Leis and bouquets

If you're using leis I think it would be nice to have the guys wear the tea leaf ones, plus they may be cheaper than the orchid ones. Are you doing a beach/hawaiian theme? If so, rather than having the girls wear the larger leis, you could wear a toned down one like the guys, or the shell leis might look cute too. If you do go with flowers, it would probably be appropriate to not carry flowers.

I agree with the future Mrs. T a friend of mine got married in hawaii and she had a shell leis and it looked amazing. Since you didn't pick the dresses yet find a dress that will compliment it nice.

Thanks! that makes sense to use the shells and then have flowers for the bridesmaids. the wedding isn't hawaiian theme or tropical, but it will have those hints. we are probably using white and purple orchids for decorations, and the chapel/reception site is all glass with trees surrounding it...any thoughts on how to incoroporate hawaiian things without making it look tropical?

A Ti leaf lei would be lovely for the guys, and maybe a single orchid (as much as I dislike silk ones, they're better for hair) in the girls' hair, and a small posy of flowers to hold. I'd let the mothers wear a lei instread of a corsage. BTW The leis I've received in Hawaii were of plumeria, rather than orchid, but perhaps they don't hold up well during shipping.

Studio-g is right...plumerias are used in Hawaii for most tourists since they are less expensive, but they are not sturdy like orchids. The oils from your skin will turn the petals brown very quickly. Orchids are a good flower to use.

One suggestion would be to use haku (crown of flowers) leis for the girls to wear on their heads. The typical haku is larger, but you could customize the size and make them smaller. This adds the Hawaiian element without taking away from the dresses.

I've coordinated weddings in Hawaii for 13 years and would be happy to provide you with some ideas and advice if you'd like. I moved to San Diego last year, but still do destination weddings in Hawaii. Email me at ******************@*****.*** and I'll send you some photos of some ideas that may work for you. I can also give you some links of affordable resources for all of your Hawaiian flowers...leis and all.

Aloha!

Tammy

My thought would be to have the guys wear leis and the women carry a flower traditional to hawaii set into a bouquet, that way you have compromise and you do not cover the top of the dress.

Best Wishes,

I would go with the leis and no flowers and since you have not found dresses yet i would get dresses with a more plain front and maybe some detail in the back maybe a bow or an open back detail or v that way the lei will not take away from the dress!