Mehndi Party | Some Mehndi Facts You Need to Know

Bridal Mehndi (Henna) Facts

So you are planning for your bridal mehndi (henna) party. It would be good to know what exactly mehndi is, so that you are more or less prepared for your Night of Henna!

Mehndi( henna) is a small shrub called hawsonia inermis and is found in Iran, India, Pakistan, Egypt, and North Africa.Women in Indian rural villages actually pick fresh mehndi leaves and prepare them for the application. They grind the leaves until it is a powdery form. Some people also grow it in their home gardens, as we do! It is also readily available in retail stores in a powder form.

There are different types of mehndi (henna) available. Black, brown and red. While the color of the actual Mehndi dye is deep green, once it is removed, the dye leaves a color that varies from light orange to a deep brownish-black.

How to Make Mehndi (Henna) Paste:

1) Make sure that your mehndi powder is a bright green. If it is a dull green, that means it is not of a good quality. But be careful because not all bright green henna powders are 100% henna. Some can have additives with colorings. A good indicator is usually is the henna stains the skin a light orange within a few minutes of touching the skin, then it's probably good.

2) There is no standard formula to make the mehndi paste. Different henna artists will have their own preferred method of making the henna paste. However, there are basic ingredients that you can use to make the paste. Use fine mehndi (henna) powder. Filter the mehndi powder through a nylon cloth, to remove the large fibers from the mehndi, which can get in the way when applying the paste. This powder can be mixed with oil (such as eucalyptus, nilgiri, or mehndi oil) and water, to make a thick paste. You have to add the right amount of water when making the paste so the Mehndi isn't too thick or too thin. You will also need to add some lemon or lime juice to get the color to set. Lemon juice is also added to the paste to intensify its red color. You can also add tea or coffee to darken the mehndi dye (stain).

The Mehndi (Henna) Application Process:

The finished paste is placed into a cone. During the process of laying out the design, the cone does not touch the skin, but rather, the henna is laid out onto the skin like a fine thread. The flow of the henna must be controlled in order to produce an even line, and requires skilled hands.

After the henna design is laid out on the skin, a mixture of lemon and sugar is dabbed over the design to set it. The longer the design is left undisturbed, the deeper the color will be. If possible, you should leave it on for at least 5 hours. Later the henna is removed by scrapping it off, revealing a reddish color where the henna touched the skin. The color left behind darkens over the next 12 hours or so.

Mehndi Indian Parties | Bridal Henna Designs

The mehndi (henna) party is an important ceremony that occurs before the actual wedding day. During the henna party, henna designs are done on the palms of the hands and feet of the bride. The actual application of the henna can take anyway from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the type of designs being applied. The more elaborate and intricate the designs, the longer it takes.

In some Indian Muslim communities, the name of the groom is incorporated into the henna design of the bride, a practice that is similar to other Muslim cultures elsewhere.

While the bride is having her henna done, female guests (usually her close female relatives and friends) will perform dances and sing as entertainment. Traditionally, this is an event that are attended by only the females, but in some modern Indian families, men are also invited to the activities.

The henna designs signifies the strength of love in the future marriage, so the bride makes an effort to keep it on as long as possible. The henna artist will used special ingredients that will enhance the longevity of the henna designs - it is possible for the designs to last for over three weeks after being applied.

While the main henna artist is doing the work on the bride, henna assistants will usually do simple designs for the female guests. The henna party ends with friends and family sitting down to a lavish dinner.

Here are some beautiful henna bridal designs we have come across. Hope you are well inspired by them.


Moroccan Inspired Henna Designs

We showcase below a few pictures on Moroccan henna designs. The Moroccan henna designs are more geometric in focus rather than floral based, and such henna designs can be a unique design for Indian brides wanting something special for themselves. The moroccan powder used gives a vibrant red stain, as seen in the th fourth picture below.

Photos By Darcitananda

Photos By Kenzilicious

Photo By Karen

Photo By Henna Sooq

Photo By Borediq
Moroccan bride getting her henna (mehndi) done during the Night of Henna party prior to her wedding. The henna is supposedly meant to ward off evil spirits and increase fertility.

Traditional Indian Henna Designs

Indian henna designs have more of a floral focus (or sometimes also feature animals like birds) as shown in the pictures below. Empahsis is placed on intricate, elaborate and inter-connecting designs.







Photo By Henna Conference


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Wedding Lehnga Style | Advice on Picking Bridal Lehnga in Deep Blue Colors

Indian Brides in Deep Blue and Royal Blue Lehngas

In the previous article, we wrote on blue color associations, and why brides should consider picking blue as their color choice for a bridal lehnga. We also showcased beautiful light blue colored bridal lehnga designs.

