How Do I Choose Wedding Shoes?

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Shoes

Define Your Bridal Style

Knowing your general bridal style is essential for maintaining uniformity, as you probably won't be purchasing your wedding shoes and gown from the same store.

It's important to use shoes from the same era as the rest of your outfit if you want to pull off a vintage or retro look.

To pull off a seamless look, consider matching your bridal shoes and accessories, paying close attention to any decorations or details on your dress that could be repeated in your shoes.

Find Your Dress First

If you haven't discovered your dream wedding dress yet, you shouldn't buy your wedding shoes just yet, even if you've found the wedding shoes of your dreams.

Shoes for a bride should match her dress in design, colour, and ornamentation, and they should also be an appropriate length for her dress.

Let's pretend you've decided to wear a minidress. In such situation, your footwear has the potential to serve as a show-stopping standout piece by injecting your getup with colour, glamour, glam, whimsy, romanticism, or even just a touch of modern elegance.

While they won't be hidden entirely by a floor-length gown, they won't be as noticeable.

Start Researching Bridal Shoe Options

There's no harm in starting to look into wedding shoe styles and the websites of major merchants even before you've started shopping for the dress.

In order to find out what you like and don't like about a pair of shoes, it might be helpful to look at a wide variety of options, and many retailers have a far larger selection of shoes available online than in-store.

After you've chosen the dress you want, it will be far less time-consuming and stressful to begin looking for the appropriate footwear for the big day.

Don't Commit Without First Trying Them On

Retail websites are wonderful for exploring trends and getting a feel for what you like, but some experts advise avoiding buying your actual wedding shoes online.

You'll be standing for long periods of time in these shoes; therefore, you should walk around in them and evaluate their comfort level before putting down any cash.

In any case, if the online store has a generous return policy, you can always order many pairs, try them on at home, and send back the ones that don't work.

If you can, try on your shoes at home for at least an hour while standing on clean carpeting if possible.

They are not a good choice if you need to take off your shoes every few minutes or if you can't stand in them for at least an hour.

Don't Be Afraid Of Color

The type of bride you are will determine the stylistic decisions you make, including the colour of shoes you wear on your wedding day.

White, champagne, ivory, and nude are popular choices for classic and traditional brides, but if you're interested in making a statement with your shoes, don't be afraid to try something new and bold.

Metallics, with their extra glimmer and sparkle, are a good choice if you want to wow.

Bridal shoes in "something blue" hues can range from very light to very dark blue, putting a modern spin on a time-honored custom.

Consider Your Venue

If the bride is having an outdoor wedding on a grass lawn or the beach, for example, she should think about the venue while choosing her day-of shoes, just as she would check the weather forecast before leaving the house each day.

The number of heels you should wear depends on the setting of your wedding. Trying to seem chic while wading through sand on a beach, for instance, is a lot harder to achieve in heels than while strolling down an aisle in a church.

When picking out your wedding footwear, remember to take into account the venue. When it comes to footwear, for instance, a pair of stilettos probably isn't the finest option for a seaside wedding.

You should think about the setting you're in. There must be a lot of stairwells, right? Paths made with gravel? Is the dancing floor slippery? Take into account these crucial aspects and how different styles of footwear will perform in certain settings.

Prioritise Comfort

Keep in mind that the shoes you choose to wear will be the ones you wear from the moment you walk in until the moment you walk out the door, unless you have planned ahead and selected a different pair that is appropriate for the length of your dress.

Selecting a pair of shoes that will keep your feet happy all day is preferable to searching for a pair of stilettos and then a pair of more practical flats.

Weaving a knot in the dirt or the grass? Choose some that have a solid heel and won't sink into the mud.

Intent on getting your groove on from the minute the band starts playing until the last song ends? Make sure you can dance all night in those heels before you buy them.

Although we put a premium on looking good, there's no purpose in wearing shoes if they cause your feet so much discomfort that you have to remove them before you can relax and have fun.

Keep in mind that the ball of your foot will feel more strain if the heel is too high.

There are many of stunning bridal flats available, and a low to mid-height heel or even a chunkier heel can allow you to stand and dance for longer without experiencing discomfort.

Think about the width of your feet as well; whether your feet are tiny or wide, you can get a perfect fit with shoes that tie or buckle.

