05 September 2021

The Best Wedding Shoes: What You Need To Know

Gone are the days when wedding shoes mean satin pumps you’ll never wear again. Thankfully, the market has opened up and from block heels to flats, fashion mules to embellished courts – there’s something to suit everyone. Not only have we rounded up the very best, we also asked the experts for their dos and don’ts when it comes to choosing footwear for your big day…

Photography: DUNE

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DON'T Disregard The Importance Of Good Shoes

“It’s common to hear brides or the bridal party say ‘you can’t see the shoes anyway’, but they are more visible than you think. You’ll probably find that, when guests can’t resist scrutinising every detail, you’ll want everything to be perfect.” – Hannah Coffin, Founder, Needle & Thread

DO Take Comfort Into Consideration

“The location and style of the wedding is a huge consideration. Be practical so you can put your best foot forward all day. An ankle strap is a great choice if you’re after extra stability and comfort.” – Hannah Coffin

“First, consider height and comfort when it comes to your wedding shoes. Many of our brides want to make sure they are happy with their heel height in relation to that of their partner and their bridesmaids for photographs. Comfort often comes second to style or prettiness but, remember, it’s a long day.” – Suzanne Neville, bridal designer

EMMY LONDON

DON'T Have Dress Fittings Without Your Shoes

“We always ask for a heel height before making a dress so we can allow for length in the pattern. A hem can only be done accurately with your actual wedding shoes on.” – Andrea Hawkes, bridal designer

DON'T Follow The Status Quo

“We do sometimes see brides who want a shorter hem – it’s become fashionable to have a bit of ankle on show – so it’s very much dependant on the individual and style of dress. Traditionally, most brides go for a floor length dress, so your hem should sit just hovering on the floor. Alternatively, have a split in the skirt so there's more focus on a fantastic pair of shoes.” – Andrea Hawkes

DO Think Outside The Box

“There are so many fun variations, from platform trainers to velvet boots and all sorts of different colours. You can really have fun with your shoes. However, a faux pas is going for a lighter shade of shoe than your gown. For example, a white shoe with an ivory gown doesn’t really work, as the eye is drawn to the lighter colour and it can be distracting.” – Suzanne Neville