Your wedding shoes are a crucial part of your attire for the big day. Though you may not see your shoes very much, they’ll impact everything from the way you stand to your gait as you go down the aisle. You may also want to include some creative wedding day photos that do show off your footwear. Whether you’re going with a colorful heel that contrasts with your dress, or a bright white bridal flat, you’ll want to watch out for these major do’s and don’ts.
Do: Pick Shoes for Perfect Posture
Always keep posture at the forefront of your mind when you’re choosing your wedding shoes. You probably won’t see your toes in many photos, but you will see how you’re standing. If your shoes are difficult to walk in, you may look off balance. If you’re accustomed to walking in heels of a certain height, stick with what you know. If you’re more confident in flats, continue the trend. The key is to choose a shoe that makes it easy for you to walk straight and stand tall.
Don’t: Choose Shoes Without Your Dress
You should always wear your shoes with your dress at least once before the wedding. Wear the exact shoes that you want to use for your wedding when you go in for dress alterations. This will ensure that you can walk easily and your dress is the right length. Wearing the two together will also let you analyze the color combination and style of both items when they’re side-by-side.
Do: Keep Your Feet Comfortable
Comfort is important on your wedding day. You don’t want to be wincing on the dance floor or stumbling down the aisle. Consider adding an insole for some extra padding, particularly if you have a high arch or other difficulties. If you’re having trouble finding a comfortable pair that suits your style, consider custom options. Start with a comfortable shoe and have it dyed to match your wedding colors, or work with an Etsy seller to add pearls, lace, or other embellishments to make a simple shoe into something stunning for your wedding.
Don’t: Go for the Cheapest Pair
There are several places where you can pad your wedding budget a bit, but your shoes aren’t one of them. Don’t opt for a cheap pair just so you can save a little money. Splurge on your shoes so you’ll walk confidently all day.
Do: Break Your Shoes In
Your shoes should never be your “something new” for the wedding day. Take the time to break your shoes in properly. You should wear them several times before the wedding. Don’t slip them on for just an hour or two, either. Wear the shoes all day long so you have a realistic idea of how you’ll feel after the ceremony and reception.
If your shoes chafe or pinch, you’ll learn well ahead of time as you’re breaking them in. This will give you a chance to stretch them out as needed by storing them with a shoe horn or stuffing them with tissue paper or socks. With enough time, you can get your shoes where they need to be so you won’t feel any discomfort on your big day.
Don’t: Forget About Destination Considerations
Destination weddings have different requirements when it comes to footwear. Make sure you’re thinking about all the unique surfaces you’ll be walking on. Are you walking down the aisle on the beach? You may not want to wear shoes at all if your ceremony is on the sand. Going barefoot or wearing simple flats is the best option for a soft surface, as heels can sink right into the sand or soft earth.
If you’re having a reception elsewhere afterwards, you may want to switch to a different type of footwear for this part of the evening. Make sure you know where you’re walking so your shoes can get you there confidently.
Don’t rush your shoe choice or wait till the last minute to pull together this part of your outfit. Getting the right shoes takes time and preparation, but it’s well worth it when you’re in the right pair.