30 Stunning Mehndi Ideas to Inspire Your Wedding Henna
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If you've ever been to an Indian, Moroccan, or Pakistani wedding ceremony, you've probably seen — or worn — mehndi. Many brides, both abroad and in the United States, wear these henna "tattoos" on their hands and feet for wedding celebrations; look closely and you might spot their loved one's name worked into the design. Many women work henna into their regular beauty routines, but it's certainly lovely for special occasions too. See 30 strikingly beautiful examples of this decorative art form now.
Getting Started
Mehndi begins as a henna paste that an artist applies. As it dries, it flakes off, revealing the orange-hued patterns on the skin below. Throughout the course of the wear, mehndi will darken before it begins to fade.
Mehndi Party
Brides have a mehndi party, usually the day before the wedding, where female relatives and friends get together to receive mehndi and get pampered a little.
Going Green
In Bangladesh, an artisan applies light green henna to a bride's hands.
Pretty Paisley
The patterns and swirls in many mehndi designs date back millennia.
Vine by Me
Although intricate lacework designs are popular, more organic designs like these curvilinear swirls are also a beautiful option.
High Contrast
Red henna'd hands resting on a beautiful yellow sari make for a lovely juxtaposition.
I Heart You
A gorgeous heart forms a continuous pattern between a bride's hands.
Combining Forces
In Somalia, a wedding guest wears a design made with a combination of red and black henna.
Flower Power
In Palestine, bridal mehndi has some interesting variations. Here, a bride has henna in the center of her hand with an actual flower secured on top.
Simply Pretty
Instead of baroque decoration, this bride chose a beautiful but simple foliated design.
Beauty in Diversity
Even among a single wedding party, the mehndi designs can vary widely.
Not Just For the Ladies
At Palestinian weddings, men may also henna their hands.
Bejeweled
Mehndi is lovely on its own, but most brides will accent it with plenty of bangles and rings.