Shoes...

Putting Your Best Foot Foward

Select fabric shoes that compliment your gown and those of your attendants. Take your shoes to all fittings—hemlines are measured up from the floor when you are wearing your shoes. Break them in at home.

When making your final “pick up” from the salon, take inventory to be sure you bring home all items you’ve purchased including your headpiece, shoes, slip, undergarments, gloves, jewelry and any other accessories.

Since you and the members of your bridal party will be on your feet all day, and maybe much of the night, it’s important to pick wedding day shoes that are not only beautiful, but comfortable as well. Your shoes must be comfortable for standing, walking and dancing.

Take into consideration all the wear and tear that your shoes will have to endure and add tips to protect the bottoms and heels of your shoes. If your shoes, or more likely your bridesmaids’, are dyed to match, you may want to also have them scotchguarded to protect them from rain or snow. Most wedding fashion salons have shoes for sale and can give you expert advice on what shoes work best with different types of attendant and bridal attire.

You’ll also want to consider the time of year when deciding on styles. Cold weather dictates close toed, while a summer wedding makes all types of strappy sandals fair game. Some brides may choose a style for all her bridesmaids to wear, while others may encourage their attendants to choose what suits them in a certain color, heel height, or style.

Today’s wedding shoes come in all types of high fashion styles from many top designers. Gone are the days when the only choice was a peau de soie or satin pump in three styles in white or ivory. There are wedding shoes with intricate embroidery, satin ribbons and bows, glitter, and even attachable jewels. Many brides choose a simple white ballet slipper—a popular option these days. In fact, there are even lacy “sneakers” for a bride to change into during her reception.

Certain situations call for really unique types of wedding shoes. Brides marrying in special locales can choose extremely appropriate footwear for their surroundings: flip-flops for beach vows, hiking boots for a scenic hillside or meadow wedding, skis for mountaintop “I Do’s”, and even white cowboy boots for a dude-ranch ceremony (or when the bride hails from Texas!). Wherever your wedding will be, the most important thing is to choose shoes that you are truly comfortable wearing.