Mehndi parties are one of the most fun celebrations of a Hindu or Muslim wedding. They involve the bride, her closest female friends, and family applying the bridal henna design to their hands and/or feet. The evening is filled with dancing, colorful dresses and Bhangra. You might be wondering how to plan a professional mehndi decor hire for event for your wedding if this is a tradition in your culture.
The Meaning And History Of Mehndi Party
Mehndi is also called henna and is made from the Lawsonia plant. Henna Paste is used by people in warmer climates, such as the Indian Subcontinent, Africa and the Middle East. It has cooling properties that help to control body temperatures. Ahmed says that mehndi has medicinal properties. It is said that the cooling effect provides relief from stress and headaches.
Since thousands of years mehndi is also used to decorate the body. Mehndi parties are often held on the day of the wedding to beautify the bride and bless her before the big day. In Hindu tradition mehndi forms part of the Solah Shringar or sixteen bridal adornments. This is a ritual to beautify the brides from head to foot at their wedding. Mehndi can also be used by Muslims to dye their hair or beautify the hands.
Tradition says that the darker the color of the mehndi stain, the more love a bride will receive from her partner and her in-laws. The brides were told not to do any housework as long as the mehndi stain lasted, which, according to Ahmed, could be two to three weeks, if henna was used.
What Happens At A Mehndi Parties
A Mehndi Party is an evening of dancing, food and music. In the past, brides would get intricate henna designs applied to their feet and hands during the party. Modern brides often have henna artists come to their home prior to the Mehndi event.
The wedding ceremony is often opened with extravagant entrances for both parties. In some cultures, guests feed the newlyweds all kinds of sweets. They may also donate charity to bless the marriage and protect the couple from evil eyes. The brides and grooms often practice choreographed dancing performances for months with their closest family members and friends. Dances are performed as a friendly competition among both sides of the families. The women will sit on the floor in front of the couple, singing and playing the Dhol. This is a type of drum. They are surrounded by colorful pillows and festive décor. Everyone then gets up on the floor.
How To Plan A Mehndi Party
Our experts will share with you all the information that you need to know in order to plan your own Mehndi Party.
Mehndi party hosts
The bride’s parents have traditionally hosted the event, as it was often a party for the bride herself. The bride’s parents still host the Mehndi party, even though it’s more common for the groom’s family to be involved.
Guest attire
Mehndi party wear often features bright colors, including shades of orange, pink, green and yellow. Bridesmaids or sisters may be asked to wear a certain color to make it easy to identify which side of the wedding you are from. Women dress in lenghas, salwar kameez, or saris with bright colors and lots of jewelry. Men often wear the same color shawl with their salwar kameez to indicate which side they are representing. You and your guests will both want to wear clothing that matches your gender identity.
Gifting etiquette
Gifts will not be expected at the wedding . The Mehndi is a celebration to wish the bride a happy marriage and bless her. Couples can offer guests sweets, bangles or even henna cones in return.
Mehndi application time
The bride’s process can last anywhere between two and six hours, depending on the complexity of the design and the amount of mehndi she wants done. Ahmed says that most brides will do their feet and hands, up to the mid-forearm, and their hands to the elbows. However, some brides may want to go all the way to the knees or elbows. We talk a lot so that the bride is not bored. She can also take breaks.
How to choose a venue and decor
Decide on your number and choose your venue accordingly. You should also confirm the floor plan so that there is sufficient space for dancing. Decor is important for the Mehndi Party. Use bright colors, and be as creative as possible. Brides to pick colors that contrast with their dresses so that they don’t get lost in the decor. Include a stage for the newlyweds to sit on and if you can, use a swing as their seating. Use bangles and colorful umbrellas. You can also use decorative pillows or bright fabrics.
Music selection
It is important to have a playlist of songs that people can dance to. You should have a list of songs that are suitable for dancing. Hiring DJ can be a great idea. However, if you have your own sound system then make sure that someone is in charge of the music the day of the event. Make sure that your friends and family have prepared their dance choreography. Do not forget to introduce each dancer before the dance. Also, leave some time at the end for a dance floor.
Catering
Keep it simple. Offer only a few choices so that guests can continue dancing. Venue will allow outside caterers, as most Hindus prefer to bring their own traditional dishes.
When the food is served and dancing begins, time when newlyweds enter. It’s a fact that every South Asian event is late. However, it’s a good idea to set definite times so you don’t get too far behind.
