Picking out the shoes you are going to wear for your big day is a fun experience. There are many options when it comes to wedding shoe styles. It might be hard to know where to begin. One thing to think about is how comfortable you are every day, wearing different types of shoes. Do you find that sandals cut into your feet? Are heels only comfortable for a very short time? Do you find that you lose your balance in some shoes? You want to make sure your feet are going to be as comfortable as possible because you are going to be on your feet for a better part of the event. You will be mixing and mingling with your guests, trying to reach everyone to thank them for coming. There is the ceremony, posing for pictures, potentially an after party and any other activities that will be planned for your wedding day as well. Here are some shoe styles to consider.
Closed Toe
There are many reasons to choose a closed toe shoe. One major reason could be the weather on your special day. If the temperature is colder or there is snow on the ground, you are going to want to keep that away from your feet. Also, the formal level of your dress code can help dictate your options. Another big factor in your choice is the normal everyday shoes that you wear. Do you wear more closed toe or opened toe shoes?
Open Toe
Open-toe shoes are a great way to show off that pre-wedding pedicure that you received. These types of shoes are also great if you are going to be getting married in the warmer months. It helps with making sure that your feet don’t overheat. Something to think about when picking out your shoes is if your dress is long enough, so no one really sees your shoes unless you lift your skirt a little. The open or closed toe option will come down to your most comfortable choice more than anything.
Heels
You could have been dreaming of the day that you wear the prettiest heels with your dress, and now you need to determine how high you want them. Heel options include stilettos (which can go very high if you want and are thin), kitten heel (1.5” to 2” high), wedge heel (1” to 4”), or a block heel. Some of your choices will be determined by the dress you choose and the ground you will be walking on. The higher heels might be cute but won’t seem as cute if you keep sinking into the grass while trying to get pictures. You will want to make sure that you test out your shoes several times before you actually pick the shoes for your day. Your wedding day is not the day to be breaking in new shoes.
Flats
There is no rule that says you can’t wear flats on your wedding day. Many top shoe designers have flats options that are adorned with beads, lace, and pearls to match the beauty of your dress. You will want to make sure that your shoes are not sliding easily on the floor when you are walking around. You’ll also want to make sure that your shoes don’t rub against your heel all night either. There are inserts and materials you can add to your shoes to cut down on the rubbing and also the sliding.
Sandals
A beautiful summer wedding is the perfect time to wear dressy sandals. There are many gorgeous options for sandals, and you will just need to pick out the best pair that goes with your dress. Sandals will work under a dress that completely hides your feet as well. This is another shoe where you need to understand the ground that you will be walking on the most, as well. If there is dirt or sand that you will be walking across, the sandals might scoop it up and that will be uncomfortable for the bottom of your feet. A lot of gravel/stones could also be an issue.
Mixed Choice
If you really want to have a specific look for your wedding that you just don’t feel you want to compromise on, you can wear one pair for the wedding, then switch out your shoes for the reception and after party. There are really no hard and fast rules for what you can or cannot do shoe-wise on your wedding day. It is your wedding. It is your choice. There are many celebrations that actually have flip-flop or slipper type shoes for the guests to change into as well. You could wear the most elegant heels for the wedding and then put on some wedding tennis shoes under your dress. Your guests will only know if you show them.
Wedding shoes are best decided after your dress choice has been finalized. Take some time to wear your shoes casually around your house for a while to get the feel of how your feet fit in them. Do not use your wedding day as the day you will break in your new shoes! Also, consider wearing one pair for the wedding and another for dancing the night away.
