Maalai in a Tamil wedding: meaning and exchange of garlands

Flowers are omnipresent in many Hindu Tamil weddings.

Among the most recognizable elements of the ceremony are the Maalai, the large flower garlands worn and exchanged by the bride and groom.

The exchange of garlands, often called Maalai Maatral, is a particularly symbolic and photogenic moment of the ceremony.

As with other Tamil wedding traditions, its precise unfolding can vary according to families and communities.

What is a Maalai ?

In Tamil, Maalai can refer to a garland.

In the context of the wedding, it is a floral arrangement specially prepared to be worn around the bride and groom's necks.

They can be made from different flowers, colors and styles depending on family traditions and the couple's preferences.

What is the Maalai Maatral ?

Maalai Maatral refers to the exchange of garlands between the spouses.

The groom places a garland around the bride's neck and she does the same.

This gesture symbolically marks their mutual acceptance and their union.

In some Tamil traditions, the exchange can be performed several times.

The exact number and the procedure should, however, be confirmed with the family and the priest rather than assumed to be identical for all weddings.

Why are Maalai important ?

Maalai are not simply an accessory intended for photos.

They are part of the ceremony and hold a symbolic place in the union of the couple.

That is why they must be prepared early enough and be available at the right moment.

The florist must in particular know:

• the date ;
• the time of the ceremony ;
• the venue ;
• the desired style ;
• the colors ;
• the quantity ;
• the delivery time.

Which flowers to choose for the Maalai ?

There is no single mandatory composition.

The choice can depend on :

• family traditions ;
• the season ;
• the available flowers ;
• the wedding colors ;
• the bride's sari ;
• the groom's outfit.

You can find different combinations of flowers and colors.

The objective is above all to choose garlands that are strong enough and suitable for the ceremony.

Traditional or modern Maalai ?

Both approaches are possible.

Traditional Maalai

Couples can choose a floral composition that corresponds to their family's customs.

Modern Maalai

It is also possible to work more on :

• the colors ;
• the size ;
• the shape ;
• the flower combinations ;
• the harmony with the decoration.

The florist can propose several models before the order.

What size to choose ?

A Maalai must be large enough to be easily slipped over the neck.

But a garland that is too large can also become heavy or uncomfortable.

Before ordering, take into account :

• the size of the couple ;
• the weight of the garland ;
• the bride's jewelry ;
• the sari ;
• the hairstyle ;
• the duration during which it will be worn.

Ask the florist to show you examples of sizes.

Harmonizing the Maalai with the outfits

To obtain a visually harmonious ensemble, you can send the florist photos of the outfits.

They will thus be able to propose suitable colors.

For example, the flowers can recall :

• a color of the sari ;
• the sari border ;
• the details of the Veshti ;
• the jewelry ;
• the colors of the Mandap.

This does not mean that all colors must be identical.

The objective is simply to create a visual coherence.

To learn more : Tamil wedding attire: sari, Veshti, jewelry and accessories

Harmonizing the Maalai with the decoration

The garlands will appear in many photos in front of the Mandap.

It may therefore be interesting to coordinate their colors with the decorator.

Before ordering the flowers, send the florist :

• a photo or mockup of the Mandap ;
• the main colors ;
• the floral style of the wedding.

To learn more : Tamil wedding decoration: Mandap, flowers and inspirations

When to order the Maalai ?

Avoid looking for your garlands only a few days before the wedding.

Contact your florist early enough in order to :

• ☐ Check their availability
• ☐ Choose the model
• ☐ Define the colors
• ☐ Confirm the flowers available
• ☐ Define the size
• ☐ Confirm the price
• ☐ Organize the delivery

The more specific your request is, the more useful it is to plan ahead.

Fresh flowers and preservation

If you use fresh flowers, delivery must be organized so that they remain in good condition until the ceremony.

Ask the florist directly :

• when the Maalai will be prepared ;
• how to store them ;
• at what temperature ;
• at what time they will be delivered ;
• if they can remain several hours before use.

Follow their storage recommendations rather than improvising on the wedding day.

Who collects the Maalai ?

This question seems simple, but it can create a lot of stress on the day.

Designate a responsible person.

