The custom of applying mehandi or henna on our body has been prevalent since time immemorial. A rage in India and Middle Eastern countries, this ritual is the auspicious symbol of love, and marriage. As per tradition, it is believed by Indians that the deeper the color left by dried mehandi, the more loved is the bride. Hence this custom of painting with henna is important for every Indian woman about to get married. Especially popular is the painting of the hands and feet. In present times, the art of applying mehandi is not just a customary practice, but is also a style statement for a woman. A rich red in hue after it is washed the mehandi has become an integral part of any Indian wedding. Be it an intricate design, or something that is more of an understatement, there is always a motif that the catches the eye of the to-be bride. It is not easy to apply henna on your hands and feet, and there are professionals who are paid for painting these patterns. Whoever draws them, it is always the bride who has the last say. If you are about to get married, or are planning a grand wedding, here are awe-inspiring mehandi designs for you that are in fact quite simple to master.
1. This mehandi pattern displays mastery over the art, with clean lines making the design stand out. What makes this even more alluring is the group of little flowers on the foot. A perfect start to the perfect Indian wedding, isn’t it?
2. Another mehandi idea for the feet, this one’s a little more intricate. The design here employs the Indian style, used with a combination sharp geometric lines and the ever-popular ‘kalka’ motif. Finishing it off with miniature dots of henna on the toes adds a touch of elegance.
3. You could either stick to traditional black or red mehandi, or jazz up your wedding with a bit of color. The pops of green and silver in this otherwise conventional motif are sure to make heads turn, and help you stand out.
4. In case you’re going heavy on the jewelry, it might be a good idea to cut down the clutter on your palms. The pattern below screams out the old advice, “Keep it simple.” One large curve, decorated like a border on a sari, and a small semi-circle to accompany it, does the magic.
5. This one’s for those who want their henna to speak for itself. Though seemingly uncomplicated, this pretty embellishment adorns your wrist like no gold ornament could. Tasteful in its appearance, it’s the perfect design for those who wish to make a style statement at their wedding.
6. This is a perfect example of a classic Arabic mehandi design. What better way to dress up than flowers on your dainty palms? The little swishes in between the posies are enough to give the motif a sophisticated touch.
7. Another fine way to use mehandi paint instead of traditional henna. Less messy, and no less beautiful than the long-established mehandi, this pattern plays around not just with colour but also with stick-on ‘bindis’ to add the much-needed glitter.
8. Incorporating the classic peacock motif, this mehandi design is elegance at its best. Ornate with intricate details, this is an ideal way to spruce up your wedding outfit.
9. The picture shows how going a little unconventional can do you no harm. If you are free-spirited and want a more modern design on your delicate palms, this could be the perfect one.
10. What makes this a pretty picture on your hands, is the web of little four-cornered flowers on each finger. Add to that the inverted heart, and you have precisely the design that will make your groom ask your hand in marriage, a second time.
11. Another design that looks delicate, this uses fundamental geometric patterns to create a uniform, clean look on your svelte hands. Though it’s an absolute no-fuss look, it has the ability to steal millions of admirers.
12. Unpretentious in the way the mehandi has been applied, this motif gives the look and feel of wearing hanging embellishments on your feet. If this is your choice, staying away from a heavy anklet would be the best way to go.
13. What a statement this pattern makes! Exquisitely painted leaves that branch out ever so lightly from the back of your palms, is enough woo your forever-man. He will love your sense of style–modish, dignified, and understated.
14. This chic look may seem uncomplicated at the first glance, but the adornment has much more going on if you look closer. The gaps between each repetitive spiral and leaf are filled in with finesse using miniature blooms.
15. Peacocks and lotuses are common occurrences when it comes to wedding mehandi. But this flattering take on the traditional design ensures you look sassy, without looking too dressed up.
16. This little work of art is one of the finest examples of symmetry and balance. Just enough to make your feet look classy and not overdone, this motif should be your choice if you consider yourself to be chic.
17. Another example of the magic woven by balance and symmetry, this is not only beautiful, but also heart-warming, as the edges of your palm reveal your loving heart.
18. Waves and curls have always been a hot favorite with women, not just in the case of hairstyles, but also when it comes to mehandi, and this picture proves it. Incorporate a few flowers in between, and you have the classic Arabic style at your hand’s reach.
19. The fact that even basic geometrical elements like triangles, spirals, dots and lines can create such wonderful patterns is shown in this particular picture. Not at all difficult to draw this ultra-modern design, it’s eye-catching and highly attractive.
20. This temple design on your lissom feet would look so snazzy, that it is bound to make people worship your poise and beauty. All that it uses are dots and lines to create an elaborate pattern of flowers and domes.
21. This is a the perfect way to show that often the most popular way of applying mehandi, is to adorn a particular design on one hand, and a completely different one on the other. Though dissimilar, both patterns are married together in their style and elegance. Here, we see the depiction of a peacock on the right upper arm, while the other hand shows a bride and a groom. Though the palms are identical, the details everywhere else differ.
22. If you want to flaunt your slender palms, a simple, yet arresting motif would incorporate the classic Arabic elements, and make your hands the center of everyone’s attention at your wedding.
23. Yet another fundamental but pretty drawing on the hands, this is enticing and distinguished at the same time. You will have your friends asking you the secret behind those gorgeous palms.
24. Lines, lines, and more lines; here we see the use of lines in the most effective way possible to create a stunning look for your palms. Almost like a maze, this design is perfect to don on your big fat wedding.
25. If you want to express your deepest love for your groom-to-be, this could be the quintessential way to do so. What better way than to show him that you wear your heart on your sleeve? Or on your palms…or maybe both…
26. This is the easiest way to flaunt your henna, and probably the most effective method of doing so too. Thin lines, and clean design elements, are enough to wow everyone present at your wedding.
27. If you’re daring enough to think out of the box, you could try the same mehandi on your upper arm. This works best if you decide to wear a sleeveless blouse or kurta at your wedding.
28. Your sari or lehenga blouse may also allow you to stun those present at your wedding, with this exquisite bunch of flowers on your back.
29. Or this, if you’re ready to go all out and bare your back with your backless choli. This motif is so intricate and gorgeous that people might not notice that it’s a drawing.
30. If all else fails and you’re at a loss as to what design you want to don on your petite hands, you could always fall back on this one below. Simple, yet elegant, this mehandi design is the oldest that exists even today, and you could draw it even with your weaker hand.