Designing A Wedding Palki: A Step-By-Step Guide

A palki is a bridal carriage that the bride sits in and is carried to the groom by her brothers. It is also known as a doli or palanquin. The palki is used to bring the bride to the wedding stage and is often decorated with plush pillows, flowing silk materials, and fresh flowers. It can be made from metal, wood, fabric, or other materials, and can be open or enclosed. The traditional style is usually gold, but modern designs can vary in colour and material.

Palki decoration ideas: white pearls and floral palki, royal affair, fairytale beauty, enclosed design, Kashmiri design

White Pearls and Floral Palki

This palki decoration is perfect for highlighting the bride's radiant appearance. Soft-coloured flowers are elegantly placed on the borders of the palanquins, accentuating the white layout and pearls. Crystals can be added for a more stunning effect. This elegant white arrangement draws attention to the bride's overall look, making her feel like a star.

Royal Affair

Traditional royal palanquins featuring sophisticated designs and imperial motifs are an all-time favourite. Choose from gold, bronze, or a combination of both to draw attention to the intricate design. Surround the entrance path with rows of flowers or a plain red or gold cloth to match the venue's décor. This style is perfect for brides who want to feel like royalty on their special day.

Fairytale Beauty

This half-open palki design is perfect for contemporary brides who want to showcase their modern lehengas. The fairytale theme of this palki decoration draws attention to the bride, making her feel like a dream come true.

Enclosed Design

The enclosed palki design creates a sense of mystery, making the bride's entrance even more grand. Surrounded by net sheets and strings of genda phool, this palki gives only a slight glimpse of the bride, building anticipation among the guests and the groom.

Kashmiri Design

The Kashmiri-style palki is a rich-looking, boathouse-styled design that will leave your guests jaw-dropped. With a covered top and open sides, this design provides a clear view of the bride while also allowing her to observe the hustle and bustle around her. Make a majestic and exclusive entrance with this unique palki style.

Palki materials: metal, wood, fabric, fibre, glass, FRP, bronze, gold

Palkis are bridal carriages used in traditional Indian weddings, where the bride is carried to the groom by her brothers or other male relatives. They are available in various designs and can be customised to match the style and colour of the bridal dress and the overall theme of the wedding.

Metal

Palkis can be made with a metal structure and adorned with gold or bronze details. Metal arches or canopies can also be used to surround the bride as she is carried into the wedding venue.

Wood

Wood is a traditional material for building palkis. It can be carved with intricate designs and painted in various colours, such as gold or copper.

Fabric

Fabrics such as silk, velvet, and lace can be used to decorate the palki. Colourful fabrics can be draped over the structure, and plush pillows can be added for comfort. Fresh flowers, such as jasmine garlands, can also be used to adorn the fabric coverings.

Fibre

Fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) is a versatile material that can be used to create a strong, lightweight, and durable palki. FRP is made by combining glass fibres with a plastic matrix, typically using thermosetting resins such as epoxy or polyester. This composite material is robust and can be moulded into various shapes, making it ideal for creating unique palki designs.

Glass

Glass fibres are commonly used in FRP to reinforce the plastic matrix. However, decorative glass elements can also be incorporated into the palki design. For example, glass beads or crystals can be added to the fabric decorations to enhance the overall appearance.

FRP

As mentioned earlier, FRP is a composite material made of fibre and plastic. It is strong, lightweight, and durable, making it a suitable material for palki construction. FRP palkis can be customised with various colours and designs while maintaining their structural integrity.

Bronze

Bronze is a metallic alloy that can be used for palki structures or decorative details. It has a rich, golden colour that can add a royal touch to the bridal carriage.

Gold

Gold is a popular colour choice for palkis, as it is associated with royalty and elegance. The palki can be painted gold or adorned with gold-coloured fabrics and decorations. Gold details can also be added to the structure, such as carvings or fixtures, to create a luxurious and sophisticated look.

Palki colours: white, red, golden, multicolour, copper, green, peach, pink, black, grey, brown

The palki is a palanquin or sedan chair used to carry the bride to the wedding stage and is often decorated with plush pillows, flowing silk and fresh flowers. It can be customised to match the style and colour of the bride's dress and the overall theme of the wedding.

White

A white palki would be a fitting choice for a classic, elegant and timeless wedding. It can be combined with a range of colours, including pastel shades for a subtle, soft and feminine look, or bolder colours for a more dramatic effect.

Red

Red is a popular colour for wedding dolis and palkis, symbolising that the bride is leaving her home. A red palki with golden details can be a majestic choice, while a combination of red, gold and rust is perfect for an upscale city wedding.

Golden

Golden palkis are widely available and can be made from wood, metal, fibre or FRP. This colour is often combined with red, but can also be paired with other colours such as white, blue, green, pink, brown or black for a regal look.

Multicolour

A multicoloured palki can be a unique and eye-catching choice. It can be made from wood, metal, fibre or a combination of materials. This option allows for creativity and customisation, incorporating the wedding theme colours.

Copper

Copper is an enchanting metallic hue that is becoming increasingly popular for weddings. It pairs well with peach, blush and indigo blue, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere.

Green

Green is a versatile colour that can be used for a wedding palki, with shades ranging from sage to hunter green. It can be combined with other colours such as cream, gold, blue, pink, brown or even bolder shades like raspberry, for a vibrant and saturated look.

