Dyeing Wedding Shoes: Still A Thing?

Wedding shoes can be dyed to match the bridal dress, handbag, or any other accessory. This is a great way to add a pop of colour to your bridal attire and introduce colour to your wedding style. Dyeable Shoe Store, Cobblers Direct, and My Shoe Hospital are some of the companies that offer custom dyeing services for weddings. They can colour-match and dye any light-coloured leather or fabric dyeable shoe. The Dyeable Shoe Store also offers designer bridal shoe styles that can be custom-dyed by their master dyer. Additionally, there are DIY satin dye kits available for those who prefer to do it themselves.

Dyeing shoes before or after the wedding

Dyeing your wedding shoes is a great way to add a pop of colour to your bridal attire. It's also a fun way to introduce colour to your wedding style, whether you want just a flash of colour or a spectrum of colours on your big day.

There are two main options for dyeing your wedding shoes: doing it yourself or using a shoe dyeing service.

DIY Dyeing

If you're a DIY enthusiast, there are several DIY satin dye kits available for dyeing shoes and handbags. These kits generally come with specialist satin dye and a brush or sponge for easy application. When using these kits, it's recommended to apply more than one coat of dye, depending on the colour you want to achieve. Always refer to the instructions for the best results.

Using a Shoe Dyeing Service

Using a wedding shoe dyeing service is the fastest and most efficient way to customise your satin shoes. You simply pick the shade of colour you like, send your shoes off to be dyed, and wait for them to arrive.

Another benefit of using a specialised service is that if you can't find a shade you like, you can often send in a swatch, and they will dye your shoes to match that exact colour. While DIY dyeing may save you money, achieving the same precision in colour matching as these services is unlikely.

Before or After the Wedding?

You can dye your wedding shoes either before or after your wedding day. Dyeing your shoes before the wedding will ensure they match your attire and add a unique touch to your overall wedding style. Dyeing them after the wedding is a great way to give your shoes a new lease of life and transform them into occasion shoes that you can wear again and again.

Additionally, some people choose to dye their wedding shoes after the big day to make them more wearable for future use. For example, some brides opt to dye their shoes black after the wedding so they can be reused. However, if you plan to do this, be aware that you shouldn't use waterproof spray on your shoes, as they won't be able to be re-dyed in the future.

In conclusion, whether you choose to dye your wedding shoes before or after your big day, it's a fun and sustainable way to customise your attire and ensure your shoes don't end up forgotten in a cupboard.

Using a shoe dyeing service

Choosing a Shoe Dyeing Service:

Start by researching reputable shoe dyeing companies that offer services for weddings. Look for companies with experience in dyeing wedding shoes and read reviews to ensure the quality of their work. You can also ask for recommendations from bridal shops or shoe stores.

Selecting the Right Shoes:

Not all shoes are suitable for dyeing. When choosing your wedding shoes, opt for materials like leather, canvas, or dyeable satin. Avoid shoes with glued soles, metallic or shiny finishes, and heavy embellishments as they may not hold dye well or could be damaged during the process.

Sending Your Shoes and Colour Swatch:

Once you've selected a company, send them your dyeable shoes and a colour swatch of the shade you want. If you're unsure about the colour, some companies offer a range of standard colours to choose from, or you can send them a fabric swatch from your dress or accessories.

Dyeing Process and Custom Colour Mixing:

The dyeing process involves several steps, including cleaning the shoes, applying the dye, and setting the colour. Reputable companies will have experienced dyers who can custom mix the dye to match your swatch precisely. They will also ensure even colouring and minimise the risk of damage to your shoes.

Turnaround Time and Cost:

Allow sufficient time for the dyeing process and shipping. The turnaround time can vary depending on the company and the complexity of the job. Regarding cost, professional shoe dyeing services typically charge based on factors such as the type of shoe, the complexity of the colour change, and the number of shoes being dyed.

Additional Services:

Some companies may offer additional services, such as sole cleaning or re-finishing, at an extra cost. If you're unsure about the process or have specific requirements, don't hesitate to inquire about their dyeing methods and any included or optional services.

DIY dye kits

Dyeing your wedding shoes is a fun way to introduce colour to your style and is also a great way to transform your wedding shoes into occasion shoes that can be worn again. There are several DIY dye kits available that can be used on satin shoes and handbags. These kits usually include specialist satin dye and a brush or sponge for application.

