Bridal Mehendi

In India, a wedding isn't just one ‘big day’, it’s a series of celebrations that take place pre- and post-nuptials, and the mehandi party is definitely one of the most exciting in the lineup. Once a custom only practised in certain communities of the country, mainstream cinema has made it an event in itself. The ceremony started out as a small get-together for the women of the household to have some time with the bride-to-be, applying henna to their hands in the lead up to the wedding. Though the thought behind it continues to remain the same, the festivities are likely to be held in a more lavish setting.

According to lore, the deeper the colour of the mehandi, the happier the marriage will be, which is why many brides take extra precautions to make sure that theirs comes out a lush deep brown. While most prefer traditional Indian motifs, bridal mehandi designs have evolved to adapt Arabic and Moroccan influences.