The Must-Read Guide to Wedding Shoes | The Bridal Finery (2024)

During bridal appointments and alteration fittings we receive a lot of questions on wedding shoes. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions. We will do our best to keep this page updated with links to all the shoes we are loving from each season. We hope you enjoy our wedding shoe guide!

All wedding shoes within our blog have been thoughtfully curated by The Bridal Finery Team. Some of the shoes include affiliate links. If you buy your wedding shoes through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additionalcost to you.

Closed-Toe or Open-toe Wedding Shoes?

With our boutiques being in Florida, this is one of our most commonly asked questions. Of course a closed-toe wedding shoe is recommended for cooler climates; however, for warmer wedding days, open-toe shoes are the norm. For black-tie weddings, closed-toe shoes are little more expected, but not a must. I recommend keeping an open mind on closed-toe and open-toe shoes. Comfort and overall style should way heavier on the decision. Before you go shoe shopping, take a look at your collection of dressy shoes in your closet. Do you tend to have more closed-toe shoes or open-toe?

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What heel do you recommend for all day wear?

In my personal experience with shoes, it’s always been way more about the way the shoe is made than the actual heel height. I like my heels though. I’m 5’6” and wish I could be taller! For some brides going for a flat wedding shoe is the best option. It will provide you with the most comfort. When I was shopping for my wedding shoes, I ruled out flats because I tend to stand with better posture in heels. I feel more dressed up and for the special occasion that was important to me. If you cannot stand to be in heels for hours, then I recommend wearing flats. Starting off with a tall wedding shoe and then dropping down to a lower wedding heel, will make the dress too long at the reception. It’s not possible to hem the dress for both heel heights.

Is it okay to wear flats to the wedding ceremony?

Yes, wear what you wish! There no rules with shoes! The way you hem your dress will be up to you. Traditionally, seamstresses will hem the dress to right above the floor. You won’t see your wedding shoes when you are standing at the altar; however, when you step forward you will see the toe of the shoe. Style wise, the toe of the shoe will matter way more than the heel of the shoe. Some of my brides prefer flats for comfort or because their fiancé’s height. In the past wedding flats were not the cutest; therefore brides were hesitant to wear them. Throughout the years, the wedding flat shoe options have really improved and I’ve seen several of my brides go for a fun, comfortable flat.

We asked our Instagram fans if they prefer flats or heels for wedding day. Out of the 180 votes, 16% said flats and 84% said heels.

Bridal Fashion Tip: Think of Your Wedding Shoes as an accessory!

When you think of your bridal look automatically you think of your dress. What next? Earrings, a crown, a bracelet and then maybe top the look off with a veil? Finding shoes for your wedding is no small feat. Don’t forget about them! Unless you change your shoes after your ceremony, they’re with you for the long haul, babe. Choose wisely. Do you love them? Are they comfy? Do they make the statement you want them to? Whether you go with a block heel, stilhetto or sensible flat make sure that your wedding shoe is an accessory you’re excited about!

Need to finish your wedding day look? Visit our online shop! We have robes, lingerie and bridal jewelry available!

If you live in Florida consider making an appointment to visit our Orlando Bridal Shop. Don’t live locally but want to be styled professionally? Book a virtual accessories appointment with one of our expert stylists.

Should wedding shoes have lace, beading, or be clean?

Oh yes, one of my favorite questions. This is where the style advice comes in! You’ll probably hear a mixture of feedback on this even amongst the stylists at The Bridal Finery. We have different opinions and so it’s good to ask the team to receive other ideas as well. I love when the shoes match the hem! If the hem is sparkly, then go for a statement sparkly shoe. If the dress is a clean satin or crepe fabric, then consider a clean pump or open-toe or a soft lace. If the dress is lace, try out a lace shoe. If you can’t find a fabric that matches well with the dress, then your safest bet is to do a clean shoe. The only time to consider not doing a clean shoe is if you are outside for your ceremony and reception. The shoes may get super dirty; therefore, they may be a one time wear.

What color wedding shoes should I wear to my wedding?

Maybe I’m basic, but I love a color matching shoe. If you are doing a color, consider a soft blue for your “something blue”. Something blue is one of the oldest wedding traditions and represents fidelity I’m a sucker for a dove blue shoe! If you are wanting a trendy touch, take a look at the Pantone colors of the year to get wedding shoe color inspiration. Since the shoes are not super visible, this might be your time to incorporate that super trendy element to your wedding day. If you are color matching the shoes to your wedding dress, I recommend sticking with a bridal brand. A shoe brand that focuses heavily on weddings always have better shades of white, off white, and ivory. Check the return policy on the shoes and bring them into your first fitting to see if the color is right. Depending on the designer, we might be able to order a swatch of your dress so you can color match at home.

New Wedding Shoe Trends

In true Pinterest fashion, what kind of guide would this be if we didn’t update and include all of the latest trends we’re seeing?!

Recently a lot of our brides have been in Badgley Mischika shoes. They have a wide variety of shoe types and heel height! We love the way the shoes look with the dress and our brides say they’re pretty comfy!

What are the most popular shoe brands brides wear?

One of our most favorite shoe brands to recommend to our brides is Bella Belle. Remember we have the special code for our brides too! We love these shoes for all day comfort, price point, and colors. The Bella Belle team makes it easy to shop and they always ship out the shoes quickly. For a splurge shoe a bridal designer brand like Monique Lhuillier and Galia Lahav are certainly worth a look. Here are other shoe brands we see our brides wearing: Badgley Mischka, Jimmy Choo, Harriet Wilde, Christian Louboutin, and Stuart Weitzman. Brides spend $100 - $1,000 on their shoes.

Watch our YouTube Video about comfortable wedding shoes below!

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