Style of your Wedding Shoes

Wedding shoes come in so many different styles that it is hard to suggest one perfect style for everyone.  It really depends on what you prefer and your own criteria.  Start off by looking through your own shoe closet to get a sense of your own preferences.  What do you tend to buy and more importantly, what do you tend to wear?  What is most flattering to your feet and what will flatter your dress the best?  Here are the most important things to take into consideration when trying to choose the style of your bridal shoe:

1)  Open or closed toe?  Do you want to show your toes or do you want a more conservative look that hides your feet a bit more?  Closed toe shoes help to give you a more formal look.  If you’re thinking about buying one, go up half a size and insert a gel insole for more comfort.  Open toe shoes tend to be more comfortable since they allow your toes to breathe.  Also, they don't scrunch your toes like closed toe shoes.  Just remember, if you are going to buy open toe shoes, make sure you schedule a pedicure the week of your wedding.  You would hate to have toes that are stuck out but unmanicured.  Plus, why not go for a little pampering the week of your wedding?

 2)  Low bridal shoes?  Are you a taller bride or a bride that wants more comfortable bridal shoes?  If so, go with low wedding shoes.  Shoes that have a kitten heel or a mule or slide are usually lower.  They are also very flattering with your dress.  Finally, they can be easily swapped with a pair of flip flops since you will find a lot of flatter flip flops.

3) Straps or not?  Do you want strappy sandals, slingbacks, etc. or do you want something more like a pump or Mary Jane?

      If strappy – what type of strap?  Strappy shoes can be very flattering, especially if you have wider feet.  They tend to give more room to move and they will usually stretch a little more after you wear them awhile.  One very elegant and distinct strappy sandal is the t-strap.  I’ve grouped my favorite t-strap shoes here.  Also, consider ankle straps so your shoes won't fall off throughout the night.  Although ankle straps may give your leg the illusion of being shorter, they can also look very flattering if they fit right. 

4)  If you want heels, do you want -

      1.  A platform to give you more height, but also to provide more relief for your feet?  Since a platform is raised in the front as well as the back, your feet won’t hurt as much since there is more support.  So, you can get a 4 inch heel with 3 inches of discomfort instead of 4.  You'd be surprised at the difference in comfort that an inch makes.  However, be aware that a platform can look a bit trendier and less conservative.  Nevertheless, if you look hard enough, there are some really fabulous platform shoes out there that will be perfect for your wedding.

       2.  Or a kitten heel like one on a mule or slide?  I mentioned this above, but these tend to be slightly lower heels and can look very fun and dressy.  They are also really easy to put on since you just slide your feet right on. 

      3.  Or just a plain heel?  This is the most traditional and classic heel and is definitely flattering on the foot.  Higher heels tend to make the legs look longer.  Just make sure you can manage those heels, especially during the first dance.  

      Here are a few wedding shoes to get you started in your search.

See It Touch-Ups Joyce Bridal Shoes $75.99 Heel Height: 3.25" Color: White satin, dyeable Style notes: Elegant white bridal shoes with rhinestone brooch Store: Bellissima Bridal Shoes   See It Cynthia Rowley Trilogy Bridal Shoes $218.00 Heel Height: 3.25" Color: Dyeable white satin Style notes: Trendy peep toe with little bow and Cynthia Rowley signature "something blue" leather sole on the bottom Store: Bellissima Bridal Shoes   See It Touch-Ups Flash Bridal Shoes $57.99 Heel Height: 3.5" Color: White satin, dyeable Style notes: Sophisticated pleated peep-toe pump adds a simple, but elegant touch Store: Bellissima Bridal Shoes

      If you didn't find what you are looking for, go here to start shopping!