Mehndi is henna, the plant paste that stains the skin a deep red-brown. The word also names the party where it is painted on the bride's hands and feet. Cambridge Dictionary defines it as making designs with henna "especially for someone's wedding day in Indian and Pakistani weddings".
In Urdu it is written مہندی and in Hindi मेहंदी. Say it "MEH-n-dee".
Which traditions use it
Mehndi crosses faiths. Merriam-Webster notes it is used "especially in Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh" ceremonies.
- Pakistani and Indian Muslim weddings: often two mehndi nights, one hosted by each side, with dancing, songs and a stage for the bride.
- Sikh and Punjabi weddings: the mehndi evening falls close to the wedding, and families may combine it with the jaggo or sangeet.
- Hindu weddings: the Hindu American Foundation lists the mehndi as one of the most common pre-wedding ceremonies, alongside the haldi.
- Bangladeshi weddings: the turmeric ceremony, gaye holud, is often the bigger pre-wedding event, with henna as part of it.
When it happens
Usually one to three days before the wedding. The bride's henna is often applied earlier in the day or the day before the party, because it needs hours to dry and darken. Guests often have smaller designs at the event itself, so book enough artist time for the queue as well as the bride.
Vendors involved
The mehndi artist is the key booking. Bridal designs can take several hours, and many artists also offer guest mehndi. You may also need a venue or marquee, a mehndi stage and decor, a DJ or dhol players, a caterer, a photographer, and hair and makeup. Use our questions to ask your mehndi artist sheet, read our mehndi night planning guide, and browse by city from locations.
Common spellings
Mehndi, mehendi, mendhi and mehandi are all used. Merriam-Webster traces the word to Hindi and ultimately Sanskrit. Some families simply say "henna night".
Planning tip. Book your mehndi artist early for peak wedding months, and agree the time the bridal design starts. Leave the henna on as long as the artist advises so the colour develops.
Questions
Usually one to three days before. The Hindu American Foundation describes it as a day or two before the wedding ceremony. Bridal henna needs time to darken, so avoid doing it the same morning.
Both are correct. Cambridge and Merriam-Webster list mehndi, and Merriam-Webster gives mehendi as a variant. Mehndi is more common in Pakistani and Punjabi usage; mehendi is common in Indian English.
Often, yes. Many families hold a separate mehndi for the groom's side, and some grooms have a small henna design on the palm.
Related terms: haldi · mayun · sangeet · dholki
Start planning Join the waitlist