Pumps, mules, wedges, sandals, strappy shoes and even boots are all appropriate footwear for your big day. But as much as you might want to wear those to-die-for Manolos, your first consideration should be comfort, so banish the notion of Cinderella and her glass slipper. You’ll be on your feet for most of the afternoon and evening: walking down the aisle, taking your vows, in your receiving line and, of course, on the dance floor. Be nice to your feet and they’ll be nice to you.
First, settle on a heel height. If you’re used to tottering around in four-inch stilettos all day, then go for it. If you tend to wear flats, be a little more conservative. Most importantly, wear your shoes before the wedding. Get used to the way they feel, and break them in a bit. You’ll be much more comfortable with them on your wedding day.
Tips:
Bring your shoes to your dress fittings to be sure the hem is the right length.
Elaborate dresses look better with simpler shoes, while ornate shoes greatly enhance less-embellished dresses. Pick a shoe that matches your style and complements your dress.
If you choose fabric shoes, match the fabric to that of your dress, i.e., silk shoes with a silk dress, satin shoes with a satin dress.
Some brides have two pairs of shoes: a formal pair for the ceremony, receiving line and pictures, and another comfortable, more casual pair for the rest of the wedding.
Shoe Styles
Barefoot
Going shoeless is perfect for a beach wedding.
Boots
Wedding boots can be fabric or leather and adorned with lace or rhinestones. Generally, they should be high-heeled and fitted around the ankle. Sandra Bullock, however, broke with tradition by wearing white satin cowboy boots at her wedding.
Colour
Popular wedding colours are white, neutral, yellow and lighter shades of violet, purple and grey. Remember that white and off-white colours can vary dramatically so bring a swatch from your dress when you start shoe shopping.
d’Orsay
D’Orsay wedding shoes are named by the French designer Charles Jourdan who created the style in the 1800s. This type of court shoe has a closed toe and a closed heel but is open along the sides.
Fabrics
Fabric shoes usually provide a more delicate appearance than leather and can be dyed to match your dress. Popular choices are silk, satin, crepe, lace and velvet.
Flats
Flats have a heel of one inch or less and run the gamut from a ballet look to a pump-like style. There are many beautiful styles of flats with laces, buckles, different colours and decorations, as well as cute and elegant flats that are made of shiny materials.
Heel Height
Wedding heels generally range from 1/4″ to 3 1/2″. Wear a heel height that feels comfortable, makes you feel great, and either maximizes or minimizes your height to complement the groom.
Heel Types
Louis, low, platform, Sabrina, stacked, stiletto and wedge are all good choices.
Mule
A mule is essentially a backless court shoe without a strap. They often come in soft, comfortable materials like satin, leather or suede, and can be dyed in just about any colour to match your wedding colours.
Court Shoe
A Court Shoe is a slip-on shoe that can have an open or closed toe, pointed or rounded, and a closed-back or open heel. It is the most popular shoe for brides and is available in almost any material. The best heel height is usually between two and three inches. Style variations include platforms, peep-toes and slingbacks.
Strappy Shoe
Strappy shoes can have delicate rhinestone, bead or pearl embellishments. They look fantastic with most gowns but make sure they’re comfortable.
Toe Types
Open, pointed, rounded, sandal and square are all suitable, depending on your gown.
