In this feature we present ideas for incorporating miniature pineapples into your wedding day. Bouquets, boutonnieres, an elegant cake, and whimsical invitations will inspire you to create an island celebration that embraces the opulence, grace and beauty of this regal fruit.

Over the years the pineapple has become a ubiquitous symbol of island hospitality. No one is certain when the prickly fruit was first grown in Hawaii, but historians contend that the exotic plant was introduced purely by accident, when a Spanish ship carrying fruits and tools from Mexico wrecked on the Kona coast of the Big Island. In the early 1800’s King Kamehameha the Great experimented with raising pineapple crops at the advice of his trusted friend, Spanish explorer Francisco de Paula Marin.

The pineapple has been associated with royalty since early times. In the 1600’s it was such a rare and coveted commodity that King Charles II of England posed for an official portrait receiving a pineapple as a gift. The portrait immortalized the fruit as a symbol of royal privilege. Modern day socialites would have been impressed with the women of Colonial America, who were consummate entertainers. Much like today, formal home visits prompted hours of preparation in which memorable dining room scenes featured elegant dinner tables and extravagant food displays. Literally the crown of the table, the pineapple stood at the center on a pedestal adorned with pine or laurel. Indeed, pineapples were such a delicacy, that they were often rented to households for the day. In more affluent homes, visitors were held in suspense before a grand feast. Dinner tables were hidden discreetly from the view of guests until the appointed moment, when doors were opened with a flourish to reveal a sumptuous table. Displays that included pineapples were of particular honor to guests and implied that the hostess had spared no expense. It is not surprising that over time, the humble bromeliad became a symbol of gracious hospitality, good cheer, and family affection.

Debbie Hemingway is a master floral designer with an innate ability to blend texture and color. In this unique bouquet she cuffs the pineapples with anthuriums, tulips, and calla lilies. Green beading at the stems is the final embellishment. A bouquet of green cymbidiums and ivory roses is crowned with tiny pink pineapples. A ruby-red ti leaf serves as an organic ribbon that wraps the stems. No flower could be a more fitting boutonniere for an island wedding than a diminutive pineapple. These precious buds are sometimes difficult to obtain, but the effect is worth the effort. A pineapple invitation sets a tone of understated elegance for your event, and Hawaii designers offer an eclectic mix from which to choose. Savvy Design’s exquisite shimmery papers are layered for a beautiful effect, then tied with raffia in the same tones. A pineapple medallion then seals the card. Sheer vellum reveals a cut-out design with oordinating accessories layered in the same green and ivory scheme. Kinohi’s whimsical invitations appeal to the contemporary bride who is drawn to a clean, graphic look.