The most perfect sangeet shoes, according to a bride-to-be

One of the things about being a bride-to-be is that you daydream all the time. In these fantasy scenarios when I imagine my sangeet (as one does), I’m always wearing a sparkly lehenga, itsy-bitsy blouse, and a pair of statement heels. What I do not picture is hobbling around in said heels or risking a twisted ankle. To make sure that didn’t become a reality, I set out on my own mission, bridal entourage in tow, to find the perfect pair of heels for my sangeet. My specifications were many and time limited. Here’s what I wanted: a 2.5- to 3-inch block or wedge heel, a strap around the ankle for added support, and cushioning that feels like I’m walking on a pillow. I scoured the internet and all the stores in Mumbai and now I’m sharing all that research to save you time. Below, wedding-day footwear that delivers both comfort and maximum bride feels.

Blinged-out blocks

For shoes you’d be able to wear beyond the big day, check out Gossip’s heavily embellished heels in classic metallic tones. But if comfort with a side of fun is more your thing, Fizzy Goblet and Needledust have got you covered. For the brides who want many, many options, check out Tiesta shoes (PS: Radhika Merchant wore their satin-covered heels for one of her pre-wedding events).

High heels

If I didn’t make it a habit of tripping on flat surfaces, these silver 5-inch stilettos by Crimzon, which come in a range of colours and can be worn under a lehenga or with an after-party dress, would be the perfect pick. For those who have very specific requirements, House of Prisca customises your heel height and type and, most importantly, throws in some extra ankle support. For the sisters and even mothers of the bride who will also be spending hours on their feet, Oceedee’s memory foam padding is ideal.

Live on the wedge

Spoiler alert: I bought my wedding heels from KKarma. They do some gorgeous Kolhapuri wedges with embroidery on the edges, combined with the aforementioned walking-on-a-cloud feel. They, too, provide all sorts of customisations, be it a change in style or heel height and heel type. Another Kolhapuri wedge expert who was the go-to for many of my friends was Aparajita Toor. And an insider bride-recommended pick for the comfiest—but perhaps not the most fashionable—soles is Stoffa.