Bridal mehndi, more commonly known as bridal henna, is the oldest form of art, which is usually done on hands and legs. Henna, by far, has great significance in Pakistani culture, which becomes tenfold when someone is getting married. In Pakistan, marriages, specifically brides, are considered incomplete without their henna. Moreover, there are various designs available in henna art that follow the traditional values you belong to.
When it comes to a mehndi ceremony, there are many more types of mehndi patterns to choose from, from Arabic and Indian to Moroccan and Rajasthani. Each design speaks of its rich background and artistic values. Even more, some people or families even arrange an event to have it applied in the groove. In events like these, music and dance create a joyous environment.
So, let’s dive deep into what mehndi is all about, its significance and types in Pakistani culture, and tips to get the perfect henna.
What Is Wedding Mehndi All About?
Weddings are all about fun, music, dance, and creating cherishable memories. However, there is more to dig into when it comes to weddings and mehndi. Have a look:
Pre-Ceremony Preparations
Before the wedding festivities begin, there are lots of things to do. From collecting decorative elements to gathering all the essentials, the sole reason is to ensure that you have everything during that time.
Decorations
The drapes, fairy lights, and flower arrangements color the venue and create a festive atmosphere. Different elements are incorporated to make the decor look beautiful.
Seating Arrangement
A particular area for the bride is prepared. Most of the time, it is adorned with flowers and colorful drapes, which is why many people try to keep their values alive with that traditional touch.
Food Preparations
Groceries and everything else that you might need between the events are purchased. Most importantly, a variety of food items are prepared for the guests.
The Ceremony
As the festivities start, people follow different traditions, while some keep them simple yet joyful. So, some of the things that rocks the ceremony include,
Application of Mehndi
Mehndi artists are hired to apply these intricate designs. Some people go for a bridal mehndi simple design, while others ask their artists to apply henna to their full hands and feet.
Music and Dance
Traditional songs and dances are part of the ceremony. Also, family members and friends line up dance performances to rejoice in the celebration, creating a memory for life.
Rituals and Blessings
The older ladies of the family do certain traditional rituals and bless the bride for her new journey. They give their precious advice and shower her with unlimited prayers and sweet gestures.
The Significance of Mehndi for Brides in Pakistani Culture
Mehndi is a fundamental part of Pakistani weddings, especially for a bride and its close ones. It is also one of the most rejoicing events in the whole wedding festivities. This event is loved and awaited due to its fun and joyful essence, where the mehndi is applied on the bride’s hands and legs on the other side.
Therefore, we are mentioning here the significance of mehndi of Pakistani brides,
Symbol of Joy and Beauty
Mehndi on the bride's hands and legs is the depiction of happiness, which has at all times stood as a symbol of beauty, joy, and celebration. The intricate patterns of Mehndi applied to the bride's hands and feet depict her crossing the threshold from a maiden to a married woman.
Blessings and Good Luck
In some cultures, the initials of the bridegroom are hidden within the bride's Mehndi designs. As soon as the bride and groom marry, the groom has to find his name hidden in his bride’s mehndi.
Expression of Love
In some cultures, the initials of the bridegroom are hidden within the bride's Mehndi designs. As soon as the bride and groom marry, the groom has to find his name hidden in his bride’s mehndi.
9 Types of Bridal Mehndi Designs
There are many styles and patterns for bridal mehndi, each with its own grace and meaning. Here are some popular types of bridal mehndi designs that you can choose from:
1. Traditional Pakistani Mehndi
Intricate Patterns
Traditional Pakistani Mehndi involves very intricate designs. Normally, the design covers the entire hand and feet, leaving only a tiny part or no skin visible.
Floral and Paisley Motifs
Floral, paisleys and leafy patterns are common; they symbolize fertility, growth, and beauty.
2. Arabic Mehndi
Bold and Flowing Designs
Arabic bridal hand mehndi designs are bold-lined and flowy. Unlike traditional Pakistani Mehndi, Arabic designs usually have more exposed skin.
