Mehndi Artists Vancouver || Mehndi Designs by Iti || Ethnic Wedding Customs || Henna Tips

Doesn't it just feel like the summer days just run away. With the 'to do lists' stretching and the long days: it seems that more rather than less should be done but sometimes it's just time to sit back and sip an ice-cap. The caffeine rush and some icy cold should help you bring it all back into perspective. Well the weeks been hectic not to say the least: but I wanted to add some tips for brides getting their henna done in the next few weeks. And if you haven't already be sure to book a henna artist for your bridal party as well - get on it. Henna artists are limited and high in demand during this season - so if you're waiting - what for?

If you've already booked your henna artist try to schedule your henna to applied at least 2 days in advance of your wedding if you can. I've included a few more tips below which are taken from The 7th Edition of Canada's First South Asian Wedding Planner. If you don't already have your copy stop by any of the following locations and pick yours up. 1) Chapters Indigo Book Stores (72nd & Scott Road in Surrey, BC - Strawberry Hill Complex) 2) Kamal's Video 3) Delta Wedding Centre 4) Moore Wedding Centre 5)Bride & Groom Shop 6) Most HBC (The Bay) Gift Registries in the lower mainland Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Abbotsford, British Columbia See my blog about her below.

The gorgeous images on the most part were photographed by Milan Photo Images, and the incredible mehndi is done by none other than Iti - of Mehndi Designs - one of Vancouver's premier henna artists. 1) If you are booking a henna artist for a group, be sure to discuss price before booking. Some times you can work out a package for a specified number of bridesmaid: be sure to discuss how intricate or not the design will be prior. Remember the more work: the higher the prices 2) Be patient. Applying mehndi is an art (visualize an artist painting on a blank canvas). In this case, you are the canvas so try not to fidget or squirm. Bridal mehndi application is a lengthy process sometimes taking 3 hours or more depending on the design you choose. Help yourself by having a good meal before the henna artist starts and pick out a couple of good Bollywood movies (average run time is 3 hours so you should be good); oh yeah and another very important thing: go to the bathroom before she starts. 3) Henna has a cooling effect so dress warmly and depending on the season you may want to have a heater close by. If it's hot and humid: you will feel great! Okay ... so get the rest of tips from your henna artist. And remember; henna isn't just for the hands. For any flattering figure: have it applied anywhere anytime - awesomeness!

Awesome Vancouver Henna Artist::Cultural Wedding Suppliers

One of most unique and sought after cultural wedding suppliers specifically for Indian weddings is none other than the henna artist. Remember back in the day when some designated aunty-jee would apply the bridal mehndi with a tooth pick? or what about the evolution of the stick-on mehndi patterns that were supposed to be fool-proof and guaranteed that anyone would have gorgeous mehndi for their weddings. Okay then came the mehndi cones. Yes, foil conicals filled with mehndi that is easy to apply - now if you only have the artistic ability to actually use this thing to create more than happy faces and flowers. Fast forward... the art of mehndi actually applied by professional mehndi artist.

I have had the pleasure of knowing: who I think is one of the most talented henna artists around. What started off as a temporary friendship (yes we agreed to be friends on a 3 month trial, was extended to one year and I think it's now been almost 8 years since I have known her first professionally then personally (intermittently between both). I'm talking about non other than Iti Chandra (now Iti Chandra-Kalsi) of MehndiDesigns.com

Iti really is an artist at heart and takes her work very seriously but makes it all fun. Her artistic ability is clearly evident when you see her work and her designs.

Her hand is steady and the lines are clean when she applies the mehndi. She uses some special scented oil that doubles up as an aromatherapy session when she's applying the mehndi . Actually I'm not sure why she uses it but is smells really refreshing. When she's done the henna pattern comes out vibrant and bright. The superstition of the lightness or darkness of the brides mehndi as an indication of how much the bride's mother inlaw will love her; is pretty much a right-off because every bride who gets their mehndi done from Iti will have dark mehndi. What a relief!!!

I wish I had known about her when I got married. Seriously, the lady who did my mehndi told me to put plastic bags over my hands after it was applied. After I met Iti, I found out nobody should ever do that. It makes your hands sweat and smudges the mehndi...YES of course!!
She's got a lot of other great tips but to get all details of her experience you can give her call.

She has done my mehndi for some special events a couple of times and I have to tell you she has patience. Not only to do the mehndi but to make the 'mehndi-receiver' be patient as well.

If you are looking for one the best henna artist in Canada; specifically in Vancouver or Surrey then be sure to talk with Iti first. She's great with getting back to people so leave a message if you get her voicemail.

Just a few more tid bits about Iti. Did I mention she's pretty nice. And she does awesome bridal mehndi, mehndi parties for the bridesmaids and family, Arabic mehndi, temporary henna tattoos (do a trial before you go for the big bang permanent one), 2 colour and silver and gold mehndi if you really want to coordinate your bridal outfits with your looks. I'll be adding some tips for the bride if you are getting your mehndi done anytime soon.

Photos: Milan Photo Images
Make-Up: Kim Basran / Kiran Purewal
Mehndi Designs: Iti at Mehndidesigns.com