Today, Hindu weddings are celebrated on a large canvas. People are mostly influenced by the lavish portrayal of wedding ceremonies in Hindi movies. The Indian wedding normally is a four to five days affair and each day has a special significance and role. Just like the pre wedding functions such as sangeet, mehendi and engagement are celebrated in a grand manner, so is the main day wedding. These are also celebrated on a grand scale with lots of glitz and opulence.

Indian Wedding Mandap
In a traditional Indian wedding, the main day function is usually held at the bride's place. However, these days, garden areas, parks and farm houses are mostly preferred, as wedding venues. These open spaces are not only big but also pose to be the ideal location. The place where most of the wedding ceremony is held is a colorful and beautifully decorated mandap. Mandap can be explained as a canopy that is supported by four pillars. It is the stage for the wedding function. The mandap is mostly decorated in a traditional way and reflects the theme of the marriage. It is in the mandap that all the marriage rituals are performed.

As a sign of prosperity, the mandap is mostly adored in red and golden color. The four pillars of the mandap symbolize the parents of both the bride and groom. The pillars portray the vital role that both the parents have played, in bringing up their children and guiding them in time of need and despair. The wedding ceremony takes place in front of the sacred fire in the mandap, which is a witness to the wedding ceremony. According to Hindu tradition and custom all Hindu weddings should take place in mandap or canopy.

Mandap Decor Ideas

• Mandap is one of the most decorative places in the wedding area. It is the place, where all main day rituals and customs are performed. Right from the saat phere to the kanyadaan, everything is performed in the mandap.
• Flowers form the main decorative element on the canopy or the mandap. All the four pillars of the mandap are aesthetically decorated with a combination of flowers. Mostly, roses, marigold and daisies make the ideal combination of floral Decor. You can also go for seasonal flowers that are available during that time.
• Decorative kalash are the next best bet for the mandap Decor. Intricately designed, kalash give ethnic and traditional look to the place. You can go for painted ones, ones that are embellished with mirrors or even those that have beautiful stone designs.
• Drapes are a good option to explore. Adhere to your wedding theme or color code while choosing the drapes. There are umpteen options, however, in case you are looking for something traditional, bandhani would make a perfect choice. Use the drapes strategically to accentuate the look of the mandap.
• Lights would suit the best when it comes to mandap Decor. Apart from enhancing the look of the Decor, these would also be extremely useful in adding more light to the area. Lights become quintessential, if the mahurat is at night fall, in an open space.
• Adoring the mandap with bells definitely augments the beauty of the place and adds creativity and excitement to it. The best place to put the bells would be at the four pillars. Hang them from the roof of the canopy at the four ends is also a good option to explore.