Your wedding shoes provide the necessary prop your gown needs to hang straight and beautiful, giving you the finish you require.
Understand that your gown (if professionally made) will generally be slightly shorter at the front than at the back, so even though the dress may be long, your shoes will still be seen even if it is a flash here and there. Remember the attention the shoes get when the groom removes the garter belt, you want to look your best as a complete package.
There are several things to consider when choosing your shoes, it is essential that you do this sensibly and realistically so as not to spoil your day.
Weddings naturally require a lot from the bride. Remember a bride with aching feet is not going to enjoy herself; at the same time, you must look good and fulfil your dreams as close as possible, so it is essential that you are prepared. Having an idea of a few necessities will go a long way to helping you achieve bridal footwear success.
COMFORT
This is of utmost importance. This is not the time to pretend you are a size smaller than you really are. You will be on your feet all day through to the reception; you need to do this with a smile not a grimace. Remember you will also be taking pictures; you don’t want your foot pain recorded in your precious memories. Combine fit with style don’t choose style over practicality.
HEIGHT
Your dress length and your heel height are meant to combine, for a proper dress “hang”, it is highly important that the two are in unison.
This is also not a time to try something new. If you are not used to a certain height it would not be advisable to suddenly try to learn on your wedding day. Instead opt for a height that you are accustomed to.
FABRIC
Traditionally "Satin" or a "Silk" but the importance here is that it matches as closely as possible to your gown. If your dress is of another fabric by all means experiment with brocade, beaded and other styles and fabrics that will compliment.
COLOUR
There are many shades of white and not all bridal gowns are white anyway; ranging from champagne shades to rose and blue tones. You can always have them tinted to the exact shade of your dress, carry a sample of your dress fabric or if this is not possible try to shop for both on the same day.
If you are considering a coloured gown, then the door is open to you to infuse that colour either directly, within ranging tones, total contrast or even using traditional white if you desire.
Remember you can also enjoy neutrals like gold or silveror pick up on a strong colour of embellishment, other gown features or the wedding parties colour. You do not have to stick with the traditional.
STYLE
Consider the theme of your wedding and, of course, your personal style. A four inch silk stiletto number would not work for a beach wedding. Alternatively, crystal beaded flip flops would not work for a formal church ceremony.
Remember: Setting, Theme, Personal style.
TIPS
Shop from afternoon towards evening, your feet will be swollen and at their largest. Morning shopping will give you a false reading on your fitting; making you wonder why they didn’t hurt when you tried them on in the shop.
If you intend to use hose, wear the same denier that you intend to dress in on your wedding day, when fitting.
Wear the shoes beforehand just lightly around gentle areas of your home like in the bedroom, to familiarise yourself with them and ensure that they are comfortable.
The shoes should be bought after the gown but purchase them early so that they can be available for bridal gown fittings.
Remember that the style of the shoe as well as the colour should compliment your gown. A chunky platform heel may work well with a very trendy look but would be unbalanced with a delicate fairytale design.
If you are on a budget, consider purchasing plain white shoes and decorating them yourself with rhinestones, small flowers etc.
Think of the future, a versatile style can be worn again for parties and other events.