Geometric Shapes
These designs often have geometric shapes and tendrils, giving them that sleek feel and smooth appearance.
3. Indian Mehndi
Detailed and Symbolic
Traditional Indian mehndi designs are intricate and often include symbolic elements like peacocks, elephants, and other cultural motifs.
Complex Patterns
These complex and intricate designs are finely done, often covering the hands, arms, feet, and legs completely.
4. Minimalist Mehndi
Simple and Elegant
If you go for minimal mehndi designs, they are simple, creative, thoughtful, and modestly done. Many brides choose minimal mehndi designs for a subtle look.
Simple Design
A bridal mehndi simple design focuses on delicate motifs, which leaves more skin visible, providing a chic and modern appearance.
5. Moroccan Mehndi
Geometric Patterns
The bold geometric patterns and shapes reflect strength, protection, and cultural heritage. Moroccan designs have fewer floral motifs, not like Pakistani or Indian mehndi.
Symmetry and Precision
Moroccan mehndi is symmetrical in design and has precise lines. Famous among people for their different and unique looks.
6. Indo-Arabic Mehndi
Fusion of Styles
It is a combination of Indian and Arabic mehndi designs, with a balanced look of dense and open areas. It is an in-demand wedding mehndi of all time.
Bold Outlines and Intricate Fills
Indo-Arabic mehndi combines bold outlines of Arabic mehndi with delicate fillings of Indian mehndi. It is perfect for brides who simply love intricate and bold designs.
7. Rajasthani Mehndi
Detailed and Extensive
These designs are quite intricate and complex. Often, it covers the entire hand, arm, and feet.
Cultural Motifs
Rajasthani mehndi involves peacock and elephant motifs and some traditional Rajasthani elements. It symbolizes cultural heritage and is commonly used in traditional and grand weddings.
8. Western Mehndi
Modern and Artistic
Western mehndi patterns are much more creative and have modern elements. These may include simplicity, creativity in expression, individualism, and modernity.
Varied Motifs
This mehndi contains modern symbols, abstract patterns, and personalized things such as names or initials. It is perfect for those brides who seek individuality.
9. Glitter and Color Mehndi
Use of Glitter and Colors
You may add glitter and color to the henna to give it that extra festive and unique look. It looks eye-catching and stands out as part of the whole design.
Bold and Sparkling
Most of the time, these bold designs sparkle under the light. They add a festive and glamorous look to traditional mehndi designs, making them popular for festive looks.
Common Bridal Mehndi Motifs
- Peacock: It signifies gracefulness, beauty, and prosperity.
- Paisley: A traditional motif representing fertility and luck.
- Flowers: It means happiness, joy, and new beginnings.
- Mandala: This represents unity and completeness.
- Elephants: It symbolizes power, strength, and protection.
Modern Trends in Bridal Mehndi
Pakistani bridal mehndi, or henna is one of the many essential elements in Pakistani weddings. Paradoxically, as intrinsically very beautiful designs, the beauty doesn't stay with the bride alone; it also answers to some cultural and symbolic meanings. Here is how to advise a bride to pursue her perfect bridal mehndi:
White Henna
With modernly designed bridal mehndi motifs, many brides prefer to have white henna instead of traditional one due since it is a new variant.
Glitter and Gems
Glitter and gems make the mehndi designs sparkle, which is the personal choice of many people since they offer a unique touch.
Personalized Designs
Many brides opt for a customized design, which may include initials, dates, personalized symbols, or even the name of the groom.
Tips for Getting a Perfect Bridal Henna
Pakistani bridal mehndi or henna is one of the essential elements of weddings in various cultures. Brides choose countless beautiful designs for their weddings. They all have a distinct meaning and symbolize cultural values.
So, here are some tips for you to get a perfect bridal mehndi/henna.
