Hindu Wedding Mandap Setup Guide

The mandap is the sacred space where Hindu couples exchange the seven vows (Saptapadi). Proper setup ensures the ceremony flows smoothly and honours tradition—whether you're marrying in India, the USA, UK, or New Zealand. This guide covers dimensions, orientation, ritual elements, and practical assembly.

Mandap Dimensions & Scale

Standard mandap sizes vary by venue and guest count:

• 8x8 feet: Intimate ceremonies, 50–100 guests
• 10x10 feet: Medium weddings, 100–200 guests
• 12x12 feet: Large weddings, 200+ guests
• Pillar height: Typically 8–12 feet; match to venue ceiling

At Shyam Agencies, we offer custom mandap sizes. Share your venue dimensions and we'll recommend the right scale. For ballrooms in the USA and UK, 10x10 or 12x12 is common; for destination weddings in New Zealand, 8x8 or 10x10 often suits smaller gatherings.

Orientation: Which Direction?

Traditionally, the mandap faces east—towards the rising sun, symbolising new beginnings. If the venue doesn't allow east-facing, north is the second preference. Consult your priest (pandit) for venue-specific guidance, especially for outdoor or non-traditional spaces.

Sacred Elements Inside the Mandap

Every Hindu mandap includes:

• Four pillars (chaturbhuj): Represent the four Vedas
• Kalash: Sacred vessel with coconut, mango leaves, and red cloth
• Havan kund: Fire pit for the sacred fire (if applicable)
• Chowki/pew: Seating for the couple

Our wedding mandaps are designed to accommodate these elements. Some structures include built-in spaces for the havan kund; others require a separate fire pit.

Assembly & Setup Timeline

Modular fibre wedding mandaps typically assemble in 2–4 hours with 2–3 people. Traditional wooden mandaps may take 4–8 hours. Allow a full day for setup, especially for first-time assemblies or complex designs.

Tip for NRI weddings: If you're importing from India, schedule a trial assembly before the wedding week. Many of our USA and UK clients do a dry run to familiarise their team with the structure.

Venue-Specific Considerations

USA Ballrooms

High ceilings (15–25 feet) allow for tall mandaps. Ensure adequate floor space—ballrooms often have pillars or columns that affect placement. Crystal and decorative mandaps photograph beautifully under chandeliers.

UK Venues

UK venues range from historic manors to modern event spaces. Check ceiling height and load-bearing capacity for heavy structures. Fibre mandaps are ideal for listed buildings with weight restrictions.

New Zealand Destination Weddings

Vineyards, lodges, and beaches often have variable weather. Choose weather-resistant fibre or theme mandaps. Secure the structure for wind if outdoors.

India

Traditional venues (banquet halls, farmhouses) accommodate larger, heavier mandaps. Full decorative and wooden options are popular.

Frequently Asked Questions