Quick answer: A mayoun (also spelled mayun or maayun) is a pre-wedding ceremony, traditionally held a few days before the wedding, focused on the bride — often involving ubtan (a turmeric paste applied for a bridal glow), blessings and intimate family celebration. It's closely linked to the mehndi and shares its festive, joyful spirit. The bride traditionally wears yellow (the colour of the mayoun), and guests wear bright, festive colours like yellow, green and orange — comfortable, celebratory outfits such as a kurta set, gharara, sharara or lehenga.
The mayoun is one of the most charming pre-wedding traditions — but it confuses a lot of guests. Here's what it is and exactly what to wear.
What is a mayoun?
The mayoun is a pre-wedding ceremony centred on the bride, traditionally held in the days before the wedding. Customs vary by family and region, but it often includes:
- Ubtan: a turmeric-based paste applied to the bride for a traditional pre-wedding glow.
- Blessings: elders and family bless the bride.
- Intimate celebration: usually a warm, family-focused gathering.
It's closely related to — and sometimes combined with — the mehndi, sharing the same bright, festive energy.
The significance of yellow
Yellow is the signature colour of the mayoun, symbolising joy, freshness and the turmeric of the ubtan. The bride traditionally wears yellow, and guests often follow suit with bright, sunny shades.
What the bride wears
- Yellow is the classic choice — a kurta set, gharara, sharara or lehenga in a sunny shade.
- Comfortable and festive, since ubtan and celebrations can be hands-on.
- Lighter than wedding-day bridal — joyful rather than heavy. (See a bride's outfit plan for every event.)
What guests wear
- Bright, festive colours: yellow, green, orange, coral. (See choosing your mehndi colour.)
- Comfortable silhouettes: kurta sets, sharara, gharara or maxi for celebration and dancing.
- Coordinate with the family if you're close to the bride. (See sisters' outfit ideas and mother-of-the-bride ideas.)
Mayoun vs mehndi — what's the difference?
| Mayoun | Mehndi | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Ubtan, blessings, the bride | Henna, music, dancing |
| Signature colour | Yellow | Yellow, green, orange |
| Feel | Intimate, family | Big, lively celebration |
Some families hold them separately; others combine them. When in doubt, ask the hosts.
Your mayoun outfit, made for you
AÏNN London makes festive mayoun and mehndi outfits to measure in your exact yellow (or any of 900+ shades), with a video before dispatch. (See how ordering works.)
Browse mehndi & mayoun wear, the party wear collection, or explore the colour library.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mayoun?
A mayoun is a pre-wedding ceremony focused on the bride, traditionally held in the days before the wedding. It often includes ubtan (a turmeric paste for a bridal glow), blessings from elders, and an intimate family celebration, closely linked to the mehndi.
What do you wear to a mayoun?
Bright, festive colours — yellow is the signature shade. The bride traditionally wears yellow, and guests wear sunny, celebratory colours in comfortable silhouettes like a kurta set, gharara, sharara or lehenga.
What's the difference between a mayoun and a mehndi?
The mayoun centres on ubtan, blessings and the bride in a more intimate family setting, while the mehndi is the larger henna, music and dancing celebration. Both share a bright, festive spirit, and some families combine them.
Why is yellow the colour of the mayoun?
Yellow symbolises joy and freshness and reflects the turmeric of the ubtan applied to the bride, which is why the bride and guests traditionally wear yellow.
AÏNN London makes festive mayoun outfits to measure in your exact yellow from 900+ shades, with a video before dispatch — and can coordinate the whole family's looks. Plan your mayoun outfit with us.
Last updated: June 2026
