What Shoes to Wear to an Indian Wedding 2K25 ?

What Shoes to Wear to an Indian Wedding? Expert Tips for Men & Women

Indian weddings are a grand celebration of culture, color, tradition, and fashion. From the majestic lehengas to regal sherwanis, every detail is curated for elegance. However, one often overlooked element that can make or break your entire look—and comfort—is the footwear.

Choosing the right shoes for an Indian wedding is more than just about matching your outfit; it’s about blending style with comfort and tradition with modern flair. Whether you’re the bride, groom, or a guest attending the haldi, mehendi, sangeet, or the main wedding ceremony, this guide will help you find the perfect pair.

Why Footwear Matters at Indian Weddings

Indian weddings typically stretch over multiple days with a variety of functions—each requiring specific attire and suitable footwear. Here’s why choosing the right shoes is important:

You’ll be on your feet for hours—dancing, socializing, posing for pictures, or participating in rituals.
Footwear completes your look, enhancing your overall ensemble.
The wrong shoes can ruin your experience, causing blisters, pain, or worse, making you look underdressed.

Wedding Footwear Etiquette: Key Considerations

Before diving into shoe types, keep these essential pointers in mind:

Comfort First: No matter how stunning your juttis or heels are, if they aren’t comfortable, skip them.
Venue Awareness: Outdoor weddings may require wedges or flats; indoor functions can afford stilettos or embroidered shoes.
Dress Match: Choose colors, embellishments, and style that complement your attire.
Function-Specific: Not every event needs dressy shoes. For Haldi or Mehendi, go simpler.

Footwear for Women at Indian Weddings

1. For the Bride

The bride’s footwear is both a style statement and a practical concern. Here’s what to consider:

a) Heels with Lehenga

For reception or main wedding day, block heels, kitten heels, or wedges with embellished designs work best. Avoid pencil heels unless you’re confident, as Indian weddings involve a lot of walking and standing.

b) Juttis or Mojaris

Perfect for sangeet and mehendi. You can dance freely, stay pain-free, and still look traditional. Bridal juttis often come with intricate zardozi, mirror work, or pearls.

c) Kolhapuris

Great for haldi or day events. Pick a metallic or pastel tone that complements your outfit.

d) Sneakers for the Bride

A rising trend! Brides today are ditching heels post-ceremony for custom bridal sneakers to dance the night away at the sangeet or after-party.

2. For Female Guests

Female guests have the liberty to explore:

a) Wedges

Perfect balance of height and comfort. Great with sarees, lehengas, and indo-western outfits.

b) Block Heels

Ideal for receptions and cocktail parties. Look for embellished versions.

c) Ballet Flats or Mojaris

Flat yet elegant, suitable for mehendi or haldi. They work well with suits and sarees.

d) Embroidered Mules

Stylish, modern, and easy to slip on. Excellent for all-day wear.

e) Platform Heels

Offer the height without compromising comfort. Pair with gowns or Indo-western wear.

Footwear for Men at Indian Weddings

Men’s wedding footwear can be traditional, contemporary, or a fusion of both.

1. For the Groom

a) Mojaris and Juttis

A must-have for traditional wedding outfits like sherwanis or bandhgalas. Opt for neutral shades (ivory, gold, tan) or match your attire.

b) Kolhapuri Chappals

A great pick for haldi or mehendi. These traditional sandals offer comfort and style.

c) Ethnic Loafers

Embellished or embroidered loafers add a regal touch. They’re ideal for receptions or cocktails with Indo-western wear.

d) Slip-On Formal Shoes

For tuxedos or three-piece suits during receptions, black or tan leather slip-ons are classy.

e) Custom Sneakers

Like brides, some grooms opt for custom-designed sneakers for sangeet or post-wedding parties.

2. For Male Guests

a) Juttis or Mojaris

Simple, affordable options available for guests to match kurtas or bandhgalas.

b) Leather Sandals

Ideal for casual or day functions like haldi. Brown or tan sandals work best.

c) Loafers or Brogues

Sleek leather loafers or brogues for reception or cocktail attire like suits and Indo-western ensembles.

Event-Wise Footwear Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of footwear suggestions according to various Indian wedding functions:

Function	Women’s Footwear Options	Men’s Footwear Options
Haldi	Kolhapuris, flat sandals, mojaris	Kolhapuris, leather sandals
Mehendi	Juttis, embellished flats, mules	Mojaris, loafers
Sangeet	Block heels, bridal sneakers, wedges	Embroidered loafers, juttis, sneakers
Wedding Day	Bridal heels, mojaris, traditional juttis	Mojaris, embellished juttis
Reception	Stilettos, strappy heels, platform sandals	Leather loafers, brogues, slip-ons

Footwear for Different Wedding Outfits

1. With Sarees

Opt for heels or wedges to balance the drape.
Embellished sandals, peep toes, or mules work beautifully.

2. With Lehengas

Go for bridal juttis or wedges for comfort.
Stilettos if you’re used to heels and need added height.

3. With Suits & Anarkalis

Flats, juttis, or block heels work well.
Choose embellished options for an elegant look.

4. With Sherwanis

Mojaris and ethnic loafers with embroidery elevate the look.

5. With Kurtas

For simpler outfits, kolhapuris or mojaris do the job well.

Trend Alert: Wedding Footwear Trends in 2025

Embellished Sneakers: Customized bridal/groom sneakers with initials or embroidery.
Pastel Mojaris: Soft hues are in—think blush, sage, and powder blue.
Transparent Heels: Adds a modern touch to traditional outfits.
Block Heels with Tassels: A fusion twist for Indo-western looks.
Brocade Mules for Men: Stylish and comfortable alternative to leather shoes.

Expert Tips to Choose the Right Footwear

Try Before the Event: Break in your shoes before wearing them to the wedding.
Carry Backup: Keep a backup flat option like juttis or slides.
Don’t Compromise on Quality: Invest in a good pair. Cheap shoes can ruin the experience.
Avoid Slippery Soles: Dance floors and marble surfaces demand good grip.
Match Metal Accents: Gold, silver, or mirror embellishments on footwear should match your outfit’s detailing.

Footwear Care Tips for Indian Weddings

Use shoe cushions or insoles for added comfort.
For leather shoes, use a polish kit before the event.
For embroidered or silk pairs, store in muslin cloth bags.
Spray a protective layer (water repellant) on mojaris or cloth shoes to avoid stains.

Best Indian Wedding Footwear Brands (India-based)

If you’re shopping in India, these brands offer both style and comfort:

For Women:

Needledust – Designer juttis with bridal collections.
Fizzy Goblet – Quirky juttis and comfortable bridal heels.
Preet Kaur – Elegant handcrafted mojaris.
Metro Shoes – Affordable and fashionable options.
Bata – Great for comfort flats and mid-range ethnic wear.

For Men:

Farfalle – Premium loafers and mojaris.
Coral Haze – Trendy men’s wedding juttis.
Pelle Santino – Italian leather dress shoes for weddings.
Mochi – Budget-friendly ethnic and western shoes.
Ajio/Flipkart/Myntra – Online options for last-minute shopping.

Final Thoughts

Indian weddings are a marathon of style, tradition, and celebration. The right footwear not only enhances your outfit but ensures you can move, dance, and enjoy every moment without discomfort. Whether you’re the bride, groom, or guest, invest in shoes that reflect your style but also respect the demands of the occasion.

So next time you’re wondering, “What shoes to wear to an Indian wedding?”, come back to this guide—because happy feet mean a happy celebration.