If you read Friday’s post you now know how to pick the perfect dress but, what about the shoes? Wedding shoes are rarely talked about – even though they are one of the most important components to your wedding look. After all, you will be in the wedding shoes you choose for as long as you are in the dress.
From picking a comfortable shoe to finding one that suits your style, there is a lot to consider with what you put on your feet for your special day.
Why It Matters
Wedding shoes are supposed to be fashionable, but also comfortable. If you have a shoe that causes you pain, all you will remember about your wedding day is how you couldn’t dance like you wanted to, couldn’t walk or worse, spent your honeymoon nursing some really bad blisters.
So, even though you are in love with those 5-inch heels, remember, you have to not only walk down the aisle in those bad boys, but you will stand in them for photographs, dance in them and even walk around in them all day – because no wedding is just a few minutes long. Wobbling and toppling over in high heels is just not worth looking that good – and let’s face it, you won’t look very good as you cringe and tumble everywhere you go.
Still Go for Something Special
Even though your wedding gown will most likely cover up the shoes, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to pick out a special pair. Guests will get peeks here and there of those shoes – especially when you sit. So, make sure you still pick out an exquisite set of wedding shoes that are fashionable and memorable.
Buy Early, Wear Early
Do not wait until the week of your wedding to pick out the shoes. Instead, you should pick them out when you buy your dress, months before the wedding, and start breaking them in. Just like any other pair of shoes, you need to wear them daily to get used to them – and walk around on both carpet and hard floor surfaces so you can get used to different types of ground.
Remember Your Heel Height When Measuring Your Dress Length
A lot of brides forget to factor in how tall their heels are when they are doing their dress fittings. It is best to bring your heels with you so that while you are being measured, your alterations specialist can make sure the gown’s length accommodates the heel size. No matter what, wear your heels at your final fitting to make sure there is enough length, but also that you won’t be tripping over the front of the gown while you try to walk in your shoes.
Be Yourself
If you are not the type to wear heels, don’t start wearing them on your wedding day. And, if you insist, practice. If you are a running shoe and gym clothes type, find a fun pair of white sneakers and wear them under your gown – plenty of brides do it. You could even wear flats, so you don’t have to worry about balancing yourself out.
Don’t Forget the Groom’s Height
How close are you in height to your fiance? If you are close to the same height already, don’t pick out heels that make you tower over him – it won’t translate well in the photos. Make sure your heel height makes you the same height or shorter than your groom.
Think Cost
Bridal shoes cost significantly more, so try buying your wedding shoes away from the bridal stores. You can find plenty of white or fancy heels at a department store for half the price.
You Don’t Have to Wear White
Most brides think they need white shoes to go with their white dress, but that’s far from the truth. You can wear any colour shoe you want – in fact, you should. Adding a pop of colour accents your dress and reinforces your wedding colours. Obviously, you want a colour of shoe that matches what is already in the wedding. But, different coloured shoes can also make your white dress pop. For example, a bright red pair of heels, red lipstick and a gorgeous white gown will make a classy, fun statement.
Shoes Have Fabric Choices Too
Most wedding shoes are satin or silk, but you don’t have to go that route. Many brides are using leather or a non-traditional fabric. What is most important here is what is comfortable to you.
Location Matters Too
Where are you getting married and what do you have to walk through? If you’re getting married on the beach, a pair of high heels is not sensible. But, wedges, sandals or even fun flip flops are. You could even go barefoot on the sand – no one would judge you. If you are getting married in the snow or rain, you will want to avoid anything open-toed that can let the cold and water in – you don’t want to walk around with wet feet all day.
Consider a Ceremony and Reception Shoe
Just like some brides have a dress for the ceremony and a lighter, easier dress for the reception, you can swap out your shoes. Even if you are wearing the same dress for the entire event, changing wedding shoes may be worth it. Have a pair for the ceremony and photographs, then a second, more comfortable pair for the dancing and reception time. For example, gorgeous heels for your ceremony, then ballet flats or a smaller heel for the reception.
Your wedding shoes are part of the entire ensemble. Take your time with the selection and try on a few different pairs and styles to see what works for you. You want to be gorgeous, but you also want to be comfortable – so that all you remember is how lovely you looked and not how painful it was to walk around during your wedding.
We would love for you to let us know the shoes you went for or even post a picture below in the comments, until next time
Happy Planning