What's Included in Mandap Hire? Stage, Carpets and Arches

'Mandap hire' can mean very different things depending on who is quoting. For one supplier it's the structure on its own. For another it's the full ceremony set: stage, carpeting, aisle styling and entrance arches. Understanding the difference is the single best way to avoid an unpleasant surprise.

The ceremony furniture: typically included in package deals

Beyond the structure itself, a mandap needs furniture and ceremonial items. In package deals this is typically all included, so you are not hiring chairs and stools one by one. A typical set looks like this:

• 2 × bride and groom chairs
• 2 × side chairs
• 2 × kanyadan chairs (small chairs for the bride's parents)
• 2 × patlas (low wooden seats or platforms used for the pooja)
• 2 × bajots (low wooden stools or tables that hold pooja items)
• 1 × havan kund, with a foil insert, for the sacred fire
• 4 × choris (the decorated pots, often stacked, placed at the mandap's corners)
• 6 × pedestals for the mandap, with Ganesh murtis

If your family uses different terms or needs extra items, such as more side chairs, tell us in your enquiry and your quote will list them.

The six things to ask about

1. The mandap itself

The frame or structure, its core styling and florals as pictured. Always check whether the photographed decoration is part of the price or an upgrade. Ceremony furniture such as chairs, patlas, bajots and choris is covered above.

2. The stage

A raised platform for the ceremony. At lower starting prices it's normally an optional extra; above about £2,500 it is usually included, depending on location. Some couples use the venue's stage or their own, which is one reason a lower price without it can make sense.

3. Stage carpet and steps

Carpeting makes the stage look finished and covers joins. Steps matter for access, especially for elderly family members. Check both are listed.

4. Aisleway decor

Flowers, lanterns or other styling lining the walkway. It makes the entrance feel special and ties the room together.

5. Aisleway carpet

The runner the couple walks on. Often an extra at entry-level prices and included in larger packages.

6. Entrance archways

A decorated arch at the start of the aisle. It creates a clear 'moment' for photographs and is another item that tends to be an extra at around £1,495 and included at higher prices.

7. Additional flowers

If you want a fuller, richer look than the design as pictured, you can usually add more artificial or fresh flowers as an upgrade. They are always an optional extra, whatever your price band, and you can tick them in the package builder on any mandap page.

The rule of thumb

It's a guide, not a promise. That's why each mandap page on Compare The Mandap shows what's included underneath the starting price, and lets you tick the extras you want in the package builder.

Delivery, setup and dismantling

Most professional hire prices cover delivery, installation and collection, but distance, access, parking, stairs and tight venue timings can change the total. Ask for it to be stated in writing.

A simple checklist for your quote

• Mandap: structure and floral styling as pictured
• Ceremony furniture: bride and groom chairs, side chairs, kanyadan chairs, patlas, bajots, choris, havan kund
• Stage: size, height and whether it's included
• Stage carpet and steps
• Aisleway decor
• Aisleway carpet
• Entrance archway(s)
• Delivery, set up and dismantling, and any time or distance charges
• Deposit, balance date, and change or cancellation terms

If a quote doesn't say something is included, assume it isn't until you've asked. And if you'd like to see how packages compare, our guide to mandap hire costs breaks down each price band.

You can compare designs and send one enquiry for your shortlist, and our team will confirm exactly what your price includes for your venue.