How to choose the perfect wedding shoes

There are several things you'll need to take into consideration when buying your wedding shoes.

Here are some tips from Shoe Show to help you know what to look for, and remove some of the stress involved in shopping for special occasion shoes.

Consider the season

While anything goes in warm summer months, closed or peep toe styles are best for cooler weather. Classic styles like Naira by Pierre Fontaine (pictured right) can be worn all year around.

Consider your venue

If your ceremony or reception is to take place on grass or sand, stay away from skinny heels which sink into soft ground and get dirty fast.

Balletsand bejewelled flat sandals are a sweet choice for garden and beach weddings but if you want some height, look for a wider heel like Becky by Clarice (pictured below right).

Consider your gown

Fancy shoes for a simple dress; or simple shoes with an elaborate gown. This rule of thumb can help take some of the confusion out of finding the right bridal shoes.

By eliminating the need to match embellishments and detailing, the perfect match is more easily attained.

Libby by Clarice (pictured below right) embellished with diamontes and pearls on a comfortable heel, is a popular choice for weddings.

Consider your comfort

The perfect wedding shoes will need to be many things, but mostly, they must be comfortable.

Just think, you'll be walking down the aisle, posing for photographs, greeting guests, cutting the cake, and possibly dancing in your bridal shoes. This could add up to hours and hours on your feet, so be sure, above all else, that you choose shoes that are comfortable on your feet.

Also try invisible gel innersoles "Party Feet" available in store or online at Shoe Show that provide extra cushioning for the balls of your feet.

Dress alterations - the shoe factor

When trying on wedding or bridesmaid dresses, take along shoes in a height similar to the shoes you'll be wearing at the wedding.

For final alterations, have your actual shoes with you if possible. The hem of your dress will be determined by the shoes you'll be wearing, so it is essential to pick your heel height before the final fitting. A last minute change to shoes with lower heels for example could leave your gown too long.

Breaking in Your Wedding Shoes

To be sure that on the big day your wedding shoes aren't killing your feet, you'll need to break them in.

Starting a few weeks before your wedding, try wearing your bridal shoes around the house (not outside!) for a small amount of time. Over the course of the next couple of weeks, increase the amount of time you wear them.

Consider floor surfaces

The aisle you'll be walking down may be carpeted, or you may find that the reception hall has slick floors. Either surface can be difficult to walk or dance on, especially in your wedding shoes.

You might want to consider adding self-adhesive sole pads to the bottoms of your shoes for added traction, alternatively, you can use sandpaper to scuff the soles.

Consider your bridesmaids

When deciding on shoes for your bridesmaids it is important to consider things like:

• Does any person have medical issues that could make wearing certain shoes uncomfortable?
• How much can my party afford to pay for shoes?
• Is there anyone with a hard-to-find size, such as a 5 or 11?
• What height heels will the girls be comfortable wearing?
• Will these shoes be wearable after the wedding?

The answers to these questions may influence whether your attendants wear a matching style or shoes that are similar in style, colour and height but more suited to their feet's special needs and budget.

As as a surprise why not treat your bridesmaids to some sweet satin ballet flats or bejewelled thongs like Stone (pictured above right) to slip into as the night goes on. They look good, are super comfy and will protect their feet from things like broken glass and lousy dance partners well into the night!

Be prepared

Try not leave choosing your shoes until the last minute. Unlike your dress size, your shoe size is unlikely to change before the big day so you can plan early.

If you have bridesmaids living in the country or interstate why not utillise the "Email a friend" and shopping online facilities on the Shoe Show web site.

Postage is free for orders $150 and over and you can exchange sizes if necessary.

Stay tuned to shoeshow.com.au to see new styles arriving and don't forget that there are heaps more styles and colours to choose from in store.

You don't have to spend a fortune on your wedding shoes to achieve a beautiful result. Shoe Show also has elegant evening clutches that are well worth a look at!

A bride's testimonial..

"I have received my shoes and they are Fantastic!!! Thank you so much for all your help and GREAT service.

By buying my girls shoes through you, and with the help of your fantastic service, you have assisted in making one of my stressful jobs as easy as the click of a button." Mel (NT)

Naira by Pierre Fontaine (silver or black)

Becky by Clarice (white or silver)

Libby by Clarice (ivory)

Sandrine by Pierre Fontaine (silver or black)

Matildalee (silver, white,black satin)

Allum by Clarice (blk, silver,grey,ivory)

Katlyn (Coral,black,floral)

Stone by Misano (beige, black)

Aliyah by Zoom (fuschia, black satin)

Saida by Bonbons (silver,pewter,black)

Visit our Shoe Show's Online Store. It's easy, safe and saves a lot of running around. Before you know it your new shoes will be arriving at your door!