A Local’s Guide to Wedding Flowers for Every Season with Mei Day
With the help from the local flower gurus at Mei Day, we got the inside scoop on the best flowers for every season in the islands.
It’s no secret that Hawaiʻi has one of the most diverse, and beautiful, palettes of flowers and plants in the world–from the most vibrant tropical buds to the delicate, and fragrant blooms.
Since 2019, Honolulu-based studio Mei Day has shared their love for design and sustainability through their modern, yet quintessentially Hawaiʻi floral arrangements. Besides the dreamy tropical bouquets and their simple-yet-statement-making centerpieces, what we especially love is their heart for the ʻāina (land) through their environmentally mindful designs.
Although there arguably isn’t a true set of seasons in Hawaiʻi, there are definitely parts of the year where some blooms flourish more than others. “Using seasonal flowers means you're getting the best of what’s in bloom, and lets your designer source from local farms,” explains Tamara Rigney, founder of Mei Day. “Hawaiʻi doesn't have a physical flower market, so we order almost everything directly from the farmers–[which is] much more environmentally responsible than shipping flowers in from around the world.”
Whether you’re looking to have flowers in overabundance all throughout your wedding day, or you’re opting to take a minimalistic approach, Rigney suggests starting with your wedding palette, and taking it from there. “I recommend that clients go with a palette based on the season, and are flexible on the exact flower types. This lets me select the prettiest, healthiest, flowers available that week from local farmers,” she explains.
“My favorite part about creating wedding flowers is knowing they’re for one special night,” Rigney adds. “Through flowers, we’re building a magical setting for guests to gather and celebrate the most important part of the evening–our client’s love.”
Here are Mei Day’s suggestions for the Best Local Flowers for Every Season:
Spring (March–May): Heliconia, Daylilies, Shell Ginger, ʻOlena, Bougainvillea, Pincushion Protea, Anthuriums, Banana Flowers, Standard Ginger, Torch Ginger, Plumeria, Popcorn and Mokara Orchids
Summer (June–August): Heliconia, Bird of Paradise, Anthuriums, Beehive and all Ginger, Bougainvillea
Fall (September–November): Heliconia, Banksia and Mink Protea, Standard Ginger, Heliconia
Winter (December–February): Cymbidium Orchids, King and Pincushion Protea, Aloe Flowers, Standard Ginger, Anthuriums, Bromeliad Flowers
Local foliage is pretty much available all year.