The Hawaiian Wedding Lei

The Hawaiian Lei is a symbol of celebration given from one person to another. A lei is draped over one's shoulders and is presented to an individual during special times of celebration or milestone in a person's life, such as a wedding or graduation. The Hawaiian lei is made of flowers, shells, nuts, yarn, beads, and other materials.  Traditional leis are made of leaves and flowers.  

During the wedding lei exchange, a partner gives and receives a lei as a symbol of aloha or love for their partner during their wedding ceremony.  The lei is received with a kiss of love and embrace for their partner.  When the lei is received, the partner is also welcoming their spouse into their heart for eternity.

In Hawaii, when a lei is given, by custom, it is to be worn all day.