Peach

Peach is a timeless and classic wedding colour, providing an elegant and balanced look for any season. It can be combined with a range of colours, including green, blue, gold, white, coral, turquoise or grey, to create a romantic and vintage-inspired atmosphere.

Pink

A pink palki can be a fun and cheerful choice for a summer wedding. It can be combined with other colours such as green, blue, gold, or softer neutrals for a romantic and elegant look.

Black

Black is an unconventional choice for a wedding palki but can be paired with unexpected colours like blush and midnight blue for a bold and contemporary look. It is also a sophisticated option for an upscale city wedding when combined with colours like hunter green, cream and gold.

Grey

Grey is a versatile colour that can be used as an accent or as the main hue in a wedding colour palette. It pairs well with peach, creating an elegant and modern look, or with bolder colours like raspberry to add subtlety to a vibrant palette.

Brown

Brown is a warm and rustic colour that can be used for a wedding palki, especially for autumn-themed weddings. It combines well with neutrals like taupe, grey and cream, as well as bolder colours like burnt orange, red and plum.

Palki styles: hooded, modern, traditional, minimalist, antique, chic, royal, fairy tale, unique, Kashmiri, on wheels

A palki is a covered sedan chair, or bridal carriage, carried on two poles. It is traditionally used to carry brides at Indian weddings. Here are some style ideas for a palki:

Hooded

For a shy bride, a hooded palki with gold detailing will complement a deep red outfit.

Modern

Modern brides can opt for a simple yet sleek palki design. An overarching silhouette covered in pink fabric and accented with pink flowers creates an enchanting, royal look.

Traditional

Traditional palkis are usually gold with intricate carvings and designs along the sides and the arch. Add lace detailing and strings of jasmine flowers for a graceful look.

Minimalist

For modern minimalism, a sleek palki with gold fixtures and carvings can be paired with a red cushion for an elegant and simple look.

Antique

Antique palkis are made of wood and decorated with fine stones and brass fittings.

Chic

A chic palki features white pearls and soft-coloured flowers elegantly placed on the borders, with the option to add crystals for a more stunning appearance.

Royal

A royal palki features sophisticated designs and imperial motifs in gold, bronze, or a combination of both. Surround the entrance path with rows of flowers or a plain red or gold cloth to match the venue decor.

Fairy Tale

A fairy-tale palki is decorated in a half-open design with a contemporary, fairytale theme. This style suits brides wearing pink, green, and peach-coloured modern lehengas.

Unique

A unique palki features a mysterious, enclosed design. Surrounded by net sheets and strings of genda phool flowers, this style gives guests a slight glimpse of the bride.

Kashmiri

The Kashmiri palki is a rich-looking, boathouse-style design. Covered on top with open sides, it gives a clear view of the bride sitting inside, while she can also view the hustle and bustle around her.

On Wheels

A palki on wheels eliminates the need for carriers and can be decorated with crystals, pearls, or flowers.

Palki features: lightweight, polished, embroidered, plain, printed, coated, coloured, durable, elegant, appealing

A palki is a bridal carriage that the bride is carried in to meet her groom, and is an integral part of a wedding in many cultures. Here are some features to consider when making a palki for a wedding:

Lightweight

A lightweight palki will be easier for the carriers to transport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for the bride. This is especially important if the palki needs to be carried for long distances or up and down stairs.

Polished

A polished palki will have a sleek and elegant appearance, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. A polished surface also makes it easier to decorate the palki and ensures that it stands out, creating a memorable entrance for the bride.

Embroidered

Embroidered designs can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the palki. Intricate embroidery, perhaps with gold or silver threading, can be a beautiful way to incorporate the wedding colours or cultural motifs. Embroidered palkis are also often seen as a sign of opulence and can make the bride feel like royalty.

Plain

A plain palki can be a sleek and modern choice, especially if the wedding has a minimalist theme. A plain palki can also provide a blank canvas for decorations, allowing for customisation to match the bride's outfit or the wedding theme.

Printed

Printed designs can add a unique touch to the palki, with options to incorporate cultural motifs, floral patterns, or even personalised details. Printed palkis can also be more affordable than heavily embroidered or embellished ones.

Coated

A coated finish can add a layer of protection to the palki, ensuring that it remains in good condition despite any weather conditions or accidental spills. A coated surface can also add a sleek and modern aesthetic to the palki.

Coloured

Palkis traditionally come in gold, but they can be customised to any colour to match the wedding theme or the bride's outfit. Popular colours include red, green, peach, and copper, often adorned with gold or bronze accents.

Durable

A durable palki will be able to withstand the weight of the bride and any decorations, ensuring that it does not falter during the entrance. A durable palki can also be reused for other weddings or special events.

Elegant

Elegant designs, such as sophisticated motifs and intricate carvings, can enhance the overall aesthetic of the palki. Elegant features like crystal or pearl embellishments can also make the palki stand out and create a luxurious experience for the bride.

Appealing

The palki should be visually appealing, with a design that complements the bride's beauty and wedding attire. It should also be comfortable for the bride, with features like plush cushions and a spacious interior, ensuring that she feels relaxed and confident during her grand entrance.

Frequently asked questions