Not Just for Destination Weddings! The Heartwarming and Stunning Family Ceremony [Ray Ceremony] You’ll Want to Have

Do You Know About the "Lei Ceremony"?

Do you know about the "Lei Ceremony"?

The Lei Ceremony is a ritual mainly conducted during Hawaiian weddings, in which leis are presented to each other to express "We welcome you" and "We are grateful."

It's quite famous to receive a lei when arriving at Hawaiian airports or hotels, right?

That signifies "Thank you for coming to Hawaii! Welcome!"

Thus, during weddings, the lei ceremony where the bride and groom give leis to each other's parents and guests is a way to convey "Thank you for raising us" and "We look forward to your support" while deepening bonds.

The Meaning of Leis Represents "Connection" and It's Wonderful!

A lei (lei) is a Hawaiian word that signifies a dear person or loved one.

Additionally, it is believed to have connotations of "connection," which is indeed fitting because a circular eternity-type flower garland that continues without interruption resembles wedding rings and is perfect for representing "connection."

I think it’s such a lovely ritual to pass this connection to a loved one as a way of conveying "appreciation" and "welcome," don’t you agree?

While flower leis are the most famous, they can also be made from greens or, in ancient times, they were made from ivory, changing their meaning depending on the materials used.

When and How Do You Conduct the Lei Ceremony?

The timing for the Lei Ceremony can vary, and the messages can change depending on when it's conducted, so choose based on the significance you want to convey through the Lei Ceremony.

Here are some common patterns:

① The Day Before the Ceremony

The earliest timing to present leis would be during a dinner the night before the ceremony or at a gathering of both families at the hotel.

This would convey messages like, "Thank you for permitting our marriage. Thank you for coming all the way here. Please support us tomorrow."

It has a somewhat similar ambiance to an engagement ceremony.

② At the Beginning of the Ceremony

Another common timing is at the very beginning of the wedding ceremony.

You can convey messages like, "We will become a family. Thank you for your support." or "I am getting married. Thank you for raising me until now."

③ At the End of the Ceremony

The most common timing is here.

After exchanging vows, rings, and receiving acknowledgment from the officiant that the couple is married, they drape leis over each other's parents.

The situation of receiving leis from the daughter or son after the ceremony's sacred, emotional, and dramatic moments will surely bring tears of joy.

The Appeal of the Lei Ceremony Is the Natural Hugging

The Lei Ceremony, conducted after the couple's vows—considered one of life’s climaxes—often leads both the bride and groom and the receiving parents and guests to become so emotional that they end up hugging!

In Japan, hugging one's dad, mom, or friends (let alone in-laws) can be quite embarrassing, but under Hawaii's immense nature and open atmosphere, along with the meaning of leis, it seems to naturally encourage hugging.

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Since this beautiful ceremony transmits feelings of gratitude and welcome to everyone present, be sure to capture that moment as a lifelong memory by having a photographer take pictures!

Truly, it will be a moving time, and you will get amazing photographs!

Even If It’s Not a Hawaiian Wedding, You’ll Want to Have a Lei Ceremony!

The kingdom of Hawaii has many wonderful messages and origins passed down through the ages!

It feels like hints about living happily while expressing gratitude to family and nature are hidden within.

Don't you think that a lei ceremony, where you present leis to each other, is incredibly lovely?

While it would be perfect to have this underneath the blue sea and sky of Hawaii, even if it’s not a Hawaiian wedding, it’s definitely something you'd want to incorporate!