At the center of every Hindu wedding is the ‘mandap’ or wedding canopy- a four pillared structure under which the bride and groom exchange their vows. It is in this sacred sanctuary that the ceremony takes place along with the auspicious wedding fire. The four pillars are said to represent the four goals of a Hindu life as well as the four parents giving their blessings to the bride and groom.
Photo Credit: IN Photos Inc., Mandap Design: Suhaag Garden Inc.
For this reason, selecting the wedding mandap is an important part of planning a South Asian Hindu wedding. Over the years, the wedding mandap has progressed from a ‘cookie cutter’ wedding decoration to one in which the couple can express their own unique ideas and truly make a statement! There are so many different styles of mandaps, from round to square, from crystal to floral, that the options can be quite overwhelming!
Here are some tips for selecting a mandap for your Hindu wedding ceremony:
1) Have an idea of what you want: Before you meet with the person who will be designing your mandap, make sure you have a clear idea of what you would like. Print out pictures from the internet if possible. They can then add to your ideas to customize it for you. Your meeting will be much more efficient and effective this way.
2) Keep some contrast: While most brides try to match the mandap colors with their wedding dress, make sure there is enough contrast in the mandap so you don’t ‘blend in’ and become part of the background! Remember, you want to stand out!
3) Do your research: A lot of companies have sample mandaps in their warehouse/showroom. Definitely make the trip to see them so you know what fabrics and materials they use. Also, ask around and research the person/company you are using for reliability. The last thing you want is an unfinished mandap as guests enter!
4) Save on flowers: Remember, mandap floral arrangements can get expensive. You want to pick flowers that can be reused in your reception centerpieces. With a change in lighting, the flowers look completely different and your wallet stays the same.
While there are so many mandap ideas on the internet, the acrylic mandap is my absolute favorite! It looks classy, elegant and trendy. Check out these absolutely gorgeous pictures below!
Photo Credit: Smitten Photos, Mandap Design: Suhaag Garden Inc.
Photo Credit: Novel Photography, Mandap Design: Suhaag Garden Inc.
Photo Credit: Novel Photography, Mandap Design: Suhaag Garden Inc.
Guestbook Ideas that Keep On Giving
For anyone who doesn’t really see the need for a book of guest signatures after the big day, check out some of my favorite alternative guestbook ideas, which you will actually use when all is said and done.
My favorite, and what I used, is a coffee table book filled with pictures of us throughout the years. I used My Publisher, which was easy, fun, and came out beautifully. Anyone with a computer can create their own personalized book – I just left every other page blank for guests to sign, and now I have a memento of our day, which I’ll actually look at again and again. Mixbook is another great option for picture books.
Photo Credit: My Publisher
Or if you want to create a photo guestbook, but would rather fill it with photos of your guests rather than the two of you, enter Adesso Albums. If you order their starter kit, you get an empty guestbook in your choice of 8 colors, a rented Polaroid camera, and film, so guests can snap their own pictures at your event and add them to the book along with their well wishes. You can even personalize the album, order a protective slip case, and buy framed instructions so there is no confusion for guests.
Photo Credit: Adesso Albums
Photo Credit: Adesso Albums
Staying with the photo theme, you can also create an engravable photo mat, tray or platter – all of which will get lots of use in your new home and will be a constant reminder of the love you shared with your spouse, family and friends on that special day. Check out I Do Engravables for some fun options.
Photo Credit: I Do Engravables
Or how about a photo quilt? The You Nique Boutique offers 9 different colors, 5 different photo configurations, 3 photo treatment options (color, black & white, sepia), an optional inscription, and up to 4 fabric markers to display with the quilt at your wedding. Just upload your pics to their website, send them a disc, or mail originals and they’ll take care of the rest.
Photo Credit: The You Nique Boutique
Another unique idea I found is from the Guestbook Store. You buy an album page for each guest, which can be left at their seat on top of their place setting, and at the end of the night, you’ll not only have a book full of notes from your family and friends, but also some additional information like where they traveled from and how they know you.
Photo Credit: Guest Book Store
Wedding guestbooks are meant to be a special reminder of your special day, so get those creative juices flowing and let your book reflect your unique personalities – your guests will appreciate the change of pace and you’ll be thankful to have more than just a few John Hancocks after the day is through.