Creating Beautiful Flower Decor For Indian Weddings

Flowers are an integral part of Indian weddings, adding fragrance and beauty to the ceremonies. They are used in decorations, outfits, and hairstyles, and are also used to make perfumes. Indian brides often wear flowers in their hair instead of a veil or wrap a nosegay around their wrist. Flowers are also exchanged between the bride and groom in a ritual called jaimala or varmala, which is similar to the exchange of rings in a Western wedding ceremony.

The type of flowers used in Indian weddings varies, with traditional options including marigolds, jasmine, roses, and carnations. Marigolds are especially popular in Hindu weddings as they represent the sun and are associated with the ideal couple in Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Jasmine is considered good luck and is often worn by the bride in her hair, while roses are a common choice for Indian-American weddings.

In addition to these traditional options, contemporary Indian weddings may also feature flowers such as lilies, orchids, and sunflowers. The vibrant colours and fragrances of these flowers add a touch of dream-like allure to the wedding celebrations.

Using flowers in bridal hair, jewellery and accessories

Flowers are an integral part of an Indian bride's trousseau. They can be used to accessorise hairstyles and as jewellery for pre-wedding ceremonies like the haldi or mehendi. Flowers are also often incorporated into the wedding attire, gifts, backdrops, and decor. The colour of each flower signifies important attributes like luck, purity, love, life, and protection, which exemplify the bond between the couple and their families.

Bridal Hair

Flowers can be used to accessorise a variety of bridal hairstyles, from updos to half-updos and hair worn down. For a classic look, tuck a single flower into a chignon or high bun, or pin a few strands back and secure them with a bright, lush bloom. For a more bohemian style, opt for a flower crown or weave flowers into braids. You can also add flowers to a ponytail for a touch of femininity or pin a single flower behind your ear for a minimalist look. If you want to make a statement, go for an oversized flower crown in bold colours.

Bridal Jewellery and Accessories

Floral jewellery is a must for pre-wedding ceremonies like the haldi ceremony. You can find sets that include a maangtikka, necklace, earrings, and hathphool, often made with plastic pearls and artificial roses. For a more subtle nod to florals, opt for hand-embroidered jewellery that alludes to flowers without using real or artificial blooms. Floral jewellery can also be made with realistic-looking artificial flowers, like a mix of pinks, purples, and greens for a spring-time goddess look.

Choosing flowers for the mandap

The mandap is a central feature of Indian weddings, serving as the focal point of the ceremony and the place where the couple exchanges their vows. It is typically an oval-shaped or four-pillared structure adorned with flowers and decorated according to the chosen theme and colour scheme.

When choosing flowers for the mandap, it is essential to consider the colour scheme, the availability of the flowers, and their symbolic meaning. Here are some tips and suggestions for selecting the perfect blooms:

Colour Scheme

The colour scheme of the mandap flowers can be chosen to complement the bride's outfit, with colours like orange, pink, and red being popular choices. The colour red is considered auspicious in Indian weddings, so red roses are a common choice. The bride's family may also use rose petals to welcome the groom and his family.

Flower Availability

Ensure that the chosen flowers are in season and available in the required quantities. Discuss this with your decorator or wedding planner, who can guide you on the best options.

Symbolic Meaning

Different flowers carry different symbolic meanings, and you can choose ones that align with the themes of love, luck, purity, and protection. Marigolds, for example, are a popular choice as they symbolise joy, love, and grace. Roses are also a good option, especially for outdoor weddings, as they add elegance to the mandap. Other options include yellow genda flowers, which are commonly used for Mayoon functions, and jasmine, which is often paired with yellow flowers for Mehendi functions.

Regional Variations

The type of flowers used in the mandap can also vary depending on regional traditions. For example, Tamil wedding mandaps may use coconut leaves and vibrant textiles, while Assamese wedding mandaps feature banana leaves, mango leaves, and flowers.

Creative Freedom

Remember that you have the freedom to customise your mandap with flowers that hold personal significance for you and your partner. Feel free to incorporate your initials, names, heirlooms, or even photos into the design.

