South Asian Wedding Events for Brides:
Mehndi / Henna
*First allow me to say that when discussing this event I use the term Mehndi. However, because of the infinite spelling options for this word, I will be spelling it mehndhi as h-e-n-n-a.
South Asian Wedding Vocabulary
Mehndi (alternate spellings: Mehendi, Mendhi, Mandhi, Mehendee, also called Henna)
What is the Henna event in South Asian weddings?
Traditionally this is a womens gathering, although nowadays it is often an 'everybody comes' event. Women's hands are adorned with henna/ mendhi. Green is traditionally worn.
Who has a Henna event?
Most often the bride's family hosts this more intimate gathering.
Sometimes the bride side will have a Henna event for her side and the groom side will have a separate Henna event for the ladies on his side.
Sometimes the bride side will have a Henna event for her side and the groom side will have a separate Henna event for the ladies on his side.
When does a Henna happen?
This is a pre-wedding day gathering. For many unions the evenings will be: Henna, Sangeet (Music night), Wedding Day. Each day gaining more guests and more grandeur.
Where does Henna take place?
The henna can happen in any location. Often with it being a more intimate gathering it will be in a home. With a larger guest list or for destination events it can be in a hall or rented room.
How is Henna applied?
Henna is applied to the insides of womens hands. This has been expanded to the inside and outside of the hands, sometimes going onto the wrist.
For the bride it will be both hands, front and back, often extending midway up the forearm. Bride's will also have henna designs on their feet. The bride's feet are featured in the hindu ceremony so the adornment is something that is seen.
For the bride and VIPs, a professional henna artist does the job. For friends and family there may be another professional henna artist or perhaps henna paste will be purchased, and friends and family can apply it on each other.
For the bride it will be both hands, front and back, often extending midway up the forearm. Bride's will also have henna designs on their feet. The bride's feet are featured in the hindu ceremony so the adornment is something that is seen.
For the bride and VIPs, a professional henna artist does the job. For friends and family there may be another professional henna artist or perhaps henna paste will be purchased, and friends and family can apply it on each other.
