Leis

For those of you who don't know, I'm a budget bride. While my guest list is small (15-20 peeps), trying to plan a Hawaii wedding from the East coast can be quite costly. To save some cash, we've cut out the bridal party and have decide to forgo the traditional reception (more on that later). We also hope to save in the flower department. While flowers can definitely jazz up a place, I can't justify spending thousands of dollars on them (if I had the $$, it might be a different story). Plus, the wedding is in Hawaii; there is sooo much natural beauty, why should I pay for more?

Here's my ceremony site...

photographer: Frank Amodo

So how can I add some color without adding major cost? Awhile ago, Mrs. Cherry Blossom posted this inspirational photo:

I totally lucked out and scored 8 inch, red lanterns from Michaels for .72 cents a piece. Between buying the lanterns and ribbon, I spent less than $25 on our ceremony decorations (with the help of Michaels coupons, of course)!

With only Mr. Mek and I as the wedding party, we are also saving on bouquets and bouts. Mr. Mek and I are doing a lei ceremony. A lei ceremony is the exchange of leis between the bride and groom. We will also be providing leis for our immediate family members.

knottie: Married2MrWright; lei exhange

They also did a lei exchange with all her guests.
Check out her bio for images of the great ring warming she also had!

I will be wearing a 3-strand pikake lei. If you've never smelled a pikake flower, it's sooo yummy!

source

Mr. Mek will be rockin' a maile lei.

source

Since we're doing leis, should I have a bouquet too? If I don't have a bouquet, what do I do with my hands while walking down the aisle? I picture myself walking down the aisle "raisin' the roof". hehe, kidding. If I do, do a bouquet, it will most definitely be DIY.

Up next, bouquet inspriations!