Look around at the amazing variety of shapes, styles and even colours of bridal shoes available and you’ll discover why choosing them is never easy.
The most important thing, of course, is to choose footwear that is both comfortable and works perfectly with your dress – but we’ve put together a list of our 10 top tips to help you make the right decision.
Pink2Blue bridal shoes with vintage lace and pearls
Comfort is key
You’ll be wearing your wedding shoes from early in the morning until the last thing at night, so look for shoes with additional padding and extra support.
Rainbow Club bridal styles
Consider the fabric
Silk and satin are traditional for brides wearing traditional wedding gowns, but if you’re blazing your own bridal trail, your shoes can be as wacky as you choose.
Gorgeous ballet flats for the bride by Pink2Blue
Heel height is important
The safe choice is the height of heel you’re used to wearing every day, whether that’s vertiginous heels or versatile flats? Remember comfort is a big criterion – and the last thing you want to do is teeter uncontrollably down the aisle. Experiment with platform heels or kitten heels, and don’t ignore the possibility of beautiful satin ballet slippers
Cinderella’s original glass slipper-style by Jimmy Choo
There’s more than one white…
Traditionally wedding shoes should be the same colour as the dress, so if your dress is ivory or champagne, you will, of course, have your satin or silk shoes dyed to match… but even if your dress is white, it’s worth taking a swatch to compare the shade, you’ll be surprised how many shades of white there are.
Statement pink by Manolo Blahnik
Heavenly blue silk satin by Pink2Blue
What about colours?
More and more brides are choosing to kick up their heels a little – perhaps by sneaking a pair of brightly coloured heels under their dress, or even having their shoes dyed to match the bridesmaids’ outfits. You can also make your wedding shoes individual to you by customising them with a diamond or jewelled shoe clip.
Stunning sandals by Elegant Steps for that beach wedding
Destination beach or winter wedding?
Your shoes have to reflect the location and season of your wedding as well as the style, so consider funky flip flops, sandals or wedges for a beach wedding or ankle boots for mid-winter celebrations.
Get your dress length right – bridal wedges by Rainbow Club
How should your bridal shoes fit with your dress?
Please buy your shoes in time to wear them for your dress fittings, so your dressmaker can ensure your dress is the perfect length.
It also gives you time to wear them in a little before the big day.
Manolo Blahnik for brides with deeper pockets
How much should you pay?
Cost is important, of course. As a rule of thumb, brides should spend ten to 15 per cent of the cost of their dress on their bridal shoes. If that sounds expensive, keep an eye open for bridal shoe sales.
Step out in comfort on the dance floor with Rainbow Club
Put on your dancing shoes
If you’re planning on dancing the night away with your guests, consider buying more comfortable shoes for the evening, so you can enjoy all the fun.
One size doesn’t have to fit all – shoes by Dune
Get your money’s worth
Light coloured shoes have a habit of looking very well worn after a wedding, but you can always have them dyed to wear afterwards. HAVE FUN!
