The Ultimate Guide to Wearing a Bridal Tikka

A bridal look is never complete until the tikka rests gracefully at the parting of the hair, drawing every gaze to the bride’s eyes. More than an ornament, it is a symbol of heritage, love, and identity—an heirloom of emotions worn at the center of the face. 

Each tikka carries a story of tradition reborn in modern times, a philosophy that lives at the heart of Heritage Panjab’s Bridal tikka collection

History & Cultural Significance of the Bridal Tikka

In ancient India, the bridal tikka was often worn as a spiritual emblem, resting on the ajna chakra, symbolising intuition, wisdom, and balance. Worn by brides, it signified not only their beauty but also their entry into a new phase of life, blessed with prosperity and protection.

Across Punjab, Rajasthan, and Mughal courts, its designs evolved into intricate artistry - each motif carrying meaning. From temple-style engravings to kundan embellishments, the tikka became a tapestry of devotion and craftsmanship. Today, while brides embrace modern aesthetics, the essence of the tikka remains the same: a celebration of heritage, elegance, and timeless love.

Bridal Tikka Trends Every Bride Must Know

Every bride dreams of standing out, yet rooted in grace. Bridal tikka trends continue to evolve, blending legacy with personal expression.

1. Rida Pearl Tikka

Rida Pearl Tikka is a traditional bridal maang tikka designed in an ornate, heritage style.

Details: 

  • Base Material: Gold-toned with intricate carved motifs and fine detailing, reflecting temple-style craftsmanship.

  • Centerpiece: A large square-cut uncut stone (polki-style) sits at the center, surrounded by engraved floral and leafy patterns.

  • Dangling Pearls: Multiple tiers of lustrous white pearls hang gracefully, creating a chandelier-like effect that frames the forehead.

  • Chain: The tikka is attached to a string of small pearls that rests along the hair parting, leading to the central pendant.

  • Design Motif: The leafy patterns around the central stone add depth and a regal touch, making it a statement accessory.

Overall, it’s a luxurious and opulent headpiece. 

2. Reshma Tikka 

Reshma Tikka is a traditional gold maang tikka featuring intricate craftsmanship and a regal design.

Details:

  • Design: The pendant is crafted in a large, circular dome-like shape with delicate openwork filigree patterns, resembling floral and leafy motifs.

  • Chain: The chain that runs along the hair parting is embellished with small, textured floral elements, adding extra detail.

  • Dangling Elements: The bottom of the tikka is finished with multiple small, teardrop-shaped gold hangings that move gracefully, enhancing its ornate appeal.

  • Craftsmanship: The overall look is bold yet elegant, with fine cutwork giving it a lightweight appearance despite its statement size.

This tikka has a heritage-inspired appeal, perfect for brides who want to embrace a royal, traditional aesthetic on their big day. 

3. Saira Tikka

Saira Tikka is a statement maang tikka with a vibrant and regal aesthetic, blending gold with gemstone accents.

Details:

  • Base: Crafted in antique-finish gold with ornate carvings and leaf-like motifs framing the centerpiece.

  • Centerpiece: A square-shaped stone in a soft peach tone set in the middle, giving a subtle pop of color.

  • Dangling Beads: The lower half is adorned with dual layers of beads—emerald green beads above and soft rose quartz-style pink beads below, interspersed with tiny pearl clusters, creating a layered and colourful fringe.

  • Chain: The chain is delicate with small pearl-like detailing, blending seamlessly with the head parting.

This maang tikka exudes a playful yet royal vibe, perfect for brides or bridesmaids who want to add a touch of color to their traditional look.

4. Pali Pippal Patti Tikka

Pali Pippal Patti tikka is a heritage-inspired bridal maang tikka with a bold, regal aesthetic.

Details:

  • Pendant Design: The central pendant is crafted in antique-finish gold with engraved floral and leafy motifs, giving it a temple-jewellery vibe.

  • Gemstone Accents: A teardrop-shaped deep red stone sits at the top, with additional ruby-red and kundan-style white stones set in dangling motifs.

  • Dangling Elements: The fringe is elaborate, featuring a mix of teardrop-shaped golden danglers, ruby-toned stones, kundan drops, and small pearls, creating a layered chandelier effect.

  • Chain: The chain is adorned with delicate detailing and small pearl embellishments that rest along the hair parting.

This piece is grand and royal, perfect for brides. 

5. Shanza Kundan Tikka

Shanza Kundan tikka is a royal-style crescent maang tikka crafted in gold with a richly detailed design.

Details:

  • Base: Gold with intricate engraving and embossed floral motifs in the center.

  • Gemstones: The crescent is embedded with multi-colored stones—deep red, emerald green, turquoise blue, and white kundan-style gems—arranged in a symmetrical pattern.

  • Dangling Fringe: The lower edge has a double-layer fringe—light green beads on top and large white pearls at the bottom, giving it movement and grandeur.

  • Chain: A single strand with delicate pearls runs along the hair parting, adding subtle elegance.

This maang tikka is grand, colorful, and unmistakably regal—ideal for brides who want to embrace a heritage look inspired by royal courts.

Tips to Secure Your Bridal Tikka Comfortably

The bridal tikka deserves to shine, but comfort is equally important. A few mindful tricks ensure it stays in place gracefully.

  • Pin It Right: Use discreet bobby pins under the tikka chain, blending them into your hairstyle for invisible support.

  • Backcomb for Grip: A little backcombing at the crown gives the tikka chain something to hold on to, preventing slipping.

  • Lightweight Support: If your tikka is heavy, add an invisible thread or a secondary chain to distribute the weight.

  • Secure with Hairspray: A light mist over the pins keeps everything in place, even during hours of dancing and rituals.

With these steps, your tikka won’t just sit beautifully—it will feel effortless, allowing you to enjoy every moment.

Conclusion

The bridal tikka is more than a headpiece—it’s a legacy resting on a bride’s forehead, uniting past and present. Each tikka, whether minimal or regal, carries a story of artistry and culture. As you choose yours, remember it is not just about completing a bridal look—it’s about carrying a tradition forward with pride. At Heritage Panjab, we craft tikkas that embody history and elegance, ensuring your big day shines with timeless heritage.

 

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