Wedding Lei Guide
Choosing the Perfect Lei for Your Special Day

Leis are an integral part of Hawaiian culture and weddings, symbolizing love, respect, and unity. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about selecting and caring for leis for your wedding ceremony, from their meaning and significance to tips on how to care for them.
In this guide:
- The Lei Exchange Tradition
- Local Etiquette for Wearing and Giving Leis
- Types of Wedding Leis: Bride, Groom, and Wedding Party
- Selecting the Right Lei: Flowers and Foliage
- Popular Non-Seasonal Leis and Hakus for Brides in Hawaii
The Lei Exchange Tradition
At the heart of a traditional Hawaiian wedding is the lei exchange, a meaningful ceremony rich in symbolism.
Key Elements of the Lei Exchange:
- Selection of the Lei: Each type of lei is chosen for its specific symbolism—whether it represents love, respect, or prosperity.
- The Ceremony: The bride and groom exchange leis at the start of the wedding ceremony, often accompanied by a kiss. This represents the unbroken circle of commitment and the eternal bond they are forming.
- Symbolic Unity: Family and guests may also participate in the exchange, symbolizing their support and blessings for the couple.
Local Lei Etiquette for Ceremonies
When it comes to wearing leis in weddings, there are a few customs to keep in mind:
- No Need for Corsages: When a lei is worn, there is no need for a corsage or boutonniere.
- Blessing the Lei: Before the ceremony, the officiant may hold and bless the leis.
Types of Wedding Leis: Bride, Groom, and Wedding Party
Different types of leis are used depending on the role of the wearer and the significance of the ceremony.
Common Types of Wedding Leis:
- For the Groom: The Maile Lei—a leafy vine lei symbolizing respect, peace, and love—is traditionally worn by the groom.
- For the Bride: Brides often wear white floral leis made from flowers like pikake or tuberose, which symbolize purity and love.
- Lei Po'o (Head Lei): Worn by brides and sometimes grooms, head leis signify honor and respect within the sacred space of the wedding.
Lei for the Wedding Party:
- Fathers & Grandfathers: Cigar flower lei, with bold colors, are often chosen for the male relatives.
- Mothers & Grandmothers: Mauna Loa-style orchid leis or Micronesian ginger leis are common choices for female relatives.
- Wedding Party: Coordinate the wedding party's leis with the bride and groom's attire. Opt for slightly less elaborate versions of the bride and groom's leis.
- Guests: Consider offering a variety of pre-made leis or having a lei-making station at your reception.

Selecting the Right Lei: Flowers and Foliage
When choosing the perfect lei for your wedding, there are a few considerations:
Flower Types:
- Fragrant Leis: Flowers like pikake, gardenia, and tuberose offer delicate scents and are ideal for brides.
- Orchid Leis: Brightly colored and long-lasting, orchid leis are perfect for outdoor, tropical-themed weddings.
- Seasonality: Certain flowers may not be in season during your wedding. Discuss options with a reputable florist to ensure fresh, beautiful leis.
Personalization Tips:
- Color Coordination: Ensure the lei complements the wedding attire.
- If the Bride is Pregnant: If the bride is pregnant, it's tradition to give her an open lei to avoid any symbolism associated with a closed lei.
- Allergies: Be sure to choose flowers that won't trigger allergies for any members of the wedding party or guests.
Popular Non-Seasonal Leis and Hakus for Brides in Hawaii
When it comes to choosing the perfect lei or haku for your special day, nothing embodies the beauty and spirit of Hawaii quite like a handcrafted floral piece. Here are some popular non-seasonal leis and hakus that brides love to wear on their wedding day:
- Angel White Lei: This timeless lei radiates elegance and grace, making it a beloved choice for commemorating life's most cherished moments, from weddings to graduations. It adds a touch of island beauty to every celebration.
- Pahoehoe White Lei: This classic lei offers a touch of sophistication with its simple, single-toned design. It's perfect for any occasion, allowing you to shine on your special day.
- Single White Orchid Lei: Its simplicity makes it a versatile choice for any occasion, adding a touch of Aloha to your wedding celebration.
- Double White Orchid Lei: Our Double White Orchid Lei is a local favorite, woven with two strands of stunning white orchids.
- White Orchid Haku: These delicate blooms are popular for their simplicity and elegance, adding a touch of purity and grace to any occasion, especially weddings.
Note: The Angel White Lei and Pahoehoe White Lei requires a pre-order at least one week in advance to ensure its freshness and quality.
Caring for Your Lei
To keep your leis fresh and beautiful for your wedding day, follow these simple steps.
Conclusion: Aloha and the Art of the Lei
The tradition of giving, receiving, and wearing leis at a wedding is an unforgettable experience. By selecting the right lei and caring for it properly, you’ll ensure that this beautiful Hawaiian custom becomes a cherished part of your special day. Remember, the most important thing about a lei is that it is given and received with aloha—love, compassion, and respect.