Every bride spends countless hours searching for the perfect wedding dress, but one equally important detail often receives less attention: The right pair goes beyond what completes your outfit. They support you through the most memorable days of your life, from the walk down the aisle to all that dancing at night.
Finding your perfect wedding shoes is about that great mix of style, comfort and practicality at the same time. From a traditional formal event to a rustic outdoor affair, from a grand-scale vintage wedding to a small intimate one, which shoes you choose will pull off the final touch to your look.
Why Wedding Shoes Matter More Than You Think
Wedding shoes are also those which fulfill a practical and decorative role. Though guests may not at first notice them, you will feel the wedding shoes’ impact all day.
Brides often put on their wedding shoes 8 to 10 hours of the day. From pre-wedding photos through to the ceremony and into the reception and out again for the end of the night, your footwear has to be both comfortable and stylish.
Also, in many cases, wedding photographers capture wedding shoes featured in great detail in photos, which in turn makes them a large part of your wedding story. Also, it is in your best interest to pick out your shoes thoughtfully, as they can bring out your personality and also that individual touch to your bridal look.
Start with Your Wedding Style
Before going out to buy wedding shoes, think of the overall look you are going for at your wedding. Your footwear should tie in with the theme which you have spent a great deal of time creating.
For traditional weddings silk pumps or timelessly elegant heels do the best. For garden weddings, go for block heels or wedges which provide the stability of grass. At the beach, sandals or lower-heeled shoes work best.
Brides looking to have a retro-themed wedding have a large choice of options. Many vintage-oriented brides pick classic looks which draw from the splendour of past decades. Attractive vintage wedding shoes do in fact add to an authentic feel to the wedding party and also bring a charm and character that contemporary designs sometimes don’t.
Comfort Should Never Be an Afterthought
One issue many brides have is putting looks before comfort. Although that perfect pair of shoes may look great in the photos, on the day they can really bring down your mood and confidence.
When it comes to wedding shoes, consider these factors:
- Heel height
- Arch support
- Cushioning
- Toe box width
- Material flexibility
If you are not a regular wearer of high heels, then your wedding is not the time to try out a very tall pair. Instead, go for a heel that is comfortable.
Many also go for gel insoles and pads under their girdles. It is also true that small changes are very much difference-makers during that long wedding day.
Consider Your Venue
Your environment is a large factor in what type of shoes to wear.
Outdoor venues present different sets of issues. Grass, gravel paths, sand, and uneven surfaces are a challenge for stiletto heels. In such settings block heels, wedges, or classic flats may be a better choice.
Indoor settings present that which is flexible. In ballrooms, historic estates, and hotel grand halls, brides can choose from a larger range of shoe types and heel heights.
When you wake up for the day, think about what you will be doing mostly and choose your shoes that fit the activity.
Vintage Styles Are Making a Comeback
Vintage style has made a comeback in the bridal fashion world. Brides are into the classic look, which in turn makes them away from what is trendy at the moment.
Old world wedding shoes tend to be present, which include the following:
- Delicate lace accents
- T-strap silhouettes
- Embroidered embellishments
- Pearl detailing
- Art Deco-inspired designs
These elements bring out character and a refined touch which, in turn, present a unified bridal look. If your inspiration is the roaring 20s, the romantic 40s, or the great 50s, vintage footwear becomes a standout piece of your wedding look.
Match Your Shoes to Your Dress
Your wedding dress should always be the inspiration for your shoe choice.
For over-the-top gowns, simple shoes work well to balance things out. Also, in the case of very minimal dresses which are more understated, brides can go for more decorative shoes to break them up.
Pay note to the length of your dress. Tea-length dresses and shorter hemlines do bring focus to the shoes, which in turn puts them at the fore of your total look. As for the full-length gowns, they may cover up a lot of the shoe, which in turn allows you to go for comfort without giving up on style.
Colour schemes are also a key element. While ivory and white still are very popular, many brides today include soft metals, pastel shades of pink and blush, and vintage-inspired colours to add interest.
Break in Your Shoes Before the Wedding
Even at the break in which they are broken in.
Experts say to wear your wedding shoes at home a few weeks out from the event. This will break in the shoes, bring to light any uncomfortable areas and give your feet time to get used to them.
Practise on different surfaces, and as you go along, spend more time on them. Should at any point you feel discomfort, you’ll have plenty of time to adjust before the wedding.
Also add to your emergency kit blister pads and fashion tape.
Don’t Forget About the Reception
Many women opt to bring a second pair of shoes for the reception. Thus, they wear beautiful heels during the ceremony and photos and switch into more comfortable options in the evening.
Reception shoes don’t have to be plain. From classic flats to 2-inch heels and retro dance shoes, there is a choice that is both comfortable and sophisticated.
If you are looking to rock out on the dance floor, having a backup plan is a must.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your dream wedding shoes is a fine line between looking beautiful and wearing practically. What you choose should go with your dress, fit the setting, be comfortable for the day, and also express what you personally want.
From classic pieces to modern designs and vintage styles which inspire, your wedding shoes should make you feel sure of yourself from when you walk down the aisle to that last dance at night. By taking the time to choose the right look, fit and function, you’ll find the pair which not only looks gorgeous but also allows you to fully live out each moment of your special day.