In this article, we continue on our blue color theme for bridal lehngas. The focus is on deep blue and royal blue bridal lehnga designs.

Dark blue represents knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness. It is a perfect color choice for a bride wishing to make a strong, and impressive statement at her wedding.

Please check out the selected deep blue and royal blue bridal lehnga designs.









Please click here to view bridal lehnga designs in a light blue color tone.

Wedding Lehnga Style | Advice on Picking Bridal Lehnga Designs in Glorious Blue

Indian Brides in Blue Lehngas

In this article, we showcase several bridal lehnga trendy styles in the color blue. Blue is a wonderful color that we see in many of the latest designs. Traditionally, blue is considered a masculine color. It is associated with males from an early start - we decorate baby boys' rooms with the color blue, we dress up baby boys' in blue outfits. So boys are socialized at an early age to accept blue as their dominant color; hence, dark blue is considered a corporate color of America, which is still a largely male-dominated sector, where the blue color is the widely accepted choice of color for their dress code.

But blue is also the color of the sky and sea, which are associated with depth and stability. Blue also widely symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. Furthermore, blue is strongly associated with tranquility and calmness. All of these associations can be strong feminine characteristics.

Women should not shy away from picking blue as a color choice for their bridal lehnga - be it light pastel blues to deep royal blues. You pick blue lehngas that also incorporate some elements of the emotionally warm colors such as red, orange, yellow, gold to create a vibrant and high-impact design. Blue when used together with warm colors make a striking vision as the bridal lehnga designs below show.

Keep in mind these associations for the blue color:

Bridal Lehnga Designs in Glorious Light Blue Color









The above designs are in a light blue color tone. Light blue is associated with health, healing, tranquility, understanding, and softness. This is a look you can pick if you are seeking to exude a soft and demure presence.

Please click here to view bridal lehnga designs in a dark blue and royal blue color tone.

Wedding Lehnga Style | Incorporating Gold Color Into Your Bridal Lehnga

Lehnga Cholis have a long and evolving history in India - it was initially brought into India through the Mughals (Muslims) when the latter invaded India. The lehnga choli outfit is a two piece set with a head veil. The Muslim Mughal women wore head veils in accordance with their religious teachings in Islam, and this practice was soon adopted by other women to signify their high status. The veil became known as the dupatta (the Indian name) and was worn by Indian women for respect.

In olden times, the skirt was tied with a piece of fabric around the waist, with the ends of the cloth left loose, much like in a saree. Today, the lehnga choli has been updated though for the convenience of modern Indian women. This has made it a popular choice for brides - the bridal lehnga choli outfit is favored by Indian women for their weddings for the convenience of movement.

The choli (blouse) of the lehnga traditionally covered the arms for modesty, but modern design trends range from short sleeves to sleeveless blouses. Indian Muslim or Pakistani Muslim women do not wear mid-riff showing cholis, but others do. Modern Indian brides have much more choices in choosing the type of choli for their bridal lehnga - bare backs are also available for those daring to make a bold statment on their wedding day. Few actually do this, but there are some who would!

Now the detailed work that goes on the bridal lehnga (to make it bright and shiny) is very intricate, and comprises of many different stages and types of skills. We will focus on that in a separate article.

In the previous article on bridal lehngas, the focus was on gold colored outfits, which is considered a universal color since it suits the complexion of most brides.

In this article, bridal lehnga designs that incorporate the gold color with a variety of other striking colors are showcased.

In Pakistan, the lehnga choli is also called a sharara, which is derived from the Arabic language. But the designs are almost the same as the Indian designs, as seen in the pictures below.

Pink and Gold - Bridal Lehnga

Dusky Gold With Contrast Embroidery - Bridal Lehnga

The above two bridal lehnga designs are inspired by India's Bollywood - they feature silk material with shiny stone and mirror work. This is a good example of how a mostly gold bridal lehnga is contrasted with embroidery and stone work. The head veil (dupatta) is made of light chiffon material with heavy embroidery.

Deep Blue and Gold - Bridal Lehnga

Sea-Green and Gold - Bridal Lehnga

Photos By Sanoori

The above two bridal lehngas (sharara) are Pakistani designs. The choli in both designs cover the mid-riff. Blue with gold is not often seen in bridal lehnga designs, but it is a combination that works well as seen in the pictures. Blue evokes a sense of smoothness, calm and soothing, while the gold exudes regal presence. The deep blue bridal lehnga is a stunning piece with most of the gold being incorporated in the skirt - the gold emanates from the hemline of the skirt and upwards. Contrast gold stitching is also done on the choli and the elsewhere on the skirt. Similarly, the sea-green bridal lehnga with gold thread contrast is breath-taking. A perfect piece for a wedding reception. Under bright lights when you sit on the wedding stage, the color on this piece will reflect light, and you will look absolutely radiant.