They will be in charge of :

• ☐ Receiving the garlands
• ☐ Checking the order
• ☐ Storing them properly
• ☐ Bringing them to the right place
• ☐ Informing the couple or the priest when they are available

The couple should not have to call the florist during their preparations.

Plan several garlands ?

The number needed depends entirely on the course of your ceremony.

Some traditions may provide for several exchanges or different garlands.

So ask the priest and the families how many Maalai are actually necessary before placing an order.

Do not automatically order a quantity found on the Internet.

At what moment does the exchange of Maalai take place ?

The exchange occurs in the course of the ceremony according to the tradition followed.

It must be integrated into the official wedding schedule.

This allows notably to inform :

• the priest ;
• the photographer ;
• the videographer ;
• the musicians ;
• the coordinator ;
• the family members concerned.

Maalai and Oonjal

In some weddings, the exchange of garlands and the Oonjal are part of the different moments that precede or accompany the main rituals of the ceremony.

The precise order depends on family tradition.

To learn more : Oonjal in a Tamil wedding: meaning and procedure

Inform the photographer

The exchange of Maalai does not last very long.

It is therefore important that the photographer knows the approximate time.

They will be able to capture :

• the preparation of the garlands ;
• the moment before the exchange ;
• the groom placing the Maalai ;
• the bride placing the Maalai ;
• the couple's reactions ;
• the families ;
• close-ups of the flowers.

Also inform the videographer

On video, the Maalai Maatral allows preserving the full atmosphere of the moment :

• movements ;
• music ;
• reactions ;
• laughter ;
• family gestures.

The videographer should therefore be positioned before the start of the exchange.

To learn more : Photographer and videographer for Tamil weddings: moments not to miss

Coordinate with the musicians

When traditional musicians accompany the ceremony, they must also know the proceedings.

The Nadaswaram and the Thavil can notably accompany different moments of the wedding.

To learn more : Nadaswaram and Thavil: the traditional music of the Tamil wedding

Maalai and Thali: two different moments

It is important not to confuse the exchange of Maalai with the Thali ceremony.

The garlands represent a distinct moment in the course of the wedding.

The Thali occurs at another moment of the ceremony according to the traditions followed.

To learn more : The Thali in a Tamil wedding: meaning and tradition

How much do the Maalai cost ?

The price depends on many factors :

• type of flowers ;
• quantity ;
• size ;
• complexity ;
• season ;
• availability ;
• delivery.

So ask for a precise quote.

This may indicate :

• Number of Maalai : ___
• Price per Maalai : ___ €
• Delivery : ___ €
• Total : ___ €

To better manage the overall budget : How much does a Tamil wedding cost in France ?

Questions to ask the florist

Before booking :

• ☐ Do you make Maalai for Tamil weddings ?
• ☐ Can you show us examples ?
• ☐ Which flowers do you offer ?
• ☐ Can we choose the colors ?
• ☐ What size do you recommend ?
• ☐ What will be the approximate weight ?
• ☐ How long can they be preserved ?
• ☐ When are they prepared ?
• ☐ Is delivery included ?
• ☐ At what time can you deliver ?
• ☐ What deposit is required ?

Maalai checklist

Several weeks before

• ☐ Florist chosen
• ☐ Number of Maalai confirmed with the family
• ☐ Model chosen
• ☐ Colors chosen
• ☐ Size defined
• ☐ Price confirmed
• ☐ Delivery organized

A few days before

• ☐ Ceremony time confirmed
• ☐ Florist recontacted
• ☐ Address confirmed
• ☐ Person in charge of receiving the flowers designated
• ☐ Photographer informed
• ☐ Videographer informed
• ☐ Musicians informed if necessary

On the wedding day

• ☐ Maalai received
• ☐ Condition of the flowers checked
• ☐ Appropriate storage
• ☐ Garlands placed in the right place
• ☐ Responsible person informed

Prepare the whole ceremony

The Maalai are only one of the many elements to prepare.

To understand the whole proceedings : Tamil Hindu wedding: traditions and course of the ceremony

To forget nothing : Preparing a Tamil wedding: the complete checklist

Find a florist for your wedding

A florist experienced with traditional events will be able to advise you on the flowers, dimensions, preservation and delivery of your Maalai.

On DreamWeds, discover florists, decorators and other professionals to prepare your wedding.