The shoes you choose to wear on your wedding day will also affect your overall look, and there are many things to consider when making this important decision. First and foremost, you will want your shoes to stay consistent with the formality of your gown. If you are wearing a more casual dress, then you can get away with wearing a casual shoe, such as a ballet slipper or low heeled sandals. If you are wearing a formal gown, you will want to select a more formal style of shoe, like a sling back stiletto. You may also want to keep in mind that the higher the heel of a shoe, the better your legs look and the better your posture. However, if you are not used to wearing 3 inch heels, it's not the best idea to try them out on your wedding day. You want to choose a pair of shoes that you feel comfortable wearing, and that will be comfortable all day long. To help insure this, it is important to break in your wedding shoes a few weeks before the big day. You should have your shoes picked out before you go to your first fitting so the hem of your dress can be adjusted to the appropriate length. It is also a good idea have two pairs of shoes, one that you wear during the ceremony, photos and other important events, and one that you change into for dancing and greeting your guests. This chapter provides the basic silhouettes of the shoes you will have to choose from and hints as to which style will look the best with the different dress styles.
FlatThis style does not have a raised heel, and is available with many variants. For instance, Mary-Janes and sandals are available as flats. This style is perfect for the bride who is concerned that a heel will make her appear taller than her groom.
Ballet SlipperThe ballet slipper is a flat, slip-on shoe that is usually made of a soft, flexible material such as satin. This shoe is often detailed with a small bow near the toe or a ribbon that ties around the ankle. The ballet slipper is perfect for casual weddings and slip-style dresses that fall just below the knee.
Low HeelA low heel classifies any type of heel that rises up to an inch from the ground. This style is suitable for many styles of dresses, especially those where your feet will not be seen. A low heel will give you a small amount of lift and femininity while still being very manageable and comfortable.
Mary JaneThe Mary-Jane style refers to a shoe that has a strap that crosses over the instep and has a rounded toe. Mary-Janes are available in all heel sizes, and provide a simplistic and classical look.
MuleThe mule is a slip on shoe that does not have any type of back strap supporting the ankle. This style can be closed or open-toed with any heel height, and worn for a variety of formality levels. Mules may come with intricate beadwork or adornments, which would be a great way to off set a simple dress that does not have any embellishments.
SandalSandals are open-toed shoes with straps around the toes and often around the ankle as well. Sandals come in all heel sizes and can range from very casual to very formal, depending on style. Sandals are best suited for weddings during the warmer months since your feet will be exposed.
WedgeThe wedge shoe refers to the shape of the heel, which forms a wedge between your heel and the ground that is filled in all the way to your toes. Wedges can be made in various heights, and can incorporate the elements of the sandal, mule, or Mary Jane. This style is perfect for the bride that wants a shoe with height, but needs more support than a stiletto.
PlatformThe platform style has a thick sole beneath the ball of your foot, and can continue into a wedge style heel, or have a separate heel. Platforms are good for shorter brides looking to appear taller.
PumpThe pump is high-heeled slip on that encloses your entire foot. Pumps are a good option for colder weddings since they will help to keep your feet warm while still providing a sexy look.
Stacked Heel This style refers to a shoe that has a thick straight heel. Choosing a shoe with a stacked heel is ideal for brides that want height but are nervous to wear a stiletto. This style also works well if you are going to be walking on any type of soft surface, such as grass, since your heel will not sink into the ground like a narrower heel may.
StilettoStiletto heels are generally 3 inches or higher, and have a tapering or narrow base. This style is definitely the most feminine of all heel styles, but can be hard to walk in if you are not used to wearing this type of narrow high heel. Stilettos can have a full heel back, a sling back, or an ankle strap, each one creating a different look. This style is perfect for a bride that wants to show off her shoes and her legs.
Sling BacksThe sling back refers to a strap that wraps around the back of your heel to provide support. This strap can be coupled with a variety of styles including the sandal, the wedge, and the stiletto.
By Alex A. Lluch, author of over three million books sold and President of
Weddingsolutions.com,
WedReviews.com, and
UltimateGiftRegistry.com.
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