Planning a wedding is sometimes a stressful experience. There are so many things you should think about. But once you choose your dream wedding dress, things seem much easier. From here, it's all about the details, hair, makeup, accessories, and of course your shoes. Don't make this choice lightly, shoes need a lot of consideration. You should find the right style, material, design, heel height etc. Remember that the most important thing is comfort. You'll be wearing them all day, so make sure they have enough support and padding.
Types of Bridal Shoes
Stilettos
Stilettos are named after the stiletto dagger and are distinguished by their long, thin heels. This design often has a higher heel, anywhere from 7-15cm. Stilettos may seem beautiful on the foot, but man can they hurt. The extremely thin heel of this shoe puts all of the pressure on the ball of the foot, be careful if you choose it.
Since they are not extremely dance floor friendly, these heels are best suited for indoor events. An indoor wedding is a great opportunity to wear a pair of gorgeous wedding shoes with bow details, but only if you’re an experienced heel-wearer. If you know you’re not going to wear them all evening, we recommend getting a pair of flats to change into.
Platform Heels
Platform heels come in many heights. They can range from a sensible 5-7cm height to extremely 20cm heels. The heel itself can also vary in thickness, from pencil-thin to very thick. But the most important thing that defines them is the thickness of the sole, just under the ball of the toe. These shoes are one of the best ways if you want to gain a couple of extra centimetres on your wedding day.
The toe of the shoe is also elevated not just the heel. It's also a bit more comfortable because the pitch, or the angle of the shoe from back to front, is smaller than if it went to the ground. If you’re a bride that wants some comfort and height at the same time, this is the shoe for you. Consider the venue you’re in. If your wedding is on brick, grass or sand, choose a thicker heel. Otherwise, you’ll get stuck with every step you take.
Block Heels
The name of these heels comes from the thickness of their heel. The heel is wider in diameter which makes them one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes. They can handle any type of terrain no matter if it's indoors or outdoors. Besides being comfortable, block heels give you the stability that only flats are able to provide. The width of the heel makes every movement much easier. Dancing all night and running won’t be a problem while wearing them.
They come in so many different designs. You can choose an open-heel or an open-toe block heel. Some of them have one thick strap across and some have a few crisscrossed ones. Which one you choose depends on your personal preferences and the style of the dress you have. There are white block heel ribbon bridal shoes that will suit any elegant dress and make you feel like the most beautiful bride in the world.
Kitten Heels
Kitten heels are widely known as “short stilettos” because of the small, thin heels. These adorable shoes are far more compact than stilettos, with heels that are less than 5cm in height. The first woman that popularised them was Audrey Hepburn and they’re still among the favourites for many brides.
They're perfect for brides that want to get the look of a heal without towering over everyone at the venue, including the groom. They look flattering on the foot and have a delicate look. But because of their thin heels, you should avoid wearing them outdoors.
Wedges
Wedges stand out from other shoes because of their continuous height, which begins at the toe and progressively increases to a higher heel. They're not a very popular option among brides although they’re suitable for indoor and outdoor events. It may be difficult to find wedges with a bridal design, but there are some manufacturers that offer custom-made ones, so you can pre-order them. But if you don’t want a flashy shoe there are some classic wedges with neutral tones that are perfect for beach weddings.
Strappy Sandals
Many women became familiar with these shoes because of Carrie Bradshaw. She started the trend and soon every bride was looking for a pair for her wedding day. The thin, barely-there straps on this shoe give the appearance of nude or non-existent heels. They're perfect for summer weddings. Just make sure you break them in first because your feet will swell. Try them in different heights, heel thicknesses and levels of comfort because each pair will feel different. They can be the perfect wedding shoes with bow details at the top.
Flats
If you’re not a fan of heels or you can’t wear them for some other reason, you can always turn to flats. Ballerinas are one of the classics that will look amazing on any foot. They give out a “Cinderella” look that’s elegant, sophisticated and modern at the same time. Slip-Ons will also work. They're 100% comfortable, won’t feel tight and you’ll be ready for a full day of dancing and moving around. Flats are just perfect pieces of footwear that can add some bling to the overall outfit. They can be simple or shiny and come in many shapes and designs. And finally, if you’re feeling rebellious, wear some bridal sneakers.
What to Consider When Buying
Style
Always consider your personal style. Since you already have the dress, think about what kind of shoes will match it best. Do you want a lot of details? Do you prefer a simple design? Will a small pop of colour be okay? Long wedding dresses can work with any shoe, but shorter ones are a great way to show off some bling and elaborate shoes. If you can’t handle heels, don’t be scared to skip them. Buy a pair of statement flats and complete the look.
Comfort
Comfort is very important. It has the power to make you look confident while walking down the aisle. Any kind of additional support such as ankle straps is always welcomed. They'll make you feel safer while walking. The padding is also important. A thick layer of padding will make you feel like you’re walking on clouds even after dancing all night.
Weather & Venue
Not every pair of shoes fits every weather. Summer weddings and areas with warm weather can handle almost any type of shoe including open-heel or open-toe shoes, sandals, platforms, flats etc. But when it comes to a winter wedding or you live in a colder climate, a pair of white boots will do the job. Outdoor weddings require thicker heels or flats, but indoor venues let you choose anything you want.
