Bride’s side
The bride’s mehndi is usually the main event: several hours for detailed hands and feet, with her family hosting the artist, music, food, and close guests.
All ceremonies
Day 1
Mehndi
ਮਹਿੰਦੀ
Henna, live music, food. A relaxed evening with close friends.
Late afternoon to evening, 4–8 hours
The bride’s hands and feet are decorated with intricate mehndi designs, with the groom’s name hidden in the patterns. Live singer, gajre, light food. The bride sits still for 4–6 hours so plan entertainment accordingly.
A little history
Mehndi has roots in both Hindu and Mughal traditions. The deeper the colour, the stronger the love between the couple, or so goes the saying. The hidden groom’s name comes from a tradition where the groom had to find it on the wedding night.
Who attends
Women primarily: bride’s close friends, cousins, aunties.
Typical guests
80–120 people
Family roles
Bride’s side and groom’s side
The religious meaning stays the same, but household roles can differ. Use this as a conversation starter, not a rigid rulebook.
The groom may have a smaller gathering at his own home and receive a simple design or token mark. Some families skip this entirely and join the shared party later.
Plan together: A combined mehndi works well, but protect the bride’s application and drying time. Check whether the groom’s family wants a separate home ritual first.
What to plan
- Lead mehndi artist for the bride (book 6+ months ahead)
- Book the artist to start the bride’s hands ~6 hours before guests arrive (11 AM for a 5 PM party)
- 2–3 additional artists for guests
- Live singer or musician (hours)
- Gajre (floral bracelets) for all women
- Food: high tea, snacks, light dinner for ~100
- Games and entertainment to keep the bride engaged
- Decor: floral installations, lights, low seating
- Outfit for the bride (usually yellow or green)
- Mehndi favours for guests (small henna cones)
- Announce the event’s colour theme / dress code to guests (a wedding WhatsApp group works best)
Samaan checklist
Mehndi cones (extra)Lemon + sugar (for darkening)Foil sheets to wrap handsPhone holder so bride can text
Tick these off as you shop with the free interactive samaan checklistAvoid these mistakes
- Schedule the bride’s mehndi LAST so it’s freshest for the wedding
- Confirm the artist’s style with detailed photos in advance
- Don’t plan anything that requires the bride’s hands afterwards
- Allow drying time before bed (8+ hours)
- Photograph the finished mehndi before guests arrive. Hands are busy after
Real wedding inspiration
Use these real-wedding references to discuss the atmosphere, details and moments you want with your family and suppliers.
For guests: what to know
- Wear something colourful. Yellows, greens and oranges suit the mood.
- Guests can get henna too; arrive earlier for intricate designs, as the artists get busy.
- It's relaxed and music-filled, usually close friends and family.
Common questions
What is the Mehndi ceremony in a Punjabi-Sikh wedding?
The bride’s hands and feet are decorated with intricate mehndi designs, with the groom’s name hidden in the patterns. Live singer, gajre, light food. The bride sits still for 4–6 hours so plan entertainment accordingly.
Who attends the Mehndi?
Women primarily: bride’s close friends, cousins, aunties.
How many guests come to a Mehndi, and how long does it last?
Typically 80–120 people. Late afternoon to evening, 4–8 hours.
What are common mistakes to avoid at the Mehndi?
Schedule the bride’s mehndi LAST so it’s freshest for the wedding Confirm the artist’s style with detailed photos in advance Don’t plan anything that requires the bride’s hands afterwards Allow drying time before bed (8+ hours) Photograph the finished mehndi before guests arrive. Hands are busy after
What do the bride’s side and groom’s side do for the Mehndi?
Bride’s side: The bride’s mehndi is usually the main event: several hours for detailed hands and feet, with her family hosting the artist, music, food, and close guests. Groom’s side: The groom may have a smaller gathering at his own home and receive a simple design or token mark. Some families skip this entirely and join the shared party later. Together: A combined mehndi works well, but protect the bride’s application and drying time. Check whether the groom’s family wants a separate home ritual first.
What samaan do you need for the Mehndi?
Key items: Mehndi cones (extra), Lemon + sugar (for darkening), Foil sheets to wrap hands, Phone holder so bride can text.
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