Leis bring a touch of magic to any wedding. They’re vibrant, timeless, and full of tradition. But what kind of leis do you get for wedding guests? Let’s explore some options to make your special day even more unforgettable.
Types of Leis for Wedding Guests
When planning your wedding, every little detail counts, and the type of lei you select for your guests is no exception. Each lei carries its own significance, and the right choice can transform your entire wedding into a dreamy, aromatic experience. So, what kind of leis do you get for wedding guests? Here are some of the most popular types of leis to consider.
Haku Lei
- Classic Choice for Weddings: The Maile Lei is a green vine known for its fragrant scent and timeless charm. It’s the go-to lei for grooms and officiants.
- Symbol of Respect: The Maile Lei has a special meaning rooted in ancient Hawaiian culture, symbolizing peace and friendship. It’s a great pick for the groom exchange during wedding ceremonies.
- Perfect for Grooms: The long, elegant strands give off an aura of grace, making it the perfect choice for wedding grooms.
- Royal Union: Traditionally, the Maile Lei was used to symbolize the union of royal families, making it a perfect addition to a modern wedding that honors these ancient traditions.
Floral Leis
- Colorful Flower Leis: These are the most versatile and are made from various flowers, like plumeria, pikake, and tuberose. A popular choice for all wedding guests.
- Customizable: With many different types of flowers available, floral leis can be tailored to match the wedding theme colors.
- Bright and Fragrant: These leis bring an extra pop of color and fill the air with a floral fragrance that perfectly complements the Hawaiian wedding atmosphere.
- Symbol of Aloha: Floral leis are often used to greet guests upon arrival, embodying the spirit of aloha and making everyone feel welcomed and appreciated.
Single Orchid Lei
- Exquisite Orchid Elegance: Made from hundreds of orchid petals, the single orchid lei is a timeless choice for Hawaiian weddings. White orchids are a classic option, but vibrant purples and pinks are also available.
- For the Entire Wedding Party: The elegant simplicity of the orchid lei makes it suitable for the entire wedding party, adding a cohesive look.
- Delicate Specialty Orchids: The delicate beauty of these orchids makes them ideal for close family members or those playing a key role in the wedding ceremony.
- Popular Choice for Brides: The single orchid lei is often chosen for brides due to its elegant look and the way it complements traditional wedding attire.
Kukui Nut Lei
- Durable Meaning: Unlike flower leis, the kukui nut leis symbolize durability and longevity. The Black Kukui Nut Deluxe is especially elegant and brings an understated style to the occasion.
- Great for Groomsmen: Kukui nut leis are often gifted to the groomsmen and family members of the groom. Their natural charm makes them a versatile and popular choice.
- Adding Contrast: These leis also add a nice contrast to the vibrant flower leis, offering a balance of earthiness and elegance.
- Symbol of Protection: The kukui nut lei is also believed to offer protection, making it a meaningful gift for loved ones during the wedding ceremony.
Niʻihau Lei
- Rare and Priceless: Made from tiny shells, the Niʻihau Lei is one of the most unique types of leis you can have for a wedding. Perfect for the wedding couple or for those you hold dearest.
- Cultural Heirloom: This lei carries a cultural legacy that has been passed down through generations, making it ideal for the bride and groom to symbolize their union.
- Luxury and Elegance: If you’re planning a Hawaiian wedding ceremony with a touch of luxury, a Niʻihau Lei is an exquisite choice.
- Symbol of Wealth: The Niʻihau Lei is often seen as a symbol of wealth and status, making it a unique and luxurious addition to any wedding.
Mele Lei
- Melodic Craft: The Mele Lei, also known as the “song lei,” is woven to honor someone with love. It’s great for the parents of the couple or for elders attending the wedding.
- Honoring Family: This is a meaningful choice for honoring family bonds and significant figures in your life, like grandparents or mentors.
- Traditional Craftsmanship: A Mele Lei is all about patience and love—each strand is woven meticulously, and its value lies in its creation.
- Emotional Significance: The Mele Lei can be presented to loved ones during a special moment in the ceremony, adding a deeply emotional touch to the proceedings.
Significance of Leis in Hawaiian Culture
Hawaiian wedding leis aren’t just beautiful accessories; they’re symbols rich with tradition and cultural meaning. But what kind of leis do you get for wedding guests that truly embody the spirit of aloha? Let’s explore the deeper cultural significance of these beautiful adornments.
Symbolism of Love and Respect
- Symbol of Affection: In Hawaiian culture, leis represent love, honor, and respect—a perfect fit for the wedding day.
- Family to Family: When the bride and groom exchange wedding leis, it’s more than just an accessory. It’s a moment that represents their families coming together.
- Bonding the Couple: During a Hawaiian wedding ceremony, the act of placing leis on each other signifies the eternal bond that the couple is promising.
- Generational Connection: Leis are often used to honor not only the bride and groom but also their families, symbolizing the merging of two lineages.
