Wedding shoes selection tips
Things to think about when selecting your wedding shoes
When meeting with new clients as a wedding photographer, I’m often asked questions regarding tips and tricks to help with your wedding day. One recurring tip I tend to give out is regarding your wedding shoes. It’s usually something that not many people think about when planning their wedding. People are too often caught up in the big decisions such as your wedding venue, who is going to be your celebrant, and your wedding photographer, it’s easy to forget what’s going to be put on your feet. That isn’t to say that wedding shoes gets completely overlooked, I know how important a woman’s shoe collection can be 😉 It’s more to do with the style of your footwear that I’m talking about.
Here Are the Best Tips for Wedding Shoes
Here are some thoughtful tips for wedding shoes to help you stay comfortable while capturing beautiful moments. Prioritise comfort, break them in early, and match your style effortlessly.
Think about the terrain
Where will you be holding your wedding ceremony, but also where are you going for photos after? I always suggest that a bride should have with her some form of comfortable flat-style shoe that she can wear after taking off her high heels after the ceremony. There’s nothing less elegant than a bride trying to bush hack through the undergrowth of a forest in high heels because she wants photos done in the Australian bush, similarly on a beach, it’s near impossible to walk in high heels.
How long is your dress?
Adding on to the idea of having flats at your wedding, high heels are worn in order to make you look taller, which is fine at your ceremony. You’re not likely to be walking any further than the length of the aisle and usually on a firm, flat surface. But after the ceremony, like I said bushwhacking isn’t elegant. Chances are your wedding dress will be long enough to hide the fact you aren’t wearing high heels any longer anyway. So don’t worry too much about that.
Find some high heel helpers
If you absolutely must wear high heels at all times, high heel helpers may be your best bet. These come in a number of different styles and colours and they simply add more surface area to the pointy end of your stiletto shoes, making your wedding shoes more sturdy and able to traverse less uneven terrain, such as grass.
Wear in your shoes
While worn shoes don’t make the best wedding photos when doing close-up detail shots of your bridal affects, wearing in your wedding shoes can help save you from a days worth of raw, blistered feet as a result of walking about on brand new shoes. This doesn’t mean wearing then out on the town, simply wearing them for an hour or two around home would help plenty. This would also help you determine where to add anti-rub gel packs to help with any rubbing.
Don’t forget the boys!
While the bridal wedding shoes is usually the focal point of your wedding style, and can be utterly elegant and a marvel to look at, chances are your men’s shoes are more likely to be seen by guests than your own! Especially if you’re wearing a long wedding dress. Chances are you’ll have the men running about quite a bit, and possibly climbing things when it comes to your wedding photography. So keeping your men happy with good shoes are a must.
Do not go cheap
Remember these are the shoes you’ll be wearing all day, and like I said earlier, often these shoes are brand new. This causes huge pain later in the night when you’re trying to dance the night away at your reception. It’s really not uncommon to see brides taking off their shoes all together, which is a shame as they’ve probably put a lot of time and effort into choosing them. A good quality, sturdy and comfortable shoes are a must and they don’t often come cheap.
Post-Wedding Shoe Care Tips
Here are some essential wedding shoes care tips to help preserve your special pair after the big day:
- Clean them gently using a soft cloth or a material-specific cleaner to remove dirt and stains.
- Let them air-dry, away from direct sunlight to prevent discolouration or damage.
- Maintain their shape by stuffing them with tissue or soft fabric.
- Store them properly in a breathable fabric bag instead of plastic.
- Reinforce the soles if you plan to reuse them for future occasions.
By following these steps, you can preserve your wedding shoes as a treasured reminder of your wedding day.
Seasonal Wedding Shoe Selection Guide
Here are some practical tips for wedding shoes selection based on seasonal needs:
- Summer Weddings: Choose breathable fabrics and open-toe sandals to stay cool and comfortable in the heat.
- Spring Weddings: Opt for classic pumps or strappy heels that balance elegance with mild weather.
- Autumn Weddings: Go for closed-toe or block heels that can handle leaves and light rain.
- Winter Weddings: Select stylish boots or velvet shoes that offer warmth without compromising on style.
- Outdoor Settings: Always consider the terrain—wedges or flats work better on grass or sand.
These thoughtful choices keep you comfortable and confident throughout your big day.
