Tropical Wedding Theme: Exotic Flowers Set the Stage
A tropical wedding theme is not complete without fragrant tropical
flowers and lush foliage.
Tropical themes include the exotic South Seas, elegant beach locals,
and destination weddings in Hawaii and other exotic locations.
Tropical flowers set the stage for any tropical wedding theme.
The flowers you choose will depend on your specific wedding theme,
wedding location, as well as your wedding theme colors.
Flowers
for Your Tropical Wedding Theme
Tropical wedding flowers range from simple and elegant single

flower
bouquets to extravagantly beautiful reception centerpiece arrangements.
Combinations of vibrant flowers and exotic foliage are essential
components for any tropical wedding theme.
Striking Bird of Paradise
- Bird of paradise flowers resemble an exotic bird’s beak with a spray
of brilliant orange sepals and midnight blue petals as head plumage.
These striking flowers can be used in wedding bouquets and centerpiece
arrangements.
Elegant Orchids
– Orchid flowers grow from a stiff, slender stalk. Orchid flowers are
composed of three inner petals, three outer petals, and a cupped petal
distinct from the rest. These elegant, durable flowers are a popular
choice for bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, Hawaiian leis, and table
arrangements.
Heart-Shaped Anthurium
– Anthurium plants are known for their brightly colored flower bracts
(spathes) that come in various shades of red, white, pink, orange, and
green. Anthuriums are an ideal wedding flower for bouquets and
centerpieces due to their unique heart-shaped flower bracts.
Fragrant Plumeria
- Plumeria flowers (also called frangipani flowers) are intensely
fragrant. They consist of five petals that form beautiful pinwheel
shaped blooms. Plumeria flower colors include white, yellow, red, pink,
or a combination. Fragrant plumeria are a favorite choice for wedding
leis and bouquets.
Colorful Hibiscus
– Hibiscus flowers come in a wide range of flower colors including red,
yellow, orange, pick, purple, and blue. Their blooms consist of five
petals, with a range in diameter of four to eight inches. Hibiscus
flowers typically bloom for only one day; therefore they are best used
for wedding ceremonies in locations where they grow in abundance.
Exotic Heliconia
– The Heliconia Rostrata (also called Lobster Claw) is a beautiful
architectural plant with vibrant colors typically used in centerpieces.
The flowers hang in showy clusters that emerge from stiff stalks.
Textured Ginger
– Ginger flowers are textured blooms, resembling red pine cones growing
from ten inch tall evergreen stalks. These flowers are a tropical
favorite used in floral arrangements.
Hawaiian
Wedding Ceremony – Culture and Tradition
A Hawaiian wedding theme incorporates culture and traditions into your
ceremony and celebration. Tropical flowers will add fragrant beauty and
symbolic meaning to the wedding ceremony and reception of this tropical
wedding theme.
Hawaiian Wedding Traditions
Hawaiian wedding traditions include family and friends and bring

special meaning to your ceremony. They create a beautiful and memorable
event. Incorporate Hawaiian traditions and tropical flowers for a
unique wedding and reception:
Circle of Love
– Symbolizes the eternity of everlasting love. Close family and friends
can participate by individually placing tropical wedding flowers on the
ground to form a circle. The bride and groom stand in the center of a
circle of tropical flowers during the wedding ceremony.
A Lei Exchange
– The bride and groom exchange leis at the beginning of the wedding
ceremony as a symbol of love, respect, and commitment. Leis can be worn
by the wedding party as well.
Binding the Bride’s and
Groom’s Hands Together – In a traditional Hawaiian
ceremony, the Kahuna Pule (holy man) binds the hands of the bride and
groom together with a Maile Lei. Meile leis are typically worn by the
groom and groomsmen.
Consider Presenting Leis
- Present leis to the in-laws of the bride and groom as a symbol of
respect and gratitude, as well as to celebrate the union of two
families. Leis can also be presented to guests at the reception.
Types of Wedding Leis and
Their Meanings
In a Hawaiian wedding, leis are worn by the bride, groom, close
friends, and cherished family members. Consider these leis for you
tropical wedding:
Traditional Lei
- A flower or leafy closed garland worn around the neck and, given as a
gift, is a traditional way of showing love, respect, and gratitude.
Leis make an unforgettable wedding favor. With proper care, they will
last long after your wedding day. Tropical flower leis for your guests
are an excellent addition to your tropical themed wedding.
Haku – A
head lei composed of intricately woven flowers, vines, and foliage that
is worn by the bride. The bride may also choose to wear wrist and/or
ankle leis.
Maile Leis –
This is an open-ended lei made of scented green maile stems and leaves.
The maile lei signifies honor and respect, and is typically worn by the
groom.