Contents - Blooms

Blooms In A Hindu Wedding

Flowers Galore

Flowers are the emblem of the soul and have a language of its own. Curtains of the marigold and jasmine embellish the altar alongside two majestic brass lamps. Twin swans and sculptured deities are perched over a sea of marigolds. Fragrant net of jasmines adorn a bridal car. A bouquet of gold and white blooms makes a perfect deco for the luxury sedan. Like all flowers, jasmines have been honoured with its profound tradition. Its creamy petals and lush fragrance play a symbolic role in Indian weddings.

The Seeyakkaai Maalai

The seeyakkaai maalai is a simple garland worn by the bride and groom before they change into their wedding attire. The maalai is very simple, normally just a string of flowers. The bridesmaid will place the garland on the bride whereas the best man will do it for the groom.

The Maalai

The Maalai (garland around the neck) is worn by the bride and groom on their wedding day. The garland is a continuous string of flowers which signifies the continuity in the lives of the newlyweds. The garland is usually tied using jasmine flowers. Nowadays, the trend is to choose colorful flowers to signify the colours in one’s life. The bride and groom use the maalai once they have changed into their wedding costume.

Kaichendu

Kaichendu is like a small bouquet of flowers carried by the bride and groom on their wedding day. It is a symbol of victory for the two of them. Throughout wedding day the groom and bride carry the kaichendu with theme.

The bride

The bride is dressed to look like the Goddess Mahalaksmi on the wedding day. It is like having the presence of the Goddess herself during the wedding. She is decorated with beautiful flowers on her head with jaadai maalai (flowers on the plaited hair) or kondai maalai (flowers in a bun). It is a practice these days to have a make-up lady to dress look the bride. However, brides these days refer the look simple. Most brides do away with the jaadai malai and tend to go for the modern look. Nevertheless, they still use flowers to look presentable.

Source: Indian Wedding Photographer