Shawna of Maharani Weddings |
Traditionally, South Asian brides pictured themselves walking around the fire in an ornate all floral mandap. Today’s brides, however, are starting to think out of the box (literally!) and are creating mandaps that suit their personal style. Some are finding that simpler mandaps are more charming, while others want a unique space that characterizes them as a couple. Ultimately, CitySaheli wants to make sure our brides create a mandap that is right for them.
CitySaheli spoke with Shawna Gohel, from Maharani Weddings, to get expert tips on creating a personal mandap that will make an impact. Here is Shawna’s advice for our brides.
South Asian weddings are all about color. When choosing your Mandap, always keep your color scheme in mind. Whether you choose traditional colors like red and yellow, trendy colors like fuchsia and orange, or something totally unique, the way you translate this color choice into your mandap will set the stage for your ceremony – literally.
Also, your mandap doesn’t necessarily have to be covered from floor to ceiling in flowers to look elegant and full of life. A great way to make a statement with your mandap is to introduce some colored fabric like this one:
Image by Megan Stark Photography.
This is a favorite mandap at Maharani HQ because it infuses a fresh, modern, east meets west feel. There is nothing typical about it, and the vibrant turquoise fabric is to die for! For the complete wedding story click here.
Your mandap is only one part of your ceremony setting. The details around the mandap are pivotal to creating a complete look for your ceremony. Take a look at this one:
Images by Global Photography
We think that this is the perfect place to say “I do” because the chair swags and aisle runner pull this mandap together for a polished, and completely gorgeous look. For more ceremony ideas from this wedding, click here.
If you are a bride having an indoor ceremony, not to fret. Maharani has some great ideas for you. Hanging kalira, fabric, combined with florals pull together this awesome mandap:
Images by Global Photography
This mandap does a great job of maximizing budget. Instead of spreading the flowers around the mandap, they make a big, bold statement with the florals front and center. To see more of this mandap click here. If you style is more modern, and less traditional, a great idea is to substitute hanging candles for the kalira. Combined with an unexpected color like eggplant, you set the stage for a memorable mandap!
The key to making your mandap unique is y-o-u! Below are some questions to get the creative side of your mind going and to help you determine your personal style:
- Which furniture store more suits your style….Pottery Barn or Ligne Roset?
- What shape do you prefer….round or square?
- When decorating your home, what is your favorite color?
If you said Pottery Barn, Round, and picked a color other than white, you are definitely going to want a romantic style mandap. Think lush flowers, charming details, and traditional colors. If you said Ligne Roset, Square and white you are a modern bride who should look at clean mandaps with minimalist style.
Just remember, designing a mandap that suits you and your groom may take time, creativity and a little thinking outside the box!
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