How to Choose Your Wedding Shoes

It is important to select the ideal wedding shoes for your big day immediately after choosing your dress. Your wedding shoes are important because you'll be wearing them for hours, so comfort and style matter. There are several factors to consider, like heel height, style, and how comfortable they are.

Whether you want to express your personality or prioritize comfort, choosing the right shoes involves a few important steps. Do you need help figuring out where to start? Here are some guidelines on how to find the perfect pair of comfortable wedding shoes:

Step 1: Purchase Your Wedding Dress First

It's important to buy your wedding dress before your shoes. Why? This is because your shoes should match the style and formality of your dress. If you buy the shoes first, you might end up with ones that don't complement your dress well.

The length and style of your dress will depend on how your shoes will look and what type of shoe (and heel height) will work best. For instance, if you're wearing a tea-length gown, your shoes will be more visible compared to if you're wearing a floor-length dress with a long train.

Step 2: Define Your Shoe Goals and Budget

Start by setting your shoe budget. Knowing how much you're willing to spend will streamline your search.

Consider your shoe objectives:

• Do you want your shoes to be bold or understated?
• Are you coordinating your shoes with your partner?
• Is comfort or style your top priority?
• Are you looking for shoes to wear all day?
• Do you prefer investing in durable, high-quality shoes?
• Assess your comfort with high heels.

If you're accustomed to wearing heels comfortably in your daily life, wearing them for your wedding should be feasible. However, if you struggle to walk in heels, prioritize comfort by choosing comfortable wedding shoes instead.

Step 3: Think About Your Venue

When selecting your wedding shoes, remember where your wedding will take place. For instance, high heels might not be suitable for a beach wedding.

Take your venue into account: Are there many stairs? Gravel paths? A slippery dance floor? Think about these factors and how different types of shoes will fare in these conditions.

Step 4: Keep an Eye on the Weather

Always be prepared for unexpected weather conditions and have a backup plan for your wedding shoes. Dainty flats or sky-high stilettos will fare poorly on wet grass, mud, or puddle-filled sidewalks.

For rainy weather, think about wearing cute rubber rain boots under your wedding dress, especially during outdoor activities like taking photos. If it's snowy, furry winter boots can create charming photos when paired with your gown. Having the appropriate footwear is crucial in these situations.

Step 5: Explore Your Options

While it might be tempting to buy the first pair of shoes you adore, we suggest taking your time to shop around and consider all your choices before making a decision.

Start your search online since there's usually a wider selection available, and then visit stores to try on your favorite styles in person.

Step 6: Emphasize Comfort

Think about whether your dream wedding shoes will be comfortable enough to wear all day and into the night. You'll want to cherish memories of your special day, not remember how much your feet hurt.

Consider using preventive measures to avoid foot pain, such as applying liquid Band-Aid to sensitive areas or taping your third and fourth toes together (it really helps!).

Keep flats or stylish sneakers handy just in case you need to give your feet a break after hours of dancing.

Step 7: Bring Them to Your Dress Fittings

If your outfit requires alterations, remember to bring your shoes to every fitting. This way, the seamstress can adjust your dress to match the height of your heels.

Seeing your shoes with your dress will also help ensure that you like how they look together before your wedding day. Plus, you'll have time to find a different pair if needed.

Dos and Don'ts When Choosing Wedding Shoes

Dos:

• Break them in: Practice wearing your shoes around the house, especially if you're wearing heels, to ensure they're comfortable on your big day.
• Have a backup pair: Even if your chosen shoes are super comfy, it's wise to have a spare pair just in case of emergencies like a broken heel or unexpected weather.

Don'ts:

• Procrastinate on buying: Avoid waiting until the last minute to purchase your wedding shoes. The more time you give yourself, the better chance you have to make sure they match your dress and to break them in comfortably before the big day.
• Don't Skip trying them: Even if style matters more to you than comfort, it's essential to try on your wedding shoes before buying. As the bride, you'll be spending a lot of time on the dance floor, so ensuring they fit well and feel comfortable is crucial.

Conclusion

No matter how you put on your wedding shoes-whether you lace them up, strap them on, slide them on, or slip into them-ensure they match your wedding venue's style and formality, as well as the length and design of your dress, while also prioritizing your comfort. Above all, let your wedding shoes showcase your personality. Then, be sure to flaunt the perfect pair with flair and enjoy dancing the night away in them on your special day.