Your bridal mehndi should feel like it was made for you. I’m Zakia, and I’ve been creating bridal henna in Ilford and across East London for over 20 years. Every bride gets a free trial, a design built around her outfit, and natural henna for a deep, dark stain.
Whether it’s your dulhan mehndi for the big day, your engagement, sangeet or mehndi night, I’ll create a design that suits you and your outfit.
What is bridal mehndi?
Bridal mehndi (also spelled bridal mehendi or mehandi) is the henna a bride wears for her wedding – intricate designs on the hands, arms and often the feet, applied in the days before the ceremony. It is a much-loved tradition at South Asian, Muslim and Middle Eastern weddings, and the deep colour is part of the celebration. Bridal designs are far more detailed and cover more of the skin than guest mehndi, so the bride stands out on the day.
How long does bridal mehndi last?
Natural henna starts orange and darkens to a rich brown or maroon over 24–48 hours, which is why it goes on one or two days before the wedding. After that it gradually fades over one to three weeks as your skin naturally renews. Hands that are washed often fade sooner. Keeping the paste on overnight and following my aftercare tips helps it stay dark for longer.
Bridal mehndi packages
Bridal mehndi costs £150–£550, depending on your design. All packages cover the front and back of both hands. Feet can be added to any package.
- Wrist package – both hands up to the wrist. Price on request
- Forearm package – both hands up to half arm. Price on request
- Elbow package – both hands up to the elbow. Price on request
- Exclusive bridal package – my most detailed, highly stylised designs. Price on request
- Glitter and gems – waterproof glitter mehndi with gems to match your outfit. Add-on, price on request
Mobile service is available for an extra charge. A £50 non-refundable deposit per day secures your date. Not sure how far ahead to book? See when to book bridal mehndi.
How bridal mehndi works
- Free trial and design chat. Visit my home studio in Ilford for a free trial. Bring photos of your outfit and any designs you love, and I’ll help you choose a style and coverage.
- Book your date. Confirm your mehndi day by WhatsApp. Most brides have their mehndi one or two days before the wedding.
- Mehndi day. Relax while I create your design with natural henna. You’ll go home with aftercare tips for the darkest possible stain.
Your free bridal trial
Come to my studio in Ilford (IG4). We’ll look through my design books and photos of your outfit, and I’ll apply a sample so you can see the colour on your own skin. Many brides bring a photo they love – I can recreate it or blend it with one of my own designs.
Styles I do
- Indian bridal mehndi – dense, full coverage with traditional motifs
- Pakistani bridal mehndi – fine detail and intricate fills
- Arabic mehndi – bold, flowing designs with more skin showing
- Indo-Arabic fusion – Indian detail blended with flowing Arabic patterns
- Minimal modern – lighter, contemporary designs with clean lines
- Bespoke designs – names, dates, lace from your dress or anything personal
Need inspiration? See 12 bridal mehndi design ideas from real brides.
When to book and when to apply
- Book 2–6 months ahead for wedding season (May–September) and around Eid
- Have your trial 4–8 weeks before the wedding
- Apply your bridal mehndi 1–2 days before the wedding, so the colour peaks on the day
Natural henna only
I use natural henna and never black, red or “emergency” colour henna. For the darkest result, keep the paste on overnight, scrape it off (no water), and follow my aftercare tips.
Bridal party and guests
I can do mehndi for your mum, sisters, bridesmaids and guests on the same day, at your home or venue. Guest mehndi starts from £7 per side per hand, or £80 per hour. Planning a mehndi night? See my mehndi night package.
Looking for a special touch? My hand-decorated henna candles make lovely wedding favours and gifts.
Bridal mehndi videos
Frequently asked questions
How much does bridal mehndi cost?
Bridal mehndi costs £150–£550, depending on your design – how far up the arms it goes and whether feet are included. Contact us on WhatsApp 07896 048747 for a quote for your chosen package.
Do you offer a free bridal mehndi trial?
Yes. Every bride can book a free trial at our Ilford studio to choose designs and see how dark the colour goes on her skin.
How long does bridal mehndi take?
Usually 2 to 5 hours, depending on coverage and whether feet are included.
When should I have my bridal mehndi done?
1 to 2 days before the wedding, so the colour has developed fully on the day.
Do you travel to the bride’s home or venue?
Yes, across East London, Essex and wider London. A small travel charge applies.
How long does bridal mehndi last?
The colour darkens over 24–48 hours, then fades gradually over one to three weeks. Hands that are washed often fade sooner.
Book your free trial
Call or WhatsApp 0789 604 8747 to book your free bridal mehndi trial in Ilford.
