Stepping into Style: Choosing Your Wedding Shoes
By Charlotte Bennett, Owner & Former Celebrity Stylist
Weirdly, my wedding shoes were more important to me than my dress. While my dress played a role, it was somewhat sidelined due to an elbow injury. For years, I hadn’t dreamt of my dream gown—but I had dreamt of my Carrie Bradshaw ‘Manolo moment’. Upon my quest to find the perfect blue satin, diamond-encrusted shoes for my wedding day, I factored in heel height, comfort, and, admittedly, my husband’s height in photos (not that it should matter, but let’s be real—it crossed my mind). At 6’ foot, dress length was another factor, and balancing it all meant finding the perfect fit.
The Hunt for the Perfect Shoe
Originally, I envisioned a white Topshop blazer dress with a subtle fabric belt and slight shoulder pads for added drama, paired with my dream blue Manolo Blahnik Hangisi heels. The modern, chic aesthetic felt like me – sharp, tailored, and elegant. But on my search, I stumbled across the Dior J’Adior Slingback pumps with a kitten heel and decided (perhaps under high doses of painkillers at the time) to order them, just to try. Unexpectedly, I fell in love. The Hangisi shoes were a mid-twenties dream, but the Dior option had undeniable comfort. Torn between style and practicality, I kept both.
My wedding shoe story turned into two lessons:
- Invest in something you love and will wear forever. I kept both pairs. The Dior J’Adiors have travelled the world with me – comfy, chic, and a perfect neutral that pairs with everything from leather trousers to evening gowns. Meanwhile, my Hangisis sit proudly on my shelf, a reminder of both my wedding day and my love for statement fashion. I actually sold my wedding-day Hangisi pair on Vestiaire Collective because they were slightly too low for everyday wear and re-bought them with a 100mm heel. Now, they come out for special occasions, reliving the sentiment of my wedding day each time.
- Comfort over style—or a balance of both. I won’t deny that my designer heels meant more to me than my dress, and for many, there’s a dream pair of Prada, Jimmy Choo, or Louboutin wedding shoes calling their name. If you’re going designer, don’t underestimate Bicester Village or resale sites; you might just score your dream shoes at a fraction of the price. And if luxury labels aren’t a priority, there are plenty of high-street options that deliver just as much impact (ASOS, for one, has seriously stepped up its wedding shoe game).
Styling & Practicality: Wedding Shoe Tips
If you’re planning on one pair of wedding shoes for the entire day, here are my key styling and comfort tips:
- Outdoor Weddings: If you’re walking on grass, gravel, or cobblestones, go for a low, flat, or chunky heel to avoid sinking into the ground. If you’re set on stilettos, invest in heel protectors—they’re a game-changer and can be removed when needed.
- White, Ivory & Nude Shoes: Be mindful of mud, grass stains, and general wear throughout the day. If you’re worried about ruining them, consider a second pair for the Reception.
- Dancing Considerations: If you’re a pro in stilettos, the dance floor is yours, but wedding days involve hours of standing, walking, and posing. If you’re not accustomed to wearing heels all day, consider switching to a second pair or a block heel for comfort.
- Switching Shoe Heights: If you plan on changing shoes, particularly in heel height, make sure you try on both pairs with your dress to ensure the hemline works for both.
- Dressing Room Chic: If you’re sentimental about your shoes, consider displaying them in your dressing room or wardrobe after the wedding—a beautiful keepsake of the day.
Alternative Wedding Shoe Ideas
Not every bride is a stiletto-loving, Manolo-obsessed shoe fanatic—and that’s okay. Some of the best wedding looks have come from unexpected choices:
- Customised Trainers: If comfort is key, why not get a pair of personalised Nike, Adidas, or Converse for a laid-back, cool-girl wedding vibe?
- Chunky Heels & Platforms: If you want height without sacrificing comfort, a platform or block heel is your best bet.
- Statement Colour Shoes: Who says wedding shoes have to be ivory? Bold colours, metallics, or embellished heels can be just as bridal as classic whites.
- Bridal Flats & Mules: If heels aren’t your thing, pointed-toe flats, satin mules, or elegant ballet pumps can be just as striking.
Final Thoughts: Wear What Makes You Feel Amazing
Your wedding day is your day—your style, your comfort, your moment. Whether that means a statement designer heel, a high-street bargain, or a pair of sneakers, make sure they’re a reflection of you.
And when in doubt? Keep an extra pair on hand. There’s nothing wrong with switching from fashion-forward for the photos to barefoot on the dance floor when the party starts!
Photography Elizabeth Rose Photographer
