Mehndi is one of the most beautiful and meaningful pre-wedding traditions, especially in Indian weddings. From intricate bridal designs to fun guest applications, mehndi ceremonies add color, joy, and cultural charm to wedding celebrations. However, one of the most common questions brides and families ask is: how much does mehndi cost for wedding functions?
Why Mehndi is Important in Wedding Functions
Mehndi is more than just body art — it symbolizes love, prosperity, happiness, and new beginnings. In many cultures, darker mehndi color is believed to represent stronger love between couples. Modern weddings often include a dedicated mehndi function, making professional mehndi artists an essential part of wedding planning.
Because of this growing demand, mehndi services now range from budget-friendly options to premium luxury packages.

Average Mehndi Charges for Wedding Functions in India
Mehndi prices vary depending on the artist’s experience, city, design complexity, and event size. Below is a general estimate of mehndi charges in India:
Bridal Mehndi Charges
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Basic Bridal Mehndi: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
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Standard Bridal Mehndi: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
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Premium Bridal Mehndi: ₹10,000 – ₹25,000+
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Celebrity Mehndi Artists: ₹25,000 – ₹1,00,000+
Guest Mehndi Charges
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Per hand simple design: ₹100 – ₹300
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Both hands simple: ₹200 – ₹500
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Arabic mehndi design: ₹300 – ₹800
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Full hand guest mehndi: ₹500 – ₹1,500
Family Mehndi Packages
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Small family package: ₹3,000 – ₹7,000
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Medium package: ₹7,000 – ₹15,000
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Large wedding package: ₹15,000 – ₹40,000+
These prices may increase depending on location, especially in metropolitan cities.

Factors Affecting Mehndi Charges for Weddings
Several factors influence the mehndi artist price list for wedding functions:
1. Bridal Design Complexity
Intricate designs with:
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Portrait mehndi
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Customized couple motifs
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Full arms and legs coverage
will cost more than simple patterns.
2. Artist Experience & Reputation
Highly experienced or celebrity mehndi artists charge premium rates due to:
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Expertise
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Unique styles
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Brand value
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High demand
3. Location & Travel Charges
If your wedding venue is far, artists may include:
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Travel expenses
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Accommodation charges
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Transportation fees
Destination weddings often increase total costs significantly.
4. Number of Guests
The more guests applying mehndi, the higher the package cost. Some artists charge:
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Per hand
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Per hour
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Per guest
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Fixed package rate
5. Duration of the Event
Long mehndi ceremonies require more artists and time, increasing charges.
6. Mehndi Quality
Organic and chemical-free mehndi cones cost more but provide:
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Better color
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Safe skin application
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Long-lasting results

Bridal Mehndi Price Breakdown
Here’s what brides typically get in different pricing categories:
Budget Bridal Mehndi (₹2,000 – ₹5,000)
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Basic designs
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Limited detailing
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Half arms and legs coverage
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Single artist
Mid-Range Bridal Mehndi (₹5,000 – ₹10,000)
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Detailed patterns
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Personalized elements
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Full arms coverage
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Good quality mehndi
Premium Bridal Mehndi (₹10,000 – ₹25,000+)
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Intricate detailing
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Portrait designs
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Customized themes
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Full legs coverage
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Multiple artists
Luxury bridal mehndi often includes aftercare instructions and touch-ups.
Mehndi Packages for Wedding Functions
Many families prefer mehndi packages for weddings instead of individual pricing. Common packages include:
1. Bridal + Family Package
Includes:
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Bridal mehndi
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Groom mehndi
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Close family members
Cost: ₹8,000 – ₹20,000
2. Wedding Guest Package
Includes:
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Multiple artists
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Unlimited guest mehndi for fixed hours
Cost: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000+
3. Premium Wedding Mehndi Package
Includes:
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Bridal + guests
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Custom themes
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Glitter or colored mehndi
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Professional team
Cost: ₹25,000 – ₹60,000+
Packages are often more economical for large weddings.
Mehndi Charges Per Hand vs Per Hour
Mehndi artists may charge differently based on booking type:
Per Hand Pricing
Best for:
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Small functions
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Limited guests
Typical cost: ₹100 – ₹500 per hand
Hourly Pricing
Best for:
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Large events
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Unlimited guests
Typical cost: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per hour per artist
Mehndi Charges in Different Cities
Prices vary significantly depending on city demand and living costs.
Metropolitan Cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore)
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Bridal Mehndi: ₹8,000 – ₹30,000+
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Guest Mehndi: ₹300 – ₹1,500
Tier-2 Cities
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Bridal Mehndi: ₹4,000 – ₹15,000
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Guest Mehndi: ₹150 – ₹600
Small Towns
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Bridal Mehndi: ₹2,000 – ₹8,000
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Guest Mehndi: ₹100 – ₹300
Destination weddings usually add travel and accommodation costs.

