The Ultimate Guide to Men's Sandals for Indian Wedding (and Ceremonies)

In the grand tapestry of an Indian wedding, every thread of attire counts. While the Sherwani or Bandhgala rightfully commands attention, the foundation of the groom's entire look—and crucially, his comfort—rests squarely on his feet. For ceremonies that stretch late into the night, where standing, dancing, and rituals are mandatory, traditional sandals and ethnic slip-ons are not just a style choice; they are a necessity.

Forget stiff, uncomfortable dress shoes. The modern Indian groom demands elegance without sacrificing ease. The perfect pair of mens sandals for wedding (or ethnic footwear like Mojaris and Juttis, which fall into this functional category) completes the regal ensemble, adding an authentic, celebratory flair. This comprehensive guide is tailored for the groom and the discerning attendee, ensuring you step into every function with unmatched confidence and comfort in your chosen wedding sandals men.

The Royal Trinity: Essential Styles of Sandals for Wedding Men

The term "sandal" in the wedding context often encompasses several traditional, open, or semi-open footwear styles that are perfectly suited for ethnic wear. Knowing the subtle differences between these key styles is the first step to curating your wedding wardrobe.

1. The Heirloom: Mojaris and Juttis

Often considered the quintessential wedding shoe, the Mojari (or the slightly flatter Jutti) is a closed, slip-on style that offers the ultimate regal finish. They are the go-to choice for the main wedding ceremony and reception, especially when paired with a heavy Sherwani, Tuxedo-style Bandhgala, or a voluminous Indo-Western suit.

• When to Wear: Main wedding ceremony, reception, and engagement party.

• Key Features: Look for rich materials like velvet, raw silk, or embossed leather. The hallmark of a premium Mojari is the hand-done embroidery—intricate Zardosi, subtle beadwork, or tone-on-tone threadwork that complements your outfit’s design motifs. A pointed or curved toe adds a traditional silhouette that is timeless.

2. The Time-Tested Classic: Kolhapuris

Kolhapuris are an ancient style of hand-crafted leather slipper from Maharashtra. While they originated as rustic, everyday footwear, high-end designers have elevated them into chic, versatile wedding accessories. Unlike their daily-wear counterparts, wedding-appropriate Kolhapuris feature polished finishes, sometimes a touch of embellishment, and often boast thicker, cushioned soles. They pair beautifully with a simple kurta-pajama or a chic linen ensemble.

• When to Wear: Sangeet, Haldi, Mehendi, or daytime rituals where comfort and ease of movement are paramount. They pair beautifully with a simple kurta-pajama or a chic linen ensemble.

• Key Features: Seek out genuine, vegetable-tanned leather for breathability and durability. Modern designs may incorporate a back-strap for security during light dancing. The best versions will feel supple, moulding to your foot over the course of the day.

3. The Modern Statement: Peshawari Sandals (Chappals)

The Peshawari chappal, or Pathani sandal, offers a structured, open-toe design with broad, woven or criss-cross leather straps secured with a back buckle or strap. It strikes a sophisticated balance between a fully closed shoe and an open sandal. It’s perfect for the groom who wants to inject a touch of traditional ruggedness and contemporary cool into his look.

• When to Wear: Indo-Western attire, Pathani suits, or formal trousers with a Nehru jacket. They are excellent for the cocktail or reception where the attire is semi-formal but still demands character.

• Key Features: Focus on the quality of the leather and the integrity of the stitching. Darker shades like deep burgundy, black, or tan are popular for formal evening events, while lighter suede versions work well for destination weddings or daytime parties.

Curated Wedding Selections: Our Best Sellers

We've selected six top-performing styles from our collection that perfectly align with key wedding functions, ensuring you have the right mix of elegance and comfort for your big events.

1. The Noiran Black Rivet Sandal

This structured sandal offers a sleek, sophisticated alternative to a heavy Mojari, ideal for the reception or a formal evening event. The Noiran Black Rivet Sandal, with its deep black, polished finish and minimal rivet detailing, provides the required formality while offering more foot ventilation than a closed shoe.

Fitting Information: The structured nature of this Rivet Sandal style is engineered to accommodate average to slightly broader feet comfortably, offering better stability than a traditional Jutti.

2. The Reva Dark Tan Rivet Sandal

The rich, deep tan tone of the Reva Dark Tan Rivet Sandal is exceptionally versatile for evening wear and pairs well with traditional jewel tones, offering a formal aesthetic and broad-foot comfort in a warmer, more traditional hue.

Fitting Information: Like all Rivet styles, the Reva is built for all-day comfort and its adjustable straps provide an excellent fit for broad feet.

3. The Peshan Dark Tan Peshawari Sandal

The Peshawari style is the ultimate blend of tradition and comfort, making it perfect for your Sangeet, Pre-Wedding Dinner, or Indo-Western events. The Peshan Dark Tan Peshawari Sandal is known for its highly comfortable, structured fit and dark tan finish, built to withstand hours of dancing and movement.

Fitting Information: The wide, hand-stitched straps and open-toe design of the Peshan Peshawari Sandal are specifically designed to offer comfort and stability for those with a broader foot profile, accommodating the foot better than a narrow Mojari.

