Personalized Trays For A Wedding Aarthi

Aarthi plates are an important part of Hindu weddings. They are used to greet and bless the newlywed couple and ward off the evil eye. The plates are often decorated and can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, copper, brass, steel, coconut shells, terracotta, paper flowers, satin, ribbon, mirrors, glass, acrylic, and pearls. The number of plates used in a wedding set can vary from three to nine or more. For those looking to make their own Aarthi plates, it is important to consider the design, materials, and any cultural or traditional requirements.

Tray decoration with paper flowers

• Choose your tray base: Select a tray that serves as a stable base for your decoration. You can opt for a simple wooden or metal tray, or even a slice of wood if you want a more rustic look. Ensure the size is suitable for your intended decoration and the items you plan to place on it.
• Prepare your paper flowers: Crafting paper flowers can be a delightful task. Choose colours that complement your wedding theme. You can make various sizes and types of flowers, from simple blooms to intricate roses and lotuses. Remember to include leaves and vines to add depth and a natural touch to your arrangement.
• Assemble your tray: Start by placing the largest flowers at the back of the tray, securing them with glue or tape. Gradually add smaller flowers towards the front, creating a layered and dimensional look. Ensure the flowers are securely attached to withstand any wind or accidental bumps.
• Add complementary decorations: Trays decorated with paper flowers can be enhanced with complementary embellishments. Consider adding paper butterflies or birds for a whimsical touch. You can also incorporate ribbons, pearls, or mirrors for a more glamorous and elegant appearance. Just remember to keep the overall design balanced and harmonious.
• Include lights: If your wedding is in the evening or at night, consider adding lights to your tray decoration. Small LED lights or fairy lights can be woven among the paper flowers, creating a magical and romantic effect. Just ensure any lighting is heat-safe and won't pose a fire hazard with the paper decorations.
• Personalise it: Customise your tray with the names of the happy couple or their initials. This can be done by embossing the names on the tray itself or adding them as a separate decoration. This personal touch will make the tray even more special and memorable.

By following these steps and letting your creativity flow, you can design beautiful and unique wedding aarthi trays adorned with paper flowers.

Using satin and ribbon

Aarthi plates are used in Hindu weddings to greet and bless the bride and groom and ward off the evil eye. They can be decorated using satin and other ribbon materials. Here are some ideas for creating a wedding tray using satin and ribbon:

Traditional Wedding Tray

Take a round, rectangular, or square tray and cover it with red satin or velvet cloth. Place a small Lord Ganesha idol, a diya, a peacock feather, some flowers, and your ring boxes on the tray. You can decorate the tray further as you like.

Blue and White Wedding Tray

Take a tray of any shape and wrap it with blue satin cloth. Decorate the edges with white pearl string, making two to three rounds. Take some cotton, divide it into two, flatten it, shape it into rounds, and cover them with blue satin cloth. Place the cotton-padded blue rounds in the centre and surround them with the pearl string. Place your ring inside the cotton-padded circles.

Pink and Silver Wedding Stage

Take a round tray and cover it with silver paper or cloth. Place lace at the edges of the tray, followed by white or silver pearl string. Create a small round platform with two to three stairs out of cardboard and cover it with pink paper. Make two round pillars with a top out of cardboard and cover them with pink paper or cloth. Place the stage in the centre of the tray and the pillars on each side of the stage stairs. Decorate the base of the stage and pillars with white or silver pearl string. For the back of the stage, create a semi-circle frame, place it at the edge of the tray behind the stage, and decorate it with silver or white pearl strings like a curtain. Place your rings on top of the pillars.

Golden Wedding Tray

Take a metal or simple round tray and paint it golden. Cut the stems off some plastic spoons and paint them golden. Arrange the spoons at the edge of the tray in a floral pattern, making two to three rounds. Place two golden bowls in the centre, fill them with cotton and pearls, and place your rings inside.