Trending Bridal Mehndi Designs That Affect Price
Certain trending styles increase mehndi charges due to complexity:
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Portrait Mehndi
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Raja Rani Mehndi
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Personalized Story Mehndi
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Arabic Bridal Mehndi
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Indo-Western Mehndi
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Minimalist Mehndi
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Full Leg Bridal Mehndi
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Mandala Mehndi Designs
More detailed work requires more time, increasing the overall cost.
Additional Mehndi Services & Their Charges
Some mehndi artists offer add-ons:
Glitter Mehndi
₹500 – ₹2,000 extra
Colored Mehndi
₹500 – ₹1,500 extra
Groom Mehndi
₹300 – ₹1,500
Mehndi Favors for Guests
₹1,000 – ₹5,000
Aftercare Kit
₹200 – ₹500
These extras enhance the wedding experience but increase budget slightly.
Tips to Choose the Right Mehndi Artist for Your Wedding
Choosing the right artist is crucial for beautiful results. Here are important tips:
Check Portfolio
Always review previous work photos to ensure design quality.
Read Reviews
Client reviews help you understand:
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Professionalism
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Time management
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Behavior
Book Early
Popular bridal mehndi artists get booked months in advance.
Discuss Design in Advance
Share inspiration photos and preferences before the function.
Confirm Pricing Clearly
Avoid hidden costs by confirming:
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Travel charges
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Number of artists
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Hours included
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Extra charges
How to Save Money on Mehndi Charges
If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, here are smart ways to reduce costs:
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Choose minimal bridal designs
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Book local artists instead of celebrity artists
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Opt for package deals
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Limit guest mehndi hours
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Avoid peak wedding season bookings
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Combine bridal and guest bookings with same artist
These strategies help manage expenses without compromising beauty.
DIY Mehndi vs Professional Mehndi
Some brides consider DIY mehndi to save money, but professional mehndi offers:
Advantages of Professional Mehndi
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Perfect symmetry
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Long-lasting color
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Intricate detailing
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Time efficiency
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Stress-free experience
DIY mehndi may look simple but lacks professional finishing.
Why Mehndi Prices Are Increasing
The wedding industry has evolved significantly, increasing mehndi costs due to:
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Rising demand
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Social media influence
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Designer bridal trends
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Organic mehndi products
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Luxury wedding culture
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Customized designs
Today, mehndi is considered an important bridal investment.
Mehndi Function Planning Tips
To ensure smooth execution during the ceremony:
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Arrange comfortable seating
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Provide good lighting
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Keep tissues and lemon-sugar mix ready
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Plan artist schedule properly
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Start bridal mehndi early
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Keep snacks for guests waiting
Good planning ensures a memorable mehndi event.
Questions to Ask Your Mehndi Artist Before Booking
Always clarify these points:
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What is included in the bridal package?
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How many artists will come?
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Are travel charges included?
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How long will bridal mehndi take?
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Do you provide organic mehndi?
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What is the cancellation policy?
Clear communication avoids last-minute surprises.
Future Trends in Wedding Mehndi
Modern weddings are introducing new concepts:
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Theme-based mehndi ceremonies
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Neon mehndi parties
