How to Make Beautiful Graduation Leis

Graduation season is more than caps, gowns, and tassels—it’s a time to honor hard work, growth, and new beginnings. One of the most joyful and meaningful traditions, especially on the West Coast and in Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures, is presenting a graduation lei to the graduate.

Whether made from fresh flowers, greenery, candy, or ribbons, leis symbolize love, respect, and congratulations. In this post, we’ll explore the meaning behind graduation leis, what flowers to use, and step-by-step instructions on how to make your own.

What’s the Significance of a Graduation Lei?

In Hawaiian culture, leis are given for milestones—birthdays, weddings, and graduations—symbolizing affection, celebration, and good fortune. Draping a lei over someone’s shoulders is a warm, heartfelt way of saying: “You did it. I’m proud of you.”

While originally from Polynesia, this tradition has grown across the U.S., especially in California and the Pacific Northwest. And the best part? Leis can be completely personalized with flowers, colors, and even extras like candy or money.

Popular Flowers for Graduation Leis

Each flower carries meaning—here are a few great choices:

• Orchids – Long-lasting and vibrant; purple is the most traditional.

• Plumeria (Frangipani) – Light, fragrant, and symbolizing positivity.

• Carnations – Full blooms available in many school colors.

• Roses – Elegant and bold; red for love, yellow for friendship.

• Baby’s Breath – A soft filler that adds delicacy and volume.

• Ti Leaves – For wrapping or as a sturdy base.

You can also go non-traditional with ribbon leis, candy leis, or money leis, which are fun and practical—especially for high school graduates heading to college!

DIY: How to Make a Fresh Flower Lei

Here’s a simple guide using orchids or carnations:

Materials:

• 40–50 fresh flowers (orchids or carnations work well)

• Large-eye needle or lei needle

• Dental floss, ribbon, or string

• Scissors

• Optional: greenery like ferns or ti leaves for extra flair

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Flowers
   Snip off the stems and pierce a hole through the center of each bloom using your needle. Keep flowers cool and hydrated before starting.

2. Thread the Needle
   Cut about 40 inches of dental floss or ribbon. Tie a knot or add a stopper (like a bead) at the end.

3. String the Flowers
   Gently thread each flower through the center onto the floss. Push them down to stack closely or leave some space depending on your preferred look.

4. Add Greenery (Optional)
   Add sprigs of fern or leaves in between every few flowers for texture and contrast.

5. Finish the Lei
   Once you’ve reached your desired length, tie the ends together securely and trim any excess.

6. Store Properly
   If not using immediately, lightly mist the lei with water, place it in a plastic bag, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to gift it.

Bonus: Easy Candy Lei

Want something fun and fast? Here’s a quick version that’s always a hit:

What You Need:

• Wrapped candies (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, etc.)

• Clear cellophane wrap (about 3 feet long)

• Ribbon or twist ties

How-To:

1. Lay out the candies along the center of the cellophane, spaced evenly.

2. Roll the candies into a tube and twist between each candy.

3. Tie a ribbon around each twist to hold it in place.

4. Bring the ends together and tie it into a circle.

So simple. So sweet!

Tips for Gifting Leis at Graduation:

• Layer multiple leis for extra flair.

• Coordinate colors with school or team colors.

• Bring an extra lei for photo ops.

• Always hand the lei to the graduate with a hug or kiss on the cheek—it’s part of the tradition.

Graduation leis are a heartfelt, beautiful tradition that adds color and emotion to any ceremony. Whether you choose fresh flowers, sweet treats, or symbolic ribbons, making a lei by hand adds an extra layer of love and pride to your gift.

So go ahead—get creative, have fun, and make something special for the grad in your life. 🎓💐