Think about whether or not the shoes you're considering for your wedding day will be comfortable enough to wear all day and into the night.

You want your wedding day memories to include all the wonderful things that happened, not the fact that your feet hurt the whole time.

Avoid shoe pain with preventative measures like liquid Band-aid or taping the third and fourth toes together (it works, trust us).

In case your arches start to hurt after hours of dancing, you'll be prepared with a pair of flats or even elegant sneakers.

As a result, you should wear shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning on a day and night when you will be on your feet for at least twice as long as normal, and very possibly for three or four times as long.

Consider Your Dress's Hemline

If you're like the majority of brides, you'll need to have alterations made to your wedding dress, so choosing your shoes before your initial fitting is crucial.

Your dress will be shortened and a bustle made to accommodate the heel of that shoe.

Asymmetrical skirts call for equally photogenic footwear.

Think About Making Them Your Something Blue

You need something blue for your wedding, but you can't decide what. Put yourself in that situation. Shoes in a powder blue hue are a safe bet for those who want to follow trends while also simplifying their shoe shopping experience.

Don't Wait Until The Last Minute

Even though you should find your dress before settling on your bridal shoe, you still need to start looking for shoes and narrowing down your options around the same time. This is because you not only need to figure out how to match your shoes to your dress, but you also need to buy them before your dress is fitted and altered.

The wedding dress or suit can't be made unless the correct heel height is known.

So that your dress will be the right length for your wedding shoes, tell the tailor the height of your wedding shoes when you order.

Buy Your Wedding Dress First

The most important consideration when choosing wedding footwear is that they match the formality and aesthetic of the outfit.

If the shoes are purchased before the dress, there is no assurance that it will fit.

How much of your dress you plan to show off will determine the type of shoes and the height of the heel you should choose.

Your shoes will be the centre of attention if you wear a tea-length gown rather than a floor-length gown with a big train.

Set Your Shoe Goals And Budget

Set a budget for your wedding footwear purchases before you shop. Defining your spending limits before you start looking will save you time.

Evaluate your wedding shoe goals:

• Do you want your footwear to be bold or understated?
• Do you and your date have matching footwear?
• Is convenience more important to you than fashion?
• Do you plan on spending the day in the same footwear?
• Is it your intention to purchase a high-quality pair?

Many brides opt to have their shoes represent the "something blue" at their wedding, even if some couples choose to have blue be the main colour of their wedding.

Consider where you fall on the range of wedding shoe colour, from bright to neutral to white.

Determine whether or not you feel comfortable in high heels.

Wearing heels to a wedding is fine if you're used to walking around in them on a daily basis. Check out our list of wedding videographers to help you capture your special day.

On the other hand, if you have trouble walking in heels, you should wear something more practical on your wedding day.

Watch The Weather

There is a chance of rain at the wedding, so you should bring an extra pair of shoes just in case. Extremely high heels or delicate flats are not appropriate footwear for walking through mud or puddles.

If you plan on shooting photos outside on your wedding day, you might want to bring a pair of lovely rubber rain boots to wear under your dress. If snowfall is in the forecast for your wedding day, a pair of furry winter boots is a cute addition to your bridal ensemble. The necessity of wearing suitable footwear cannot be overstated in this situation.

Shop Around

While it's understandable to want to buy the very first pair of shoes that catches your eye, we advise you to take the time to look around and consider your options.

If you want to find your favourite styles, it is recommended that you start your search online because stores rarely carry the full range of products that are available on the web.

Take Them To Your Dress Fittings

In the event that your dress needs modifications, bring your footwear to each fitting.

Your dress can be adjusted by the seamstress to accommodate the height of your new heels.

By trying on your shoes and dress before the big day, you can make sure you love the way they appear together and can stop shopping if necessary.

Hints For The Perfect Wedding Shoes

If You Can See Your Shoes

It is important to wear shoes that complement your wedding dress if your feet will be on display.

Your first step should be to consider the silhouette of your wedding dress and the proportions of your shoe while making this decision.

A pair of points or open-toed heels, for instance, would look great with a tea-length dress.

In order to choose the perfect pair of wedding shoes to complement your dress, you should bring either the dress itself or a fabric swatch with you to the store.

