Planning for a funeral is a deeply emotional process, requiring thoughtful decisions that honor the departed and provide comfort to loved ones. Incorporating lei into the service is a beautiful way to honor someone at a funeral service, but you may be wondering how many to order to strike the right balance. Lei are a meaningful way to express love, respect, and remembrance during such occasions. Before you finalize all the details, consider these nine tips to decide how many lei to order for funerals. The right number will make the arrangements appropriate and impactful.
Assess the Number of Attendees
The first step in deciding how many lei to order for a funeral is to consider the number of attendees. You’ll want to identify the moments or people for whom lei would hold special significance during the service. Immediate family members, such as spouses, children, and parents of the deceased, should receive lei to signify their love and closeness.
For extended family attending, you may also wish to include lei to unite the family in honoring their loved one. If you plan to have pallbearers, presenters, or clergy officiating the service, gifting lei to these individuals acknowledges their roles.
It’s a meaningful gesture of gratitude. Close friends who shared a deep relationship with the departed might also appreciate a lei as a token of remembrance, depending on your preferences.
Determine the Purpose
Each lei ordered for a funeral serves a purpose, which will influence the total quantity you need. You might place lei on or around the casket, urn, or memorial display, serving as part of the visual tribute and conveying beauty and serenity. For this purpose, plan on one or two large lei or garlands.
A common practice is to provide guests with lei during the service as a gesture of tribute or farewell. If you choose to do this, have a modest amount available, especially if not all attendees will be participating. Please note that this number will depend on the expected size of the gathering.
Some people use lei as part of floral wreaths or as decoration with framed photographs of the deceased. If you’re planning multiple displays, factor this into your total order to avoid gaps.
Consider Venue and Service Details
Where and how the service will take place can help you determine how many lei to order. For outdoor services, such as a burial or scattering ceremony, consider lightweight, durable lei that maintain their fresh appearance throughout the event. You may need to order more lei if the service involves multiple gestures with lei, such as scattering flowers or creating garlands.
Long services or those with additional elements, such as processions, may require additional lei, especially for participants who are moving between different parts of the ceremony. If there are separate services, such as a funeral and a private family gathering, calculate how many lei are necessary for each event in order to be prepared.
Ask Your Lei Supplier
Your lei supplier is a great resource to help you estimate how many lei to order. Communicate your plans clearly, including attendee count, the purpose of the lei, and design or material preferences you may have. Suppliers, such as Hawaii Lei Stand, can provide guidance on lei choices that complement a funeral’s tone and setting. They can also give advice on planning for timing or shipping, depending on the distance to the location.
Consider Customization and Personalization
You’ll need to personalize the lei to reflect the individual being honored. If this is important to you, consider consulting a supplier to create a custom design that incorporates colors, flowers, or shapes that represent special memories. Whether you request one large lei for a casket or several wearable lei for family members, personalization can have a deeply meaningful effect.
Plan for Contingencies
Unexpected changes can arise as you finalize funeral arrangements, such as a larger-than-expected turnout or last-minute add-ons to the ceremony. Ordering extra lei beyond your initial calculation can be helpful if more people show up than expected. Having extras also provides flexibility for spontaneous gestures or for anyone who wants to take part in laying a lei or carrying one after the service as a memento.
Think About Transportation Logistics
If the funeral is to take place at a location far from your lei supplier’s distribution, factor in transportation logistics when placing your order. The number of lei should be practical and delivered safely without risking damage to their delicate flowers. This is particularly important for large arrangements or significant quantities. Reliable transportation will grant peace of mind and ensure the lei arrives in perfect condition.
Factor in Guest Preferences
Consider whether you’d like to offer lei that participants can choose from. For example, if you’re providing lei to attendees, offering different types or colors might make the gesture more meaningful. This approach allows guests to pick the lei that resonates most with them while using all available options during the event.
Coordinate the Lei With Other Décor
When planning how many lei to order, consider how they will complement the rest of the décor for the funeral. The lei should align with the visual theme and mood of the service, creating a cohesive and harmonious atmosphere. Whether the setting already features floral arrangements, candles, or a specific color palette, lei should complement these details.
For instance, if the venue features white and pastel flowers, selecting lei in similar soft tones will tie the elements together beautifully. If the décor has vibrant tropical blooms, lei with bold flowers can add a striking touch.
Consider the scale of the décor. Large, elaborate displays may call for fewer lei to avoid overcrowding, while simpler décor leaves room for the lei to take center stage. Thoughtful coordination between lei and other elements will ensure the service feels unified and visually meaningful for everyone attending.
A Thoughtful Farewell
Choosing lei for a funeral brings a sense of unity, love, and tribute to the occasion while honoring the memory of your loved one and the people who celebrate them. By planning and considering these nine tips to determine how many lei to order for funerals, you can make this thoughtful gesture seamless and fulfilling.
If you’d like assistance selecting the right lei to memorialize the precious and remarkable life of your loved one, visit Hawaii Lei Stand for memorial lei. With our carefully curated options, we can help you commemorate and honor all of life’s significant moments with meaningful and heartfelt displays.