For many brides their wedding shoes are just as important as their dress – some would even say more important! This may be your chance to finally purchase the designer brand you’ve always dreamt of owning. Here are my top tips for choosing your footwear for your special day.
Heel Height
If you’re not used to wearing heels, it’s probably not the best idea to buy skyscraper heels for your wedding day. Stick with a height that you’re used to and know you can comfortably wear – and walk in!
Wedge heels are a popular choice for brides as they tend to be a bit more comfortable.
Picture of the dress
When you go shopping for your wedding shoes, take a picture of your wedding dress with you so the shop can help you with choosing styles to complement your dress. It’s not usually practical to take your dress with you but if you have a swatch of fabric from the dress then take that with you.
Buy your shoes before your dress fittings
Before you start having your dress altered, you need to have bought your shoes so that the seamstress can adjust your dress to the correct length to suit your shoes. The heel of your shoe also defines your posture so it’s critical you have your shoes by this point.
Budget
Argh – it’s that word again!!
But this is another area where it’s really easy to blow your budget. So know your limit before you start shopping.
And if you don’t have loads of money to spend on your wedding shoes – or you just don’t want to spend a lot – then check out the high street stores. Many of them have a bridal range or you could opt for something less bridal to add more personality. You’re also more likely to wear the shoes again if you go for this option!
Practicality
Think about your wedding venue when choosing your shoes as well. For example, if your wedding is in a tipi in a field you might want to stay away from heels and delicate fabrics. Maybe even take your wellies just in case!
Another thing to consider is embellishments on your shoes as these can get caught and pull your dress. The bottom of my dress was lace and it got snagged on my shoes several times.
Make them yours
Many brides add some personalisation to their shoes. Many designers will allow you to do this.
Or you can buy things like decal stickers for the soles of your shoes, shoes clips to transform a pair of plain courts or you can go all out with the glue and glitter!!
And don’t feel you have to go for pale shoes. Why not have a bright pop of colour peeking out from under your dress? or maybe your shoes can be your ‘Something Blue’.
Flats for later?
Your wedding day is a long one. And you’re on your feet for a lot of the day. So it’s worth considering a pair of flats to change into later on for dancing in. I ended up in flip flops on my wedding day as I couldn’t cope a minute longer in my heels.
Whatever you choose, go for something you love. Make sure your photographer gets some shots of your shoes too – especially if you’ve gone down the quirky route.
And happy shopping!
Don’t forget I can help you with all aspects of your wedding planning. You can find out more here or get in touch to chat through how I can help you.
Louise