Heart Wedding Platter

Take a heart-shaped tray or make one with cardboard. Cover it with white satin cloth and decorate the edges with broad pearl lace. Decorate the upper part of the tray with blue satin cloth flowers. Place two heart-shaped small ring boxes in the centre, along with a miniature bride and groom.

You can also dye your own silk ribbon for a unique touch. Simply dip and dye raw silk fabric in your chosen colour and use it to decorate your wedding tray.

Plates with mirrors and glass

Aarthi plates are used in Hindu weddings to greet and bless the newlywed couple and ward off the evil eye. The number of plates varies from 3 to 9 or more, and they are used by both the bride's and groom's families.

When creating plates with mirrors and glass, it is important to consider the overall design and colour scheme of the wedding. The mirrors and glass can be arranged in a variety of ways to create different patterns and shapes. For example, they can be cut into different sizes and shapes, such as circles, triangles, or rectangles, and arranged in a mosaic pattern on the plate.

The type of glass used is also important to consider. Coloured glass, frosted glass, or even stained glass can be used to add more detail and colour to the design. Mirrors can also come in different shades, such as silver, gold, or rose gold, adding a touch of elegance to the plate.

When attaching the mirrors and glass to the plate, a strong adhesive suitable for the materials used should be applied to ensure the design stays intact. It is also important to consider the overall weight of the plate, especially if it will be held by guests during the ceremony.

Overall, plates with mirrors and glass can be a beautiful and unique addition to a wedding Aarthi plate set, offering a modern twist to a traditional ceremony.

Terracotta plates with lamps

Choosing the Right Terracotta Plates:

Firstly, source some terracotta plates of a suitable size and shape for your wedding aarthi. You can find these plates at specialty wedding stores or online. Opt for plates that are durable and have a smooth surface for decoration.

Designing the Plates:

Terracotta plates can be decorated in a variety of ways to match your wedding theme and your personal style. Here are some options:

• Paint the plates in vibrant colours or traditional shades such as red, yellow, blue, or maroon.
• Embellish the plates with gold or silver acrylic paint to add a luxurious touch.
• Emboss the names of the couple on the plates, adding a personalised element to the design.
• Decorate the plates with paper flowers, satin ribbons, or other fabric embellishments.
• Attach mirrors or colourful glass pieces to the plates for a sparkling effect.
• For a natural look, decorate the plates with coconut shells or other organic materials.

Adding the Lamps:

For the central element of your aarthi plates, you will need to attach lamps or diyas. These can be placed in the centre of the plate or arranged in a decorative pattern. Ensure the lamps are secure and won't topple over. You can even cover the lamps on three sides to protect the flame from strong breezes.

Finalising the Details:

Before the wedding, be sure to finalise all the details, including the number of plates required. Traditionally, a wedding aarthi set includes an odd number of plates, such as 3, 5, 7, or 9. These plates are used by the families of the bride and groom to ward off the evil eye and bless the couple.

By following these steps and customising your terracotta plates with lamps, you can create beautiful and traditional wedding aarthi plates that align with your wedding vision.

Coconut shell plates

To make your own coconut shell plates, you will first need to source some coconut shells. You can either use the shells of coconuts you have consumed or purchase coconut shells online. Once you have your coconut shells, you will need to cut and sand them into the desired shape. This can be done by hand or with the help of a lathe. If you are hand-sanding, be sure to wear gloves and eye protection, as coconut shells can be sharp.

Once your plates are sanded smooth, you will need to drill holes for any handles or decorations you wish to add. You can use a power drill or hand drill for this step. Again, be sure to wear eye protection to avoid injury from flying debris.

After drilling, you will need to clean your plates with soap and water. Coconut shells are very porous, so it is important to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned before use. Once your plates are clean, you can decorate them as you see fit. Paint, lacquer, and embossing are all popular options for customising coconut shell plates.

Finally, you will need to treat your plates with coconut or flax oil to protect and polish them. This will also help to prevent your plates from drying out and cracking over time.

Frequently asked questions