Bridal Shoes

Once you’ve chosen your ideal bridal gown you might think the hard work is over, but getting the right shoes to complete your look can be just as important as selecting the perfect dress. The type of bridal shoe you go for can be influenced by the style of your dress, the length of the skirt, your own height and build, and whether or not you are comfortable wearing heels all day.

Should my shoes match the dress?

Many brides decide to have wedding shoes that match the colour and material of their bridal gown to create an overall uniform look. If you are wearing a classic white wedding dress, finding matching shoes shouldn’t be too difficult, but if you have opted for one of the many shades of ivory or off-white available, getting the perfect match can be trickier.

Ask the bridal shop that is providing your dress whether they are able to have a pair of shoes made in the same material, or look for a shoe retailer that will dye wedding shoes the colour of your choice. If you go for the second option you could decide to buy the same shoes for your bridesmaids and have them dyed to match the bridesmaids gowns, providing an element of continuity throughout your bridal party.

Although matching your shoes to your dress is still popular, there is a growing trend for more daring bridal shoes. Metallic shoes are currently extremely popular, with a wide range of bridal shoes available in silver, gold or even metallic pinks and peaches. These are often matched to the bride’s jewellery or embellishments on the dress. Bolder colours can be worn to match the accent colour of your wedding, and these work best if you also have the same accent colour on your dress or in your bouquet.

One simple rule to follow when choosing bridal shoes is that if your dress has a lot of detail such as embroidery or beading, go for simple plain fabric shoes. If you have a very simple dress, more intricate shoes can really liven it up. If your dress is decorated with pearls or diamante, be sure that any embellishments on your shoes carry on the same theme.

Should I wear heels or flats?

It is important to decide on the height of your heels early on as you will need to wear a shoe of the same height for your dress fitting, even if you haven’t chosen the actual bridal shoes themselves. Many shorter brides are tempted to go for towering heels to give them height as they walk down the aisle, but unless you are used to this type of shoe your special day may just be spoiled by sore feet.

If you are tall you can probably get away with flat sandals to avoid aching legs, but if you are shorter you might want to compromise on those lofty stilettos by opting for a more comfortable kitten heel or wedge style. If you have a very long dress, you may be able to be more flexible with your shoes as your guests will probably only see the toes as you walk around.

There is a growing trend for shorter wedding dresses, with mid calf being a very popular length. These dresses are best worn with heels, but brides with shorter legs should avoid ankle straps which will make their legs appear even shorter. A heeled sling back could be the perfect companion to a shorter, tea length dress.

The days of all white court shoes are definitely over, with many brides experimenting with a variety of colours and styles to get the perfect shoe for their wedding outfit. At the end of the day your bridal shoe is a matter of personal preference, but don’t forget to include comfort into the equation, and make sure you decide on the type of shoe you would like to wear before you go to that dress fitting.