Mehendi pricing varies more than almost any other wedding service, which makes it one of the most confusing things to budget for. Here's what actually drives the number. Simple party mehendi (one hand, basic design, 15-20 minutes) typically runs ₹300-800 per person in most Indian cities. This is the right choice for guests, not the bride. Half-hand bridal mehendi (front and back of one hand, moderate detail) generally costs ₹1,500-4,000, depending on the artist's experience and city. Full-hand bridal mehendi (both hands, up to the elbow, dense traditional or Arabic patterns) ranges from ₹4,000 to ₹15,000+ for well-reviewed artists in metro cities. Full bridal packages that include both hands and both feet, with intricate detailing, can run ₹15,000-50,000 for top-rated artists - the jump in price reflects hours of work (often 4-8 hours) and the artist's demand during wedding season. Three things push the price up beyond the base rate: travel distance (artists usually charge extra beyond a certain radius), design complexity (fine detailing and portrait/name work take longer), and date - Diwali, Karva Chauth, and October-February wedding season command premium pricing everywhere. Three things you can control: booking early (last-minute bookings during peak season often carry a rush premium), being clear about design complexity upfront (a vague "make it nice" brief leads to scope creep and add-on charges), and comparing artists on a platform that shows transparent per-hand or per-package pricing rather than negotiating blind over a phone call. A fair rule of thumb: if a quote for full bridal mehendi in a metro city comes in under ₹3,000, ask to see the artist's actual bridal portfolio before booking - it's usually either a beginner or a bait-and-switch quote.