Wondering how to pick the right wedding shoes for your big day? There are plenty of styles to choose from, and it can be hard to know where to start. Each one suits a different dress style, venue and level of comfort. Most brides end up with questions about colour, fit and matching their outfit, so knowing the answers to those can be helpful, too.
Choosing Your Heels
Choosing your shoes for the big day can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options out there, but it’s still a whole lot of fun. You just need to know which direction you’re heading in, like what your venue will look like and how much walking and dancing you’ll be doing. It also helps if you’ve got a certain style in mind, so the shoes tie the whole look together.
Stilettos
If sleek and polished is your signature look, you may want to go with stilettos. These stylish wedding heels are also perfect if you want to add height and make your legs look longer. You can choose a pair in satin or lace for a formal wedding or go with ones covered in crystals for something more glamorous. Keep in mind they’re tricky on grass and gravel.
Classic Pumps
You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic pumps, as they never go out of style. That pointed or slightly rounded toe is a timeless choice that sits nicely with pretty much any dress.
You’ll find them in all sorts of heel heights, from kitten to stiletto, so you can pick what you feel will work best based on your taste and tolerance. Opt for them if you’re planning a traditional or classic wedding.
Block Heels
Block heels are the comfort pick. The wider base gives you proper support, so you can walk across lawns, sand or cobblestones without constantly making sure your heel won’t get stuck. They’re also much kinder on your feet when the dancing starts.
You’ll find everything from plain and elegant to heavily bedazzled, so there’s something for every style. They’re a great fit for outdoor weddings, rustic venues or if comfort is top of your list.
Kitten Heels
If heels start to hurt after a little while, a nice kitten heel could be just the thing to get you through the whole wedding. These women’s wedding heels are low, with a dainty look that still feels elegant. They’re a good middle ground if you like the idea of heels but don’t want to compromise on comfort just for the sake of it.
Wedges
Bridal wedges are not as common, but if you’re getting married outdoors or at the beach, they are a great choice. You get a subtle lift of a heel, but the steadiness of a flat, and you won’t have to worry about sinking into the ground. They come in all sorts of styles, from relaxed espadrilles to sleek satin.
Open-Toe, Peep-Toe and Ankle-Strap Heels
Open-toe and peep-toe sandal wedding heels for ladies are a lovely choice for spring and summer ceremonies, giving you a chance to show off your fresh pedicure, too. Peep-toes give you a little more coverage if you prefer.
Ankle straps add additional support with a touch of elegance, so your shoes stay put all night. Go for a thin strap if you like it simple, or a sparkly one if you want a bit of shine.
The Big Heel Questions Every Bride Asks
When you’re choosing your heels, you’ll probably run into a few dilemmas, just like most brides do. It’s usually the same things that come up, like the colour, wearing them in, and matching them to your dress and venue decor. A lot of it comes down to personal taste, but if you want to check you’re on the right track, it’s perfectly fine to ask someone else or look it up online.
Choose the Dress First
It’s not wrong to start with the heels, but most brides pick the dress first, because it sets the mood, colour and heel height for the shoes. If you start with the shoes, building the look from there may be slightly more complicated.
Shoes Don’t Have to Be White
Coloured shoes are really popular, and blue is a favourite for your something blue. Just make sure the shade goes with your dress and venue. And if it’s a colour you’ll wear again, feel free to spend a little more.
Wear Them In Beforehand
Wear your shoes around the house a few times so they mould to your feet. It also helps you work out whether you need a different size, some extra padding or perhaps a completely different pair that’s more comfortable.
The best wedding heels are the ones you feel comfortable and confident walking down the aisle in. Try them on at home, walk around in them for a while, and pop a few gel inserts in if you need to. Then you can just enjoy the day.
