Hawaiian wedding flowers deeply connect the islands’ natural beauty with celebratory traditions. In Hawaii, flowers symbolize love, respect, and the vibrant spirit of the islands, making them central to wedding ceremonies. These blossoms evoke a sense of paradise, expressing blessings and connection during significant life events. The use of flowers in Hawaiian celebrations is an ancient practice, evolving while retaining profound cultural roots.
Stephanotis The Iconic “Hawaiian Wedding Flower”
Stephanotis floribunda, often recognized as Madagascar Jasmine, is frequently referred to as “the Hawaiian wedding flower” due to its distinctive qualities and popularity in bridal arrangements. This evergreen woody vine produces clusters of pure white, waxy, star-shaped blooms that are intensely fragrant, typically about 3 cm long. The plant’s glossy, dark green leaves provide a rich backdrop to its pristine white flowers. Cultivated commercially, its trumpet-shaped blooms are available year-round. The strong, sweet, perfume-like fragrance of Stephanotis makes it a favored choice for bridal bouquets, corsages, and other wedding decorations.
Other Beloved Flowers in Hawaiian Weddings
Beyond Stephanotis, several other flowers are cherished for their beauty and fragrance in Hawaiian weddings, each contributing unique characteristics to arrangements. Plumeria, also known as Frangipani, is known for its sweet scent and delicate petals, symbolizing positivity and new beginnings. These blooms are commonly used in leis, bridal bouquets, and hairpieces. Plumeria pudica, specifically, is known as “Bridal Bouquet” Plumeria for its clustering, white flowers that bloom nearly year-round.
Orchids are another prominent choice, valued for their vibrant colors and striking forms. Various types, including Dendrobium, are incorporated into leis and floral designs, offering a wide spectrum of hues and textures. Hibiscus, Hawaii’s state flower, adds bold color with its large, trumpet-shaped blooms that come in shades of white, pink, red, orange, peach, yellow, or purple. Each color carries its own significance, with red often representing love and passion, and yellow symbolizing happiness.
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), locally known as kupaloke, is a small, white flower with a strong, sweet, and long-lasting fragrance that intensifies at dusk. It symbolizes love, unity, and commitment, making it a popular choice for bridal leis and arrangements. Pikake (Jasminum sambac), or Arabian Jasmine, is a delicate white flower with an intoxicating sweet scent, particularly noticeable in the evenings. This small, star-shaped blossom is often used in traditional leis and is associated with romance and love.
Cultural Significance and Traditional Uses
Flowers hold deep cultural significance in Hawaiian weddings, expressing love, respect, and connection to the islands. Leis, traditional garlands made from various materials, are central to these celebrations. The exchange of leis between the bride and groom is a cherished tradition, symbolizing their mutual love, respect, and eternal bond. This exchange often occurs at the beginning of the ceremony, representing a commitment to honor each other.
Different types of leis carry specific meanings and are crafted using various techniques. The Maile lei, made from a fragrant green vine, is traditionally worn by the groom and symbolizes respect, peace, and love. For brides, leis often feature white flowers such as pikake or tuberose, symbolizing purity and love. The haku lei, a floral crown worn on the head, is meticulously crafted by braiding or weaving flowers and foliage onto a base, signifying honor and elevation. Flowers are also woven into bridal bouquets, hair adornments for both brides and grooms, and as general decor throughout the wedding venue.
Choosing and Caring for Your Hawaiian Wedding Flowers
When selecting flowers for a Hawaiian wedding, considering seasonality is beneficial, even though Hawaii’s tropical climate allows for many blooms year-round. Some flowers, like King Protea, are more available in cooler months (October to May), while plumerias are more plentiful in warmer summer months. Working with local florists is recommended, as they understand the local climate and can source fresh, seasonal flowers directly from farmers. Booking wedding flowers at least six months in advance is advisable to allow ample time for sourcing and custom design.
Maintaining the freshness and vibrancy of Hawaiian wedding flowers, especially in a warm, humid climate, requires specific care. Upon arrival, unpack flowers immediately. For most tropical flowers, cutting about an inch off the stem ends at an angle and placing them in clean water at room temperature is important for water absorption. Some flowers, like anthuriums, orchids, and gingers, benefit from immersing the entire stem and flower head in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes to restore plant cells. Avoid refrigerating certain tropical flowers, such as anthuriums, as cold temperatures can cause them to blacken, and keep all flowers out of direct sunlight and strong drafts, changing water every few days to prolong their beauty.