There are people who think that given its religious nature, it is best that a wedding mandap should be created in a simple way so as to preserve its sanctity. But this is a thing of the past because in today’s time, mandap decoration is given as much importance as the overall wedding venue decoration. Here are a few ideas that will go a long way in making your wedding mandap beautiful without distorting the budget.
The basic concept
Did you ever wonder as to why the simplest mandap is also four pillared? This is so because these four pillars are representative of the four texts of ancient Vedas. So now you can imagine how sacred the space is and also that you need to maintain the sanctity throughout. The canopy symbolizes the universe and in way the couple takes its wedding vows before all the five elements.
Pillars
Simple mandaps are four pillared while more complex tomb style structures are eight pillared. Needless to say that these pillars are the foundation of the entire structure, hence they should be sturdy and at the same time capable of bearing heavy and extensive decoration.
Size
The mandap should be in harmony with the overall venue design. It should neither be too small so as to look obscured nor should it be too huge so that it overshadows rest of the setting. Make a simple domed structure and make it glamorous rather than opting for triple domed structure and then falling short of budgetary proportions to decorate it. Now, do you think this skeletal structure would be in a position to even praise the gods above?
Spacious
A wedding mandap should be kept spacious enough to accommodate the holy fire, the bridal couple, the priest, various things that will be required during the rituals, photographer, and videographer and four to five relatives at a given moment.
Flowers
Beautiful flowers like orchids and carnations can enhance the overall appeal of the mandap lending it a natural and colorful vibrancy. But the choice of flowers will directly influence the budget, so select the flowers wisely and in right proportion.
Drapes
These are the real charmers and you can create a fairytale like setting or typical traditional setting by using the right drapes. Organza is the most preferred choice of material but nowadays people are also using crystal and stone studded fabrics to create a glittering effect.
Statues of Gods
The current trend is to install the statues of Indian gods and goddesses inside the mandap so as to lend an auspicious touch to its ambience. Needless to say, Ganesh along with his escort Lakshmi is the most preferred deity.
Get the price right
Don’t let the decoration prices distort your wedding budget. Get in touch with the right decorator and if need be, contact the various vendors like florists etc yourself to set the right price.
