How to Find the Right Bridal Shoes for Your Wedding Day

The shoes you wear on your wedding day will affect not only your overall look - but your comfort level as well - so choose wedding shoes with care.

Here are four steps to finding the right wedding shoes.

1) Choose Your Shoe Fabric

While most bridal shoes are made from cloth (usually white satin or silk that can be dyed to match their gowns), there isn't any rule that says brides have to wear cloth shoes. You can also wear leather, as long as it fits with the look of your gown.

2) Choose Your Color

White wedding shoes are the most common, as brides traditionally wear shoes to match their gowns, which are usually some shade of white. Some brides, however, opt to be a bit more original with their footwear, choosing a metallic shade that matches an accessory or embellishment. Some brides even don blue kicks as their "something blue."

Don't obsess about finding an exact match to the color of your gown. Again, you should seek to complement, not perfectly match your getup. Combining slightly different shades of whites or neutrals is not only perfectly acceptable - it also makes for a richer, more compelling look.

3) Get Comfortable Shoes

As you walk down the aisle, those 4 inch stiletto heels may look adorable. But 5 hours and 10 dances later, cute may morph into acute pain with every step. Avoid the blisters with some chicken soup for your sole:

• Forego "Something New" - Don't leave it up to your soles to be your "something new." If you are not used to wearing 3 inch heels, or you've never dared bare your toes in strappy sandals, your wedding day is not the best arena to try out these styles.




• Go Designer - If comfort is important to you, consider investing in a high end brand. Although you'll pay for the high quality fabric and fine craftsmanship, you'll enjoy better a better fit and greater comfort.




• Add Pads - Shoe pads can help prevent slipping and chafing so that you can keep dancing all night. In fact - here's a little secret - shoe pads can actually make your feet look better by preventing your toes from hanging over the edge of the shoe. You can find a collection of shoe pads made especially for bridal shoes and heels at My Glass Slipper.




• Break 'Em In - A few weeks before the wedding, start wearing your wedding shoes inside for an hour or two at a time. This will break in the fabric, and help you get used to wearing them.




• Go Goody Two Shoes- If you find a shoe that pleases the eye, but kills the feet, bring two pairs of shoes. Wear those killer heels for the ceremony and photos, and change into the comfortable pair for dancing and mingling.

4) Choose Your Wedding Shoes Style

Seek to complement these four aspects, and your kicks will be a perfect shoe-in:

• The Season - Traditional fashion rules dictate closed toe shoes are appropriate for winter months. However, this rule has relaxed somewhat, especially in warmer climates.




• The Formality of Your Wedding Day - A closed toe pump provides most classic and formal look; added embellishments also make a shoe more formal. On the other hand, low sandals, ballet slippers and even jewel studded flip flops complement a more casual event.




• Your Dress - Bridal shoes can be adorned with a number of embellishments, such as crystal, rhinestone, bows, beading, and embroidery, so choose ornamentation that complements those on your gown or other accessories. Also consider your hemline; a decorated hemline calls for a simpler shoe style, while embellished shoes can dress up a plain hemline.




• Your Venue - If your ceremony or reception takes place on a lawn, beach, or other soft surface, avoid stiletto heels, as they tend to sink into soft ground and sand. Instead look for a wide heel or flat.

Other Style Tips for Wedding Shoes

• Avoid any hosiery with open-toed shoes - as the line across the toe should never show.




• Remember that higher heels will make your legs look more toned (keeping your calves flexed), and they'll also ensure better posture.




• Make sure you've found your shoes before your first fitting, as you'll need to try them on with the gown so it can be adjusted to the proper length

This complete guide to wedding accessories has even more advice on bridal shoes, veils, gloves, and headpieces.