Choosing bridal shoes takes more consideration than an impulse shoe purchase. Finalize your dress first to ensure the perfect match with your shoes.
This order matters—choosing heels too tall might leave you tripping over your dress hem or struggling with comfort on your big day.
A pair of glamorous gold platform bridal heels adds a bold statement to a wedding day look (Credit: A. Oparin / WENN)
Once you choose your dress’s color and aesthetic, it’ll be significantly easier to track down a pair of shoes that suits your wedding day look.
Avoid opting for a heel type that you don’t typically wear. You’ll stand in your shoes for several hours, especially for photographs.
It’s best to find your wedding dress before deciding on your bridal shoes (Credit: A. Oparin / WENN)
The following are our top tips for choosing the perfect bridal shoes at one of the best places to buy wedding shoes online:
1. Start With Your Dress
Consider the length of your dress, as you want your heels to be high enough to stop you from tripping over your train.
2. Explore Your Heel Options
If comfort is your priority, you can consider kitten heels or an unconventional choice of flats. Your shoes are an opportunity to have some fun with your outfit. You can use them to incorporate your ‘something blue’ or add a splash of your favorite color.
Picking your bridal shoes goes beyond just matching them to your wedding dress (Credit: Shchus / Shutterstock)
3. Choose the Perfect Color and Material
While most brides opt for traditional white shoes, you can choose any color. A colorful pair will be more versatile than white if you want your shoes again after the big day.
Start researching bridal shoe options early and prioritize comfort, as you’ll be on your feet all day (Credit: Tetiana Humeniuk / Shutterstock)
The perfect match for most wedding gowns, it doesn’t get more classic or elegant than satin shoes for your big day!
4. Break Them In Early
Don’t forget to wear your shoes ahead of time. If you want to break them in, see if you need to add an insole to improve your grip and comfort.
You can wear them around your home a few times and keep the plastic covering on the sole to keep your shoes looking pristine before your wedding day.
The most popular bridal shoe colors are white and ivory (Credit: Kyryk Ivan / Shutterstock)
5. Factor in the Season and Venue
You will want to consider the time of year that you’re getting married, as well as your venue. Sling-back and open-toe heels are ideal for summer months, while a court heel is suitable for any setting.
6. Comfort Should Be Non-Negotiable
If you know you’ll do a lot of walking around your venue, particularly between buildings and outdoor areas, you might opt for a shorter heel.
Buy your bridal shoes well in advance to avoid last-minute stress (Credit: ProWeddingStudio / Shutterstock)
Add a silver sixpence to your shoes for good luck. Bridal shoes often come with a customary silver sixpence as a traditional token of good luck, as the sixpence represents love and happiness.
For more inspiration on selecting the perfect bridal footwear, explore our curated list of designer wedding shoes that blend elegance with comfort.
If you’re considering a non-traditional approach, our guide to alternative wedding shoes offers unique options to match your personal style. Additionally, discover the timeless appeal of satin bridal shoes that add a touch of classic sophistication to your ensemble.