Flower crowns are an important part of the Polynesian culture. Upon arrival, travelers are greeted with a flowery neck wreath. While in Bora Bora, you will likely see locals wearing a pretty flower crown with their local attire. If you want to learn how to make your own flower crown, the following post is for you. Love Bora Bora met with Tauarii who makes flower crowns in Bora Bora. Together, we present you a tutorial to make your own.

Material

To make your flower crown, you need:

• String
• Flowers and leaves
• Pandanus (pae’ore): Pae’ore is a dried leaf of the pandanus tree. It is used to make crowns, traditional costumes, or baskets.
• Scissors

Type of flowers

You can use any flowers you like. Here are some of the flowers used in the video:

• Bougainvillea
• Frangipani
• Tiare flowers
• Pitate (Tahitian jasmine): these flowers are used in the wreaths for their perfume.
• Papaya flowers

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You will also use leaves:

• Croton leaves
• Ferns
• Auti leaves: Auti is a very popular plant in Polynesia.  Auti leaves can be used to wrap food or to make dance costumes. It is also a medicinal plant.

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How to make a flower crown?

1.         Make the headband

Measure your head. Cut several strips of pae’ore 1 cm wide. You will double the main strip, which is the length of your head, with the other cut strips. Tie it all together with the string.

2.         Cut and sort the flowers and leaves

The goal is to keep a small stem without leaves so you can easily tie the flower. The same goes for the leaves. Cut each leaf individually. As you do this, remember to sort the leaves and flowers and arrange them in front of you.

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3.         Start with the back of the crown

Fold three Auti leaves in half and lay them on the headband from left to right. Attach the leaves.

Do this a second time.

4.         Place the flowers

Use whatever flowers you want, varying colors and varieties. Place them from left to right. Attach them with the string around the pae’ore.

Don’t hesitate to put many flowers if you want to have a thick wreath. This way the flowers and leaves will be straight.

Do this for the whole head.

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5.         End of the crown

Once you’ve tied your flowers and leaves all around the headband, tie a knot with the string.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. It takes practice. Making a flower crown is meticulous and patient work, but the results are worth it.  There are also other methods to make your wreath such as braiding. It’s up to you to find the one that works best for you.

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Tauarii and flowers: a way of life

Tauarii, who made us a beautiful flower crown for the video, has been making flower crowns since she was a child. She learned from her nanny. For her, making flower crowns is a way of life. She loves colors and composition. For the past few years, Tauarii has been regularly making wreaths for the clients of one of the luxury hotels of Bora Bora. The orders are usually for weddings or photo shoots.

Flower crowns are very popular in Polynesia and are used for special events for instance. They are also a real natural perfume.

The art of making flower crowns, called Lei in Hawaiian, is a very ancient art. Neck wreaths are given to welcome, thank, honor, or celebrate. So, when you travel to Polynesia, a neck wreath will most likely be given to you upon your arrival.

If you would like to order a flower crown from Tauarii in Bora Bora, feel free to contact her directly on her Instagram account borabora_flowercrown.