This article comes to you from someone who has a long established love of footwear and who has supplied, dyed and decorated wedding shoes for a living for the past 25 years. Over that time, I have learned a thing or two on the subject of how to go about choosing the perfect wedding shoes for what will, undoubtedly, be one of the best days of your life!
I don't know of any woman who can honestly say that a stunning pair of shoes doesn't make her feel great - even on a normal day! But on your big day, a gorgeous pair of wedding shoes becomes even more important and will make sure you feel even more beautiful. And, of course, don't forget your hen night when you will most definitely need lots of 'sparkle' on your toes....
On a more serious note - your wedding shoes are just as important as your wedding dress - but many brides are so engrossed in the mountain of arrangements they need to address that they neglect prioritising their shoes. You should choose your shoes around the same time as you are choosing your dress as you will need them for your dress fittings. Any alterations being made to the length of your dress will be determined by the heel height of your shoes. Also, surprisingly, it may take more time to source your shoes than it takes to find your 'dream' dress.
They say 'no pain - no gain', however, when it comes to your wedding shoes, comfort must be your number one priority. No matter how stunning your shoes are, if you are in pain or discomfort, your mood and your face will reflect it! Your wedding day will most certainly mean many hours of standing and walking and, later, dancing too....
So, you should ask yourself a few basic questions:
Can I walk upright and straight, without stumbling in my shoes?
- Platform (4 inches +) - requires courage and confidence - for that 'model' look. Shoulders back, chest out, great pout..........
- Stiletto heels (3 - 4 inches) - elongates the legs helping to ensure you appear taller, slimmer and definitely more glamorous.
- Stiletto heels (2 - 2.5 inches) - great for Mother of the Bride/Groom.
- Kitten heels and flats - perfect for tall ladies. If you are not used to wearing high heels then stick to what is familiar. Otherwise you will be 'teetering on the brink' and appear unstable on your feet or - worse still - look like you've had too much champagne!
- Victorian wedding boots with 'bustle' dresses make a statement and are great for winter weddings.
Also, consider your surroundings - wedge and flat shoes may be more suitable for weddings in gardens or beach weddings for example....
Will my shoes be comfortable all day?
- Is there any padding in my shoes?
- Are my shoes made with padding/strong soles so I don't feel every 'pebble' when walking?
- Is there any slippage on one shoe? (Everyone has one foot bigger than the other). You may like to consider buying a pack of 'party feet' and using just one of the pads under the ball of the foot that is slipping to ensure a comfortable fit or, alternatively, purchasing a product made from memory foam which you can cut to size.
Can I dance in my shoes?
- The same as above applies...... However, you may like to consider having two pairs of shoes, one for the day time and one for dancing the night away....
Is the heel height practicable for day wear and evening wear?
- Consider the length of your dress - very high stilettos or shoes with crystal embellishments could snag your dress while you are dancing. (Having two pairs of shoes, one for the day time and one for dancing may be the answer).
Are my shoes too high for my partner?
- Could wearing 4 inch heels mean you embarrass your partner if you are towering over him during the ceremony or in photographs?
- Consider the reverse - wearing flats could mean you are too short and he is towering over you!
Are my shoes suitable for all weather eventualities?
- Don't care so long as I am wearing my fabulous shoes!
- Consider spraying your shoes with a water repellent such as Scotchguard. Spray 6-8 inches away from the shoes - do not saturate - and allow to dry naturally overnight. Re-spray if you know rain is forecast!
- Getting married on a beach? Flat shoes make it easier to walk on sand. Consider spraying with Scotchguard to off-set the effects of salt in the air.
- Water sodden grass? Flat shoes ensure you don't destroy delicate stilettos - though they should be sprayed with Scotchguard or similar.
Can I wear my wedding shoes again after my wedding to get the most wear out of them?
- If you have sprayed your wedding shoes with a water repellent then they cannot be dyed successfully as spraying the shoes makes them water resistant and therefore the dye won't penetrate as it otherwise would. There are some companies who use 'colour matching' techniques as opposed to a traditional 'dyeing' process which means that any colour applied sits on top of the fabric rather than being absorbed into it.
- Purchase good quality dyeable satin wedding shoes to ensure that they can be dyed in any colour after your wedding day.
So you see, choosing comfort on the day doesn't necessarily mean jeopardising your style. Choosing wedding shoes you love doesn't mean that you can't wear them again after your wedding. As I have explained, if you pick good quality, dyeable satin shoes, they can be dyed after your wedding and you can wear them again and again for other special occasions.
Lastly, I would say that if your budget allows - treat yourself to a pedicure to ensure your feet feel silky soft and that your chosen nail polish has been beautifully applied.....
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