Everything You Need to Know About the Mehndi Party

The Mehndi party is one of the most festive and exciting celebrations in a South Asian wedding. People often picture a Mehndi party similar to a Bollywood movie scene with choreographed dancing, bright colorful dresses, and bhangra music. If that’s what you imagined as well, you wouldn’t be wrong, but there is so much more to know about this tradition.

We spoke with experts Fariha Ahmed and Ayman Saeed to dive deeper into the Mehndi party and share tips for planning a memorable event.

The History and Meaning of the Mehndi Party

Mehndi, also known as henna, is a dye made from Lawsonia inermis, the henna plant. Due to its natural cooling properties, people from warmer climates including the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and the Middle East, have been using henna paste to help control their body temperature for centuries. According to Ahmed, mehndi also has medicinal properties: The cooling provides relief from stress, fever, and headaches, so it’s said to calm the bride’s nerves when applied to their hands and feet.

For thousands of years, mehndi has been used as a form of body art. This is why the Mehndi party is often held the day before the wedding—to beautify and bless the bride before their big day. In the Hindu tradition, mehndi is part of the Solah Shringar, or sixteen bridal adornments, which is a ritual for the beautification of the bride from head to toe at the time of their wedding. Mehndi is also encouraged in the Muslim tradition as a hair dye or to beautify their hands.

Traditionally, it’s said that the darker the stain of the mehndi, the more love the bride will receive from their partner and in-laws. Brides were also told that they shouldn’t do any housework for as long as the stain lasts, which according to Ahmed’s experience, can be up to two to three weeks if natural henna is used.

What to Expect at a Mehndi Party

When you attend a Mehndi party, get ready for a night of fun with lots of food, music, and dancing. Traditionally, the bride would have intricate henna patterns applied to their hands and feet during the event. In modern times, the bride often opts to have a henna artist come to her home before the actual Mehndi party.

The event often starts with over-the-top entrances, one for each party in the marriage. Guests feed the soon-to-be couple all types of sweets and in some traditions, charity is given on behalf of the couple to protect them from the evil eye and bless their marriage.

Guests can also expect choreographed dance performances that may have been rehearsed for months. The dances are a form of friendly competition between both sides of the family. Women often sit on the ground in front of the couple singing songs and playing the dhol (a type of drum) surrounded by colorful throw pillows and festive décor.

Mehndi Party FAQs

Who hosts the Mehndi party?

Traditionally, the bride’s side hosts the event because it was often an event for the bride themselves. Even though the groom’s side is traditionally more involved in modern Mehndi parties, it is still hosted by the bride's parents.

What should I wear?

The Mehndi party is often all about bright colors and hues of green, orange, yellow, and pink. The bride may have bridesmaids, sisters, or family wear a particular color so it is easy to see which side of the family you belong to. Women wear lenghas, saris, or salwar kameez in bright colors with lots of jewelry and bangles. Male relatives will often wear salwar kameez with the same colored shawl to show which side they represent. Of course, you should wear an outfit that is consistent with your gender identity.

Do I need to bring a gift?

Absolutely not! Gifts are given at the wedding. The Mehndi party is about wishing the bride well and blessing their marriage – that is the ultimate gift. It’s likely that guests will leave with favors like sweets, bangles, or even henna cones.

How long does it take to apply the mehndi?

For the bride, the process can take anywhere from two to six hours depending on how intricate the design is and how much mehndi the bride wants to be done. “Most brides do both sides of their hands up to their mid-forearm and both feet up to their ankles, but sometimes the bride may want designs all the way up to her elbows and knees, which can take much longer,” says Ahmed. “But we talk a lot during the process so the bride doesn’t get bored and take breaks as well.” For guests who want simple designs, each side of a hand can take five to 10 minutes.

How to Plan a Mehndi Party

Saeed shares some expert tips to plan a fun and seamless Mehndi party.

Select the venue.

According to Saeed, The Mehndi party usually has a smaller guest list, so decide the number of guests and pick your venue accordingly. It's also important to confirm the floor plan to ensure there is enough room for dances.

Decide on décor.

The Mehndi party is all about bright colors and being as creative as you want. Saeed always reminds her brides to choose colors that contrast their dresses, that way they stand out instead of getting lost in the decorations. Make sure to include a stage where the newlyweds will sit and use a swing for their seating, if possible. You can use bangles, colorful umbrellas, decorative pillows, and even bright fabrics.

It's all about the music.

This might be one of the most important aspects of the Mehndi party. Make sure you have a playlist ready with hype songs that people can dance to. Hiring a DJ is a good idea, but if you opt to have your own sound system, put someone in charge who can handle the music on the day of the event.

In terms of the dances, make sure your family and friends have their dances prepared. Don’t forget to introduce the dancers before each dance and leave time at the end of the party for an open dance floor.

Don't forget about the food.

No event is complete without dinner, but keep it simple and offer just a few options so guests can keep dancing. Saeed always confirms if the venue allows outside catering since most people prefer to bring in traditional Hindu dishes.

Stay on schedule.

Time the newlyweds entrances, when food will be served, and when dancing will start. Realistically, every South Asian event runs late, but it’s good to have set times to aim for so you’re not too behind.