Bridesmaids' Shoes: Matching Or Mismatched?

There is no hard and fast rule that dictates what colour shoes bridesmaids should wear. While some bridesmaids are given free rein to choose their own shoe colour, others are given a specific colour or a few colours to choose from. The colour of the bridesmaids' shoes is important to consider for a cohesive look from head to toe, especially if the bridesmaids are wearing short dresses.

Matching shoes

• The Comfort Factor: One of the most important considerations is the comfort of your bridesmaids. Dancing and celebrating throughout the wedding will be much more enjoyable for them if they have comfortable shoes. It is worth noting that each individual has unique preferences and comfort levels when it comes to shoes. Therefore, allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own shoes can ensure they find something that suits their needs. This approach can also alleviate any added financial pressure of buying new shoes, especially if they can wear something they already own.
• The Dress Length: The length of the bridesmaids' dresses plays a significant role in the visibility of their shoes. If the dresses are floor-length, the shoes will likely be hidden for the most part. In such cases, you may opt to give your bridesmaids free rein over their shoe choice, as it won't impact the overall aesthetic significantly. On the other hand, if your bridesmaids are wearing short dresses, the shoes will be more noticeable, and you may want to provide some guidelines or colour-coordinate their shoes with their dresses.
• The Aesthetic Vision: If you're aiming for a cohesive and uniform look for your bridesmaids, matching or coordinated shoes can contribute to that vision. You can provide specific guidelines for the type of shoes, such as nude pumps or black patent peep-toes, while still allowing your bridesmaids to choose a style that fits their budget and comfort level. This approach ensures some level of consistency while giving them a degree of flexibility.
• The Colour Scheme: The colour of the bridesmaids' dresses and the wedding colour palette can influence the choice of shoe colour. For instance, rose gold shoes can complement muted or dusty tone dresses, adding a touch of femininity and fun. Gold shoes pair beautifully with warm-toned, sunset hues, and silver shoes are ideal for cool tones. You can also opt for neutral colours like nude or taupe, which tend to go with a variety of dress styles and colours.
• The Practicality: Depending on the venue and setting of your wedding, it's essential to consider the practicality of the shoes. For outdoor weddings, especially on grass or uneven terrain, certain types of shoes may be more suitable than others. For example, wedges or flat sandals might be preferable to stilettos to avoid sinking into the grass. Communicating with your bridesmaids about the venue and any potential shoe challenges can help them make informed choices.
• The Individuality: Allowing your bridesmaids to showcase their individuality through their shoe choice can add a unique and personalised touch to your wedding. If they all have different styles and personalities, letting them choose their own shoes can make them feel more comfortable and confident. It also ensures that they will likely be able to wear the shoes again, making the purchase more justifiable.

Ultimately, the decision to match or coordinate bridesmaids' shoes depends on your specific preferences and the overall vision for your wedding. You can opt for a fully matching look, provide general guidelines, or give your bridesmaids free rein to express their individuality. Remember to consider comfort, dress length, colour schemes, and practicality when making your decision.

Comfort over style

When it comes to choosing shoes for your bridesmaids, comfort should be a top priority. It's important to remember that your bridesmaids will be on their feet all day, from walking down the aisle to dancing the night away at the reception. Selecting comfortable shoes will ensure that your bridesmaids can fully enjoy the celebration without being hindered by sore feet or painful shoes.

While style is also important, it's crucial to strike a balance between aesthetics and comfort. There are plenty of shoe options that offer both comfort and style, ensuring your bridesmaids look and feel their best. For example, you can opt for stylish ballet flats, wedges, or low heels, which provide more support and comfort than taller, thinner heels.

Another factor to consider is the length of the bridesmaids' dresses. If the dresses are floor-length, the shoes will be mostly hidden, so you can prioritise comfort over style. This gives your bridesmaids the flexibility to choose shoes they already own or are comfortable in, without worrying about them clashing with the overall look.

If you're concerned about cohesion in photos, you can provide a colour scheme or a few colour options for your bridesmaids to choose from. This way, you can achieve a coordinated look without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, you can suggest shoe styles that complement the dresses, such as elegant flats or low heels for floor-length gowns or taller heels or wedges for shorter dresses.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that your bridesmaids' comfort is a priority. By choosing comfortable shoes or giving them the freedom to select their own, you're ensuring that they can fully enjoy your special day without the pain and hassle of uncomfortable footwear. So, when in doubt, always opt for comfort over style when it comes to your bridesmaids' shoes!

