Planning · 3 min read
The Complete Mandap Hire Checklist
By Book a Mandap ·
Planning a Hindu wedding involves a long list of moving parts, and your mandap is one of the most important. This mandap hire checklist brings every step together, from early research to the moment your ceremony begins, so nothing is overlooked. Save it, share it with your planner and tick things off as you go.
Before you enquire
A little groundwork makes every later decision easier. Before contacting suppliers, gather the key facts about your wedding. Remember that customs vary between regions, communities and families, so your own ceremony may call for details that are not on a general list.
- Confirm your wedding date and ceremony venue
- Speak with your pandit about the rituals, timings and whether a havan is planned
- Estimate your guest numbers and how many family members will be on stage
- Note the room dimensions, ceiling height and access route, using our guide to how much space a mandap needs
- Ask your venue about set-up times and any rules on open flames
- Save images of mandaps, colours and florals you love
Choosing and booking your mandap
With your brief in hand, you can start comparing designs and suppliers. Browse our mandap collection, from floral mandaps to clean-lined modern frames, and shortlist the styles that suit your venue.
- Request a tailored quote, as every mandap is quoted individually
- Check what is included, such as delivery, installation and removal
- Book a viewing by appointment to see your shortlisted designs in person
- Ask the key questions from our list of questions to ask before you book a mandap
- Pay the 25% deposit to secure your date
- Keep a copy of your booking confirmation and terms
Finalising the design
Once your date is secure, the creative details come together. This is the time to refine the look of your mandap and make sure it works with the rest of your wedding.
- Agree your colour palette, fabrics and draping
- Choose between fresh flowers, premium faux florals or a mix of both
- Confirm seating for the couple, parents and priest
- Decide on lighting, especially for evening ceremonies
- Discuss staging, steps, the aisle and any backdrop
- For outdoor ceremonies, confirm the wet-weather plan
Coordinating with your venue
Your mandap supplier and venue need to work in step. We coordinate with venues on access, timings and fire rules, but it helps to keep everyone informed and to confirm arrangements in writing.
- Share your supplier’s contact details with the venue’s events team
- Confirm the installation window, allowing two to four hours for set-up
- Agree the removal time, including any turnaround between ceremony and reception
- Confirm whether a small contained havan is permitted, or which alternative will be used
- Check parking or loading arrangements for the delivery vehicle
In the final weeks and on the day
As the wedding approaches, a final round of confirmations keeps the day calm. Our wedding-day mandap installation timeline shows how the morning usually unfolds.
- Reconfirm the date, arrival time and venue address with your supplier
- Share a day-of contact, such as your planner or a trusted family member
- Make sure puja items and the havan kund are ready for your pandit
- Check the weather forecast for outdoor ceremonies
- Allow time for photographs of the finished mandap before guests arrive
Start your mandap planning
With this checklist, you can approach mandap hire calmly and confidently, knowing each step is covered. If you have questions along the way, our FAQ page is a helpful place to start, or contact us to check availability and receive a tailored quote.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start working through this checklist?
As soon as your venue and date are confirmed. Popular dates book early, so securing your mandap should be one of your first supplier decisions.
Who should coordinate between the mandap supplier and the venue?
We coordinate directly with venues on access, timings and fire rules, but it is helpful for your planner or a family member to be kept informed as a day-of contact.
Do I need to provide anything for the mandap on the day?
The mandap, styling and installation are handled by our team. Your pandit will usually advise on the puja items needed for the ceremony itself.
