Choosing Wedding Shoes

We're going to guess that you haven't spent all that much time thinking about you wedding shoes. That's okay -- unless your wedding gown is so distinctive and unusual that it screams out for a certain kind of wedding shoe, why would you think about something that should be as simple as choosing wedding shoes. Well, if only it were that simple. Wedding shoes come in every possible color and configuration these days. If you were picturing plain white pumps in the same fabric as your wedding gown, you can probably find them. But don't limit yourself to the most basic option! Here are some tips to help you when you're choosing wedding shoes:

Some brides feel the shoes are the least important of the wedding day attire, and they choose to wear decorated tennis shoes. If that's too much shoe for you, think about bridal flip flops!

Other brides hardly think of wedding shoes at all except as something to cover their tired feet and so they choose pretty, dainty ballet slippers.

Still others want the most ornate wedding shoe with the highest heel ever, making them feel more regal and more elegant. If this sounds like you, just be sure to break them in well!

One of the most important things a bride-to-be must realize is that their wedding shoes are important when the altering the wedding dress. Once you've established the height of the heel, you must have the shoes in order to have your wedding gown fitted properly. Changing the height will change the hem of the dress.

We recommend that once you've found your wedding dress you start looking for the right wedding shoes immediately. You should have your shoes by the time your gown is delivered and ready to be altered because you will need to bring them to every fitting.


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Bridal Footwear

Bridal stiletto boots? Clear plastic bridal stripper shoes? Leopard print bridal sneakers? If you're thinking that the only wedding shoe options out there are dyeable white pumps, then you haven't been doing your research! Whether you want flats or high, high heels, there's something out there for everyone. Here are some of the common choices that brides-to-be consider before settling on their bridal footwear:

Wedding pumps
The most popular choice, bridal pumps range from plain to elaborate, with everything from basic heels to pointy, strappy, sparkly heels. If this is the option that appeals to you most, you'll have plenty to choose from because everyone from no-name brands to high-end designers carry their own white pumps.

Wedding flats
Your options are limited here if white is your preference. Most of the wedding flats are modified ballet shoes. If, however, you aren't averse to the idea of wearing sequins, black velvet, electric purple silk, or some other unique shoe, the sky is the limit. Any shoe store should be able to give you an idea of what's out there, and don't forget to check out online shoe stores as well!

Wedding boots
We're not talking specifically about white cowboy boots, though that's certainly one option. Wedding boots can be anything from western-style lace-up boots that look vintage but aren't to funky modern boots that just happen to come in white. If you're okay with black soles, you'll have even more boots to choose from.

Wedding flip flops
Talk about comfy! Bridal flip flops range from casual to formal, though they usually don't stand up to the black tie test. These are a great option for whimsical, fun brides-to-be who are more interested in having a good time than impressing anyone with shoes they probably won't see anyway. Our favorites -- Tracey Asai flip flops -- are one of the few wedding flip flops that look as good as they feel!

Wedding sneakers
Sneakers (or trainers as they're called in some places) are one of the most comfortable options, but also one of the least formal options. The brides-to-be who go the sneaker route are usually either sure that no one is going to see their shoes or actively trying to make a statement. We've seen pictures of entire bridal parties in Converse sneakers or other cool shoes, and they always look fab.

Good luck choosing your bridal shoes, and remember, it's your day, so wear whatever shoes you want!


Click to shop for stunning wedding flip flops or to learn more about choosing wedding shoes

Wedding Flip Flops

Choosing bridesmaids dresses isn't always easy, especially when you have girlfriends who come in all shapes or sizes. A tall, voluptuous girl isn't necessarily going to want to wear the same dress as a short, skinny girl. That's not even taking girls who are squarely average into account -- everything should look good on them, but the reality is that they often have the toughest time shopping!

Do your gals a favor -- choose a fabric and a color and then let them choose their own dresses. If that sounds too risky, specify a designer or a retailer, and set some ground rules. You might ask your attendants to buy their dresses from Aria in chocolate taffeta, but leave the cut up to them. You can also specify "no strapless" or "floor length" without taking away too many choices.

