Written by: Alexandra Sferra
How To Say, “I Do” To The Shoe
Accessory shopping for your wedding day is always a challenge, and although searching for the right shoe is the best part, it’s sometimes the hardest! The reason why we say that is because you may have too many options and falling in love with shoes is so freakin’ easy! You already know your size, you already know what you like and what you don’t like, so thankfully you don’t need to worry about those things like you would with wedding gown shopping. Shoe searching for your wedding day may seem pretty straight forward, but here at Blush Bridal, we will still give some pointers for those who need it!
Heel Height
First and foremost, you have to determine the height of the heel. This, in our opinion, is probably the most important thing to think about. This decision is based on a few things including your gown length, your comfort physically and your comfort mentally.
Gown Length –Always wait to pick out your shoe until you have said yes to the dress in the Reading Bridal District and before you take it to the seamstress! Depending on your height, the heel will depend on how much length you have left of the dress being 1” from the floor. Our bridal stylists will always help you when it comes to what inch heel you should go up to, and what the standard length is for a gown for each designer. If you are tall, you can often order your gown with extra length as well for a small fee. Once you are wearing your shoes with your gown, your dress should just barely graze the floor. If you said yes to a shorter gown or high/low, then your options are completely endless.
Physical Comfort –Okay, so we all know how well we do in high heels, so that obviously depends on if you will be wearing them for your big day. If you aren’t much of a high heel gal, I would choose the flats route or a kitten heel. If not, your attention will be more on how much your feet are killing you versus having the night of your life! If you do basically live in heels, and love wearing them, absolutely go for it! If you change out of your heels halfway through, it may be tricky because your gown will be touching the floor so if you don’t mind that, that is always an option as well (and another pair of shoes you get to buy!).
Mental Comfort –Sometimes, mental comfort trumps all. If you are a shorter girl, and you’re nervous to wear flats or if you are a taller girl, and you are nervous to wear the heel, that’s normal! Although, we do want to say, absolutely embrace your height! Your partner fell for you just the way you are, and you are gorgeous no matter what. It is hard when height is something that could fog up your shoe shopping experience, and being comfortable on your wedding day is a must so this is definitely something to think about!
Style and Design
We love this part… styling your shoe with your gown! Now that we got the harder part out of the way, it’s time to have some fun. Picking out a style of shoe that will go with your gown doesn’t mean you have to absolutely match the dress. Just because you picked out a satin gown doesn’t mean you have to pick out the same fabric shoe. If you got a minimalist gown, go for a fun, edgy shoe! If you have a boho lace gown, maybe go with a pointy flat! The options are absolutely endless and we are so here for the shopping spree!
Venue
The venue always matters, which is why we always recommend that being the first thing on the to-do list when planning a wedding. The dress depends on it, the shoes, the décor, the flowers, the color palette, the photographer – everything! If your wedding is outside, and you have to walk on the ground or on grass for the ceremony, maybe don’t go for a stiletto. Lucky for you, chunky heels are trending - we love a good formal chunky heel! Also, you could always lean toward a flat or wedge as well. If you fall in love with a stiletto, and you just can’t stop thinking about them, get yourself a heel cap so it will be a tad easier to not sink into the ground! (Honestly, may be a good idea to get a pair regardless, you never know where you will end up!)
Budget
Ugh, that is not a word we like to see throughout this process. Can we like, not? We’d all appreciate it if it would just go away, thanks! But in all seriousness, budget is something we always have to think about when it comes down to shopping for the wedding. There isn’t a guideline on the amount of money to spend on your wedding shoe, so you could go from using something you already have to splurging and buying that designer pair you have been drooling over for years.
Time
You have a window on when you can pick out your wedding shoes as I mentioned before in this blog. You should buy your shoes between buying your gown to taking it to your first appointment with your seamstress! It ensures that your seamstress has the correct measurements when hemming your gown.
A few more tips…
· Wear in your shoes before your wedding day! This ensures a blister-free day while also being comfortable and less to worry about.
· Purchase some shoe grips to put on the bottom of your shoes so you have absolutely zero chance of slipping and sliding!
· If you can, get a fabric swatch of your gown or bring it with you while shopping for your shoes. Or, if anything, take a bomb picture where you can see the color and fabric super well.
· Bring a spare! You never know what could happen– a heel breaking, a stain, embellishments falling off… the list is endless.Bring a spare pair just in case.
· Pack a survival kit! Make sure you have band-aids, gel inserts, tape, anything you can think of!
· Even if you think you can last the whole day in your heels, bring a cute pair of flats just in case.
