Any white tropical flower can be used in Hawaiian weddings.
Hawaiians didn't have many customs associated with a formal wedding before Western and Asian influences began to trickle in by the 19th century. Young men and women were brought before a kahuna, a Hawaiian priest of sorts, who would bind their hands with a two fragrant maile vines and create a lei to symbolize their marriage. Today, white tropical flowers and ti leaf leis have found a special place in many Hawaiian weddings. Does this Spark an idea?
Maile Vines
The only symbol used to recognize the union of a man and woman in traditional Hawaiian wedding ceremonies was a lei made of two intertwining maile vines. A kahuna would weave two of the shiny, fragrant leaves and bind the hands of the bride and groom to symbolize their commitment to each other. Due to the popularity of maile vines for weddings and memorable occasions, ti leaf leis are often used when the traditional vine is hard to find.
For Brides
Hawaiian brides wear a traditional maile lei over their shoulders, and often exchange similar leis with their husband-to-be. The maile lei for a bride is often adorned with white tropical flowers of her choosing, and it is not uncommon to see a mix of blooms as there is no traditional flower associated with Hawaiian weddings. Hawaiian brides will also often wear a haku leis on their head as a hair wreath. These wreaths are made with ti or banana leaves and white tropical flowers of the bride's choice.
For Grooms
Grooms in Hawaiian weddings wear a traditional maile lei, or the similar ti leaf lei. While some grooms have taken to decorating their leis to match the white flowers that adorn their brides, there are still many who practice the old tradition of wearing only a maile lei during the wedding ceremony.
Hibiscus
The big, bold blooms of the hibiscus became extremely popular at Hawaiian weddings as outside influences made floral decorations more popular. Colors of every shade can be found all year long on all the Hawaiian islands, but the white ones in particular have a special place at weddings in Hawaii.
Orchid
All six of the native perennial orchids became instant favorites at more modern Hawaiian weddings as leis, centerpieces and edible garnishes. Their bright colors and pretty patterns have made them popular as adornments of the wedding party and immediate family, while white blooms are reserved for the bride and groom. These delicate decorations add an exotic beauty to any celebration of love and resonate the beauty of the Hawaiian islands.
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