The Dos and Don’ts when buying your wedding shoes.

A few things to keep in mind when buying your wedding shoes for your big day has never been more critical.

Essential Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Shoes

When selecting the perfect wedding shoes, there are several key factors to consider. Your comfort, the shape of your dress, and the overall aesthetic all play significant roles. Let's dive deeper into these essential tips.

DO: Buy Shoes That Are Comfortable

This might seem obvious, but comfort is crucial. You will wear these shoes for about 8-10 hours on your big day. If you are uncomfortable, that is what you will remember. Wear them around your home, to work, or even while practicing your wedding dance. This familiarity will help ensure they feel good when the big day arrives. Make sure you can walk in them easily. If they cause blisters, you'll want to know and heal beforehand. Remember, wedding shoes can often be resold to other brides, which makes this investment even sweeter.

DON’T: Buy Shoes with the Idea That You Will “Just Take Them Off”

I often hear brides say, “It doesn’t matter; I’ll take my shoes off later.” This mindset surprises me. You might take off your shoes during the reception, but you will initially be in them for 4-6 hours. This includes the getting-ready photos, the ceremony, canapés, cake cutting, photos, and your first dance.

It’s essential to have the right shoes, as I always hem the dress while you wear your shoes. This makes sure your dress looks perfect in photos. If you remove your shoes, the hem may drag on the floor. Making the right shoe choice ensures your dress stays pristine throughout the evening. I understand wanting to kick them off for dancing, but do so only after the photos are complete.

DO: Consider the Shape of Your Dress

Your dress is just as important as your shoes. Whether you choose a mermaid style, a princess poof, or something silky; the right shoe shape can make the difference. Pointed shoes help lift the hem of the dress while walking. This allows a fitted skirt to lie flat on the ground. It also parts beautifully as you move. For fuller skirts or dresses with cleavage, open-toed shoes are an excellent option. They showcase your foot and, due to the cut of the skirt, are less likely to trip you.

DON’T: Buy White Shoes Without Considering the Shade of Your Dress

Did you know there are countless shades of white? It's vital to ensure your shoes match the shade of your dress. The wrong shade could make your dress appear dirty or your shoes look off. It’s a strange concept, but matching the two is just as crucial as selecting the right shoe shape.

DO: Consider the Flooring You Will Be Walking On

Think about where you’ll be walking on your big day. Will it be on the beach, grass, hardwood, stones, or concrete? The type of flooring can greatly influence your shoe choice. If you're taking a helicopter ride or traversing rocky terrain, stilettos may not be the best option. Block heels often provide the stability you need for grass or cobblestones. Alternatively, heelless shoes are perfect for sandy beaches.

DON’T: Forget About the Flat Lay

What is a flat lay? It's a moment when your photographer captures all the beautiful details of your wedding, arranged in an aesthetically pleasing composition. This includes your rings, veil, flowers, stationery, jewelry, and—of course—your shoes. Choosing shoes that tie into your wedding colors can enhance this visual storytelling. I've seen brides select shoes that complement their groom’s bowtie or match their floral arrangements. This way, the shoes can also be worn again and don't immediately scream "bridal."

Final Thoughts on Wedding Shoes

In conclusion, choosing the right wedding shoes is a task that should not be taken lightly. Your comfort, the style and shape of your dress, the venue, and the type of shoes all play a crucial role. By adhering to these tips, you'll ensure that your shoes complement your big day perfectly.

Whether you opt for elegant heels or stylish flats, ensure your choices reflect your style and comfort. Happy shoe shopping, brides!

Venue: Welder Events

Styling: Blank Space Events

Photo + Video: Agnes Grace Photo + Film

Dresses: Sarah Stoute Bespoke

Florals: Farmhouse Botanics

Stationary: Paperweight Design

Hire: Statement Events

Hire: The Little Hire Company

Signage: Statement Events

Jewellery: Love In A Jewel

Jewellery: Willox Luxe

Shoes: The Shoe Curator