22 Pairs of Elegant and Comfortable Wedding Shoes
Photography by Nicola Drummond Photography
10 top tips for choosing the best wedding shoes from the Rock My Wedding Experts
- Be sure to consider your venue's flooring and any journey you'll be making between locations. Is it carpeted or wooden floor? Will there be cobbles, stones or pavers outside? Will you be walking on grass, and will it be muddy? Are you having a beach wedding? All these things will help you decide whether you choose stiletto heels, block heels or flats.
- How high of a heel can you handle? Be honest with yourself about your comfort level and ability to walk in heels (if heels are your thing at all). There's no rule book - if you never usually wear heels, you don't suddenly have to just because it's your wedding day. Wear what you like, what makes you feel fabulous and what you can comfortably strut in all day. If that's a skyscraper heel - go for it, but if that's a pair of Converse - we're still in full support (no judgment here).
- Whatever you choose, comfort is key. Wedding days are long days. Incredible days, fun days - but long nonetheless. And you'll likely be on your feet for most of it, so it's essential to choose something kind to your feet. Or if you're intent on heels for your ceremony but want the freedom to let loose at the reception, we'd never say no to two pairs of shoes!
- As mentioned above, you don't have to have just one pair of wedding shoes. It's your wedding day - you can have as many pairs of bridal shoes as you wish! But be sure to let your seamstress or bridal boutique know, as your hem will need to accommodate the varying heights.
- A big factor in deciding which shoe style to choose is whether you plan to wear your wedding shoes again (which we totally think you should, btw!) Why wear a gorgeous pair of shoes just once? It's not great for your wardrobe and definitely not great for the planet, too. Ivory satin shoes may be less likely to have a place in your future wardrobe, and while there is an option to have them dyed in future - why not explore the idea of colourful or nude-coloured bridal shoes that can have a permanent place amongst your footwear regulars? Otherwise, you can always browse Recycle My Wedding to find a fabulous pair of pre-loved wedding shoes!
- Should you buy your shoes before or after your wedding dress? Well, it depends. You'll have chosen your shoes or dress because you love them, so whichever comes first - just make sure you consider that when selecting the corresponding piece. Always think of your overall look. Do you want matching or contrasting shoes to dress? If you're a coordinated queen, be careful - there are many shades of white and ivory (bring a swatch of your fabric if you can.) Or, if you'd prefer to add some colour (whether subtle and complementary or a bold pop of colour) - consider how your shoes tie with your overall style or colour scheme.
- Heavily embellished bridal shoes are stunning - who can ever say no to a bit of sparkle? But a cautionary word to consider - beware of snagging! If you've got a satin gown, netting or a train, you don't want any delicate hems caught on beautifully embellished shoes. If they're well-made, the clasps should be secure, and snagging shouldn't be an issue, so it's best to run your hands over those jewels and have a check.
- Regardless of your choice of shoes, as we all know, new shoes can be a bit... Uncomfortable at first, to say the least. So don some socks and wear them while you potter around the house. It'll make all the difference, and you'll hopefully keep the emergency pack of blister plasters at bay on your wedding day.
- Ever heard the rhyme "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue"? Well, the often omitted last line is "And a Sixpence in her shoe", thought to bring prosperity, love and happiness! There are bridal shoe designers who incorporate sixpences in the design, or you can find your own and tape/glue it onto the sole of your shoes for a nod to tradition.
- And lastly, a note on cost. You can go all out for a pair of Louboutins or Jimmy Choos. Or you can find the perfect pair on sale on the high street. The bottom line is, pay what you want, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise! Wedding shoes don't have to be pricey, as you can find gorgeous styles for under £50, too - as you'll see in our edit!
1. Jimmy Choo wedding shoes
Saeda 100 Ivory Satin Pumps with Crystal Embellishment
10. wide fit wedding shoes
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Hitched Bow Detail Mid Block Heeled Sandals in Ivory
13. Kitten heel wedding shoes
Coast Savannah Bridal Satin Bow Detail Kitten Heel Court Shoes
14. Ivory wedding shoes
Rainbow Club Mia Ivory Satin Embellished Block Heel Sandals
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