Planning for Your Mehndi
Many henna artists would tell you that it is easiest on both you and the artist to have a separate appointment for your personal wedding henna. That way you can relax and enjoy your mehndi party instead of being partially immobilized. However, it isn’t always possible, and so here are some pointers to make things go smoother.
SCHEDULE your personal mehndi appointment at least a little bit before your guests start showing up so it can be done without too much interference AND so you don’t have to be completely dressed up and risk ruining your outfit.
COMPLETE your makeup/hair to your liking beforehand, or have a MUA come after your henna appointment.
WEAR your blouse before you start so you don’t risk ruining your mehndi, especially if you have a very fitted blouse with sleeves. If you are concerned about sweating being in your blouse all day - you can find handy sweat pads on amazon that will keep your blouse nice and dry. If you don’t want to bother with a chunni for the time being but don’t want to bare your tummy, an apron works well.
WEAR a loose pair of gym shorts, a midi skirt, or loose pants that can be folded up. This makes it easier for you to move and make adjustments in your posture without your lengha skirt falling down - and these are easy to change out of and get into your lengha before your guests start arriving.
WEAR a lighter lengha that you can lift up with ease to show off your feet and more importantly - go to the bathroom.
HAVE a friend around that will help you go to the bathroom.
EAT before your henna appointment - and eat once you are completely done and dry. Feeding you during your henna often results in unsightly spills on your outfit. Now - you may want to get a few romantic pics of your partner feeding you, and that’s all good. But being fed an entire meal is difficult. Alternatively - use that apron - and make sure the person feeding you is not binging on the booze.
GIVE your friends/family something to do. While it is fun to have friends and family around - if they have nothing to focus on they may give lots of advice and unneeded commentary about your design, how much henna you should get, what you need to do to make it darker, the list goes on. Trust the henna artist to get you the best advice on how to take care of their henna. In addition lots of conversation results in lots of movement, which you need to avoid while getting henna done so your design comes out neat and doesn’t take as twice as long.
USE a certified henna artist and ask for a trial. You want to make sure you don’t have any random allergic reactions (although allergies to natural henna are rare). You can see how the color comes out on your skin in various areas if you want to add on a back design, or go further up your arms. A good henna mixture will still vary in color from person to person, and from area to area. You definitely want to make sure black henna is not being used.
DON’T be afraid to ask questions. If you need to move, if you need to use the bathroom, if you don’t like something about the design - tell the artist right away! They are typically focused on their work and not making eye contact, but feel free to ask for whatever you might need.
TRY not to be on your phone. Relax and enjoy.
SHARE any ideas about styles you like beforehand, or maybe even pictures of you outfit if you want the design to be similar to some embroidery or style on the outfit. Also - it is good to know beforehand how much henna you are looking for so the artist and you have a better idea of pricing/time