Own the aisle and dance the night away in footwear that won’t give you blisters, aching arches or a case of the wobbles.
You obsess over the dress, sweat the accessories and oh-so-carefully choose your undergarments so that the overall impression is flawless. But what about your shoes? Wedding day footwear is a crucial element of your bridal ensemble—and not just your “bridal look.”
The shoes, sandals or boots you select will play a literal ground-level role in ensuring you can sail through a long day—on your feet—with grace, style and poise.
Those 4.5-inch mules with see-thru PVC uppers? The strappy, bow-and-pearl-bedazzled slides with high, fashionista heels? Tread carefully when you consider them.
The heel height, angle of the foot and support provided by a shoe design all impact how well you’re able to walk and how confident you feel. If you’re used to rocking stilettos or sky-high platforms, it’s still important to practice walking, turning and pivoting in your gown—especially if it’s a long one or it has a train.
You also need to factor in elements such as the venue and the weather. For instance, stilettos may sink into grass or sand, while satin numbers can get damaged in the rain. Some brides also take into consideration how their height in heels compares to the height of their partner.
And while style, visibility and budget are all factors to consider, a key priority is comfort. Through the pre-wedding first look, ceremony, photo session, cocktails, dinner and dancing, you’ll be on your feet non-stop, so arch support and cushioning are essential in your footwear, especially if you’re donning heels. Another must-do is to break in your shoes. Wear them around the house, over a number of days, to avoid discomfort or blisters on the big day.
Finally, consider a convertible pair of shoes that allow you to remove the heel for the reception. Failing that, you can also opt for a second (or third) pair to switch into for the later parts of the day.
