photo: @mariams_mehndi_designs
Paisley Pattern: This pattern is designed after the popular ornamental teardrop motif.
Many women get henna designs during a holiday to Dubai, at a fair in Lagos or when they are about to get married (especially Muslim or Hindu brides). The Muslim and Hindu traditions believe that henna gives blessings, joy and luck amongst other positive attributes. It is believed that henna on the palms of a bride is an indication of her openness to receive good offerings and blessings. In India, it is called Mehendi and in Northern Nigeria, it is known as Lalle.
A henna party is hosted before the wedding where artists use a thick paste from dried henna leaves to create artistic patterns on the hands and feet of the bride, hers being more elaborate than bridesmaids or other members of the family. Some designs use other dyes instead of the henna leaf. Bridal Henna can take up to 6 hours depending on how elaborate the design is but during this time, the bride is given advice from the women in her family on how to proceed in marriage.
Here are eight beautiful henna body art ideas for brides:
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Floral Pattern: Flowers and weddings already go hand in hand so why not imprint some flowers in your palms?
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The Royal Architecture: This is meant to resemble a royal residence.
photo: @thehennaplace
Rings and Cuffs: This is a more modern henna design that looks like intricate jewellery. It gives a simpler look than more traditional henna.
photo: @lal_hatheli_london
Complementary designs: You can have different designs done on either arm, or on the back and front of one arm.
photo: @thehennaplace
The Single Mandala: The focus is on a large circle around which designs are drawn. Yes you can have henna on your back as well. You’re getting married; leave him a pleasant surprise that he’ll find on your wedding night.
photo: @thehennaplace
The Lace Glove: This design resembles a lace pattern and is one of the latest bridal designs. Looks beautiful as a henna bracelet or anklet.
photo: @hennabyalivia
Metallic: Ultramodern metallic henna isn’t made from the henna plant at all! Gold, silver and white body paints are used to create designs like henna.
Henna may last for up to four weeks without even fading for the first week. Did you know that henna artists incorporate the groom’s name into the bride’s henna? It’s definitely really beautiful and involves lots of work.
Is this something you would have the patience for?