One of the most vital pre-wedding rituals in Indian weddings is the mehndi ceremony. The smell of henna, the excitement of the bride-to-be and the beaming smiles of the girl’s family- this positive and heartwarming atmosphere is what makes a mehndi ceremony so special.

With so many pretty Mehndi designs available, picking one becomes a tough choice. But don’t worry cause we’ve got your back! We’ve curated a list of the top 10 bridal mehndi designs tried and loved by all. Let’s dive into it. Shall we?

Table Of Contents

• Top 10 Best Bridal Mehndi Designs
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Top 10 Best Bridal Mehndi Designs

1. The full hand mehndi design- the traditional way!

From the tip of the fingers up to the forearm- this mehndi design is an age-old form. It can have deep intricate patterns, designs related to Indian culture and pretty floral patterns too. With multiple trends setting in, spicing up this simple design with semi-precious stones and opting for a shimmery mehndi paste instead, is a go-to option for most young Indian brides.

2. The peacock mehndi design- an epitome of beauty.

The national bird of India, the peacock, is known for its grace and beauty. The peacock design is a significant bridal design as it consists of domes, arches, peacock feathers and even multiple floral prints. This eye-grabbing design has gained popularity and the love of many brides. We hope it gains your love too!

3. The elephant mehndi design- a royal design for a royal celebration.

Elephants symbolize prosperity and good luck. So what better mehndi design for a bride-to-be than the royal elephant? A set of unique floral designs coupled with leaf motifs, make this elephant design all the more exquisite and eye-catching. Most of the time in such a design, one hand containing the design of an elephant is dedicated to the groom. While the other is dedicated to the bride herself. Give this design a shot! It won’t disappoint.

4. Lotus mehndi design- simple yet elegant.

The love for mehndi and the charming aesthetics of lotuses have birthed the famous lotus mehndi design. Designs containing gods and an abundance of lotuses, a fusion of geometric and lotus designs as well as lotus-themed mandalas, have taken this simple design to the next level. This traditional and classic look has been given an edge by fusing it with trendy modern designs. From the bride-to-be to the bridesmaid and the girl’s family, this breathtaking design is loved and chosen by all.

5. The Rajasthani way- a popular design for weddings & other auspicious events.

The best mehndi in India comes from Rajasthan. This design consists of religious symbols, motifs, peacocks and paisleys. Inspired by the Rajasthani culture, this mehndi design is not only popular during weddings but also during other auspicious events. Many mehndi artists and brides opt for a mix of traditional and contemporary designs to give it a different look. Fusing full hand Rajasthani mehndi design with Arabic or Pakistani mehndi design is slowly gaining popularity.

6. The half and half mehndi design- a modern touch for a modern bride.

In this design, both hands come together to depict a heart or a complete image on the palms. The intricate detailing that consists of lotus motifs, bold strokes and circular floral patterns make this eye-grabbing design a beautiful and elegant one. These designs sometimes reach the elbows and are filled with tiny flowers, leaves, peacocks and semi-circles.

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7. The Khafif design- bringing intricacy to a whole new level.

The Khafif mehndi design gives out an ornamental appeal. Most brides tend to opt for this design on their fingers or neck. Known for its intricacy, this design focuses on pretty little motifs and the detailing of each of them. What makes Khafif designs stand out is the symmetry. From swirls, floral elements, and contemporary patterns, many Indian brides have taken fancy to this beautiful design.

8. The diamond mehndi design- a bride’s favourite.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. So naturally, the diamond mehndi design is a popular choice for brides nowadays. Usually in this pattern, a diamond is drawn on the center of the hand and circular motifs surround it. Double linings and strokes can be added to the diamond to make it look grander. Just like a diamond, a bride shines with this beautiful design.

9. The mandala- a design that looks oh-so-stunning!

A mandala is a geometric design representing deities in various heavenly worlds. In this henna design, concentric circles are drawn and accompanied by flowers and motifs. A mandala can also be paired up with a diamond design to make it look more beautiful and elegant. If you’re one who loves dainty patterns, this design is your best option.

10. The Pakistani mehndi design- an artwork of popular demand.

A range of similarities lie between Pakistani and Indian mehndi designs. The Pakistani designs include more flowers, leaves, mosques and dome patterns. Whereas in the Indian design, many Hindu elements are seen like the bride, groom, gods and goddesses. Most brides opt for this design for its simple and elegant nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Mehndi important to an Indian bride?

As Mehndi represents the bond of holy matrimony, it is widely considered a shagun-  a symbol of good luck. It mainly signifies the love a couple and their families share. The mehndi ceremony is usually held a day or two before the marriage to wish the bride-to-be happiness, health and prosperity as she begins a new journey. Looking into the medical aspects of mehndi, this cool soothing paste releases any stress the bride faces before her big day.

2. Is mehndi applied only during weddings?

This is a common misconception many foreigners, as well as Indians, have. No! Mehdni is not only applied during a wedding ceremony. Women all over India keep a day aside for getting their hands painted with beautiful mehndi designs for festivals like Karva Chauth, Vat Purnima, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Navraathri, Durga Pooja, Eid and Teej.

3. What does the colour of the Mehndi signify?

There are many beliefs signifying the colour of Mehndi. A few of them are:

• The darker the colour, the deeper the connection between the bride and groom.
• The mehndi colour signifies the relation between the bride and the mother-in-law.
• The longer the colour of the mehndi stays, the more promising it is for newlyweds.

But are these facts or myths? Guess we’ll never know!

4. What are things to consider for a bridal mehndi ceremony?

Every bride is excited for her mehndi ceremony. But it can be a bit nerve-wracking to choose the right artist, design and quality of mehndi for the ceremony.

• The first thing to take into consideration is picking the right mehndi artist for your special day. Research is key. Get onto Instagram, their website and discuss with them their style. Make sure it aligns with your needs.
• The quality of mehndi is extremely important. It’s advisable to try test patches a few months before with multiple mehndi artists. This helps you to be prepared and avoids unnecessary surprises and heartbreaks. It’s also important to keep in mind that some types of mehndi can lead to an allergic reaction. We wouldn’t want that now on our special day, would we?

5. What keeps a mehndi from fading?

A popular question among brides and even women who apply mehndi for other auspicious events. The beautiful look and feel of mehndi on your hands and feet make you wish it looked like that forever. Although we can’t promise you it will look that good for days, we do have a few tips for you to preserve it for the longest time possible.

Tip 1: Don’t touch the design till it sets!

We know you’re eager to touch the design and see how it feels. But don’t! Let it rest for at least about half an hour and ensure it doesn’t come in contact with your clothes, hair or other factors.

Tip 2: Apply sugar and lemon juice.

Coat the mehndi design with a mixture of sugar and lemon juice after it’s completely dry. This helps moisturize the henna and most importantly, the acidity of the lemon highlights the colour of it.

Tip 3: Wash the design gently.

Exfoliation tends to fade the henna. So make sure to avoid rough washing and friction from clothes for the henna to last longer. The less you touch the design, the better for you.

Conclusion:

The sky's the limit when it comes to picking out a mehndi design for your wedding. Brides and mehndi artists are constantly coming up with new and beautiful designs as years go by. We sincerely hope this list helps you choose a design that enhances your beauty on your special day. We would love to hear from you about your mehndi ceremony and the designs you picked out. Drop-in your lovely stories in the comments below.