Creating A Wedding Mandap: A Homemade Guide

The mandap is an essential element of Hindu weddings, serving as a four-pillared canopy structure where the wedding and rituals are performed. Creating a mandap at home can be a fun and budget-friendly project, allowing for customisation and personal touches. With a little creativity, you can achieve a beautiful and elegant mandap using various materials and decorations. Whether you prefer soft hues, vibrant colours, floral arrangements, or a more natural look, there are endless possibilities to make your wedding mandap unique and memorable.

Use PVC pipes or wood with decorated material

To make a wedding mandap with PVC pipes or wood, you will need the following materials:

• Four wooden pillars or thick wooden pieces
• Acrylic paint in your choice of colour
• Flowers, either real or artificial
• Decorative beads, necklaces, etc.
• Pieces of decorative cloth
• PVC pipes
• Plastic hose
• Umbrella stands
• Duct tape

First, take your four pillars and paint them in your chosen colour. If using wood, scrape the surface a little before you start painting. Once the paint is dry, erect the four pillars and join them with a long strip of wood or cardboard to create an open rectangular frame.

Next, decorate the frame with the pieces of cloth, flowers, and other decorative items of your choice. You can hang these items from the structure or tape them to the frame.

To add stability to the mandap, you can use PVC pipes and umbrella stands. Slide the PVC pipes around the wooden pillars and secure them with plastic hose cut into small pieces to act as shims. Place the PVC-covered pillars into the umbrella stands. If there is a gap between the PVC pipe and the umbrella stand, you can use duct tape to fill the space and ensure a snug fit.

Your mandap structure is now ready to be used as a beautiful backdrop for the wedding ceremony.

Drape with inexpensive fabric and add floral arrangements

A mandap draped in inexpensive fabric and adorned with floral arrangements can be a stunning and memorable addition to your wedding. Here are some tips to create a beautiful and affordable mandap for your special day:

Choose the Right Fabric

Select a fabric that is lightweight and flowy, such as chiffon, organza, or tulle. This will create a soft and elegant look for your mandap. Look for fabric sales or discount stores to find inexpensive options. White or neutral colours are versatile and can be paired with any colour scheme. However, if you want to add a pop of colour, consider choosing a fabric in a shade that complements your wedding theme.

Drape the Fabric

To create a draped effect, hang the fabric from the top of the mandap structure. Allow the fabric to flow down and pool at the bottom, creating a romantic and whimsical look. You can also try draping the fabric over the pillars of the mandap, letting it fall in soft folds. Play around with different draping techniques to find the most flattering arrangement.

Floral Arrangements

Add floral arrangements to the mandap to bring in colour and elegance. Choose flowers that are in season to get the best prices. You can create your own floral arrangements by purchasing flowers in bulk and arranging them yourself, or you can work with a florist to design the arrangements. Hang floral garlands or strings from the mandap structure, or place large arrangements at the base of the pillars. If you're crafty, you can even create paper flowers or fabric flowers for a unique and inexpensive option.

Enhance with Lighting

To add a magical touch to your mandap, incorporate some subtle lighting. Fairy lights or string lights can be intertwined with the draped fabric, creating a sparkling effect. Alternatively, place lanterns or candles around the mandap to create a soft glow. Lighting will not only enhance the beauty of your mandap but also create a romantic ambiance for your wedding ceremony.

Personalize Your Mandap

Feel free to add personal touches to your mandap to make it unique to your love story. You can incorporate your initials, names, or even photos into the design. Hang a monogram sign or display framed photos on the mandap structure. These personalized elements will make your mandap truly yours and create lasting memories.

By following these tips, you can create a stunning wedding mandap at home, draped with inexpensive fabric and adorned with beautiful floral arrangements. Remember to keep an eye out for deals on fabric and flowers, and don't be afraid to get creative with your design!

Use a gazebo with mosquito netting

If you're looking to create a wedding mandap at home, one creative way to do it is by using a gazebo with mosquito netting. This can be a great option, especially if you want to have an outdoor wedding and need protection from insects and the elements. Here's a detailed guide to help you execute this idea:

Choosing the Right Gazebo

Select a gazebo that suits the size of your wedding party and the desired level of privacy. A 11.5' x 11.5' x 8.5' gazebo, for instance, can comfortably accommodate eight people. Ensure that the gazebo has a solid steel frame and a high-quality polyester cover. The cover should be waterproof and fade-proof to provide protection from rain and sunlight. Additionally, look for features like loop straps that allow you to fix curtains or decorations onto the gazebo's frame.

Assembly and Setup

Most gazebos come with assembly instructions and can be set up with basic tools. Enlist the help of another person to make the process smoother and faster. It's recommended to allow about 30 minutes for the setup. If you're anchoring the gazebo on a concrete patio, you may need additional accessories for a secure installation.