Deep Red and Gold - Bridal Lehnga

Wine and Gold - Bridal Lehnga

Photos By Sanoori

Traditionally, red is the preferred choice for bridal wedding dresses. The red represents excitement, passion, strength and a presence unlike another. Red colored bridal lehgnas are commonly paired with gold contrast stitching and embroidery work. The effect is great, as always.

Wedding Lehgna Style | Bridal Lehnga Designs in Gold Colors and Tones

Gold - A Lavish and Regal Color

The color gold has always been associated with wealth and royalty due to the expensive metal that it mirrors. It used to be that only royalty would wear gold colored clothings, some of the clothings would be embroidered using actual gold threads. But today that has changed, and gold clothings are accessible anyone willing to spend money on it!

You will want to be picky when choosing your gold colored wedding outfit. Certain gold tones on different materials will take on a different look - you do not want a gaudy, or tacky gold wedding dress outfit! Always be sure to check the wedding dress outfit in natural light, and under artifical light so that you can see how it looks to the eye under different lighting situations.

This article focuses on bridal lehnga designs of a gold toned color. When in doubt, gold is a great color choice for your bridal outfit. This is because gold is a universal color; gold looks great on everyone regardless of their skin complexion - fair, tanned or dark.

Please check out the different inspirational pictures for ideas on choosing your own bridal lehgnas.

Gold Colored Bridal Lehnga



This is a great example of an exquisite bridal lehnga that is really lovely. The gold is of a muted tone, and the contrast embroidery makes the outfit stand out. There is not much heavy stone work on the light silk material, so the outfit is not excessively heavy to wear. A perfect wedding outfit that a bride can wear for her dinner reception where she will be taking lots of photos with her family, friends and guests.



This is a modest bridal lehnga with long sleeves. It is an outfit that is suitable for Muslim women of South Asian descent. The top piece is a long blouse, and almost all of the embroidery work is on the blouse. The skirt is a full one with a small border at the hemline. This is a demure look that I rather like. It is not as flashy as most Indian bridal lehngas today are, but this one is very suitable for a Muslim nikkah ceremony where religious sentiments of modesty have to be considered.



This bridal lehnga has a contrast look - a gold full skirt and a golden veil, with a lovely sea-green choli (short blouse). This is a good example of how it is possible to add different colors into your gold toned bridal lehnga. Usually, contrast embroidery is used throughout on the gold material (as in the first picture), or embroidery, stone work on the blouse and borders of the skirt.

If you think having too much embroidery is much too gaudy or ostentious for your liking (today's brides seem to prefer a demure and elegant look), then you can limit your embroidery and stone work to the blouse piece, as seen in the above picture of the sea-green bridal lehnga.

Click here to view bridal lehnga designs that incorporate gold with other colors.

Wedding Saree Style | How to Pick Your Bridal Saree

How to Pick Your Bridal Saree

All little girls dream about their weddings, so the saying goes. Some girls even being planning their wedding at an early age, picking out their dream bridal saree or wedding lehnga. Others have a vague idea, but they are no less distinct when the day fast approaches.

The bridal saree is one of those more important items for that a bride has to pick. If you choose a saree that is not suitable for your complexion, you will not be as radiant looking as you should be on your wedding day.

This article focuses on the aspects that you will have to look out for when picking your bridal saree.

Bridal saris in South Asia (India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) are traditionally bright colored. This bright color is supposed to signify a sense of happiness and joy. The most preferred color is red, but other vibrant colors such as green, magenta, pink, dark blue, orange and gold are also picked. So while colors in the red family are usually preferred, the final choice of the color really depends on the bride. If you want to stand out at your wedding, then pick the color that will most suit you.



Darker complexioned brides should not pick a color that is dark such as dark reds or browns because such colors absorb light, and this has the effect of making you look drawn in. Instead pick colors that reflect light from your face - such as yellows, gold, or ivory colored sarees. You can look for sarees that are in the lighter shades, but have vibrantly colored borders, embroidery or stone work.






Brides who are fair complexioned should not wear light colored sarees as it will make their faces look washed out. Brides can go for something dark like violet, magenta or dark blues.

Gold colored sarees are universal, in that is suits the complexion of most brides.






The next aspect you should focus on is the work on the saree. How heavy do you want your saree to be? If the saree you pick has a lot of work on it, it will be heavier. Will you be comfortable wearing a heavy bridal saree?

Heavy bridal sari will have a lot of zari work and embroidery. Embroidery can be handmade embroidery. A lot of stones can be stuck on the sarees to make them brighter and give them that shiny look. The embroidery can be done heavily on the pallu and a little lesser on the insides. Bridal sarees are generally heavy and so you will find most of the saris have embroidery all over the saree.