Choose a Professional Mehndi Artist
Look for an experienced Mehndi artist who has already created several bridal henna designs. You may even ask for their portfolio so you can see the designs and read the reviews online. The most you can do is consult with friends or family members who have had mehndi done lately. You may even do a patch test first to make sure that you are not allergic to the henna that is to be applied.
Plan Ahead
You must plan it earlier if you have to apply the mehndi for an event. Make sure to have it applied one to two days before the event. It is recommended because this is the time when the color of the henna is at its best and darkest. Set up a space where you can sit comfortably for sometime, as applying the intricate designs of henna takes hours. Gently exfoliate your hands and feet a day before application to remove the dead skin cells.
Hydrate and Stay Comfortable
Make it a habit not to use any lotions, oils, or creams when the henna has to be applied. It creates a barrier between the skin and henna which does not let the color darkens. Another good approach is to drink plenty of water prior to and during the mehndi application. It will keep you hydrated which will help you stay at peace and avoid discomfort. You may even keep snacks and drinks for munching and wear light and loose clothes.
Enhance the Color
Once a bridal hand mehndi is complete, apply some lemon juice-sugar mixture. You can apply it with a cotton ball; once the henna gets stuck to your skin, the color becomes deeper. Apply this paste with sugar a couple of times for an even darker color. As the paste starts to chip off, take a whiff of the fumes created from heating cloves onto your hands and feet. This age-old method produces a more intense shade of the mehndi.
Care for Your Mehndi
Keep the henna on your hands for at least 6-8 hours. The best and most recommended method is to apply it overnight. In addition, do not wash the area with water for the first 24 hours after removing it. You may even use a butter knife or your fingers to scrape off the dried henna gently. Once it is removed, apply natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or mustard oil on the mehndi.
Protect Your Mehndi
Be gentle with your hands and feet and avoid scratches or damage to your mehndi design. Wear loose and comfortable clothes that do not rub against the Mehndi so that it remains intact. You may even expose it to heat or flame for a brighter color. Even more, you can sit in the sun to soak in heat, but be careful. Avoid lots of direct heat that can sweat and smear it.
Understand the Symbolism
Choose motifs that have some kind of personal or cultural significance and have a traditional connection. Common henna motifs include peacocks for beauty, flowers for joy, paisleys for fertility, and mandalas for unity. You can discuss with your artist what kind of symbols or patterns you would like to have in your design to make it special and unique.
Consider Your Mehndi Outfit
Select and pick out a henna design that will look beautiful on your hands and suit your dress. You can browse various Mehndi outfit ideas to choose one. You can opt for more traditional colors like yellow, green, and orange. Other things to consider in the outfit would be the neckline and sleeve length. These will help you keep the mehndi on your hands and arms intact.
Embrace the Process
The mehndi ritual itself is a moment of glee and celebration. So, enjoy the music, dance, and company of your people while getting your mehndi done. Take breaks if you need to, and do not hesitate to ask for a little adjustment if you experience discomfort. Applying mehndi and everything that follows holds beauty and memories that you can cherish for a long time.
Capture the Beauty
Hire a professional photographer to capture the most precious moments since memories are always made to be cherished. Record the moments of applying the intricate designs of the mehndi and lighter moments of the entire ceremony. You may even get close-up shots of your hands and feet once the mehndi has darkened to capture the intricate patterns and motifs.
Wrapping Up
Bridal mehndi designs are of various types, depicting cultural heritage and traditional values. Each signifies beauty and joy in its way and symbolizes uniqueness. Make sure to choose a design that best suits your hands and feet and goes well with your Mehndi outfit. Bridal mehndi has always been integral to Pakistani weddings, from intricate traditional patterns to a simple henna design.
Moreover, Mehndi for brides has always been a mark of the new beginnings. So, many of the brides opt for traditional designs while others pick a minimal design that signifies their preference for sophistication and elegance. So, revive the richness of culture with intricate mehndi designs and celebrate the timeless beauty of bridal henna.
