Setting a Budget: Henna
Its important to consider all the options and decisions that affect your budget when planning for your wedding. Henna is an art form, so be sure to find an artist with a style that resonates with you and they will suggest options that best fit your budget.
Hengua (henna & jagua) just on the backs of the hands
celebrant henna
$200-$1000
wedding party
$100-$400
wedding guests
$200-$1000
We often get calls for a henna “event” - from people looking to avoid a “wedding upcharge”! Please be upfront!! While wedding henna is expensive, as with most vendors, it’s because of the amount of time spent, not because “it’s a wedding and we can charge more”. Wedding henna rates are based on two artists working simultaneously on the celebrants hands and feet for 2-5 hours - it is a long process! We estimate a rate based on the design and conversation with the celebrant, we confirm the amount and final plan before we start, and usually end up spending more time to make sure the details are to our standards and all aftercare processes are started and/or well explained.
We charge the same hourly rate for mehndhi night parties as we do for graduation or birthday parties - but often for larger parties we recommend 2-4 artists instead of just 1-2.
For a “typical” South Asian wedding (up to 300 guests, multiple events), I recommend allocating $1500 - $2000. This rough budget would include your mehndi night event, your wedding henna, and henna for your close family/wedding party and tips for your artist. If this does not work for your budget, decide what is important to you!
Henna can be for both celebrants!
Some questions to ask yourself:
Do you want a very customized design for yourself? Though henna art is always unique, there are details you can add to make it even more personal.
Do you want to have henna on your feet or just on your hands? Feet are something many budget conscious celebrants forgo or do less on - mainly because the feet are not seen as much!
Do you want henna to your elbows. While instagram is filled with amazing designs, sometimes even past the elbow, we personally find most celebrants find this excessive both for their budgets and for the time commitment. Often wedding day clothing and jewelry covers much of the designs, and the further it is from the hands/palms, the less dark the stain typically gets.
Do you want detailed designs that cover the entire area - or do you want thicker designs that are a bit more open and leave areas without henna? Some people tend to want more coverage on the backs of the hands, some want more on the palms - there are many options with designs.
Do you want your henna to be perfectly symmetrical? A flowy, design with flowers and leaves that are evenly distributed on both hands will be less time-consuming than a mandala style or other symmetrical design that is the SAME or very similar on both hands.
Flowy henna designs
Similar, symmetrically styled designs.
Keeping it casual with henna & a pool party!
All of these answers will have an impact on your final budget. So when you reach out for a quote - tell the artist precisely what YOU want! That way all parties are on the same page and completely prepared for your event.
While I have done henna for the celebrant at every budget - I do recommend a min. of a 2-hr appointment. You can book an appointment or contact us for your event. You can also download a 2022 pricing guide here.
A reminder: while tipping may not be a South Asian custom, DO tip your artists just as you would your hairdresser or your makeup artist - it makes us feel appreciated and valued instead of feeling that we are less than any non-ethnic service provider you may hire. Also - do make sure if your artists are spending 3+ hours, that there is a meal, snacks, and refreshments available to them.
Simple, symmetric feet
Do you have time to set aside for getting full wedding henna done or do you want to keep the designs simpler? If you have a tight schedule during your wedding week, it might be more stressful than relaxing to have a full day dedicated to the henna.
Are you able to meet your artist at their location or would you prefer they come to you?
Does your partner also want henna? In the last year we have had both celebrants getting henna done. Depending on your particular culture - it may be traditional for the bride/s to get henna done heavily, or for both celebrants to get equally decked out. And - you may want to change up your traditions regardless!
Do you want to have a henna party for all your guests or just close family? Some couples want to have henna just for their immediate family and their wedding party, on one side or both, some want to host a henna night party where all the guests are able to get henna. Some have separate events for each family who are not “meeting” until the wedding day.
How many guests will you have at your henna night event? Is henna the only entertainment? Is your celebration primarily women or will full families be present? Will there be children present? Do you have many “traditional” guests who will expect full hands of henna - or will they be excited about even a small amount?
Do you want to add glitter henna or body paint options for the kids (or the adults!)?
