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An essential part of completing your bridal look are the shoes. Some brides find it to be a fashion quest as they cannot find a beautiful and comfortable pair. Despite your priorities, your wedding shoes play a significant role in how you look and feel.
How to Pick Shoes for a Wedding Dress
If you’re unsure where to start when picking the right shoes to go along with your dress and style, take a look at the tips below.
Know Your Bridal Style
It is less likely that you will purchase the shoes and the gown from the same store. Therefore, you should remember the style of your gown as you look across the aisles at the shoe store. Along with this, you should be clear about the look you want to achieve.
Pay attention to all the adornments on your gown that will complement your footwear. Any additions like the lace or stones could make a difference in your final choice.
Research Your Options
Several factors can influence your bridal shoes. These include the budget, the venue, and your height. Plus, you should also know what is trending and what is not before you start to shop.
It’s a good idea to do your homework before entering a shoe store. When you are well-prepared, you know what you are looking for, and this will narrow your search. It takes less time and improves the final look.
You can also ask your wedding dress consultant or the designer of your dress for suggestions on what they think would work best with the outfit.
Closed or Open Toe?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions when you enter a store to buy wedding shoes. The preferences of brides may vary according to the season and event theme. For example, a closed shoe works well for cold climates, and an open-toe shoe works for the warm season.
The theme of your wedding can also create a difference. For instance, close-toe shoes work for a black-tie wedding. The comfort and overall style of the bride are also important. Remember that you will be spending hours in these shoes. Opting for an uncomfortable style that looks good will be a decision you might regret later.
Determine the Heel Size
Your height has a huge role to play when scanning the heel sizes. Typically, a flat shoe is the best option if you prioritize comfort during the wedding. However, some people find it easier to maintain their posture when wearing heels.
If you cannot wear heels for hours, go for flats or wedges. You must also pay attention to the location of your wedding. An outdoor wedding may have a grassy area or another terrain requiring a different shoe type. Heels are good when you walk down the aisle in a church or a ballroom. You will not feel equally graceful when walking in heels on the beach or a gravel pathway.
Try Different Colors
The color of the shoes relies on the final look you want to achieve. Traditional brides in white dresses who wish to sport a classic look will choose pastel tones like ivory, champagne, or even white. Meanwhile, those set for a modern vibe will opt for silver and metallic options.
A playful combo from the blue range, varying from topaz or sapphire shades, can also bring a royal touch.
Don’t Make Swift Decisions
You don’t have to wait until the last day to buy your shoes. Instead, looking for them during as you’re searching for a wedding dress is a better idea. Before the day of your dress try-on and alterations, the pair should be with you.
This practice allows you to get a picture of the final look. Your seamstress also needs the height of your shoes to determine the length of the gown. Don’t leave any stones unturned when you go for the final try-on, which can impact how you look!
Create a Budget Plan
Budget is one of the fundamental factors of the game. Going beyond the budget limit is not preferred by many brides. This is particularly important to consider when there are rare chances of using these shoes in the future.
Wedding shoes can be expensive. You should be looking at an affordable store. And before you step in, determine how much you will be spending. A budget limit is necessary because it helps narrow the search and find the perfect pair for your special day.
Match the Shoes with Other Parts of Your Outfit
Tying everything together is key for a cohesive look. If your dress, shoes, and jewelry all are very different styles, it can make you look less put together. For example, try to pair your wedding jewelry with their shoes to create a more cohesive look. If your jewelry is silver, don’t pick shoes that are covered in gold sparkles.
You can also try matching elements from your veil with your shoes. If you have a lace veil with rhinestone details, try to find a pair of shoes that includes one of those designs as well.
Prepare an Alternative
Let me tell you a secret tip – brides should always have an extra pair of shoes. This is because there are always chances of a sudden change in season, a shoe breaking, or your feet hurting.
For example, you can wear heels during the ceremony and switch to flats during the reception if your feet begin hurting. This is what I did, and it was a game changer! I found a cute pair of flats that matched my dress, and I switched into them right before our grand entrance.
Sometimes, a drastic change in weather can change the whole scenario. Rain, for instance, can create mud and soggy grass that is difficult to walk on. Or there is a chance of snow if you live in a cold climate. Keep an appropriate pair like furry winter boots on hand.
To summarize, it is wise to have a backup plan. Even if the chosen bridal pair is beautiful and expensive, you can’t risk your big day.
Browse for the Best
The temptation to buy that first beautiful pair in the store may be high. However, making an impulsive decision may lead to regret later. You should be shopping around for the shoes, just as you did in the case of your gown.
You may find a good, more affordable pair if you browse the stores. Many retailers also have online stores with an extensive collection. If you do end up buying online, remember to read the reviews. Knowing brides’ experiences before you will help you make an informed decision.
Put Your Comfort First
People always focus on the style, but comfort is key! Imagine if your feet are sore shortly after putting the shoes on. How would you feel? The pain may continue for the rest of the day and keep you miserable when you should be the happiest.
As mentioned earlier, the higher the heel, the more discomfort. It may allow you to waltz like a diva on the dance floor, but a few hours of this will result in ultimate pain. Go for shoes with a manageable heel and provide enough room for your feet.
Don’t Commit Before You Try
Whether you buy online or from a physical store, you should go the extra mile and try out the shoes as much as you can. Check if you can walk properly and dance well.
Even if you are borrowing shoes from a friend, you should ask them to let you try them out. Not all styles are made for everyone. Your gown, venue, and height requirements may be different. Quickly committing to a pair may be a regretful decision later.
Related Questions
Should Your Shoes Match Your Wedding Dress?
Your shoes should match your wedding dress to create a cohesive wedding day look. This doesn’t mean you have to get shoes that are the same color as your dress, though. Instead, look for elements and designs within your dress, such as material, sparkles, etc, that you can also have in your shoes.
What Color Shoes Do You Wear With a Wedding Dress?
Traditionally, brides wear white, off-white, silver, or gold shoes with their wedding dress. However, I’ve photographed brides with shoes that were navy, pink, and black before! It’s really up to you what color wedding shoes you want to wear.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding is the day when you want everything to be pitch-perfect. The choice of shoes can create a big difference in how you look. Don’t feel hesitant, and take your time. This day will not return, and you will be looking at the photos for years to come.
Take all the measures about how to pick shoes for a wedding dress, and you will surely find a pair that elevates your appearance!
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