Oliveaire Design Studio Showcase: Raghavan & Desai Event: University Club

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

The Modern Day Mandap: How to Personalize it

What do you imagine standing under while taking your vows to your future Husband/Pati?  Do you see crystals?  Or maybe flowing drapes with floral elements?  When it comes to the modern day Mandap, there is not a set of rules Indian brides are following anymore.  Sure you want to follow some of the traditions of the Mandap, like what it symbolizes for instance, but you also want to make sure it symbolizes who you are as a couple.  Maybe you want your wedding to be clean cut and extremely modern and go towards a crystallized Mandap.  Or you want a romantic and whimsical feel and want to go with a fabric Mandap.  The Mandap is one of the most important ingredients of every Indian wedding ceremony, so make sure the Mandap you choose fits who you are and the style you want to accomplish during your big day.

Decorating Your Mandap:

Cultural traditions are very important when it comes to decorating the Mandap.  Traditional Mandaps are usually made of wood, have four pillars, and are decorated using kalashes, garlands of mango leaves, coconuts and banana leaves.  Also, traditional colors in the past have been more in the red and yellow families.  But with today’s modern Indian bride, she tends to go a more modern route while incorporating traditional elements as well.  From past events we have worked on, Mandaps have come in every shape, size, color and material you can imagine.  The below photos show some examples of different types of Mandaps we have done in the past.  The photo on the left incorporates the traditional colors and shape of a Mandap but also has the floral and fabric elements that give it a modern twist.  The middle photo really shows how to turn a traditional Mandap into a classy and whimsical one that truly showed the bride’s personality.  The blue fabric is something we are seeing more and more of lately, and the addition of the flowers and chandelier truly make this Mandap one of a kind.  And last but not least, one of the most unique Mandaps we have had, is the last photo on the right.  From the use of just crystals, the up lighting, the three pillars and the shape, all make this Mandap different from the rest.  Today’s Indian brides are not afraid to make a bold and modern statement when it comes to the centerpiece of the ceremony, and all examples definitely look sensational.        

The Mandap is a sacred place where all the rituals take place and is where the couple takes a vow to be together as one.  When it comes to choosing the style of Mandap you would like, make sure to choose carefully and make sure it is exactly what you would like.  The Mandap is in the center of all the activities on your special day, so remember to have it represent who you are as a couple and the love you have for one another.  Just most importantly remember there are no limits when it comes to decorating your Mandap, be as modern and out there or be as traditional and conservative as you would like, after all it’s your big day.  

Bridal Bliss for Now (BBFN),

Olivia   

Mandaps

A Mandap is sacred tent used in Hindu wedding ceremonies. Mandaps come in a wide variety of sizes and designs ranging from traditional to contemporary and can be custom-created to suit style, taste, décor, theme, and budget. Finding your dream Mandap is easily possible by exploring all of your options. The best way to start is to talk to several different companies and visit their showrooms to see if you like their work. Many companies have online portfolios that can be found through the help of a search engine. Talk to the decorators and tell them what you have in mind. If you are unsure, they will be able to help you make the right decision, one that will suit your taste and budget. A good decorator will work with you to find the right type of product to match your theme and wedding décor.

For many modern couples the Mandap is a fashion statement in itself, and a very integral part of the wedding decorations. However, traditionally, the Mandap is the focal point of the Hindu wedding, where the ceremony is conducted around the sacred fire. The four pillars of the structure represent the Vedas and each stand for Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. They also represent the four parents of the couple. Mandaps have greatly evolved over the years, and are nowadays also used by Muslims and Sikhs. A Mandap is the focal point of the wedding, and creates a sacred and decorative atmosphere for the couple to exchange their vows. Whether the Mandap holds religious or artistic significance for you, it will serve as the central spotlight during your wedding.


Traditional Mandap designs include colored paintwork, mirror work and the use of fabrics. Contemporary designs combine western elements and designs. Popular designs include the round top, chandeliers, wooden carved Mandaps, roman pillars, iron domes, fresh flowers, and the use of ornate drapes. A Mandap should be as unique as the couple it is for. It should reflect their individuality and allow them to express themselves. Mandaps are accented with plants, flowers, candles, backdrops, lighting, statues, water fountains, and several other accessories. A good wedding decorator will go out of their way in order to ensure that the Mandap not only suits the couple, but coordinates all the accessories with the wedding theme and colors.


A typical price range for Mandaps is between $1,000 and $3,000. Any additional decorations and set-ups will accrue additional charges. The company should provide you with a sales contract that will state you requirements, and your exact price, including the amount of your initial deposit. The Mandap decorators will also have to visit your venue in order to ensure that the Mandap you have selected is the right size for the area. Variations will depend on whether or not the Mandap will be on a stage or not, and also the size of the room itself. A Mandap that is too big in a small room will yield incorrect proportions and be overpowering.


Mandaps require at least two hours to set-up. Additional decorations and flowers will need longer. Above all, finding the perfect Mandap should be creative and enjoyable, not only for you but should also involve the help of your fiancé, and friends and family members. Combined with the knowledge of the decorator, advice from friends and family, and your own imagination, you can have your dream Mandap, a memorable place for you to begin your new life as a couple.