or modern contemporary designs available – plus you can customize your own with special messages or symbols!

Leis make any wedding extra special – just remember to take care of them so they can be enjoyed for many years afterward!

Types of Leis

Leis are a traditional Hawaiian decoration, often used to mark special occasions such as weddings. Representing love and respect, they are typically presented to the bride and groom by their family and friends during the ceremony. For the bride, a lei is an elegant addition to her dress; for the groom, it’s a way of honoring his new wife.

The most popular type of wedding lei is pikake or tuberose lei – made from fragrant white flowers – which symbolizes luck for newlyweds. Other popular choices include purple orchid lei, Ti Leaf Lei, and Maile Lei – crafted with orchids, Hilo Maile leaves, or ti leaves.

The officiant wears a Maile lei, made of ti leaves or Hilo maile leaves. Maile leis are worn by an important person in a ceremony.

Leis can also be given to the mothers and grandmothers of the couple as a sign of appreciation. Orchid Leis are usually chosen for this purpose – white orchids representing elegance and meaningfulness.

From classic designs to modern ones, there’s something special out there for every wedding day! No matter what type you choose, your lei will add that extra touch of magic on your big day!

Benefits of Using Leis for Weddings

Hawaiian leis are a traditional symbol of love and respect, often used in weddings to represent the eternal nature of marriage. Not only do they add a special touch to the ceremony, but also create an opportunity for everyone present to share in the celebration. These leis come in various styles and colors, so couples can find one that perfectly commemorates their day. Additionally, they offer a unique way to celebrate two people’s union – each lei can be personalized with different options like heart-shaped charms or bows.

Leis are a beautiful and meaningful addition to any wedding; easily customized according to preferences. They not only show love and respect but also create lasting memories for the couple, families, and guests alike. With the right lei, couples can make their special day even more memorable!

Where to Buy Leis for Weddings

When it comes to wedding dresses, there are a few choices. For those seeking a traditional Hawaiian ceremony, full-service lei stores provide the ideal spot for finding the perfect ones for your entire wedding party. They are often found near airports in Hawaii or China Town on Oahu. Outside of Hawaii, there are many online lei shops. These shops boast an array of flowers in many weaves and designs that can be shipped overnight anywhere in the US. Plus, they craft their leis from fresh local flowers – making your special day even more memorable.

For modern weddings, online stores specializing in Hawaiian weddings offer plenty of options too. They have a wide selection of styles and colors plus customization possibilities so you can find the right fit for your theme and hues. Some even feature messages or symbols symbolizing the love between bride and groom!

No matter where you purchase them from, it’s essential to ensure top quality when shopping for wedding dresses. Many stores offer overnight shipping so you get them on time – but don’t forget about their symbolism either! Keep this in mind as you search for just the right ones to make your big day extra special.

How to Care for Leis Before and After the Wedding

Properly caring for leis before and after a wedding is essential to ensure that they look their best on the big day. Before the wedding, leis should be stored in a sealed container or bag and refrigerated at approximately 54°F (12°C). If there is no room in the fridge, a cooler with ice can be used as an alternative. It is important to keep the leis dry and avoid touching the ice directly. When wearing the lei, closed leis should be draped half in front and half down the back, while open leis should be worn with the middle of the lei at the nape of the neck.

After the wedding, it is important to store the leis correctly to preserve their beauty. Hawaiian wedding leis should be hung in a dry, dark place out of direct sunlight. The leis should be hung away from any moisture to avoid rot or mildew buildup. For flower leis, the petals can be gently dried and the lei stored in a sealed container. This will help preserve the color and shape of the lei.

By following the above tips, you can be sure that your leis will look beautiful and last for years to come. Hawaiian wedding leis are a beautiful tradition and caring for them properly will help ensure that they remain a treasured part of your special day.

Summary

For couples looking for a unique way to commemorate their special day, it’s hard to go wrong with fresh leis. These traditional Hawaiian symbols of love and friendship make the perfect addition to any wedding, adding personalization and creating last memories. Plus, there are a variety of options when it comes to purchasing leis for your big day, including full-service lei stores, online stores, and overnight shipping.

And, best of all, these leis can last long after the big event if they are given proper care before and after your wedding. So don’t forget to add this special touch to your wedding day—get your fresh wedding lei and let the love flow!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wears a lei at a wedding?

At a wedding, the bride is often presented with a pikake or tuberose lei and the groom traditionally wears a Maile lei. This symbolizes their eternal love, as the leis are open-ended in shape and come in various colors and flowers to represent their culture and location.

The officiant wears a maile lei with or without flowers. Bridesmaids wear leis with flowers, often orchid leis. The groomsmen wear maile, ti leaf, kukui nut, or orchid leis.

The leis are a beautiful way to show the couple’s commitment to each other and to their culture. They are a reminder of the special bond they share and the importance of their union. The leis are also a reminder of the beauty of nature.

What is the traditional lei for a wedding?

At a traditional Hawaiian wedding, the bride and groom receive leis to symbolize their love for one another. The most common lei given to the bride is a pikake or tuberose garland, while the groom receives a handsome Maile Lei or Ti leaf lei.

These leis often have open-ended shapes to represent the couple’s never-ending love and are decorated with colorful flowers and greenery.

Can you wear a lei to a wedding?

Overall, a lei is considered an appropriate accessory to wear to a wedding. Given their traditional and festive nature, it’s a great way to add a special touch of decoration.

What is the symbolism of giving a lei?

Giving a lei is a traditional Hawaiian symbol of friendship, love, honor, and peace. It is often used as a gesture of welcome, hospitality, and celebration to someone who visits or moves to Hawaii. The gift of a Hawaiian lei is an honor for the recipient and should be cherished.

The act of giving or receiving a lei expresses the spirit of Aloha that is embraced by all.