If the Shoe Fits
Bridal shoes are one of the most important fashion accessories you’ll wear, and you will want to put your best foot forward as you take that all-important first step down the aisle. To help you pick the right pair, Cloé Timperley explores the latest trends and styles in bridal shoe fashion.
Choosing the perfect wedding dress will most likely be your top priority when planning your wedding, but don’t forget that you will need to complement it with a beautiful pair of shoes, as well! The right shoe can really finish off a great outfit, and considering your wedding day ensemble will be one of your most memorable, it is worth investing in a pair of shoes that suits your style.
Wedding shoe trends change regularly, and this season promises to deliver some bold and unexpected new styles. Even if you’re a self-confessed shoe addict, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when choosing the perfect pair. Melbourne Wedding & Bride rounds up the latest bridal shoe trends, as well as some handy tips and tricks, to ensure your first steps as a bride are both stylish and comfortable.
What’s Hot
Bridal shoe trends tend to move at a slower pace than regular shoe fashion, and popular styles are usually dependent on what’s happening in bridal fashion. For example, lace wedding dresses have recently experienced a huge surge in popularity, so wedding shoes with lace detailing have become a common choice for brides wanting to exude timeless elegance.
T-strap heels are a tried-and-tested favourite for brides, and the style is consistently in vogue for a number of important reasons. T-strap heels lengthen the leg and look stunning with any style of wedding dress, which makes them a versatile choice that can be worn more than once. A T-strap heel is also a highly practical option, as its secure strap minimises the chance of stumbling, and will ensure that your shoes stay firmly on your feet throughout the day.
Make A Statement
There is no definitive rule against brides straying from traditional white or ivory wedding shoes. In fact, many brides opt for blue wedding shoes to tick off ‘something blue’ from their list of wedding day requirements.
Metallic shades, including rose gold or bronze, create a great visual effect when contrasted against white, and can provide a very elegant and glamorous accent to your outfit.
However, if you’d like to make an even bigger statement with your bridal shoes, there is no limit to the colours you can choose from. Many brides pick a shade that matches their flowers, bridesmaids’ dresses or wedding colour scheme. Alternatively, if you would like your bridal shoes to be a truly unique hue, you could have them custom-dyed to achieve your perfect pigment.
If you really want to draw attention to your footwear, it’s important to consider your hem length. There is no point going to the effort of finding the perfect pair of rainbow-coloured pumps only to hide them behind your dress. Tea-length wedding dresses are presently very on-trend, and it’s the perfect style of dress to show off your heels!
Twice the Fun
Every woman has been sent home early after a night out by an uncomfortable pair of shoes. It’s important to keep in mind that you will be on your feet for the majority of the day, so the last thing you need when your partner leads you out for your first dance is sore feet.
The thought of mingling during cocktail hour or hitting the dance floor in sky-high stilettos is daunting for many women, so more brides are investing in a second pair of shoes for their reception. Comfortable bridal shoes don’t have to be ugly or unfashionable. Ballet flats, block heels or jewelled sandals are all stylish options that don’t compromise on comfort and will work well with any style of wedding dress. If you want to take it one step further and really kick back during your reception, glitter or sequin-adorned sneakers are an equally fabulous choice that will keep you celebrating into the wee hours of the morning.
Trends come and go, but the most important thing to remember when buying your wedding shoes is to stay true to your own personal style. Ultimately, you want to feel beautiful and comfortable on your wedding day, and that is more valuable than any passing craze. Once you’ve said “I Do” to the perfect pair, there’ll be nothing left to do but book in for that pedicure and strut your stuff down the aisle.