How to Select the Best Wedding Shoes

Wedding shoes receive less attention than wedding dresses, yet a good pair creates a stunning impression. Many brides look for shoes that are not only attractive, but also comfortable for standing, walking, and dancing. For a celebration that is planned for months, or even years, every detail counts.

How to Start Selecting Attractive Wedding Shoes

Colour is usually the first decision. Match white or pale pearl with a pure white dress; and regular pearl or ivory with an off-white or tinted dress. A large selection of these colour tones can be found at boutiques that specialize in bridal shoes and other bridal wear.

For a dressy shoe, look for fabrics such as lace, satin, velvet, and silk. Leather and suede are used less often, but may fit in with your wedding look or theme. When choosing a fabric, consider the wedding venue. If it will be outdoors, choose a shoe fabric that is least likely to stain or tear.

Choosing the style is probably the most important shoe selection decision. Three factors must be considered:

1. Style of the wedding dress,
2. Flooring and grounds of the wedding venue, and
3. Time of year.

Wedding shoes must conform to the style of the bride’s dress. A formal elegant dress invites a classic pump or sling back, available in high or low heels. For a less formal look, consider sandals, ballet pumps, or satin trainers. If the hemline is plain, the shoes may feature bows, embroidery, or crystals—especially suitable with a hemline that is not full length. When the dress is full length, shoe decorations are less visible; and sharper ornaments, such as crystals, may catch on the hem. For a dress with a busy hemline, minimal shoe ornamentation is best.

The time of year and where the wedding is being held also influences the kind of shoe to be chosen. For example, in the summer, lighter more open shoes will be most appealing—while in winter, a fully covered shoe or fashion boot will be more attractive. Narrow spike heels are not permitted in some historic venues to protect wood flooring, and may catch in the ground at an outside wedding. Flats, wedges, or wide heels are perfect for outdoor surfaces such as grass, sand, or mud.

Keep in mind practical considerations, such as cost and durability.  Skim these tips to make the best selection for your wedding:

• Shoes made with fabric that can be dyed may be transformed for other events after the wedding.
• Though you may normally steer clear of designer brands, include them in your search.  You may find a shoe that is not only stylish, but also made of high quality materials.  A stylish, durable shoe is perfect for a long wedding day.
• Brides wearing heels often have a pair of flats on hand, in case their feet grow weary in the evening.
• Finally, while shoe shopping, remember you may need other shoes for the hen party and honeymoon.

Selecting Bridesmaid Footwear

Once the bride’s wedding shoes have been selected, decisions can be made about bridesmaid shoes.  The main requirements are compatibility with the bride’s outfit and comfort.   If the bride has chosen to go casual, her entourage should do so as well.  The bridesmaid shoes may all be the same shoe colour or different shades of a particular hue.

It’s not wise to make a final shoe decision until you have chosen the dress.  However, while choosing the dress, think about your choice of shoe, especially the height of the heel.  Once you are firm about the dress length, colour, and general look, move ahead with shoe shopping.  It will be very useful to have the shoes on hand for dress fittings, especially final alterations.

The Ultimate Gift for Your Tootsies

Wedding shoes are your platforms on the big day.  To ensure maximum comfort, break them in.  One or two weeks ahead, practice walking in your new shoes—one or two hours daily is recommended.  To be even more prepared, some brides start pampering their feet several weeks before the wedding.  A pedicure, a few days before, will be relaxing; and for a bride wearing open-toed shoes, a fresh pedicure will allow her to walk up the aisle with extra confidence.