It's not necessary to have a perfect colour match, but you should strive to coordinate the ornamentation on your dress or jewellery with your shoes.

If you're having trouble, you may always have custom shoes created or ask the designer of your wedding dress to include some extra material to hide your footwear in the dress.

If You Can't See Your Shoes

Nobody will notice if your shoes don't match the lace on your dress if they can't see them anyway.

Instead of wearing something that matches flawlessly but is uncomfortable to stand on for any length of time, you might choose a shoe that is more practical and comfortable.

To that end, it's probably best to go with a pair of shoes that won't draw too much attention to your feet, just in case.

To err on the side of caution, stick to neutral colours like nude, tan, ivory, white, or pastels like pink, lavender, and baby blue.

On the other hand, if you don't plan on spending the evening dancing and your feet won't be on full display anyhow, feel free to wear whatever colour heels, espadrilles, or flats you prefer.

If You Want A Pop Of Colour

A terrific idea to inject some vibrancy into your bridal ensemble is with a bold pair of shoes in a complementary hue.

Although many brides choose blue bridal shoes for their "something blue," there is a wide range of different colours available.

Pick a shade to harmonise with your wedding decor, from the bridesmaids' outfits to the bouquets.

When worn against a white background, metallic hues such as gold, silver, rose gold, and copper create striking visual effects and provide an elegant, glamorous touch to your ensemble.

If You Want To Elongate Your Legs

Shoes with an ankle strap may not be the best choice for brides with shorter legs, especially if the strap is bulky.

These shoes have the potential to drastically shorten the wearer's limbs. However, a pair of high heels (2–3 inches) will always help you look taller.

Remember that if you aren't accustomed to wearing such high heels, your special day may be ruined by hurting feet, even though you may be tempted to choose such heels to give you the extra height you seek.

If you already have a tall frame and don't want to look any taller, elegantly decorated flats are a fantastic choice.

If you'd rather not wear flats, a kitten heel or other modest heel will give you the appearance of a heel without adding excessive height.

Shoe Wars: Heels vs. Flats

This decision is entirely up to you and depends on a number of different details.

First of all, do you feel safe walking around in high heels?

Do you plan on having a large, traditional wedding, or eloping on the beach instead?

Do you want to appear taller, or would you rather not appear taller?

Even while strappy heels look best with a magnificent garment in the shape of a mermaid, a pair of jewelled sandals can be worn with a sleeveless, dress in the Grecian style, often known as an empire waist..

Considering All the Bridesmaids

You may want to think about the comfort level of the shoes you've picked for your bridesmaids if you've decided to buy them instead of having them wear something they already possess.

Ask your bridesmaids how they are feeling about the shoes you've chosen if you're worried about their comfort later in the night.

Possible with little effort? Invite your bridesmaids to bring a pair of shoes that they feel comfortable dancing in or changing into once the ceremony and photos are done.

Do's & Don't Of Wedding Shoes

Do's

Break Them In

You should wear your wedding shoes around the house to break them in before the big day, whether or not you normally wear heels.

Have A Backup Pair

The most comfortable pair of shoes in the world won't save you if you don't have a backup set.

You should always have a backup pair of shoes handy in case of an emergency, such as a broken heel or bad weather.

Don'ts

Wait Until The Last Minute To Buy

Delaying the purchasing of your wedding shoes reduces the time you have to try them on with your dress and break them in. You have the dress, you have the shoes? But what about the Wedding Jewellery? Check out our list of Wedding Jewellery Shops here.

Buy Without Trying Them On

Even if the trendiness of your wedding footwear is more essential to you, make sure that you try them on and that they feel well in your feet before making a purchase.

You must keep in mind that like a bride, you will be expected to spend the entirety of the reception dancing.

Conclusion

The shoes you wear to your wedding will have a significant impact on your ability to realise many of your dreams. Sometimes, a bride just needs to put her comfort first when looking for her wedding shoes, but for others, it might feel like the ultimate fashion quest. Many stores sell a much wider variety of footwear online than they do physically. You can get a bunch of different sizes and try them on in the comfort of your own home if the online shop allows returns. Wedding venues might dictate how many inches of heel height are appropriate.

