Fancy Footwork: Stepping Up Your Bridal Style

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer)

Walking down the aisle means walking down in style and that means finding just the right shoe. It’s not only got to look great, but it’s got to feel great (after all you’ll likely be on your feet most of the day, and you’ve got a lot of dancing to do)

So, for looking your bridal best from head to toe, here are just a few things (about picking out your shoes that you should know).

1. Don’t Take It In Stride: Picking out shoes should be as much of a priority as picking out your dress. In fact, you won’t know how your dress will look or how much it will need to be altered (and how much it will cost to alter) until you try it on with your shoes. Another advantage of getting your shoes early is that it will allow you to wear them around the house and get them nice and “comfy” for the big day.

2. Think Twice Before Going To Great “Lengths”: You may be perfectly comfortable and feel scintillatingly seductive in five inch stilettos, but that may be while sitting at your desk or enjoying a romantic, candlelit dinner. Your wedding day IS going to be a nonstop day of nonstop activity, and you’ll be spending most of your time mixing, mingling, dancing, and standing on your feet. You need to make sure your shoes and your feet will hold out (for the duration of the day). Another consideration, your venue. While parks, beaches, and backyards are ideal for fun, festive events, they may not be conducive to sexy stilettos.

3. Delicate Dilemmas: Bedazzling baubles, skinny straps, etc look good on paper (and in wedding magazines) but may be less than practical for your party. Remember, shoes such as these are often uncomfortable and prone to problems such as losing a stone, jeweled ornament or breaking a strap. If however, the bejeweled “jewels” are a matrimonial “must have” be sure to have a back up (pair hand). And, if you’re afraid they’ll rip your heavenly hose, experts suggest brushing stones and rhinestone straps with clear nail polish to create a smoother surface.

4. Finding The Perfect Match: A common mistake bride’s make is presuming that every shade of white is right for them. But, according to experts the contrary holds true. In fact, they assert that not all whites are the same or will match your dress. With that in mind, it’s best to either have a swatch of fabric from your dress of choice or at least a photo from the one you plan to order. Also, since different shades appear differently on different fabrics, it’s suggested you choose wear shinier shoes with a satin dress or matte shoes with a crepe gown. If however your shoes are only available in optic or bright white, consider having professionals apply a “bridal” wash, noted for helping tone down the color somewhat.

5. Keep Cost In Check: Sure you’ve already invested in a designer couture gown, headpiece and veil, so why not a pair of Seventh-Avenue shoes? If they won’t break the bank, GREAT, “go for it”, but if your considering cutting back (in more important arenas such as food or music) you may want to think again. Let’s face it, you’re really only going to wear them once, and (unless your wearing a T-length or street length dress) who’s really going to see your shoes? But, if you do want to “splurge”, consider a pair (not silk, lace or satin) that you can find use for again.