Cost considerations

Cost is an important consideration when it comes to choosing bridesmaids' shoes. While some brides may opt for a cohesive look by requesting their bridesmaids purchase specific shoes, this can place an additional financial burden on the bridal party. It is worth noting that shoes are a personal choice and comfort is essential, especially for dancing at the wedding. Therefore, allowing bridesmaids to choose their own shoes can help ensure they feel comfortable and avoid unnecessary expenses.

To strike a balance, some brides may opt to provide guidelines or suggestions for shoe colour and style, rather than mandating a specific shoe. This approach can offer flexibility while still achieving a coordinated look. For example, suggesting neutral colours such as nude, black, or metallic shades can provide a range of options for bridesmaids to choose from without incurring additional costs.

If the bridesmaids' dresses are floor-length, the shoes may not be visible for most of the day. In such cases, it may be unnecessary to impose any restrictions on shoe choice. This can alleviate financial pressure on the bridal party and allow them to wear shoes they already own or choose comfortable and affordable options.

Ultimately, the decision to require matching shoes or provide flexibility comes down to the bride's preference and budget considerations. If the bride requests specific shoes, it is considerate to offer to cover the cost as a gift to the bridal party. This can help ensure the bridesmaids don't bear the financial burden of purchasing new shoes.

Additionally, it is worth noting that shoe choice may be influenced by the wedding venue and season. For example, outdoor weddings may require different shoes to prevent sinking into the grass or provide comfort on uneven terrain. Considering these factors can help ensure the bridesmaids' shoes are functional and suitable for the occasion without incurring unnecessary costs.

Heel height

While there is no strict rule that dictates the heel height of bridesmaids' shoes, there are a few factors to consider when deciding on the appropriate heel height for your bridal party. Firstly, it is important to prioritise comfort. Your bridesmaids will be on their feet all day, from walking down the aisle to dancing the night away, so choosing a heel height that is comfortable for them is essential.

Secondly, take into account the length of the bridesmaids' dresses. If the dresses are floor-length, the shoes will be mostly hidden, and heel height may not be a significant factor. However, if the dresses are short or knee-length, the choice of heel can impact the overall look. In this case, you may want to suggest a specific heel height to ensure a cohesive appearance.

Additionally, consider the height of your bridesmaids themselves. For taller bridesmaids, lower heels or flats might be more appropriate, while shorter bridesmaids may prefer a taller heel or wedge, especially if they want to add a few inches to their height. It is also worth mentioning that some venues, such as outdoor weddings on grass, may call for specific heel types to prevent sinking into the ground. In this case, wedges or thicker heels might be a better option than stilettos.

Ultimately, the heel height of bridesmaids' shoes is a matter of personal preference and comfort. You can provide guidelines or colour schemes, but allowing your bridesmaids some flexibility in choosing their own heel height can ensure they feel comfortable and confident throughout the day.

Cohesion and colour

When it comes to choosing the colour of your bridesmaids' shoes, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to remember that the shoes play a significant role in completing the overall look of the bridal party. While comfort is essential, especially if your bridesmaids will be on their feet all day, the colour of the shoes can also contribute to a cohesive aesthetic.

If you're aiming for a cohesive look, it's recommended that your bridesmaids wear the same colour shoes, even if the style and heel height vary. This is especially true if your bridesmaids will be wearing short dresses, as their shoes will be more visible. However, if the dresses are floor-length, your bridesmaids may have more flexibility in choosing their shoe colour since the shoes will likely be hidden for the most part.

To achieve a cohesive look, consider the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses. For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing muted or dusty tones, rose gold shoes can add a bold and feminine touch. Gold shoes pair well with warm-toned, sunset hues, while silver shoes complement cool tones. If you're looking for a classic option that goes with various silhouettes and styles, silver shoes are a safe choice.

Another factor to consider is the wedding venue. For outdoor weddings, especially on grass, it's practical to choose shoes that won't sink into the ground, such as wedges or flats. Communicating with your bridesmaids about the venue and any outdoor photos planned can help them make informed decisions about their footwear.

Ultimately, the decision to have matching or coordinated shoes depends on your preference and the level of flexibility you want to offer your bridesmaids. Some bridesmaids may prefer to choose their own shoes, especially if they already own a pair that matches the colour scheme. In such cases, providing guidelines or a specific colour to work with can be a good compromise.

Frequently asked questions