When it comes to shoes for your best girlfriends do them a favor and make sure their bridesmaid gift bags include a pair of wedding flip flops. We're not talking about the flimsy kind you can get at the drug store! There are gorgeous formal flip flops out there from designers like Tracey Asai.

The base of her flat or wedge bridesmaid flip flops are imported from South America and will last way beyond your wedding day. There are metallic antique gold or silver flip flops, as well as black, brown, and natural flip flops. You can also customize your gals' flip flops to match your wedding colors. Here are two pairs that we really love:


Basketweave metallic wedges are as comfy as they are cute -- plus, at less than $40, they're a real steal! You can customize the base color and the ribbon color, so your gals' shoes match your wedding color scheme.


Diamonds and ribbons lend these flip flops a touch of class that takes them from day into night. Like the pair above, these are also customizable, so don't worry if black isn't your thing.

The best part of letting your bridesmaids wear flip flops all day long? They'll still be dancing at the end of the night!

Click to shop for comfy bridal flip flops or to learn more about bridesmaids

Wedding Shoes

Even if you've been picturing your wedding gown in your mind for years and years, there's a good chance you've never given any thought to your wedding shoes. A quick scan of the footwear that comes up when I search for bridal footwear shows me plenty of pumps and some shoes that border on stilettos! It would appear that comfort is generally less important that elegance when it comes to bridal footwear, but it doesn't have to be that way!

Personally, I wore flats that I knew would be comfortable, but I had a pair of wedding flip flops at the ready in case my flats started to hurt my feet. Even if you don't feel comfortable wearing flip flops in your house of worship or during your ceremony, you can still change into a pair once you get to your reception. Heck, if you're planning to wear a gown with a hemline that just sweeps the floor, no one will ever even know you've changed your shoes.

Need even more reasons to have a pair of back-up flip flops?

• A blister can't ruin your first dance
• You'll enjoy your reception more if you're comfortable
• Bridal flip flops can be just as beautiful as the finest wedding heels
• Everyone who notices your shoes will admire your cleverness
• You'll be the envy of all the women who wore pumps that pinch
• Your guests can admire your beautiful pedicure
• Foot odor? Not a problem!
• You'll be all set for your post-wedding afterparty
• You can keep wearing them forever!
  

My favorite bridal flip flops come from -- in case you haven't guessed from previous posts -- Tracey Asai. I definitely recommend that you check out her selection, which includes flip flops for bridesmaids and for black tie occasions. Even if you've already picked out your wedding shoes, I'd definitely recommend that you choose a back-up pair of flip-flops to wear under your gown.

Click to shop for cute bridal flip flops or to learn more about wedding shoes

Bridal Flip Flops

If you'd rather keep your wedding shoes on than kick them off when it comes time to hit the reception dance floor, then bridal flip flops might be just what you've been searching for. Pumps can pinch and even flats can leave your dogs barking, but flip flops are comfortable from sun up to sun down. Worried about compromising your chic wedding day look? Don't! Wedding flip flops are practically invisible under most wedding gowns.

The problem with many -- if not most -- flip flops is that they are just too casual for anything other than a beach wedding. Even the wedding flip flops that claim to be classy enough to wear to the most upscale weddings are often nothing more than plain old rubber flip flops with rhinestones and faux flowers glued on with flimsy adhesives. Our verdict? Not classy!

That doesn't mean there are no elegant wedding flip flops out there. Tracey Asai Designs makes beautiful wedding flip flops using luxe fabrics like ivory moire taffeta and grosgrain ribbons. Each flip flop set is embellished with brooches, bows, and marabou for a finished, feminine look.

Below, you'll find three sets of wedding flip flops that we absolutely adore:



Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something...flip flop? Why not? It's an easy way to complete your ensemble! Your guests will love getting a teeny peak of color when you kick up your heels on the dance floor.



How about a simple Pearly Mum flip flop made from satin cording with daisy pearl center? These go perfectly with heavily embellished gowns that don't need any competition from wedding jewelry sets or bridal shoes.


For an understated flip flop, try this flip flop embellished with handmade silk taffeta roses. This pair would work especially well in a flower-themed wedding.

Enjoy, and remember that wedding footwear doesn't have to be uncomfortable!


Click to shop for elegant wedding flip flops or to learn more about choosing wedding shoes