How's your wedding shoe shopping going? At the rate I'm going, I'll probably buy one pair per month until November. Should I buy my dream velvet fuchsia pumps (that will probably get destroyed in the sand), Mexican embroidered wedges, or basic nude heels I'm going to kick off anyway? I just can't choose!
So today, we're sharing Bella Belle Shoes‘ top tips for choosing the perfect wedding shoe (that I think we can all benefit from). Including what I think is the most important takeaway: you're not limited to one shoe! PHEW!
As designers of wedding shoes, we get asked all the time about how to choose a wedding shoe from our #bellabellebrides. We love to help and always are ready to provide you with tips as you start this exciting journey of planning your dream wedding!
Choosing a perfect wedding shoe isn’t an easy task, it is, after all, the make or break for all-day comfort – we’re sure you don’t want to deal with sore feet. In our latest Euphoria 2018 wedding shoe collection, we have elegant and intricate beading styles in comfortable wedding heels, floral beaded wedding flats and crystal embellished wedding sandals to fit with any personality type.
Keep scrolling to view photos from our super Vogue editorial inspired lookbook (photographed by Laura Gordon) while you read our expert wedding shoe hunting tips!
1. Always Buy Early
Our first golden rule is don’t wait until the last minute to find your wedding shoe! Create a Pinterest board of wedding shoe styles that you love so that you have that at the back of your mind as you try on wedding dresses.
If you’re planning on shopping online, it’s always a good idea to buy early as sizes can run out really fast. If the sizes run out, the lead time can be long, especially if it’s handmade. So it’s always a good idea to get the shoe early rather than later.
If you get it before your wedding dress fitting, you’ll be able to wear it to ensure that it matches your dress and the hem is right. This will help you save alteration costs later down the road.
2. Venue Considerations
Are you having an outdoor wedding? Garden? Ballroom? Church? Barn? Think about where you’re having your wedding when you’re choosing your wedding shoe.
Garden wedding brides might want to consider wearing a comfortable wedding flat which works better for the garden terrain. If you love a good heel, a low heel would suit the uneven surface. Or expand your mind and wear a wedding bootie, a mix between a heel and a flat that provides extra support.
Wherever you decide to have your wedding, always ensure that your shoe choice works well with the location.
3. Comfort Is Key
Think about your everyday style. Are you someone who loves the confidence of a 4 inch stiletto? Then keep to your style and wear a stiletto for your wedding. Just ensure that the heel you choose has extra padding so that you’re comfortable all day.
If you are woman that loves sneakers or sandals, then stick to a lower shoe height for your wedding. We don’t recommend testing a new height on your wedding day as all eyes will be on you. If heels are important, consider a low heel option so you still get the experience of a heel without the ambitious height.
Also, choose shoes that have natural materials such as genuine leather to allow for stretching and breathability. Just remember to stay true to who you are.
4. Choose One That Complements Your Style
You’ve probably put in a ton of effort to find the perfect dress, which means that you might want to find a wedding shoe that complements your dress and style.
Look at the elements of your wedding dress. Is your dress adorned with classic lace or elegant rhinestone embroidery? Does it have little blue detail embroidery? Look for similar elements in your wedding shoe to complement your dress, so that it matches your style and taste. You wouldn’t want a total mix match.
5. Ensure That It Makes You Feel Special
Choose a wedding shoe that makes you feel amazing! Even though your dress is floor length, you still want to be able to give your guests an occasional peak that’ll make them gasp and shower you with compliments!
You want to feel like a Princess on your special day, so consider one that isn’t boring. Perhaps a sparkly blue Cinderella glass slipper or a gold and champagne number. Bottom line: Choose a wedding shoe that will stand out and one that will look amazing both in pictures and in real life.
6. Get Them Worn In
Try, try and try them again! Wear them around the house (preferably on a clean, indoor and carpeted surface in case you need to return if needed) to test the comfort of the shoe.
Try wearing them for an hour or two as you prep for meals to get them worn in, so that they fit comfortably on your wedding day. If you really want to go all out, try dancing in them to really wear them in.
It’s also fun to wear them before your wedding in the house so you can truly imagine how you’ll look on your big day!
7. Re-Wearability vs One-Time Special Sentimental Wear
Are you looking for a wedding shoe that is sentimental or one that can be re-worn?
If you’re looking for something sentimental, then look for one that is special enough to be passed down as an heirloom.
If you’re looking for practicality, then focus your search on shoes that you can re-wear after your wedding day. Instead of an ivory number, look for a nude heel, or go bold with a black beauty. Also, consider wedding sandals or even flats. Not only are they comfortable but the style is usually one where you can re-wear many, many times! This way, you’ll be able to relive your wedding day every time you put them on. Also, who doesn’t love a bargain?
8. You’re Not Limited To One Wedding Shoe
Finally, remember that it’s totally normal to have a pair for the ceremony and another for the reception. If brides are allowed to change wedding dresses, then the same thing applies to wedding shoes!
If you want to wear a heel during the ceremony, then consider a wedding flat for the dancing which is more comfortable. Also, your wedding day is all about you! So you have every valid excuse and reason to splurge on new shoes.
So there you have it! Enjoy the fun of the wedding shoe hunting process.
Keep in mind the tips above and we promise that you’ll have a pain-free wedding.
For more shoe shopping and fashion inspiration, check our style section.
