Most mehendi-day problems aren't about the design - they're about logistics nobody confirmed in writing. Here's the checklist to run through at least a week before your function. 6-8 weeks before: Book your bridal mehendi artist. This is non-negotiable during wedding season - the good ones are gone first. 3-4 weeks before: Finalise the design style with your artist (Rajasthani, Arabic, Indo-Arabic, minimalist) and share reference photos. Don't leave this to the day itself. 1-2 weeks before: Confirm exact timing, venue address, and how many hours the artist has blocked for you. Bridal mehendi genuinely takes 3-6 hours for full coverage - don't compress this into a tight morning slot before a ceremony. 3-5 days before: Confirm the guest headcount if the same artist (or their team) is doing mehendi for family and friends too. Group bookings need more advance notice and sometimes a second artist. 1-2 days before: Do a patch test if you have sensitive skin or have never used mehendi from this artist before. Black henna additives can cause reactions - a two-hour patch test on your inner arm will tell you if there's a problem before it's on your hands for the wedding. On the day: Keep the space ready before the artist arrives - good lighting, a comfortable low seat, and someone designated to bring water/food so the bride doesn't need to move once mehendi starts. Wear something you can slip on without using your hands afterward. After application: Avoid water for at least 6-8 hours for the deepest colour, and avoid the design touching fabric while it's still wet - the first hour is when smudging happens. Have a backup contact number for the artist (and, ideally, their team lead if it's an agency) in case of last-minute delay - this alone prevents most wedding-morning panic.