Choosing a comfortable pair of shoes is important because they will be on your feet all day. There are a wide variety of gorgeous bridal flats to choose from, and a low to mid-height heel, or even a chunkier heel, will allow you to stand and dance for longer without feeling any discomfort. Get some shoes that will keep your feet comfortable and supported for a long night of dancing. If you're looking for a trendy, yet simple shoe, powder blue is your best pick. Before you go shoe shopping, sit down and figure out how much money you can allocate to the wedding footwear.

Alternatively, if you're looking to add a splash of colour to your outfit, try a statement pair of shoes in a complementary shade. Elegantly furnished flats are ideal if you have a tall build and don't want to look any taller than you already do. In order to add the look of a heel without really increasing your height, choose a pair of shoes with a kitten heel or another small heel. In the event of an unexpected event, such a broken heel or terrible weather, the bride should always have a spare pair of shoes on hand. By postponing the purchase of your wedding footwear, you will have less time to try them on with your wedding dress and to break them in.

Content Summary

• Even if choosing your wedding shoes is one of the last items on your list to plan, they may make or break your overall look.
• Finding the right bridal shoes to complement your stunning gown is one of the many last touches you'll need to get for your wedding day look.
• The shoes you wear on your wedding day will play a major part in achieving many of your goals.
• Knowing your general bridal style is essential for maintaining uniformity, as you probably won't be purchasing your wedding shoes and gown from the same store.
• If you haven't discovered your dream wedding dress yet, you shouldn't buy your wedding shoes just yet, even if you've found the wedding shoes of your dreams.
• In order to find out what you like and don't like about a pair of shoes, it might be helpful to look at a wide variety of options, and many retailers have a far larger selection of shoes available online than in-store.
• The type of bride you are will determine the stylistic decisions you make, including the colour of shoes you wear on your wedding day.
• The number of heels you should wear depends on the setting of your wedding.
• When picking out your wedding footwear, remember to take into account the venue.
• Think about whether or not the shoes you're considering for your wedding day will be comfortable enough to wear all day and into the night.
• If you're like the majority of brides, you'll need to have alterations made to your wedding dress, so choosing your shoes before your initial fitting is crucial.
• This is because you not only need to figure out how to match your shoes to your dress, but you also need to buy them before your dress is fitted and altered.
• So that your dress will be the right length for your wedding shoes, tell the tailor the height of your wedding shoes when you order.
• How much of your dress you plan to show off will determine the type of shoes and the height of the heel you should choose.
• Set a budget for your wedding footwear purchases before you shop.
• Do you want your footwear to be bold or understated?
• Determine whether or not you feel comfortable in high heels.
• There is a chance of rain at the wedding, so you should bring an extra pair of shoes just in case.
• While it's understandable to want to buy the very first pair of shoes that catches your eye, we advise you to take the time to look around and consider your options.
• By trying on your shoes and dress before the big day, you can make sure you love the way they appear together and can stop shopping if necessary.
• Your first step should be to consider the silhouette of your wedding dress and the proportions of your shoe while making this decision.
• In order to choose the perfect pair of wedding shoes to complement your dress, you should bring either the dress itself or a fabric swatch with you to the store.
• It's not necessary to have a perfect colour match, but you should strive to coordinate the ornamentation on your dress or jewellery with your shoes.
• A terrific idea to inject some vibrancy into your bridal ensemble is with a bold pair of shoes in a complementary hue.
• Pick a shade to harmonise with your wedding decor, from the bridesmaids' outfits to the bouquets.
• If you already have a tall frame and don't want to look any taller, elegantly decorated flats are a fantastic choice.
• If you'd rather not wear flats, a kitten heel or other modest heel will give you the appearance of a heel without adding excessive height.
• You may want to think about the comfort level of the shoes you've picked for your bridesmaids if you've decided to buy them instead of having them wear something they already possess.
• Ask your bridesmaids how they are feeling about the shoes you've chosen if you're worried about their comfort later in the night.
• Invite your bridesmaids to bring a pair of shoes that they feel comfortable dancing in or changing into once the ceremony and photos are done.
• You should wear your wedding shoes around the house to break them in before the big day, whether or not you normally wear heels.
• The most comfortable pair of shoes in the world won't save you if you don't have a backup set.
• You should always have a backup pair of shoes handy in case of an emergency, such as a broken heel or bad weather.