Nothing says Hawaii like a fresh flower lei. At a Hawaiian wedding, leis are given with love: the bride and groom exchange them during the ceremony, and they are shared with parents, grandparents, the wedding party and guests as a gift of aloha.
Choose the traditional green maile lei for the groom, sweet plumeria or elegant orchid leis for the bride, handsome kukui nut and ti leaf leis for the men, and fragrant ginger and tuberose leis for the moms. For a flower crown, see our haku leis, and read the story of the Hawaiian lei and Hawaii’s native flowers. Click any photo to see it full size.
Tradition
The Lei Exchange
In Hawaii a lei is a symbol of love, respect and aloha. During the ceremony the bride and groom place leis on each other as a promise of love, and the minister often shares the meaning of the lei. Many couples also give leis to their parents, grandparents and wedding party.
Video
Leis on Video
Lei exchanges from real Oahu weddings, from the North Shore to Makapuʻu.
For the groom
Maile Leis
The open, green maile lei is the traditional lei for the groom, often worn with white orchids or a ti leaf. Its sweet, woodsy scent comes from a native Hawaiian vine, and it has been worn at Hawaiian weddings for generations. Groomsmen and ministers wear them too.
For the bride
Plumeria Leis
Sweet smelling plumeria leis come in creamy white, golden yellow, soft and hot pink, and rainbow blends. They are a favorite for the bride, bridesmaids, moms and guests. See more on our plumeria page.
Elegant
Orchid Leis
Orchid leis are elegant and long lasting: classic white, rich purple, and turquoise or blue dyed orchids to match your theme. The purple Christina lei is a beautiful choice for the bride.
For the men
Kukui Nut, Shell & Ti Leaf Leis
For dads, grandpas and groomsmen, kukui nut, shell and ti leaf leis are handsome and natural. Ti leaf is said to bring good luck and protection, and it can be twisted with flowers like pink hibiscus or plumerias.
Fragrant
Ginger & Tuberose Leis
Delicate white and pink Micronesian ginger leis are a lovely gift for the moms, and white tuberose leis are some of the most fragrant leis in Hawaii.
Aloha for everyone
Leis for Family & Guests
Welcome your family and guests with a lei waiting on their chairs, or have the children help give them out. Leis make everyone feel part of your Hawaiian wedding.
Good to know
Lei Etiquette for Your Hawaii Wedding
Giving a lei
Place a closed lei gently over the head so it rests on the shoulders, and drape an open lei like maile over the shoulders so it hangs down evenly in front. In Hawaii a lei is traditionally given with a hug or a kiss on the cheek and a warm “aloha.”
Receiving a lei
A lei is a gift of love, so it is polite to accept it with a smile and wear it for the rest of the ceremony and photos. It is considered unkind to refuse a lei or to take it off in front of the person who gave it.
Who gets a lei
The bride and groom exchange leis, and many couples give leis to their parents, grandparents, the wedding party, the minister and the musicians. Leis waiting on the chairs are a lovely welcome for every guest.
More Hawaiian wedding flowers: bouquets · haku leis · plumeria · flower circles · flower pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lei exchange at a Hawaiian wedding?
During the ceremony the bride and groom place leis on each other as a symbol of their love and aloha. Many couples also give leis to their parents, grandparents and wedding party.
What lei does the groom wear?
The traditional lei for the groom is the open green maile lei, often with white orchids or ti leaf. Kukui nut and ti leaf leis are also popular for dads and groomsmen.
What kinds of flower leis can we choose?
Plumeria leis in white, yellow, pink and rainbow colors, orchid leis in white, purple and blue, maile, kukui nut, shell and ti leaf leis, and fragrant ginger and tuberose leis. We can match them to your wedding colors.
Can we have leis for our guests?
Yes. Leis can be waiting on your guests' chairs or given out by the children, a lovely way to share aloha with everyone. Some packages include leis for the couple and guests.
How do you give a lei at a wedding?
Place a closed lei gently over the head so it rests on the shoulders, or drape an open maile lei over the shoulders, then give a hug or a kiss on the cheek with a warm aloha. It is polite to wear a lei you receive for the rest of the ceremony.
What is a haku lei?
A haku lei is a flower crown worn on the head. See our Haku Leis page for styles and prices.