How to Choose the Perfect Bridal Shoe
Everyone always talks about the need to find your dream gown, but what about the shoes?
Carrie Bradshaw would argue that the shoes are even more important than the dress, but then again, she did have a pair of stunning Manolo Blahniks to wear on her big day. Whether you’re a shoe fanatic or simply want something pretty and comfortable to match your wedding gown, they are an important aspect of your bridal look. Not only do you have to like them, but you’ll also be wearing them for what’s likely to be a 10-plus hour wedding day. So, how do you figure out what kind of shoe will carry you through your big day (quite literally)? We have a few tips to keep in mind that will help you pick out the perfect bridal shoe for you and your bridal ensemble!
Stick to Your Style
You should have some idea of your bridal style before you purchase your shoes to keep a consistent look for your bridal ensemble. Whether you’re going for a more classic, Hollywood glam style or a modern, bohemian style, try to match your shoes to the theme or era you had envisioned. If you’re looking for a less traditional bridal shoe, you can read our blog about alternative shoes here. Also, pay attention to any of the details from your gown that you can match to your shoes, like pearl embellishments or lace detailing.
Photography by Marcela Plosker
Photography by Fabiana Skubic Photography
Think About The Dress Hemline
Consider your dress hemline when searching for your bridal shoes. If your wedding gown is a ball gown silhouette or will fall past your feet, your shoes won’t be as visible, so you can be as fancy or as simple as you like. For a shorter dress like a tea-length silhouette, bridal jumpsuit, or high-low gown your shoes will be seen, so you will want to choose a shoe that is complementary to your gown. Once you have decided, don’t forget to bring your shoes to all your dress fittings, as they will allow your tailor to keep your hemline at the desired length.
Consider Your Venue
If we check the weather daily to help determine what shoes will work best before we head outside, we should do the same for a wedding venue! Consider where you will be holding your wedding ceremony and which type of shoe will work best for the terrain. If you are holding an outside wedding, whether that’s at a beach or a venue with a lot of grass or dirt, you’ll probably want to trade in a stiletto for flat shoes or a chunkier heel. Also, consider other details like whether you will have to climb a lot of stairs, will there be cobblestone or brick pathways, and if the dance floor will be slippery.
Photography by All The Little Stories Photography
Photography by Mermaid Pictures
Prioritize Comfort
Whichever shoe style you decide on, you will be wearing them for hours and hours on end, so try to pick a shoe that is comfortable to walk and dance in. Generally speaking, the higher the heel, the greater the pressure on your foot. Low to mid-height heels, chunkier heels, and flat shoes will minimize some of that pressure and help you stay comfortable for longer. Our trick for finding a comfortable shoe? Once you’ve bought a shoe, walk around your house doing various activities to break them in and determine if they lose comfort quickly.
Pick A Backup Shoe
Always, always, always have a backup shoe! Whether it’s a flatter shoe you can put on late in your reception or an extra pair of heels in case of any mishaps, it’s always a good idea to have a backup pair. You never know when a heel can snap or a strap can break and you don’t want to be forced to go barefoot or wear a pair of shoes that don’t match your wedding gown. If you never end up wearing your backup shoes you can always return them to recoup some of your money!
Photography by Q Hegarty Photography
Share this with a bride who is starting to search for her bridal accessories and browse our collection of accessories that includes hair bows and wedding veils!
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