Wedding Shoes, Bridal Accessories and Bridal Party Gifts

Aside from the bridal gown in all its glory, the bridal shoes are the next most important part of the bride's wedding day ensemble. With the right wedding shoes, the bride may be able to avoid paying to have her bridal gown hemmed. The bride needs comfortable wedding shoes that aren't too tight or too loose, and are the correct style to complement her beautiful wedding gown.

It is worth the investment to purchase quality bridal shoes because the bride stands most of her wedding day, usually only obtaining a bit of relief if she is able to sit down and eat a few bites of the wedding meal. Many brides don't even get to taste the food they so carefully selected, but we encourage you to try to do so. Not only will your feet need a break, but you will need nourishment on the long and stressful day!

Shop for your bridal shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are likely to be swollen and at their largest. They will swell after standing all day at your wedding, and the last thing you want to be dwelling on is how much your feet hurt, on what is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life! Choose wedding shoes that feel good right when you first put them on. Walk around in them, and make sure they are long enough that your toes are not constricted. Check pressure points and consider purchasing shoe inserts to add extra cushion and support.

Wear your bridal shoes at home at least a couple of times a week prior to your wedding, to soften them and make them even more comfortable. You will need them for your bridal gown fittings, so it's best to order them as soon as you have your gown selection made.

If your wedding shoes need to be dyed, take them to a reputable bridal salon or shoe repair store, along with a piece of fabric (a swatch) at least 2" by 2" square. Remember that all fabrics reflect light differently. While your dyed wedding shoes may match your gown perfectly indoors, when you go outside, they may not match at all. Consider where you will spend the majority of your time at the wedding, and dye your shoes to match that type of lighting The same goes for the bridesmaids' shoes. Shades of blue are especially tricky in different types of lighting.

You may also want to consider ordering a pair of bridal flip flops to wear during the reception. It is most helpful if they have the same heel height as your wedding shoes, so that your gown doesn't drag on the floor and accumulate staining that may be impossible to remove later.