Royal Mehndi Designs

Royal Mehndi Designs: Background and Style

Royal mehndi draws on motifs from Mughal art and architecture, such as domes, arches and formal floral panels. Designs often show a bride and groom, a palanquin (doli) or elephants in a wedding procession. The style uses dense coverage and is mainly chosen for bridal mehndi. Arched window frames, known as jharokha, are often used to frame the figures.

Common motifs

• domes and arches
• bride and groom portraits
• palanquin (doli)
• elephants
• formal floral panels
• jharokha frames

Application tips

• Sketch the main figures first and build the borders around them.
• Book an experienced artist for portrait work; faces are the hardest part of this style.
• Allow several hours for both hands and feet.