Indian Wedding Mandaps

 In Hindu tradition, a mandap is a structure either permanent or temporary built with pillars. In particular, the mandap serves as the altar for Indian weddings and numerous other events. In general, the mandap is decorated with beautiful floral designs and bells that serve the purpose of the stage on which guests can witness the wedding. 

The four pillars of a mandap resemble the four parents who worked hard throughout their life to raise their children. The mandap is an integral segment of the Hindu wedding ceremony. It is believed to be sacred and a symbol of love. There is no wonder that a lot of time is required to decorate a mandap. You have to go through several steps that will eventually narrow down your choices. This article will highlight the mandap styles for Indian weddings.

When it comes to Indian wedding mandaps, the shape, style, and decoration of the mandap mesmerize the invitees. These days, wedding planners are not hesitating to come up with new improvised designs. This has turned out to be great. Below mentioned a few things that you need to consider before the announcement of the wedding event.

Location –

It is necessary to determine if the wedding will take place indoors or outdoors. In case, you are having an indoor Indian wedding, then there are certain things that you need to consider -

1. Weather Condition –

Will it be a sunny day or cloudy/rainy, based on that you have to decide where to have the setup? 

2. Privacy – 

Make sure that no outside enters the event. This will disturb the environment. 

3. Lighting –

Lighting up the mandap and stage is essential. Check out if the venues let you continue the baraat through the venue to the ceremony space, if you have the permission then that would be awesome. But, check out as not all venues allow a flame indoors.

4. Re-use the same space –

At some venues, you have to conduct multiple ceremonies in the same space, most couples don’t like that and prefer to have different locations for their events. So, it is advised to check in advance, if the venue has different locations or if you have to settle with that. You can also give the event managers enough time to change the look and feel of the set-up, this way you can have a fresh start.

Outdoor Considerations –

What will happen if more colors will be added to the fresh air? It will just get awesome, this is what will happen to the event. When other events are taking place inside, it is better to have the wedding outdoors. Yes, there is a possible threat with the weather but your event manager need to be flexible with the planning. Along with that, you should also arrange a canopy over the guest seating area.· 

Type of Structure –

In general, there are two different ways to build a mandap.

(I) Pre-existing gazebo present at the wedding venue

(II) Custom-made temporary stage.

Gazebo vs. Custom Considerations –

(I) Custom-made mandaps are designed as per your preferences, whereas in the case of gazebos you are left with no choices as the core structure remains the same.

(II) If you want to build a custom mandap then you have to work closely with the designer and decorator. This is to ensure that there is enough set-up time before the wedding.

(III) Gazebos are sturdier, you don’t need to worry about strong blows, it will stand still unlike custom-made structures. 

Currently, most venues are turning in for pre-built gazebos as it gives a well-to-do built, strength, and potential structure to the place. When it comes to a structure-less ceremony, it will have the necessary furniture but not a well-built Indian mandap. You can call it an ultra-modern style approach that provides unobstructed views for guests.· 

Shapes –

The ultra-modern style is not just attractive for Indian weddings but also rules the likes of wedding cinematographers and photographers. This is because there are no pillars to obstruct their shooting. In Hindu tradition, you might have noticed four structural pillars but here there is no such thing present. 

About Caroline Andrew Bella –

Founded in 2007, our design firm has been recognized as one of the leading South Asian Wedding Designers and Decorators of the Carolinas. We have served both North and South Carolina over the years and have been proudly recognized and covered by numerous publications, websites, and groups. If you want more information regarding wedding mandaps then you can get in touch with our marketing team.