Before using a DIY dye kit, it is important to prepare your shoes. If your shoes have laces and you want to keep them white, remove them. You should also remove the insoles and laces and cover the soles of your shoes with Vaseline or electrical tape to protect them from the dye. If you are dyeing canvas shoes, you can soak them in a mixture of water and soda ash to help the fabric absorb the dye better.

When applying the dye, it is recommended to apply more than one coat. You can also try dip-dyeing or creating a smooth transition from dark to light by gently rubbing the dye with a damp cloth.

After dyeing your shoes, you may want to use a colour fixative to enhance the colour and reduce colour bleeding. Finally, make sure to rinse and wash your shoes before letting them air dry.

Waterproofing dyed shoes

Waterproofing your dyed shoes is a great way to protect them from water damage and stains. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

Wax Waterproofing

• Choose the Right Wax: Select a wax designed for waterproofing shoes, or opt for beeswax or clear candle wax. Ensure the wax closely matches your shoe colour to avoid staining.
• Prepare Your Shoes: Remove laces and clean your shoes thoroughly. For machine washable shoes, wash them with similar items and air-dry. For leather and suede shoes, wipe them with a damp cloth.
• Test the Wax: Apply a small amount of wax to an inconspicuous area of the shoe, such as the inside of the heel, and check for any discolouration after 30 minutes.
• Apply Wax: Generously rub the wax onto the entire outer surface of the shoe. Pay close attention to areas where water can seep in, such as around the toe, heel, and laces.
• Heat the Wax: Use a hairdryer on high heat to melt the wax into the shoe material. Continuously wave the hairdryer over the shoe until the wax disappears.
• Test Waterproofing: Pour a small amount of water onto the shoe. It should bead up and roll off, indicating successful waterproofing. If water is absorbed, apply another coat of wax.

Waterproofing Spray

• Choose a Quality Spray: Look for waterproofing sprays containing silicone or acrylic polymers, which effectively block water and prevent mildew.
• Clean Your Shoes: Remove laces and clean your shoes to ensure the spray adheres properly.
• Test the Spray: Apply the spray to an inconspicuous area, such as the inside of the heel, and check for discolouration after 30 minutes.
• Spray Your Shoes: Hold the can 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) away from the shoe and apply a light, even coating. Ensure you cover all areas where water could enter.
• Dry the Shoes: Allow the shoes to air-dry for at least 24 hours. Avoid using external heat sources, such as hairdryers, as they can damage the treatment.
• Reapply Spray: Waterproofing sprays typically need to be reapplied regularly, especially after multiple wears or exposure to harsh weather conditions.

Colour matching

Custom Colour Options:

Dyeable Shoe Store and My Shoe Hospital offer custom colour options for wedding shoes. You can send them a swatch of your desired colour, and they will create a custom dye to match it. This service ensures that your shoes perfectly coordinate with your wedding dress, handbag, or any other accessory.

Dyeable Shoe Store:

Dyeable Shoe Store has a master dyer with over 20 years of experience. They offer a wide range of designer wedding shoes that can be custom-dyed to match your wedding gown or handbag. Their dye is custom-mixed, ensuring a precise colour match.

Lace & Favour:

Lace & Favour provides a fast and efficient shoe dyeing service for satin shoes and bags. You can order dyeable shoes from their website, try them on, and then send them back with a swatch of your desired colour. They will hand-colour your shoes and return them to you in time for your wedding.

Material and Fabric Considerations:

It's important to note that not all shoes can be dyed. Dyeable Shoe Store mentions that shoes must be made of dyeable material, typically satin or fabric. My Shoe Hospital also emphasises that the material must be white, uncoloured, and not waterproofed or stain-protected for optimal results.

Colour Precision:

Using a specialised service like Dyeable Shoe Store or Lace & Favour ensures colour precision. While DIY dye kits are available, achieving an exact colour match can be challenging without professional expertise and custom colour-mixing services.

Consistency in the Bridal Party:

In summary, colour matching is a crucial aspect of dyeing shoes for weddings. By utilising specialised services, sending colour swatches, and considering the dyeable properties of the shoe material, you can achieve precise colour coordination for your wedding attire.

Frequently asked questions