Here are five tips for #TeamBrides for nailing the ‘joota chupai’ ritual

No matter how hectic and exhausting the rituals of an Indian wedding may be for the bride and groom, the truth is, they are also fun, especially if you are attending as a bridesmaid or are a cousin of the bride. And if you plan well, you can actually benefit from the rituals, and that too, in cash. Yes, in addition to all the 'shagun' envelopes, you can make a lot from the joota chupai ritual.

One of the most 'auspicious' rituals of Indian weddings is joota chupai, where the bride's squad hides the groom's shoes and ask for money to return them. The groom's squad also has a role: to protect the groom's shoes and prevent them from being stolen. It's essentially a fun game that goes on amid the wedding rituals.

If the bride's team manages to steal the shoes, the only way to get them back is by paying the demanded amount. Of course, there is a whole lot of teasing and haggling and under the table deals (in good spirit) so one should be prepared for that too. Fret not, it isn't as initmidating or challenging as it sounds, and we have put together some tips for the bride's squad.

Ask for help 

Stealing the shoes may not be as easy as you think because the groom’s team will always be shielding the shoes. So, plan the heist in advance (though, keep room for spontaneity) and smartly. To make stealing the shoes easier, you can ask other family members at the venue to help you. For example, you can seek assistance from the wedding planners, the venue staff, or even the pandit. Building this support team will make it easier for you to steal the shoes and hide them without arousing any suspicion.

Ditch the usual cupboards 

Once you get the shoes, be sure that you hide them smartly. Ditch the usual spots—in the bride's room, under the chair and so on—where the groom's team are sure to look when searching for shoes. Get creative with the hiding spots. Think of places where no one would think to look. For example, you can hide them in one of the chandeliers or mix them up with the decorations to make it impossible for anyone to find them. 

Don’t let your guard down 

Even if you have managed to steal the shoes, be sure that you have someone looking after them at all times. Remember, the groom's team is constantly going to be looking for them. And in order to ensure that you don’t lose after you have almost won, be sure that you don’t let them slip away from you. Also, trust no one. It may sound dramatic, but there's a chance the cousin you have put in charge of the shoes might crack a deal with the groom's side! So keep your guard on.

Have a figure in your mind, but be considerate

Remember your final goal: to ask for a reward, which is going to be money, of course. So, have a figure in your mind beforehand. Know your end goal and what you are working towards. This will also help you stick to the amount and bargain better. However, it is important to remember that while the ritual is considered auspicious, for the most part, the tradition is done for fun, and one must be considerate while asking a number against the shoes.

Be creative; money doesn’t have to be the ultimate reward 

You can get creative with your rewards, too. It doesn’t have to be money; you can ask the groom to maybe play a game of secret confessions or a shopping spree with all the bride's sisters, adding extra fun and challenge to the ritual.

Feature image credit: Pexels

Also read: 7 steps to planning a budget-friendly wedding

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