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Personalized bridal stories
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Fusion designs
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Destination mehndi events
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Eco-friendly mehndi cones
These trends may influence pricing in coming years.
Final Thoughts: How Much Should You Budget for Wedding Mehndi?
On average, families should budget:
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Small Wedding: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
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Medium Wedding: ₹10,000 – ₹25,000
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Luxury Wedding: ₹25,000 – ₹60,000+
Ultimately, mehndi charges depend on your preferences, guest count, and artist choice.
Your wedding mehndi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — investing in a skilled artist ensures stunning results and beautiful memories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mehndi Charges for Wedding Functions
How much does bridal mehndi cost for a wedding?
Bridal mehndi charges usually range between ₹2,000 to ₹25,000 or more, depending on the design complexity, artist experience, and coverage (hands and legs). Celebrity mehndi artists may charge ₹50,000+ for premium bridal designs.
What are the mehndi charges per hand for wedding guests?
Mehndi charges per hand typically range from ₹100 to ₹500 for simple designs. Arabic or detailed designs may cost ₹300 to ₹800 per hand, depending on the artist.
Do mehndi artists charge separately for the bride and guests?
Yes, most mehndi artists have separate pricing for bridal mehndi and guest mehndi. Bridal mehndi is usually priced as a package, while guest mehndi may be charged per hand, per person, or per hour.
What is included in a bridal mehndi package?
A bridal mehndi package usually includes:
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Full hand bridal design
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Feet mehndi (depending on package)
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Customized elements (initials, couple motifs, portraits)
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High-quality mehndi paste
Some premium packages may also include touch-ups and aftercare guidance.
How early should I book a mehndi artist for my wedding?
It is recommended to book your mehndi artist at least 2–3 months in advance, especially during peak wedding season. Popular artists often get booked quickly.
Do mehndi artists charge travel fees?
Yes, many mehndi artists charge additional travel fees if the wedding venue is far from their location. Destination weddings may include travel, accommodation, and transportation costs.
Is there an hourly package for mehndi functions?
Yes, many mehndi artists offer hourly packages for weddings. Hourly rates usually range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per artist, depending on experience and location.
Why are bridal mehndi charges higher than guest mehndi?
Bridal mehndi requires more time, intricate detailing, and precision. Bridal designs can take 4–8 hours or more to complete, which is why they cost significantly more than simple guest designs.
Do mehndi artists provide organic or chemical-free mehndi?
Many professional artists now use organic or natural mehndi cones to ensure better color and skin safety. Organic mehndi may cost slightly more but provides longer-lasting results.
Can I negotiate mehndi charges for wedding functions?
Yes, in many cases you can negotiate prices, especially if you book:
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Bridal and guest mehndi together
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Multiple artists
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Full wedding packages
Booking early may also help you secure better rates.
How long does bridal mehndi take to apply?
Bridal mehndi typically takes 3 to 8 hours depending on the design complexity, coverage, and detailing level.
Do mehndi artists apply mehndi for the groom as well?
Yes, most mehndi artists offer groom mehndi services. Groom mehndi usually costs between ₹300 to ₹1,500 depending on the design.
What factors affect mehndi charges the most?
The main factors include:
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Design complexity
-
Artist experience
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Location
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Number of guests
-
Event duration
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Travel requirements
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Mehndi quality
Is it cheaper to book a mehndi package instead of individual services?
Yes, booking a package is usually more cost-effective for weddings with many guests. Packages often include multiple artists and fixed hours at a better overall price.
How can I make my mehndi darker after application?
To get a darker mehndi stain:
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Keep mehndi on for 6–8 hours
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Apply lemon and sugar mixture
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Avoid water for 12 hours
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Use clove steam
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Apply balm or oil after removal

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