"May Day is Lei Day in Hawai'i"

The phrase, "May Day is Lei Day in Hawai'i" was coined by Grace Tower Warren, who is credited along with poet, Don Blanding, for establishing Lei Day as a holiday held on May 1. It celebrates the Hawaiian lei-making and lei-wearing custom and many local governments and schools in Hawaii celebrate May Day. At the schools, May Day features a "royal" court, where students elected as princes and princesses don leis representing each of the eight Hawaiian islands. Now how does this relate to weddings, you ask?

If looking ahead to a wedding in early May, keep in mind that the demand for leis increases, thus driving up their cost. Today, for example, a Micronesian ginger lei, which normally sells for $10 at Lin's Lei Shop, is now $18, and prices should remain high 'til Mother's Day, which is when lei prices traditionally hit their all-time-high. Be prepared to spend a little more for your leis, or choose alternatives, such as boutonnieres and corsages, if wanting to avoid the inflated lei prices. Happy Lei Day!

Groom and groomsmen wearing maile-pikake leis. Groomsmen in middle carrying Micronesian ginger leis wrapped with ilima. Groomsmen on right carrying multi-colored cigar leis. Photo by Visionari.

Mother of the bride wearing a Maunaloa lei. Photo by Eugene Kam Photography

Boutonniere or lei?

Photo by L'amour Photography

I frequently get asked whether it would make sense to wear a boutonniere or a lei. Remember that a boutonniere requires a lapel, so if going for a more casual affair with perhaps an aloha shirt or sans jacket, a lei would be appropriate. Assuming a suit or tuxedo, then either would work well for a formal event in Hawaii.

Photo by Visionari

Photo by Visionari

I like to suggest a boutonniere for the ceremony and formal picture taking. Because videographers typically pin a lavaliere (pin-on) microphone, a lei could potentially pick up any rustling noise from the lei, so a boutonniere presents an easy solution there. Following the ceremony, and for a subtle change of look, a lei could then be worn for the reception.

Photo by Eugene Kam Photography

A bit of advice: with all the hugging that takes place, a poor boutonniere could take a beating. Consider ordering a second boutonniere to switch to should the first one start looking a little shabby.