Why Mandaps Cost £2,000 or £8,000

A £2,000 mandap and an £8,000 mandap can look similar in a small photo. The price gap usually comes from five things: the size and structure, the flowers, what is included (stage, carpets, aisle decor, arch), the labour and time needed, and the venue. A higher price is justified when it buys you more of those things that you actually want. It is not proof of a better design.

1. Size and structure

Four simple pillars with a flat roof cost less to make, move and install than a round pavilion, a design with side wings or one with six or more pillars. On Compare The Mandap, designs with side wings or six or more pillars are priced one step up our price list for that reason.

2. Flowers, and what kind

Flowers are often the biggest single swing. Fresh flowers cost more and depend on season and weather. Good artificial flowers are reusable, can be installed days ahead and can look excellent in photographs. Ask exactly which parts of the mandap use fresh flowers. Read fresh vs artificial flowers on a mandap.

3. What is included

Two quotes can describe the same mandap and differ by hundreds of pounds because one includes the stage, carpets, aisle decor and an arch and the other does not. As a guide, on our listings above £2,500 these are usually included, and at or below £2,500 they are usually extras. See what is included in mandap hire.

4. Labour, time and logistics

A large design needs more people and more hours to install and remove. Delivery distance, parking, lifts, stairs and tight setup windows all add cost, which is one reason the same mandap can cost more in central London than in other places.

5. Design and bespoke work

Custom colours, extra drapes, hanging decor and bespoke changes all add time and materials. You can also remove things you do not need. Tell your adviser what you like and what you would skip.

What the price bands look like on our site

• Essential from £1,495: simple frames, with stage, carpets and aisle decor usually extra
• Standard from £1,995 up to £2,995: more styling and presence
• Premium from £3,495 up to £4,495: richer design, with stage and aisle usually part of the package
• Luxury from £5,495 up to £7,995: grand, fully packaged designs

Is the more expensive one worth it?

Ask three questions: what exactly is included, which flowers are fresh, and how long is the setup. If the dearer quote includes things you would otherwise pay extra for, it may be better value. Our quote comparison guide shows how to check each one like for like. Ready to compare? Browse all mandaps or get an exact price.