Decorations Ideas for a South Indian Wedding

If a bride or groom has South Indian roots, they may want this reflected in their wedding, whether it takes place in India or elsewhere. Traditional Indian decor is bold in color and design, with richness and elegance. If you’re throwing a South Indian wedding, you may be looking for ideas from which to draw inspiration.

Mandap

Traditionally, Indian ceremonies take place at a mandap, which is an important symbolic element you'll want to incorporate into a traditional South Indian ritual. Find deep gold and red fabric colors for more of a traditional look or coordinate fabric colors to match your overall wedding theme. Real or artificial flowers can adorn the canopy. Marigolds, roses, and jasmine are commonly used for this purpose. The pillars can be wrapped with floral garlands or silk drapes in coordinating colors. Usually there is a brightly colored carpet at the floor of the mandap, and strings of lights, lanterns or candles can be used for illumination. The mandap can also include wall hangings and decorative artifacts. Don't forget the ornate chairs that often resemble thrones for you and your groom to sit on under the mandap.

Kalash and Thali

Kalash and Thali are symbols of shagun, or luck. Kalash is a pot usually made of brass, but may be found in silver as well. The pot contains a coconut surrounded by fresh mango leaves. Painting is done in beautiful ethnic designs on the exterior of the pot; stickers with Indian designs can be used for the same purpose. A Thali is a plate made of silver or brass. Banana leaves cover the plate, with a diya (clay lamp) in the center. The diya is then surrounded with colorful flowers. Both the Kalash and the Thali can make gorgeous ethnic centerpieces.

Car

Like in America, the vehicle that will take the new couple away is often decorated for the Indian wedding. However, the decorations used for this purpose are much different. Typically flowers are using to adorn the car. Fresh, bright flowers are placed on the hood and artificial garlands drape over the car. Other accessories used to decorate the car can include: mirrors, bows, threads, artifacts, tissues and bandhani (dyed cotton or silk fabric).