Bridal Shoes: Style, Comfort and Getting the Height Right
How to choose wedding shoes that look beautiful and feel comfortable from aisle to dance floor.
Your wedding shoes need to do a lot: match your dress, suit your venue and survive ten or more hours on your feet. The good news is that comfort and beauty aren't mutually exclusive.
Buy shoes before your first fitting
Your seamstress will hem the dress to the height of your shoes, so choose them before your first alteration appointment and take them to every fitting.
Choosing the heel
- Block heels spread weight and won't sink into grass — ideal for gardens, barns and outdoor ceremonies.
- Kitten heels give lift and elegance with far less strain.
- Stilettos look striking but are best for indoor venues and shorter wear.
- Embellished flats and bridal trainers are perfect for the evening, or all day under a long gown.
Colour and detail
Ivory and champagne are classic, but metallics, blush and a "something blue" sole are lovely touches. Hold the shoe next to a fabric swatch from your dress; white shoes can look stark against an ivory gown.
Plan a backup pair
Most brides change into flatter shoes after dinner. Pack them with plasters, blister balm and gel cushions in your emergency kit.
Should my wedding shoes match my dress exactly?
They should complement it rather than match perfectly. Similar tones work best — compare them against a swatch in daylight.
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