Indian weddings are known to be massive affairs to which just about everybody known to the happy couple is invited. It is not exceptional to have a wedding and reception attended by over 500 people.
There are also many events that take place in the two or three days preceding the actual wedding itself, one of which is known as the Mehndi. This is what we sometimes refer to at Kenza Creations as a party for the girls. Mehndi itself sometimes spelled mehendi or mehndi, is a paste made from the henna plant which is applied to the hands and feet, and also maybe arms and legs of the bride in amazing artistic patterns and designs by an artist who is a specialist in such work.
In times past, the mehndi was applied to the hands and feet of the bride at the mehndi party the day before the wedding. However, this is often now held two to four days before the wedding because it allows the henna paste (which is basically brown) longer to darken on the skin. The darker the design, the more blissful the marriage will be. It will also last for two to three weeks, during which time the bride is recommended not to do any housework. Most brides are only too willing to comply!
One of the things that the artist will do usually is to include the name of the groom somewhere withing the design. Then all the party guests have to come together and search the patterns in order to find out where it is located.
The paste takes some considerable time to apply to the bride’s hands and feet, and this can be three or four hours, or even longer. The bride rests on a couch on the mehndi stage while the artist carries out the work.
Singing And Dancing
While all this is going on, the rest of the girls attending carry out a lot of singing and dancing, and there is plenty of food and drink available. It really can be a major party – and these days it is not just for the girls. Today, the groom and other family members are also invited to the party, and the henna may also be applied to him and others.
Of course, you need mehndi décor for this event, and at Kenza Creations we can provide whatever you wish. Obviously, you will need a mehndi stage for the bride to sit on, and this can be as elaborate as you please, or more minimal if you prefer. There are no right or wrong ways to hold your mehndi party, so sit back and enjoy!