What Shoes to Choose? A Guide to Wedding Shoes
Advice 15.04.2024
When it comes to wedding shoes, literally anything goes. From heels and flats to sneakers and boots, what you decide to slip into will depend on the design of your wedding dress, the time of the year you’re getting married, and whether you’re planning to dance the night away.
We think you can have style AND comfort when it comes to wedding shoes. Here are a some of our favourites.
Satin pumps
A white satin pump is the absolute classic wedding shoe. In fact a white satin pump was worn by Queen Victoria at her wedding in 1840 and suits a traditional style wedding dress perfectly. What’s more you dye them after the wedding and wear them again.
Sparkly courts
You can’t get more glamorous than a pair of high heeled sparkly court shoes, and they look perfect with a minimalist style wedding dress. But only opt for these if you’re used to wearing stiletto heels and you haven’t got to negotiate cobblestones or a lawn at your wedding venue.
Sparkly sandals
If you want to stay sparkly but want something a little more summery to wear, opt for a pair of embellished strappy sandals. Perfect for warm weather weddings, sparkly sandals look great worn with everything from floaty dresses to trouser suits.
Mary-Janes
Mary-Jane wedding shoes are just the ticket if you want a high heel but need a little more support. Plus they look as good with a vintage or boho dress as they do with something more traditional. And a closed-in shoe is a good option if you’re having an autumn or winter wedding.
T Bar shoes
Or for a vintage feel choose a T-bar shoe in satin or suede, which work particularly well with a midcalf full skirted 1950s style wedding dress. Plus the T-bar means they’re guaranteed to stay on your feet as you bop the night away.
Block heels
If you’re going to be walking across grass or cobblestones, a block heel wedding shoe is the way to go as it gives you the height you want but with a little more stability than you’d get with a stiletto heel. Block heels come in a variety of gorgeous designs too.
Peep toes
If you don’t want a sandal or a court shoe, choose a peep toe shoe instead, and they work perfectly with vintage style wedding dresses. Just remember to book a pedicure before the big day and opt for bright red toe nails for that full vintage vibe
Decorated shoes
Or go a little crazy with your wedding shoes and opt for shoes that are highly decorated with flowers, sequins or jewels. If you’re wearing a long dress just make sure the embellishments don’t catch. Chances are your guests won’t see your shoes for most of the day, but when they do catch a glimpse, it’s always fun.
Something blue (or another colour)
If a white or ivory shoe isn’t your thing, have coloured shoes instead. Pale blue shoes still look bridal and are a good way to introduce the ‘something blue’ into your outfit. Or opt for a bold colour like pink, orange or red shoes to match your bouquet or bridesmaids’ dresses. The good thing is you’ll get lots more wear out of them after the wedding too.
Flat shoes
If you’re the kind of girl who never wears heels, or you don’t want to tower over your partner or you just want to be super comfortable all day, it’s perfectly Ok to wear flats. And the good news is that we’re now seeing more and more gorgeous wedding flats available on the high street.
Flip flops
Ok, so we’re not seeing too many brides opt for flip flops for the actual wedding ceremony itself, unless it’s a beach wedding. But as the day goes on and the dancing starts, plenty of brides (and bridesmaids too) kick off the high heels and slip on a pair of pretty flip flops instead.
Sneakers
Wedding sneakers are a huge trend, either to wear for the dancing or for the whole day. Brides are opting for colourful Converse in pink or yellow. Or wearing white trainers that have been highly decorated with, for example, a name and date of the wedding. For ‘something blue’, swap out the laces for pretty blue ribbons.
Cool boots
Another trend that’s huge right now are wedding boots. From Doc Martens to ankle boots and cowboy boots to Victorian lace-ups, boots on your wedding day are all the rage and look great if you want a vintage, boho or rock n roll vibe. Perfect for keeping your tootsies warm too if you’re having a winter wedding.
Customised shoes
And lastly, whatever style wedding shoes you choose, from sneakers to heels, having them customised is a cute way to create a personal memento. Numerous wedding shoe designers are happy to add a message to the sole of your shoe, or have your shoes or sneakers painted to create something personal and unique.