Bespoke flats, comfy sneakers & block heels rule bridal fashion

Gone are the days when bridal shoes were synonymous with towering stilettos and aching feet. Today’s Indian bride is rewriting the rulebook, choosing comfort-first footwear without sacrificing style.

From block heels that balance height with stability, to intricately embroidered sneakers and bespoke flats, bridal footwear is as much about personality as it is about poise.‘Hand-painted, sequinned juttis and Kolhapuris are in’For brides who want to glide through the day with ease, flats have undergone a couture transformation. Artisanal juttis, embellished Kolhapuris, and dainty ballet flats now carry hand-painted motifs, zardozi embroidery, or mirror work.

“The most charming trend we’re seeing is personalisation - brides having their wedding dates, initials, vows, or even meaningful song lyrics stitched, engraved, or painted onto their footwear,” says stylist Neha Arora, adding, “It turns their shoes into more than just an accessory, they become a keepsake.

”Anushka Gupte, who tied the knot recently, says, “I chose to wear platform sneakers for my sangeet because I knew I wanted to be on the dance floor all night, and heels just aren’t an option for me, I’d either fall or be in pain for days. Initially, I thought I’d have to hide some plain sports shoes under my lehenga, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that bridal sneakers are a real thing! I found a gorgeous pair of silver, sequin-studded sneakers that matched my lehenga perfectly.

”Styling comfort with bridal outfits

Choosing the perfect bridal shoe