What shoes to wear with a wedding dress?

Every bride carefully considers the smallest details such as her wedding dress, veil, hairstyle, makeup and accessories. Sometimes they focus so much on other elements and accessories that they neglect the shoes. However, shoes are just as important as any other accessory.

With so many options to choose from, it's important to give some serious thought to the shoes you want to pair with your wedding dress. From cute kitten heels to classic pumps and even flats, it's crucial to consider the details of this style and plan ahead. This guide will help you figure out how.

Things to consider when choosing shoes

If you don't know what shoes to wear with your wedding dress, read on to learn the most important considerations.

• Budget

First things first: set a reasonable budget and try to find a pair of shoes that you'll wear on more than one occasion so you really get your money's worth. But if you think it's not worth spending a fortune on a pair of shoes that people will only see on this special day, consider borrowing a pair or seeing if you already have a suitable pair stashed in your closet.

• Style

While your wedding day is the perfect opportunity to add a personal touch to a great outfit, don't forget that your shoes should also match the fabric and style of your dress. For example, if you have an A-line gown or a ball gown with embellishments or details like beads or lace, the shoes should match those details as well. On the other hand, if you're going to wear a mermaid-inspired gown, consider some sexy open-toe shoes or strappy heels. If you're going bold with a short wedding dress, pair it with an equally bold pair of pointy-toe vintage heels or pumps in a bold color or print.

• Comfort

Don’t underestimate how much time you’ll be on your feet on your wedding day. Comfort is an important element to consider. If you must wear heels, follow these tips to find a comfortable pair:

1. Look for soft fabrics that won’t squeeze your toes
2. Make sure there’s enough padding or cushioning around the top of your foot and arch
3. Look for rubber soles to avoid slipping on the dance floor
4. Remember that wedges and low, thick heels offer the most support
5. If you don’t like wearing heels, simply choose a different type of shoe. It's your big day, so inject some personal touch into your outfit. For example, if you're getting married on the beach, wear your favorite sandals, or if you're having a country wedding, wear your favorite boots. There's nothing sexier than a woman who's wearing comfortable clothes.

• Heel height

High heels can be difficult to wear, so consider what you wear every day and don't try to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. From short kitten heels to ultra-high heels, you have plenty of options. Choose the ones that look great and are comfortable to wear.

• Fabrics and colors

Bridal shoes come in a variety of fabrics, so choose one that matches your dress. You can even find shoes made from satin, crepe, and silk. Keep in mind that while plastic and vinyl shoes are common and cheap, they have a high chance of pinching your feet or abrading your skin.

You know how important it is to consider color in any detail of your big day, and shoes are no different. Traditional whites, ivories, and nudes are timeless, but you can be a little bolder with your shoes. Add some sparkle and shine with a pair of metallic shoes, or give your shoes that "blue" that your overall look is missing.

• Wedding venue

When choosing shoes to match your wedding dress, don’t forget to consider the location of your wedding venue. This is especially important if your wedding is held outdoors, on grass, sand or dirt. This key detail can influence heel size, fabric type, and even shoe color choice.

• Season

You probably wouldn't go hiking or take a walk in the city without checking the weather to make sure you're wearing the right shoes, so why should your wedding be any different? Your choice of shoes depends largely on the season and climate. For example, lace booties or velvet heels are appropriate for a winter wedding, but not for a beach wedding. Wedges and sandals, on the other hand, are great for beach weddings, but not suitable for formal events in the fall.

Types

There are many types of shoes to consider for your bridal footwear. Here are the five most popular styles:

1. Pumps – Pumps are classic and versatile. This timeless option can be paired with any dress style
2. Strappy heels – Strappy heels are chic and stylish, plus they use an extra strap to keep your feet in place
3. Flats – While many women are set on needing heels, there are so many exquisite flats options that work with any type of dress while providing optimal comfort
4. Wedges – Wedges offer a stylish solution for women who want to wear heels with their wedding dress but are looking for a more comfortable option
5. Kitten heels – Kitten heels are short and sweet, offering an option that’s easy to stand in throughout the day and night

Tips

Follow these extra tips to make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your shoes on your big day:

1. Once you've chosen a pair of shoes, take them to the fitting room to make sure the hem of your dress looks perfect in them
2. If the shoes are uncomfortable the first time you wear them, don’t buy them
3. Put your socks on and move around before the big day
4. Sand the soles to add traction to flat shoes