4. The Amer Tan Rivet Sandal

The lighter tan shade of the Amer Tan Rivet Sandal makes it a fantastic multi-purpose selection. It’s formal enough for a daytime ritual while remaining comfortable and airy, easily bridging the gap between a classic Kolhapuri and a formal slip-on.

Fitting Information: The Amer Tan Rivet Sandal is excellent for average to broad feet and its versatile design makes it a staple for multiple functions across the week.

5. The Mehira Green Tan Rivet Sandal

For grooms or attendees looking to make a unique statement, the Mehira Green Tan Rivet Sandal offers a distinctive blend of olive green and tan. This unexpected color combination is perfect for modern Haldi, Mehendi, or other fusion-style events.

Fitting Information: The cushioned sole provides exceptional support, and the multi-strap Rivet Sandal design ensures a secure, comfortable fit for extended periods.

6. The Elco 2.0 Tan Sandal

This minimalist slider is our top recommendation for the most casual daytime events where breathability and ease are essential. The Elco 2.0 Tan Sandal is crafted from lightweight vegan leather and features a flexible sole and simple strap design, providing maximum comfort for long hours of mingling and ritual.

Fitting Information: As a minimalist slider, the Elco 2.0 provides an easy, forgiving fit. The material softens quickly and is excellent for outdoor events where rapid removal for rituals (or for relaxing) is necessary.

The Mark of Quality: Materials and Craftsmanship

For the discerning Indian consumer, quality is non-negotiable, especially when the footwear will be worn for such a memorable occasion. The details in craftsmanship separate an ordinary shoe from an investment piece.

Focus on Fabric and Finish

Beyond the style, the material determines both the comfort and the visual appeal.

• Velvet and Silk: These lend immediate luxury and are ideal for the primary ceremonies. They catch the light beautifully, adding depth to embroidered outfits. Ensure the velvet is plush and the silk is pure. Maintenance Insight: Highly delicate; requires specialized cleaning and must be stored in a cloth bag away from moisture.

• Premium Vegan Leather & Ethical Construction: We utilize high-grade, durable vegan leather for our sandal uppers, ensuring an ethical choice without compromising on a premium look or feel. Every single pair, including the Peshan Dark Tan Peshawari Sandal, features hand-stitched sole-to-upper attachment by master artisans in Agra, guaranteeing a flexible connection far superior to mass-produced cementing. Maintenance Insight: Extremely low maintenance; simply wipe clean with a damp cloth. It will maintain its structured shape and color integrity over time.

• Sole Comfort: Insist on a cushioned inner sole, or a layered sole with arch support. You will be standing for hours, and your footwear should provide relief, not pain. Non-slip or rubberized patches on the sole are a practical must-have for marble floors and outdoor venues.

Embellishments: Mastering the Detail

The embellishment should always complement, not compete with, your primary outfit.

• Subtle Elegance: If your Sherwani is heavily embroidered, opt for Mojaris with minimal, tone-on-tone work (e.g., beige thread on beige silk).

• Statement Footwear: If your outfit is relatively plain (a solid-coloured Kurta), choose a bold Mojari featuring high-contrast Zari work, sequins, or unique metallic detailing to make the footwear the centerpiece.

• Hardware: For Peshawaris or sandals, look for quality buckles or bits. Polished brass or antiqued metal adds character and depth without being overly flashy.

The Art of Styling: Pairing Footwear to the Function

A wedding spans multiple events, each requiring a different aesthetic and comfort level. Here is a quick guide to pairing your sandals perfectly:

Practical Advice: Shopping and Fit

Unlike Western shoes, ethnic footwear often requires a specific fitting process. For a confident online purchase, please note the following:

1. Shop Early: Hand-embroidered and custom-fit sandals can take weeks to craft. Order well in advance, especially if you require custom sizing for a wide foot.

2. The Perfect Fit: Traditional Mojaris and Juttis should fit snugly, often feeling tight at first, as they will stretch slightly to the shape of your foot. They should not slip at the heel. For open sandals like Kolhapuris, ensure the straps are secure but not restrictive. We recommend that if you wear a half-size (e.g., EU 42.5), you should generally size down in our premium vegan leather sandals to ensure a perfect fit after the material settles.

3. Breaking In is Key: Never wear a new pair of sandals for the first time on your wedding day. Wear them around the house for short periods in the weeks leading up to the event. This softens the material and prevents painful blisters.

4. Built for the Long Haul: On your wedding day, you’ll be on your feet for up to 10 hours. We design our footbeds with proprietary multi-density padding and a TPU anti-slip outsole (on most sandals) to reduce foot fatigue and ensure safety on slippery marble floors.

5. Post-Wedding Versatility: Your investment doesn't end with the wedding. Styles like the Elco 2.0 Tan Sandal transition perfectly into everyday smart-casual wear, looking exceptional with chinos, jeans, or summer linen trousers.

Choosing your wedding sandals for men is about finding the ultimate blend of tradition, comfort, and personal style. By investing in quality craftsmanship and choosing the right style for each function, you ensure your confidence shines from the ground up, allowing you to fully enjoy every moment of your magnificent celebration.