Chikankari motifs in mehendi
The jaali, keri and phool of Lucknow’s embroidery work just as well in henna. How we borrow them.
A bridal mehendi timeline, week by week
From the first enquiry to the morning after the mehendi, here is when each step should happen.
Three months before the wedding is when most of our winter brides first write to us. That is the time to share your dates, the number of functions and whether you want mehendi at home or in the studio. We hold the date for ₹500.
Three to six weeks before, come in for a trial. It lasts about an hour, on one hand, and costs ₹1,500, which is adjusted against your booking. You see how the henna stains on your skin, try two or three design ideas, and decide how far up the arm you want to go. If you want figures, this is when we take the photos we will draw from.
One week before, we confirm the design and the time. If you are having a facial, waxing or a scrub, do it before this point. Fresh treatments and mehendi on the same day do not mix well, and an oiled hand does not take the stain evenly.
The mehendi itself is best two days before the wedding. You will sit for five to seven hours, so wear something loose with short sleeves, eat a proper meal first and keep someone close to feed you tea. Plan the next morning slowly: scrape off the paste, keep your hands dry and let the colour deepen. On the wedding day, the stain will be at its darkest.
