The average bride-to-be tries on about a dozen dresses before finding the right one. But that’s nothing compared to the amount of shoes she puts on and takes off before her big day. Why is it so difficult to find the right wedding shoes? On the one hand, the shoes must match the dress, the place, the season and more. In this article, we’ll go over some basic tips that will hopefully help you avoid heel blisters and find the perfect pair a little sooner.
When to buy?
Contrary to popular belief, bridal shoes do not need to be purchased on the same day as the dress. In fact, it’s probably a good idea to pick out the dress first, then set aside an afternoon to focus on the shoes. When shopping for shoes, be sure to bring a sample of your dress to ensure the best color match. As a general rule, it’s always a good idea to have your shoes with you when you first put them on. This will reduce alteration costs and ensure your dress is ready on time. The first test usually takes place a month before the wedding.
Cloth
It’s important to note that none of this advice is set in stone. There are no rules when it comes to the wedding day. After all, it’s your day. But according to experts, the fabric and texture of your shoes should match the fabric and texture of your dress as closely as possible. Which means that if you’re wearing a satin dress, your shoes should have a similar type of satin to complement it.
Colour
For brides-to-be who don’t use the same fabric in their shoes as they do in their dresses, getting a perfect color match can be a daunting task. There are literally hundreds of different shades of white and most of them are slightly off-white. An easy way to ensure a match is to buy a shoe that can be dyed. The bridal boutique or salon can send them out and have the shoes professionally dyed to match the color of your dress.
Style
If every bride-to-be could simply choose a shoe she loved, this process would be so much easier. But when it comes to style, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost is the location. If the wedding is going to be held outdoors, certain shoes just won’t work. For example, you can’t wear high heels to a beach wedding. You would sink! The four most popular styles that can fit most places are sandals, heels, sling backs, and flats.
Comfort
To begin with, we strongly suggest that you choose a heel height that you have worn in the past and are comfortable with. You have a thousand important things to worry about without adding walking to the list. As a general rule of thumb, you should select a pair that is comfortable enough to wear all day. Remember, most wedding dresses have floor-length hems, which means that if you take them off, your dress will drag on the floor.
Price
Why do we wait so long to mention the price? Well, it’s your special day and we didn’t want to cause you undue stress. But unsurprisingly, bridal shoes tend to be expensive. The price of the average pair ranges from $300 to $1,000. Just remember, a designer brand doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better fit. There are many less popular brands that make quality shoes at affordable prices.
Accessories and Ornaments
Many brides-to-be like to be creative with their shoes and decorate them with numerous embellishments. Embroidery and crystals are very popular for formal affairs or when dresses are also embroidered. Most bridal boutiques have employees who can perform this service for you.
hem
Another popular trend is to decorate shoes with pearls or beads. Many brides-to-be feel that this complements a dress with a smooth hem. However, if your dress contains a lot of lace, crystals, pearls, or other embellishments, it’s probably a good idea to go with an unadorned shoe.
Consider your bridesmaids
Yes, it’s your day. And there is absolutely no need to wear the same shoes as your friends. However, most brides-to-be insist on some consistency when it comes to style, which means whether you wear closed-toe or ankle-strap shoes, your bridesmaids should wear the same. Now, there is no need to make any demands or stop your friends from buying the shoes they like. But it’s important to let them know what style of shoe you’ve selected before they go shopping. It may also be a good idea to enlist the services of the maid of honor to ensure that the girls choose a suitable shoe.
Although they may be a small detail compared to your entire ceremony, the perfect shoes can add that extra special touch to your wedding day.