The average bride-to-be tries on about dozen dresses before she finds the right one. But that's nothing compared to the number of shoes she slips into and out of before her big day. Why is the right bridal footwear so hard to find? For one thing, the shoes must match the dress, the venue, the season and more. In this article, we will review a few 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 need not be purchased on the same day as the dress. In fact, it is probably a good idea to choose the dress first and then set aside an afternoon to focus on the shoes. When you do go shoe shopping, make sure that you bring a swatch from your gown to assure the best color match. As a general rule, it is always a good idea to have your shoes with you when you have the first fitting. This will cut down on the alteration costs and ensure that your dress will be ready on time. The first fitting typically takes place about a month before the wedding.
Fabric
It is important to note that none of these tips are etched in stone. There are no rules when it comes to the wedding day. After all, it is your day. But according to the experts, the fabric and texture of your shoes should match as closely as possible with the fabric and texture of your dress. Which means that if you are wearing a satin gown, your shoes should contain a similar type of satin that will complement it.
Color
For brides-to-be who do not use the same fabric on their shoes as in their gowns, obtaining a perfect color match can be a chore. There are literally hundreds of different shades of white and most of them are slightly off white. One easy way to assure a match is to purchase a dye-able shoe. The bridal boutique or salon can then 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 they loved, this process would be a whole lot easier. But when it comes to style, there are a several factors you should consider. First and most importantly is the venue. If the wedding is to be held outdoors, certain shoes simply will not work. For example, you can't wear high heels to a beach wedding. You'd sink! The four most popular styles that can accommodate most venues are sandals, pumps, 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 that you are comfortable with. You have a thousand important things to worry about without adding walking to the list. As a general rule, you should select a pair that is comfortable enough to wear for the entire day. Remember, most wedding dresses are hemmed to floor length, which means that if you remove them, your dress will be dragging on the floor.
Price
Why did we wait so long to mention price? Well, it's your special day and we didn't want to cause you undue stress. But as you might expect, bridal shoes tend to be expensive. The price for the average pair ranges from 300 to 1000 dollars. Just remember, a designer brand does not necessarily guarantee a better fit. There are many less popular brands that make quality shoes at affordable prices.
Accessories and Embellishments
Many brides-to-be like to get creative with their shoes and decorate them with numerous embellishments. Embroidery and crystals are quite popular for formal affairs or when dresses are also embroidered. Most bridal boutiques have employees that can perform this service for you.
Hemline
Another popular trend is to decorate shoes with pearls or beads. Many brides-to-be feel that this complements a dress with a plain hemline. However, if your dress contains a lot of lace, crystals, pearls or other embellishments, it is probably a good idea to go with an unadorned shoe.
Consider Your Bridesmaids
Yes, it is your day. And there is absolutely no need to wear the same shoes as your friends. However, most brides-to-be insist upon some consistency with regard to style, which means that if you are wearing closed toe or ankle strap shoes, your bridesmaids should be wearing the same. Now, there is no need to make any demands or to stop your friends from purchasing shoes they like. But it is important to let them know which style of shoe you have 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 an appropriate shoe.
Although they may be a small detail compared to your whole ceremony, the perfect shoes can provide that extra special touch to your wedding day. Source
When to Buy?
Contrary to popular belief, bridal shoes need not be purchased on the same day as the dress. In fact, it is probably a good idea to choose the dress first and then set aside an afternoon to focus on the shoes. When you do go shoe shopping, make sure that you bring a swatch from your gown to assure the best color match. As a general rule, it is always a good idea to have your shoes with you when you have the first fitting. This will cut down on the alteration costs and ensure that your dress will be ready on time. The first fitting typically takes place about a month before the wedding.
Fabric
It is important to note that none of these tips are etched in stone. There are no rules when it comes to the wedding day. After all, it is your day. But according to the experts, the fabric and texture of your shoes should match as closely as possible with the fabric and texture of your dress. Which means that if you are wearing a satin gown, your shoes should contain a similar type of satin that will complement it.
Color
For brides-to-be who do not use the same fabric on their shoes as in their gowns, obtaining a perfect color match can be a chore. There are literally hundreds of different shades of white and most of them are slightly off white. One easy way to assure a match is to purchase a dye-able shoe. The bridal boutique or salon can then 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 they loved, this process would be a whole lot easier. But when it comes to style, there are a several factors you should consider. First and most importantly is the venue. If the wedding is to be held outdoors, certain shoes simply will not work. For example, you can't wear high heels to a beach wedding. You'd sink! The four most popular styles that can accommodate most venues are sandals, pumps, 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 that you are comfortable with. You have a thousand important things to worry about without adding walking to the list. As a general rule, you should select a pair that is comfortable enough to wear for the entire day. Remember, most wedding dresses are hemmed to floor length, which means that if you remove them, your dress will be dragging on the floor.
Price
Why did we wait so long to mention price? Well, it's your special day and we didn't want to cause you undue stress. But as you might expect, bridal shoes tend to be expensive. The price for the average pair ranges from 300 to 1000 dollars. Just remember, a designer brand does not necessarily guarantee a better fit. There are many less popular brands that make quality shoes at affordable prices.
Accessories and Embellishments
Many brides-to-be like to get creative with their shoes and decorate them with numerous embellishments. Embroidery and crystals are quite popular for formal affairs or when dresses are also embroidered. Most bridal boutiques have employees that can perform this service for you.
Hemline
Another popular trend is to decorate shoes with pearls or beads. Many brides-to-be feel that this complements a dress with a plain hemline. However, if your dress contains a lot of lace, crystals, pearls or other embellishments, it is probably a good idea to go with an unadorned shoe.
Consider Your Bridesmaids
Yes, it is your day. And there is absolutely no need to wear the same shoes as your friends. However, most brides-to-be insist upon some consistency with regard to style, which means that if you are wearing closed toe or ankle strap shoes, your bridesmaids should be wearing the same. Now, there is no need to make any demands or to stop your friends from purchasing shoes they like. But it is important to let them know which style of shoe you have 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 an appropriate shoe.
Although they may be a small detail compared to your whole ceremony, the perfect shoes can provide that extra special touch to your wedding day. Source