Flowers play a crucial role in Indian weddings, adding fragrance and beauty to the ceremonies. By choosing flowers that align with your colour scheme, symbolic meanings, and regional traditions, you can create a mandap that is not only visually stunning but also holds special significance for you and your guests.

Selecting flowers for the shamianas

Flowers are a key part of the decoration and ritual involved in an Indian wedding. The flowers chosen for the shamianas, the decorated tents used in wedding receptions, are typically bright shades of red, yellow, and orange. Red is considered a holy colour, symbolising purity, protection, and bravery.

When selecting flowers for the shamianas, it is important to consider the season, as the type of flowers used may vary. For a summer wedding, you could opt for sunflowers, gerbera daisies, and marigolds. Marigolds are very popular in Hindu weddings as they represent the sun, symbolising brightness and positive energy. They are also associated with Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, who are considered the ideal couple in Hindu mythology. If you are looking for a more fragrant flower, white jasmine is also commonly used in Indian weddings. Brides often wear jasmine in their hair, and in some traditions, the groom wears a veil of jasmine. Jasmine symbolises good luck, prosperity, and future success.

For a winter wedding, you may want to consider using roses, orchids, and tulips. Roses, particularly red roses, are common for Indian weddings. The bride's family may use rose petals to welcome the groom and his family, showering them on the family members and other guests.

Flowers for the varmala ceremony

Flowers are an integral part of Indian weddings, adding fragrance and beauty to the ceremonies. The Varmala ceremony, in particular, is a sacred ritual that adds a burst of colour to the wedding celebrations. During this ceremony, the bride and groom exchange floral garlands, known as "Varmala" or "Jaimala," as a symbol of their acceptance of each other and their willingness to marry.

The garlands are typically made of fresh, colourful flowers, intricately crafted to be visually appealing. While the choice of flowers can vary, roses, carnations, marigolds, and orchids are commonly used, with each flower holding a special meaning. For instance, jasmine symbolises purity, roses represent passion, and marigolds signify auspiciousness. The flowers are carefully selected and strung together, sometimes with additional decorative elements like beads or leaves, to create garlands that are not just ornamental but also emblematic of the beauty and purity of the couple's vows.

The Varmala ceremony is a joyous occasion, with cultural variations across different regions of India. In North India, it often takes a playful turn, with the bride and groom standing on pedestals and being lifted by their respective families, making the exchange of garlands a challenging task. In South India, the exchange is usually more subdued, while in West Bengal, the groom arrives on horseback, and the bride is carried by her brothers, accompanied by the ululation of the women present. In states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, the ceremony may include intricate floral arrangements, specific flowers with cultural significance, and traditional music and dance performances.

The Varmala ceremony is a celebration of love, tradition, and spirituality, where the exchange of garlands becomes a symbolic gesture of the couple's mutual acceptance and their first step towards a shared destiny.

Flowers for the dholki ceremony

Flowers are an integral part of Indian wedding decor, adding fragrance and beauty to the ceremonies. Here are some ideas for flower decorations for the Dholki ceremony:

Choose a Theme Colour

Yellow, orange, and green are commonly used colours for Dholki events. You can also use the combination of these colours or choose different colours as themes for each day of the festivities.

Garlands

Garlands are a popular choice for Dholki flower decorations. You can opt for easy-on-the-eyes pink garlands made from flowers such as pansies. Marigold garlands are also a popular choice for Indian weddings and are available in various colours, including orange, yellow, and red.

Centrepieces

Create elegant centrepieces with fresh or artificial flowers. You can use flowers such as roses, jasmine, and orchids to create stunning arrangements. Add candles, fairy lights, or hanging lanterns to enhance the overall effect.

Backdrops

Backdrops can be enhanced with flowers to create a beautiful photo opportunity. Use flowers that match your chosen theme colour, or opt for a contrast to make the backdrop stand out. Flowers can be combined with drapes, fairy lights, or neon signage for a stylish effect.

Seating Arrangements

For the Dholki ceremony, create comfortable seating arrangements with round cushions. Adorn the seating area with flowers that match the theme to create a cohesive look.

Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood for the Dholki ceremony. Use fairy lights, hanging lanterns, or string lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can also incorporate flowers into your lighting design by placing lights in real flowers or using flower-shaped lights.

Frequently asked questions