The third aspect is the length of the bridal saree. If you want to elongate your look (presence) and appear taller, then opt for a longer saree, that will allow you to have more pleats. Bridal sarees are usually available in 6 meters, 6.5 meters and even 9 yards.

The fourth aspect you should consider is the type of material for the bridal saree. Silk sarees are expensive, but lovely. Silk sarees are not always light because the borders can be embroidered and have stone work. Some of the silk sarees have borders which are made from real gold threads. If you feel that such silk sarees are too heavy, or can’t be worn in a hot and huimd climate (if your wedding is in the summer) then you can opt for for chiffon or georgette materials.

Finally, if you do not find a suitable ready made sarees you like, you can engage a designer of your own! There are boutiques, showrooms and saree websites where you can get custom made bridal sarees. The selection process for all this is done in a very systematic way, and you can pick the amount of zardosi or stone work on your saree.

In summary, the aspects you will have to decide on when picking your bridal saree are: (1) picking a color based on your complexion and what you look best in, and not just what is in fashion (2) decide on how much zardosi, embroidery and stone work you want on you saree as having more will mean a heavier bridal saree (3) decide on the length of the bridal saree based on your height (4) and the type of material that you want.

Remember to pick a design that will suit your complexion and body structure. Pick a bridal saree that has contrast embroidery as that makes the saree stand out, and get get similar contrast embroidery done on your saree blouse.

Wedding Hairstyles | Fresh New Looks for an Indian Bride

Most Indian women wear their hair long - traditionally, Indian brides wear their hair in a braided plait, or in a bun, adorned with flowers and/or jewelry. Today, many Indian brides have the option of choosing from a variety of new wedding hairstyles. The new Indian wedding hairstyle looks have an emphasis on freshness and simplicity. Gone are the over-the-top wedding hairstyle looks that are gaudy or too elaborate. Take a look at the wedding hairstyles below to see what's hot today.



You have to be careful in choosing the a wedding hairstyle that will complement your wedding dress and your facial features. Therefore, it is best to discuss this with your hairstylist before hand, prefably with a trial styling session where you can actually see how you will look.

Some general hairstyle tips based on the shape of your face that you should keep in mind include:

1) If you have a long face and high cheekbones, then a wedding hairstyle in a high updo is best for you. Think of Audrey Hepburn. You can also keep your hair down if your want, in a sleek style. But it is best that you go for a style that gives your hair more width and volume. If you opt for a updo, then leaving some wisps of hair around the face will give you a soft look, as opposed to pulling all the hair back of your face.

2) For the diamond shaped face, you should add a bit of height on top, and fullness across the forehead, with the sides close to the head or behind the ears. You can flair out the hairdo below the chin, but-keep the hair close at the cheekbones.

3) The most complimentary hairdo for a heart shaped face is to have the hair full at the jaw line, with a center or slightly off-center part, with slanted bangs.

4) If you have a round face (defined as wide with a round hairline and round chin line), then it is best to create the illusion of length. You can do this by adding height on the top of the head, keeping the hair close at the sides. To complete the style with bangs brushed over to one side.

5) For the oblong face (that is, long and narrow with hollow cheeks), it is important to make the face appear shorter, and wider. Styling the hair close to the top of the head, and adding fullness at the sides. Fringe bangs will add a softness to the face, and add the elusion of width to the face.

6) Lucky if you have an oval face because you can wear any style! But if you have a large nose, then wear bangs, and make sure never to do a center parting.

Fresh New Wedding Updo Hairstyles


Soft (or messy) buns (as opposed to tight buns) have been popular for a while now, and are done in different variations of sizes. The advantage with these hairstyles is that they exude a soft and pretty look, and allow for creativity with flowers. Indian brides like to adorn their hair with flowers. Instead of sticking with jasmine flowers twirled around your hair as tradition calls for, why not experiment with different types of flowers? Use fresh orchids, roses or frangipanis as shown in the picture above.



To add glamour to your wedding bun hairstyle, you can use a tiaras or veils to complement the wedding hairstyle. The wedding hairstyle can include decorative beads and jewels that matches with the color scheme of the dress. Notice that the look emphasizes simplicity - the wedding hairstyle is not weighed down with too much jewelry adornments.



Here are a few more wedding hairstyles I found that I really liked. The one on the top left hand corner is my favourite - the bun is done with three parts of hair and placed low, against the nape. The lower left hand wedding updo hairstyle would truly suit most Indian brides dressed in glamorous ethnic wedding dresses, be it the saree or the lehnga. It is a style that has a presence of its own.

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