The Mehendi ceremony is a big day for the bride as she is the centre of attention. Traditionally, it was held the day before the wedding so that she gets the chance to unwind and relax with her family and friends. It allows her to slow down and enjoy herself before taking on all the responsibilities of a married woman. Applying mehendi itself has a lot of cultural significance. Apart from its aesthetic look, the designs have deeper meaning. The motifs used stand for happiness, fertility, and good fortune. 

Mehendi is a greenish-brown paste made from the henna plant, and has been used for centuries in the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and the Middle East. In Hindu tradition, mehendi is a vital part of the Solah Shringar, or sixteen adornments associated with luck, joy, and beauty that a bride must have. Apart from its cultural and aesthetic purposes, mehendi is known to have cooling properties. So, applying it to the bride’s hands and feet is believed to soothe her nerves and reduce stress levels.

Over time, mehendi designs have grown in style and complexity. Brides hire professional mehendi artists who are reputed for their skill, technique, and aesthetics. Traditional Hindi Vedic mehendi designs feature fine lines and intricate patterns, while Indo-Arabic and Arabic designs are more geometric. The designs carry several meanings too. Popular motifs of lotus flowers and peacocks stand for inner strength and empowerment. Geometric and floral patterns symbolise beauty, harmony, and growth. Artists may also incorporate symbols of love, fertility, representations of Hindu deities, or even illustrations of the couple. 

The colour of the mehendi also carries some significance. In Hindu astrology, the maroonish-red colour of mehndi designs has the energy of Mars, the planet of desire, determination, and marital success. This goes along with the legend that the darker the colour of the bride’s mehendi, the more her partner loves her.

Since the Mehendi ceremony is normally held during the day and can go on for hours, the bride wears something comfortable and lightweight. A silk, net, georgette, or chiffon outfit is perfect for an airy but stylish look. She usually goes for something colourful in red, yellow, orange, or green. Red stands for love and passion, green signifies new beginnings, and yellow exudes joy and positivity. Her outfits can also feature colourful embroidery such as gotta patti, stonework, or zari. 

A traditional Mehendi outfit in a Karnataka wedding is a silk saree; however, modern Kannada brides have many options to choose from. A bright lehenga set with a sleeveless blouse is a popular choice so that the mehendi can be easily applied to her hands and feet.

She may also go for an Indo-Western look, such as a dhoti set, pre-draped saree, or Indowestern gown. Most grooms wear a stylish kurta, elevated with an embroidered Nehru Jacket or Bundi for the Mehendi ceremony. His outfit is often picked to complement the bride's attire, featuring vibrant colours and traditional embellishments. 

Guests attending a Mehendi party can wear semi-ethnic or ethnic attire. They are encouraged to embrace bright colours to enhance the festive ambience. Women have a wide range of options, including sarees, anarkali sets, ethnic dresses, or lehengas, while men can opt for suits, kurtas, or sherwanis.