Graduation day is filled with memorable moments, from walking across the stage to taking photos with family and friends. Giving a beautiful lei is a thoughtful way to recognize a graduate's hard work and celebrate their achievements. The most popular lei for graduations include colorful orchids, elegant greenery, and eye-catching floral combinations. Explore these favorites to learn what makes each style unique and find one that suits your graduate.
Classic Orchid Lei
Orchid lei have beautiful blooms and a wide variety of colors. They're typically made with fresh dendrobium orchids arranged closely together to create a full, colorful strand. Their lightweight design makes them comfortable for ceremonies, family gatherings, and photo sessions.
Here are some popular orchid lei options:
- Purple orchid lei feature vibrant blossoms that create a bright, festive look.
- White orchid lei offer a simple, elegant appearance with their soft white flowers.
- Purple and white orchid lei combine contrasting blooms for a colorful, eye-catching design.
- Green orchid lei bring a fresh, natural touch with their soft green blooms.
Honeybee Orchid Lei
Honeybee orchid lei feature an intricate arrangement of dendrobium orchid petals that creates a textured, patterned appearance. The carefully arranged flowers form a dense design with beautiful pops of color throughout.
Spiral Orchid Lei
Spiral orchid lei are made by carefully folding and sewing individual dendrobium orchid petals into a swirling pattern. This technique creates a rounded, textured strand with bands of color that twist along its length.
Double and Triple Orchid Lei
Double and triple orchid lei use significantly more flowers than traditional single-strand designs to create a fuller, rounded appearance. Orchids are carefully strung in different directions so their blossoms face outward and form a thick, fluffy arrangement. Their volume makes them especially striking in graduation photographs.
Haku Head Lei
Haku head lei rest around the head, creating a crown of fresh flowers and greenery. They may feature delicate white blossoms, vibrant tropical colors, or a combination of seasonal flowers. They pair beautifully with graduation gowns while adding a finishing touch to different hairstyles.
The graduate can wear a haku head lei with their cap by positioning the flowers just below the cap's edge. Before the ceremony, try on both pieces to find a comfortable fit that keeps the flowers visible without shifting the cap. Depending on the hairstyle, a few discreet hairpins can keep the haku securely in place. If there isn't enough room for both, consider wearing the haku after the ceremony for graduation photos and celebrations.
Kukui Nut Lei
Kukui nut lei feature smooth, polished nuts strung together to create a distinctive, natural look. Their rounded shapes and rich colors make them a great choice for graduates who prefer something other than traditional floral designs.
Kukui nut lei are commonly seen in glossy black or natural brown shades, giving them a simple yet striking appearance. They’re sturdy and easy to wear throughout graduation ceremonies and celebrations. Unlike fresh floral varieties, kukui nut lei can also be kept as a lasting graduation keepsake.
Kukui Nut Lei With Leaves or Flowers
Kukui nut lei can be combined with fresh flowers and greenery for a more colorful, textured design. Cigar and kukui nut lei feature bright, seasonal blossoms alongside polished nuts, while other styles incorporate lush ti leaves for a natural green accent. For a fuller arrangement, double ti leaf maile-style lei can be wrapped with cigar flowers and kukui nuts, bringing together contrasting colors and textures. These combinations are a great choice for graduates who want the distinctive look of kukui nuts with an added floral touch.
Elegant Maile-Style Lei
Maile lei have a long, flowing shape and beautiful green foliage, making them among the most popular lei for celebrating graduation. Unlike closed-circle designs, they have an open-ended appearance that drapes gracefully over the shoulders. Choose a classic all-green design or explore variations with fresh flowers and decorative accents. Each fresh graduation lei offers a different look, making it easy to find something that suits the graduate's style.
Classic Green Maile Lei
For a simple, elegant look, traditional maile lei feature fragrant green maile leaves arranged into long, flowing strands. Another option is a maile-style lei made with twisted ti leaves, available in double or triple strands for a fuller appearance. Both offer beautiful greenery that pairs naturally with graduation attire, especially for graduates who prefer a design without colorful flowers.
Wrapped With Flowers
Adding fresh flowers to maile-style lei creates a beautiful contrast between lush greenery and colorful blooms. Orchid-wrapped designs come in white or purple, while tuberose offers delicate white blossoms and a sweet fragrance. These combinations are ideal for graduates who want the flowing shape of a maile-style lei with an added floral touch.
Add Decorative Accents
For a more distinctive graduation look, some maile-style lei feature additional elements such as cigar flowers and kukui nuts. These accents introduce warm colors and different textures that stand out against the smooth green leaves. They're a great choice for graduates who want a bold design that blends natural greenery with unique details.
Graduation Lei Sets
Lei sets are a fun way to honor the graduate with an extra splash of color and flowers. Mixing different styles, shades, and textures creates a beautiful, layered look that stands out in graduation photos.
Here are a few details to consider as you choose your lei set:
- Number of lei: Select a set with enough strands for the presentation you have in mind.
- Flower combinations: Look for floral varieties and colors that work well together.
- Overall appearance: Consider how the different designs will look when layered.
- Graduate's preferences: Choose flowers and colors that reflect their personal style.
- Graduation attire: Look for combinations that complement gowns, sashes, and accessories.
Coordinating Multiple Lei for Graduates
When giving several lei together, mixing colors and textures can create a beautiful layered look. For example, pairing bright orchids with rich green ti leaves adds contrast while keeping the arrangement balanced. You might also combine different orchid shades to coordinate with school colors or graduation attire.
Graduation is a wonderful opportunity to recognize years of dedication and celebrate an exciting new chapter. Whether you prefer colorful blooms, peaceful hues, luxuriant leaves, or a blend of everything, there's a beautiful style to suit your graduate. A thoughtfully chosen lei adds a special touch to the celebration and becomes part of the memories they'll cherish.