Know your cost and the value of your time
In mehendi, your time is your biggest cost. Count materials, travel and the hours you spend. This is an example only for a festive booking of both hands up to the wrist. Your numbers will be different.
- Henna and cone material used: ₹40
- Oil, lemon-sugar mix, cotton and tissues: ₹15
- Travel by auto, both ways: ₹120
- Time: about 1 hour including setup
- Material and travel cost: ₹175
Per hand and per event pricing
In the example, if you charge ₹600 for the booking, you keep about ₹425 for an hour's work. If the client comes to your home, there is no travel cost, so you might charge less or keep more.
Rates vary a lot by city, area and experience. In many places, simple party designs start from a few hundred rupees per hand, while full bridal hands and feet can range from a few thousand to much higher for well-known artists in big cities. Check what artists near you charge and place yourself fairly.
Price by coverage, not just per hand. One side to the wrist, both sides to the wrist, up to the elbow and bridal full arms and feet should each have a clear rate.
Packages that make pricing easy
- Bridal package: hands and feet, with or without a trial session
- Family package: bride plus a fixed number of close family members at a combined rate
- Group or event booking: a rate per guest or per hour, with a minimum booking
- Festival slots: fixed price for set designs on Karwa Chauth, Teej or Eid eve
- Kids' mini designs: a low per-child rate for birthday parties
- Add-ons: names, portraits, glitter or aftercare kits at extra cost
Festive rates, travel and advances
Demand peaks in the wedding season and on festival eves. It is common for artists to charge more on peak days, or to offer only fixed packages then, since you can serve fewer clients. Tell clients early if your festival rates are different.
Charge travel separately or set a free area around your home and a fixed travel charge beyond it. For far venues and late night work, add more.
Take an advance to confirm bridal and group bookings, since you turn down other work for that date. Clearly state your cancellation rule before you take the advance. Payments can be by UPI or cash directly to you.
When to raise your prices
Raise prices as your skill and portfolio grow, when you are fully booked most weekends, or when material costs rise. Many artists review their rates once a year before the wedding season.
Keep your old rate for clients who already booked. Share your new rate card early so regular clients are not surprised. Good stain results and reviews are what make higher prices easy to justify.