An extremely important part of Indian wedding rituals, a mehendi ceremony preceding the wedding is one of the most special affairs for the bride-to-be.
The Hindu colour of auspiciousness, the reddish brown colour of mehendi is part of a binding ritual that precedes any wedding. Imbuing the wedding with beauty and the aura of serene womanhood, the henna ceremony is a nurtured tradition since times immemorial.
Mehendi has oft come to stand for the prosperity that a bride is expected to bring to her new family, and the strength of the bond of love between the two partners. In some parts of the country, the bride is not expected to do any chores in her new house until the mehendi fades away completely. Another interesting aspect of the ceremony is that often, the bridegroom's name is extrapolated into the intricate design, and used as a device to test the groom's ability to find it in his partner's hand (symbolising her heart). However, the associations with this ceremony vary from region to religion, scale to expanse.
With so many varied traditions, hosting a mehendi ceremony, which preludes and kicks off the wedding festivities, is an important task. With these tips, you can plan ahead to ensure that everything is perfect and that the bride has a fun day in the company of people whom she loves.
While choosing a venue for organising the ceremony, choose a place that is large enough for accommodating the expected number of guests. “An ideal ceremony should be organised in an open area – maybe a lawn or pool side area, a winter wedding is best suited to a day-time event and a summer wedding to a high-tea affair. “While a sunny afternoon at a farmhouse is ideal for a winter wedding, a banquet hall is a popular option in summer, as the bride can rest in air-conditioned comfort,” advises Sheetal from Arranged Affair wedding planners.
Arranging for mehendi experts is important, but more crucial is finding the ones who accommodate as many people as possible in one sitting – so that the bride is not inconvenienced. Special mehendi artists from all across the country offer special bridal options – from Arabic, coloured zari, tattoo and sequins, glitter, shaded to diamond mehendi designs. Wedding planners usually have a list of tried-andtested mehendi artists, and are oft eager to oblige.
The emphasis, however, at the ceremony is on the close family members and relatives blessing the bride. Advising guests to eat before they get mehendi put on their hands is a proactive decision.
Most afternoon affairs warrant appetisers, and a light lunch comes in special packages from renowned caterers. “We usually get orders for finger foods like light tikkas and chaat at mehendi ceremonies, but I think an event like this should be accompanied by fruity cocktails.
A mehendi ceremony gives a lot of people an opportunity to combine elements of a sangeet ceremony along. “Most couples prefer big DJ performances for their sangeet session, so we usually see family members performing or doing an impromptu jig at the mehendi ceremony. Family members and wedding planners can coordinate with each other over the arrangements to be made at the venue, such as musical instruments for accompaniment. Hiring singers is also a viable option for those strapped for time and willing to add a dash of traditional touch to the affair to make it more lively.
However, it is crucial to pander to the needs of the bride – for it's her day to enjoy with the family and those special to her. A special mehendi design, a facial treatment, or a cocktail hour with her friends – the ceremony should be made memorable for the woman of the hour.
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