Choosing the right bouquet for your beach wedding is an essential decision that ties together many disparate details. Location, wardrobe, and style all intersect in one tidy package, which can make the decision-making process overwhelming at times. Certain practicalities of a Hawaiian wedding factor in as well–including climate, shipping cost, and import restrictions–but considering these key factors will help you pick out the perfect bouquet for your dream beach wedding.

3 Steps to Choose the Right Bouquet

Check the Guidelines

The essential first step to choosing the right bouquet for your beach wedding is to check the State of Hawaii’s plant guidelines. Certain plants from the mainland are banned in Hawaii while others may require a special permit to be imported, so checking these regulations prior to ordering your bouquet will avoid headaches and heartaches.

While there may not be official guidelines against it, you will also want to avoid any plastic or synthetic flowers in your wedding plans. Scattered flower petals provide a striking pop of color and look beautiful on the beach, but using plastic petals for that effect amounts to littering. Do your part to keep Hawaii beautiful and ease your conscience by planning to use live, non-invasive flowers in your wedding.

Consider the Weather

The weather is an important consideration as well because delicate flowers will struggle in a high-moisture climate. Similarly, dried flowers don’t fare well due to the humidity. Lush, sturdy flowers like Protea and Bird of Paradise tend to fare better in the Hawaiian climate. While everyone loves the scent of the Plumeria flower, they are very delicate and bruise easily. The weather also affects the complimenting floral arrangements for your wedding; for example, you likely won’t see boutonnieres at a Hawaiian wedding because high temperatures mean a lack of jackets and lapels in the wedding party.

Instead, consider leaning into the weather and using it as an opportunity to embrace Hawaiian culture. Preparing leis on the back of your guests’ seats creates memorable, coordinated pictures and can harmonize with your bouquet arrangement. The haku lei–specifically made to crown the head–combines ceremonial purpose with striking floral arrangements to commemorate your big day. Originally meant to signify rank, the haku lei compliments many types of bouquets and creates an unforgettable look for your pictures.

Work with a Local Florist

The smartest and simplest way to ensure you have the right flowers for your event is to work with a local florist, who will be able to draw from the freshest flowers available in that season. A local florist will also ensure that your arrangements can withstand the climate and can customize based on your event’s needs. They will also be able to accurately make traditional floral builds, like the ti leaf lei, to authentically honor the land and people around you during your event.

5 Factors to Consider for Your Bouquet

Bouquet Size

The first factor to consider when designing your dream bouquet is size. Besides how a bouquet looks, it’s important to think about how it feels as well. When all eyes are on you walking down the aisle, a bouquet can help you stay grounded by occupying your hands. Many officiants will allow you to hold the bouquet during the ceremony as well, so its size plays an important role in your comfort level throughout the wedding.

Smaller bouquets, like those seen above, are a more casual and practical choice for a bouquet. They’re also easier to ship back home, should you want to save your bouquet after the ceremony. Larger bouquets like the examples below will take extra time to build and prepare, so if you want a large arrangement be sure to consult a florist early in the wedding planning process.

Bouquet Shape

The shape of your bouquet is also a factor that can narrow your flower selection. Classic bouquet shapes include round, teardrop, and cascade. A round bouquet is the most traditional of the three, with teardrop and cascade providing a burst of extra design that helps the bouquet pop. A cascade bouquet also provides extra opportunity to incorporate flowers and plants from the island in a natural way.

Traditional or Modern?

If traditional isn’t your brand, there are plenty of modern takes on the wedding bouquet to explore. The pageant style bouquet is a lush choice that decadently resembles the types of arrangements awarded at beauty pageant, with personalized touches to reflect your event’s theme. Styling your bouquet after a fan or accentuating your bouquet with fan elements, like blooms and leaves, can bring a burst of life to your bouquet arrangement and create memorable pictures.

The Other Floral Arrangements

Designing your bouquet also means considering the other floral arrangements at your wedding. Driftwood centerpieces and other ikebana arrangements, sometimes adorned with passionfruit vines or locally-grown bougainvillea, build the ambiance of your event and carry symbolic meaning as well. Choosing colorful arrangements helps create a connective thread between the ceremony and reception, and can help incorporate popular mainland design elements like Shepherd’s hooks and decorations for the aisle.

Working with a local florist will ensure that all your arrangements are coordinated and fresh so you don’t have to worry about wilted flowers during your wedding. They will also help you to understand the significance of the flowers and arrangements to deepen your connection with your special day. Regardless of the size or shape of your bouquet, a florist is invaluable in crafting and customizing your bouquet to your specific needs.

Remember That It’s Hawaii

Many popular flowers on the mainland will struggle in a remote, tropical climate like Hawaii. Before you decide on a particular choice of flower, it’s important to do your research and set your expectations accordingly. Visiting Hawaii comes with a certain amount of responsibility, so if you plan on importing your flowers be sure to check that your ideal bouquet isn’t banned. Hiring a local florist is the surest way to follow all plant guidelines and can also save you time and money on shipping by shopping local. Working with a professional, along with taking the time to decide on these key design details, can take the stress out of making your dream bouquet a reality.

How To Choose The Right Bouquet For Your Hawaii Beach Wedding