A mandap is the center of attention of traditional Indian weddings; It is the sacred place that host important and sacred ceremonies as Mangal phera, kanyadan, jaimala and mangalsutra Bandhan. The mandap is where everyone watches the couple united in the bond of togetherness.

Traditionally it was used to take place at the place of the bride wedding and mandap set up in the courtyard. With the changing times, has mandap decoration come a long way. But mandap still the colorful, vibrant epicenter of all the positive energies of the wedding.

The mandap is like a canopy, where the bride and groom take part in the rituals. It is supported by four pillars, which are a symbol of the bride and groom’s parents. It is believed that the union of the bride and groom are supported by the parents, and they constitute the pillars of marriage. Their children express gratitude for bringing them up, stand by their side and guiding them. It is the cleanest place in a wedding, traditionally decorated with flowers. It has a sacred fire, or Agni-customer who is worshiped by the priest and is supposed to witness the marriage.

When mandap is the focal point of the Indian wedding where all the rituals and customs performed, it takes a lot of consideration to plan the wedding mandap to preserve its holiness and decorate it at the same time. It should remain the center of attraction and ooze out the positive energies. While planning the wedding mandap, there are a number of things to keep in mind.

Size

The size of the mandap plays an important role. The major rituals take place in mandap, so it should have the capacity to hold Agni customer, the sacred fire, the Kalash, the seating arrangement for the bride, groom and priest. There should be ample space to take pheras and move around the sacred fire.

Theme and style

Before selecting the mandap, be sure to go through a variety of options. It is important to thoroughly see pictures of all styles and themes you choose. There are various styles such as the open canopy, dome-shaped, triangular, or with a background. Styling from using tapes, curtains, Kalash, silk fabrics, or flowers. Choose a style that complements your personal choice and the theme for the rest of the wedding.

Prices

Planning a wedding mandap can be expensive. A mandap with a flower arrangement is the most expensive of all. Although it is expensive, most couples choose to spend a lot of money on it because it is where all the important rituals take place. If you can not spend too much, you can still go for curtains, Kalash and diyas with some flower arrangement, because the flowers are considered promising in all rituals.

Position

The Indians are particularly about the attitudes that bring luck and considered promising. A mandap should be set in the northeast direction of place. Choose one mandap that goes well with the direction, so you do not end up hurting somebone religious feelings.

Strength

The mandap ceremony is for close family and friends. The jaimala theme , where both bride and groom put garlands around each other’s neck is like a competition. Both are trying to put it on the first try at times, disturbed or smeared by the relatives. Make sure mandap is strong enough to keep a lot of people; you do not want to take a risk here. A fallen mandap is not a good sign, whatever type of wedding, be it a Bengali, Punjabi, Telugu, or Chavara marriage.

Lighting

Choose lighting that goes with your theme and decor. Most times, it mandap ceremony takes place at midnight. Make sure you have ample lighting so that everyone can see. But keep in mind that mandap is not a scene, so you can avoid the colorful stage lights.

View and Seating

The seating arrangement around mandap should be done to ensure that all guests get a decent view. To ensure a good view, raise mandap off the ground slightly.

Ventilation

You have an Agni-customer (brand); you need a lot of ventilation under Hawan. Make sure enough air get to the fire, and that nothing is the way of the flames. Also make sure the heat will be able to escape mandap so the bride and groom do not overheat.

For the most part, it mandap decorated in red and gold colors that signify wealth. There are many themes and layouts for furnishing mandap. However, one should remember that mandap must match with the stage decoration, furniture and other wedding and reception decorations.