Mosquito Netting

The mosquito netting plays a crucial role in this setup, ensuring that you and your guests are protected from mosquitoes and other insects. Look for high-quality netting with zippers that fully enclose the gazebo. This will provide a private and peaceful space for your wedding ceremony, free from unwanted disturbances.

Decorations and Customizations

Once the gazebo is assembled, you can focus on transforming it into a beautiful mandap. Decorate the gazebo with flowers, drapes, or any other embellishments that align with your wedding theme. Consider using beaded columns, LED light saucers, and beaded curtains to add a touch of sparkle and glamour to your mandap. You can also incorporate flowers like roses, lilies, orchids, and peonies to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere.

Maintenance and Care

After your wedding, you can continue to use the gazebo for other purposes, such as outdoor events, picnics, or camping trips. To maintain its quality, properly store the gazebo when not in use. Some gazebo owners recommend removing the canopy during harsh weather conditions to prolong its lifespan. Machine washing the canopy and allowing it to air dry before storage can also help keep it in good condition.

Decorate with garlands or marigold flowers

Flowers are a wonderful way to decorate your wedding mandap and can be used in many ways. They add elegance and charm to the decor with their vibrant colours and fresh fragrances. Marigold flowers and garlands are a popular choice for Indian weddings. Here are some ideas to decorate your wedding mandap with marigold flowers and garlands:

Firstly, decide on the type of marigold flowers you want to use. There are several varieties of marigolds available, including the standard marigold, which has bright orange petals, and the crested French marigold, which features red, orange, and yellow hues. You can also opt for the Signet marigold, which has a unique, quill-like shape and comes in shades of maroon, orange, and yellow.

Next, consider the different ways you can use marigolds to decorate your mandap. Here are some suggestions:

• Create a floral canopy by hanging marigold garlands from the ceiling of the mandap structure. This will result in a vibrant and fragrant overhead display.
• Decorate the pillars of the mandap with marigold garlands. Drape or wrap the garlands around each pillar, allowing the flowers to cascade down for a stunning visual effect.
• Make a marigold flower curtain as a backdrop for the mandap by hanging marigold garlands from a rod or a string attached to the top of the mandap structure. This will create a beautiful background for wedding photos.
• Enhance the aisle leading to the mandap with marigold petals or small flower arches. This will create a romantic and colourful path for the bridal entrance.
• Combine marigolds with other flowers, such as roses, jasmine, or lotus flowers, to create mixed floral arrangements or garlands for a more varied colour palette.

When decorating with marigold flowers and garlands, consider the following tips:

• Ensure that the flowers are fresh by obtaining them only a day or two before the wedding.
• Keep the decorations elegant and avoid overdoing them to ensure that the focus remains on the bride and groom.
• Combine marigold flowers with colourful fabrics, such as traditional Indian silks or satin, to create a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
• Use eco-friendly materials, such as natural fibres, clay, or terracotta, for a sustainable approach to your wedding decorations.

By following these suggestions, you can create a beautiful and memorable wedding mandap decorated with marigold flowers and garlands.

Use soft colours like baby pink curtains

The mandap is a crucial element of Hindu weddings, serving as the focal point where the couple exchanges sacred vows. Creating a beautiful mandap not only enhances the ceremony's aesthetics but also leaves a lasting impression on guests. Here are some tips to achieve a stunning mandap with soft colours like baby pink curtains:

Choose the Right Fabric

Select sheer, lightweight fabric for the curtains, such as polyester, chiffon, or tulle. These fabrics create a delicate, ethereal look and pair well with twinkling fairy lights. Opt for wrinkle-free options to ensure a neat appearance.

Drape the Curtains Artfully

Drape the baby pink curtains around the pillars and canopy of the mandap. Allow the fabric to flow and create soft, whimsical waves. You can also try incorporating different draping techniques, such as pleats or swags, to add visual interest.

Complement with Flowers

Enhance the baby pink curtains with fresh flowers in complementary colours. Soft pinks go well with blush or peach tones, creating a romantic ambiance. Consider flowers like roses, peonies, or orchids in varying shades of pink to add depth and fragrance to the mandap.

Incorporate Lighting

Add fairy lights to the mandap to create a magical atmosphere. The soft glow of fairy lights will accentuate the delicate colour of the baby pink curtains. You can also incorporate candles, either as centrepieces or floating in Urli bowls, for a tranquil and elegant touch.

Combine with Neutral Tones

Balance the soft pink curtains with neutral colours like white, beige, or grey. This combination will create a sophisticated and understated look, ensuring the mandap remains elegant and graceful. Use neutral-toned flowers, drapes, or decorative elements to complement the baby pink.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful mandap with baby pink curtains, leaving a memorable impression on your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions