Wedding planning can give the bravest bride nightmares, and bridal shoes are often last on the list and another possibility for disaster.
Wedding shoes can be really elaborate, coloured, metallic, covered with beads and set on precarious heels or a few simple straps attached to the sole. Choosing the right bridal shoes to match the wedding dress need not be a headache if you keep your wits about you.
1. Sexy High-heeled Wedding Shoes or Flirty Flats
Although the wedding day is all about fantasy and dreams coming true, be practical.
If you are not used to wearing very high heels, it’s not a good idea to buy them for the wedding day when you will have all eyes on you as you glide gracefully down the aisle after your bridesmaids and flower girls. You will be doing a lot of standing and dancing, and will generally be on your feet most of the time. Go for heels that you are used to and feel comfortable wearing.
If flat shoes are your thing, then stick to those. Look for soft and delicate wedding shoes with a small heel.
2. Bridal Shoes to Fit the Dress
Do wear your wedding shoes when fitting the wedding dress. The length of the dress needs to be just right, and that includes a shorter, more casual wedding dress. For a full-length dress, you don’t want to be tripping over it and for a shorter dress, observe how the shoes make your legs look. All eyes will be on you on your wedding day so it’s important to feel confident with everything.
Obviously stilettos are flattering, but remember – don’t go higher than you are used to. A wedding dress with a short fuller skirt looks best with lower bridal shoes.
3. Colored Wedding Shoes
A formal wedding dress in white or shades of ivory goes well with shoes matching as closely as possible. Silk or satin bridal shoes look feminine and pretty and can be dyed afterwards to a more practical color.
Shoes with a colored wedding dress can be a little more flexible. If the dress is pink, the wedding shoes can be the same colour or one or two shades darker or lighter. Stick to the same tone, and have these color accents in the bridal bouquet for a beautiful effect. Alternatively, match wedding jewellery with gold or silver shoes.
4. Wedding Sandals or Closed Shoes
A dainty pair of white or silver wedding sandals could be perfect for a less formal wedding. Avoid being seduced by fussy sparkly sandals and go for high-class elegance instead. If you do intend to have bare legs, take a critical look at your feet in sandals – people at the wedding will be doing the same thing. Have a pedicure the day before and keep toenails painted in a soft flattering shade.
5. Flip-flops on the Beach
Beach weddings and other outdoor venues should be taken into account when thinking about wedding shoes. Flat shoes, preferably wedding sandals or even white flip flops, would be more appropriate. If the wedding reception includes dancing on a hard surface – consider having a special pair of dancing shoes to slip on when the music starts.
6. Wearing in Wedding Shoes
Do practice wearing the wedding shoes or sandals before the big day. It is so important to be comfortable so that your face does not reflect pinched toes or blistered heels. Wear the shoes indoors and practice standing in them for an hour at a time.
7. Your Choice
When choosing wedding shoes, think of the top-to-toe look that you are creating for the wedding day. It is your day, so choose the ones you really like.
Elaine Walker - Elaine has written text for everything from information packs for hospitalsbrochures for foster-carersnewsletters for a ...
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