Jewelry for the mehndi bride: what to wear on your mehndi

Your mehndi is the one wedding event where you can play with colour and have fun. You'll still be in hundreds of photos, though, so the jewelry needs to look special. The trick is choosing pieces that are festive but not heavy, because the barat is coming and you'll want your ears to survive it.

Earrings: chandbalis over jhumkas

Save the heavy jhumkas for the barat. For the mehndi, chandbalis give the same festive feel with less weight. Choose stones that pick up a colour from your outfit.

A tikka instead of a heavy necklace

Most mehndi outfits have a lot going on at the neckline already. A tikka draws attention to your face and keeps the neck free, which also feels cooler when the dhol starts.

Wrists that work with your mehndi

Your hands will be covered in mehndi, so go for one statement piece rather than many bangles. A cuff or kangan on one wrist leaves room to show off the design.

If you prefer a lighter look

Some brides keep the mehndi simple and save everything for the barat. Coloured tops with a tikka look fresh and young, and they're comfortable for hours.

Before the day

• Try the earrings on with your dupatta. Some dupattas catch on large earrings.
• Put jewelry on before the mehndi is applied, or keep the hand with mehndi free of rings.
• Keep a small pouch nearby so you can take earrings off safely if they start to hurt.

Planning the other days too? Our bridal jewelry guide covers the mehndi, barat and walima together.