Leis as a Sign of Hospitality
- A Warm Welcome: Leis are presented to wedding guests as a warm gesture of aloha, welcoming them to share in your special day.
- Inclusiveness: Giving a lei to guests is a way of making them feel like part of the extended family, adding an intimate touch to the celebration.
- Leis for Parents: Special leis are often given to parents during the ceremony, recognizing their support and love throughout the couple’s journey.
- Extending Aloha: The gesture of giving a lei is a way of extending the spirit of aloha to everyone present, making the celebration more meaningful.
Traditional Hawaiian Wedding Customs
To add an extra layer of authenticity to your special day, you can incorporate several traditional Hawaiian customs. What kind of leis do you get for wedding guests that align with these customs? Read on to find out.
Role of Music in Weddings
- Ukulele Melodies: Traditional Hawaiian weddings are filled with music. The sounds of the ukulele and Hawaiian chants set the mood for the ceremony, adding an ethereal touch.
- Live Performances: Hire local musicians to bring that authentic island vibe, making your guests sway along as they enjoy their leis for the wedding.
- Chants and Blessings: Hawaiian chants, known as oli, are often performed during key moments in the ceremony, adding a layer of cultural depth.
Selecting a Kahu (Officiant)
- Spiritual Guidance: A Kahu, or Hawaiian priest, typically performs the ceremony, invoking blessings for the couple and their families.
- Ancient Tradition: The Kahu represents a family priest, connecting the couple to Hawaiian traditions and customs during the ceremony.
- Leis for Blessings: During the ceremony, the Kahu may bless the leis, adding even more depth and meaning to the lei exchange ritual.
- Personal Touch: The Kahu often offers personal anecdotes and blessings, making the ceremony more intimate and meaningful for the couple and their families.
Destination Wedding Considerations
- Planning Ahead: When having a destination wedding in Hawaii, you need to consider factors like preferred delivery and target delivery of the leis.
- Leis for Extended Family: Don’t forget to order leis for the extended family—you’ll want everyone to feel part of this special experience.
- Timing the Delivery: To ensure the freshness of flower leis, plan for overnight delivery or 1-3 day rush deliveries. This way, you can avoid any shipping delays and ensure everything arrives just in time.
- Seasonal Availability: Some types of flowers may be seasonal, so it’s important to work with a florist who understands the local climate and can provide the best options for your wedding date.
Tips for Choosing the Right Leis
Picking the perfect leis for your wedding guests can be a bit overwhelming with so many choices. Here are some tips to guide you in choosing what kind of leis to get for wedding guests that best fit your special day.
Consider the Wedding Theme
- Match with Decor: Select leis that align with the color palette and theme of your wedding—whether it’s a beach setting or a lush tropical garden.
- Flower Selection: Use leis made from types of flowers that complement the other elements of your wedding, like bouquets and table arrangements.
- Consistency: Ensure that the leis chosen for the bridal party, family members, and guests all complement each other to create a cohesive look.
Match Leis with Guest Preferences
- Variety for Guests: Not everyone is comfortable with floral fragrances. Offer a mix of floral and kukui nut leis so that guests have a choice.
- Comfort: Consider lightweight leis like the single orchid lei for elderly guests, as they are comfortable to wear throughout the wedding ceremony.
- Specialty Leis for Special Guests: Set aside unique leis like the Haku or Maile Lei for the bridal couple, parents, and those playing significant roles.
- Allergy Considerations: Be mindful of guests who may have allergies to certain flowers. Kukui nut leis or ti leaf leis can be excellent alternatives for them.
Budget Considerations
- Plan Ahead: Leis for weddings can add up quickly, especially with a large guest list. Have a budget in mind and explore options that fit your needs.
- Flower Availability: Some flowers are seasonal, which can affect prices. Discuss the types of flowers with your florist to find options within your budget.
- Mix and Match: Combine different types of leis—such as kukui nut and floral leis—to manage costs while still offering beautiful lei choices to your guests.
- Bulk Discounts: Some florists offer discounts for bulk orders, so it’s worth asking about special pricing if you’re ordering a large number of leis.
Conclusion
Choosing the right kind of leis for your wedding guests involves more than just picking flowers. It’s about creating an experience that resonates with Hawaiian culture, making everyone feel included, respected, and loved. The right leis can set the mood, honor traditions, and create memories that last a lifetime. So, what kind of leis do you get for wedding guests? Choose the ones that best represent your love, culture, and the spirit of aloha.
ALSO READ: What Does a Day of Wedding Planner Do?
FAQs
Leis represent love, respect, and the welcoming spirit of aloha. Giving a lei is a way to include guests in the celebration and honor their presence.
Consider your wedding colors, setting, and guest preferences. Match the flowers and style of leis with your overall decor.
Yes, leis like the Maile Lei or Niʻihau Lei are often used for the bride and groom, symbolizing unity, respect, and the blending of families.
Yes, many florists offer rush delivery or overnight delivery to ensure your leis are fresh and ready for the ceremony.
