For those who don’t know, mehendi is a form of temporary body art, practiced in India for ages. A mehendi ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual in Indian weddings where intricate henna designs are applied on the hands and feet of the bride. In some cultures, even men apply mehendi.
Primarily, this ceremony is celebrated with song and dance, where the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with intricate henna designs in the presence of her closest family and friends. It is considered a symbol of ‘suhaag,’ representing a joyful married life, and it embodies vibrancy, fertility, and the attraction of positive energy. In some cultures, even close female family members and friends also apply mehendi along with the bride. Both the bride and groom can embrace this lively occasion with outfits that are as festive as the event itself.
For the Bride: The Mehendi ceremony is an opportunity for the bride to showcase her style with a blend of tradition and trend. Opt for a lehenga choli in bright, cheerful colors like lime green, fuchsia, or coral. Since the focus is on your hands and feet, choose a sleeveless or short-sleeved blouse to highlight your mehendi. Lightweight fabrics like georgette or silk are ideal, as they allow for comfort while sitting through the henna application.
For the Groom: Grooms can match the festive spirit with a vibrant kurta paired with a churidar or dhoti. Colours like royal blue, mustard, or maroon work well for this occasion. To add a contemporary touch, consider a printed or embroidered jacket over your kurta. Since the Mehendi ceremony is relaxed and informal, keep your attire comfortable yet stylish.