Creating Delicate Lace Wedding Shoes

Lace wedding shoes are a romantic and classic choice for brides. They are the perfect addition to a wedding ensemble, adding glamour and texture to the bridal look. When it comes to choosing the right pair, comfort is key, as you'll be wearing and standing in them for hours. From lace stilettos to lace flats or sneakers, there are various options available to suit different preferences and ensure comfort throughout the wedding day.

If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own lace wedding shoes! All you need are some supplies like glue, fabric, lace, and decorations, and you can transform a simple pair of shoes into something special for your big day.

Choosing the right lace for your shoes

Choosing the right lace for your wedding shoes is an important decision. Here are some factors to consider:

Type of Lace

Firstly, consider the type of lace you want. There are various kinds of lace, including embroidered lace, beaded lace, Guipure lace, and Alencon lace. Each type has a distinct look and feel, so choose the one that best suits your style and the overall theme of your wedding.

Colour

The colour of the lace is also an important consideration. Traditional bridal colours like ivory, white, and nude are always popular choices. However, you can also opt for something more unique, like gold or coloured lace. If you want your shoes to match your dress perfectly, consider dyeable bridal shoes.

Style of Shoe

The style of the shoe will also impact the type of lace you choose. For example, if you're opting for a lace wedding bootie, you might want a lace with more coverage and a richer embroidery design. On the other hand, a delicate lace flat might call for a simpler, more understated lace.

Comfort

Comfort is key when choosing your wedding shoes. Look for lace that is soft and flexible, especially if you're opting for a full-lace shoe. You don't want the lace to feel stiff or uncomfortable against your feet. Additionally, consider the padding and lining of the shoe, as this will greatly impact your comfort level.

Season

Consider the season of your wedding when choosing the lace for your shoes. For a summer or spring wedding, opt for a breathable mesh lace to keep your feet cool. For a winter wedding, a richer, more intricate lace design can add a touch of luxury to your look.

Remember, your wedding shoes should be a reflection of your personal style and complement your wedding dress. Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of lace and embellishments to create a unique look that's true to you. Happy shoe shopping!

Preparing your shoes for the lace

Choose the Right Shoes

Select a pair of shoes that complement your wedding dress. Consider the colour, style, and material of the shoes to ensure they will match your gown. For example, if you plan to wear a lace wedding dress, you might want to choose a different material for your shoes to avoid an overwhelming look. Additionally, opt for comfortable shoes that you can wear for extended periods as you will be on your feet most of the day.

Clean the Shoes

Before starting the lace application, ensure your shoes are clean and free of any dirt or residue. This step will help the glue adhere better to the shoe surface. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the shoes gently, removing any dust or stains. Allow the shoes to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Gather Your Supplies

You will need the following materials: tacky glue, Mod Podge, sponge brushes, Q-tips, lace, crystals, glitter paint (optional), and tulle or fabric of your choice. Having all the necessary supplies ready will make the process more efficient and enjoyable.

Prepare the Tulle or Fabric

Cut the tulle or fabric into pieces that are slightly larger than the sections of the shoe you will be covering. You can use the shoe's seams as a guideline for creating smooth and even pieces. Remember to cut enough fabric to cover the desired areas, leaving some excess around the edges for trimming and folding.

Apply Tacky Glue to the Shoes

Pour a small amount of tacky glue onto a plate. Using a sponge brush, apply an even coat of glue to one section of the shoe at a time. Work in small areas to prevent the glue from drying out. Spread the glue smoothly, ensuring it is neither too thick nor too thin.

Attach the Tulle or Fabric

Take the prepared piece of tulle or fabric and place it onto the glued area, gently patting it down to create a smooth surface. Use your fingers to smooth out any air bubbles or gathered fabric. Ensure the fabric adheres securely to the shoe, especially along the edges.

Trim the Excess Fabric

Using scissors or a cuticle trimmer, carefully trim the excess fabric, leaving a small amount of space around the edges. For the toe area, use your fingernail or a sharp tool to push the fabric into the ridge where the sole meets the upper part of the shoe. This will create a neat and tidy finish.

Fold and Secure the Edges

Dip a Q-tip into the tacky glue and use it to fold the edges of the fabric neatly into the inside of the shoe. Ensure you apply enough glue to seal the fabric securely. After folding, trim any remaining excess fabric for a clean finish.

Repeat for All Sections

Continue the above steps for all the sections of the shoe that you wish to cover with fabric. Work slowly and carefully to ensure a precise and smooth finish. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Apply Lace to the Shoes

Cut the lace into desired pieces and arrange them on the shoe to create a pattern you like. Once you are happy with the design, use tacky glue to carefully attach the lace pieces to the shoe. Press them down gently to ensure good adhesion.

Add Embellishments (Optional)

You can further embellish your shoes by adding crystals, pearls, or other decorative elements. Simply glue them onto the shoes in your desired locations. This step is optional but can add a touch of glamour and uniqueness to your lace wedding shoes.

Seal with Mod Podge

Finally, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge all over the shoe to seal your design. This step will help protect your lace and fabric from snagging or damage. Allow the Mod Podge to dry completely before wearing your beautiful lace wedding shoes.

Applying the lace to your shoes

Now that you have gathered all your supplies and cleaned your shoes, you can begin the process of applying the lace. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Take your tacky glue and pour it onto a plate. Using a sponge brush, apply an even coat of glue to a small section of the shoe. Smooth out the glue to ensure there are no lumps. It is important to work in small sections at a time, rather than covering the entire shoe at once. If your shoe has a seam, use it as a guideline for applying the glue.
• Place your chosen fabric (such as tulle) onto the glued area. Gently pat it down to create a smooth surface, ensuring there are no air bubbles or wrinkles.
• Use scissors to trim the excess fabric, leaving some space on the edges. You will want to fold the fabric over and trim it neatly along the edges of the shoe. For the toe area, use your fingernail to push the fabric into the ridge where the sole meets the upper.
• Dip a Q-tip into the tacky glue and use it to secure the folded-over fabric inside the shoe. Make sure to apply enough glue to seal the fabric properly. Trim any remaining excess fabric.
• Cut your lace into pieces that can be arranged on the shoe. Experiment with different patterns and placements before gluing.
• Once you are happy with the arrangement, use the tacky glue to carefully attach the lace pieces to the shoe.
• At this point, you can add any additional details, such as crystals or glitter paint.
• Finally, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over the entire shoe to seal your design.

And there you have it! Your very own handmade lace wedding shoes, ready to be shown off on your special day.

Adding extra details to your lace shoes

Lace shoes are a perfect fit for brides on their wedding day. Adding extra details to your lace shoes can make them stand out and coordinate even better with your wedding gown. Here are some ideas to add extra details to your lace shoes:

• Use fabric and lace: Take a soft fabric like tulle and some sparkly lace, and cut them into pieces that you can arrange on your shoe. Use tacky glue to adhere the fabric and lace pieces to the shoe, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go. You can also use a Q-tip dipped in glue to fold the fabric into the inside of the shoe neatly.
• Add crystals and glitter: You can add some extra sparkle to your lace shoes by painting them with cream/ivory-coloured glitter paint or adding crystal details. Simply glue on some crystals in various places to make your shoes shine.
• Seal with Mod Podge: To protect your lace shoes and ensure that all the details stay in place, paint a thin coat of Mod Podge all over the shoe. This will seal everything together and give your shoes a finished look.
• Choose comfortable styles: When adding extra details to your lace shoes, don't forget to consider comfort. Choose styles like lace flats or sneakers, and consider gel inserts to make your shoes even more comfortable.
• Match your gown: If your wedding gown is lace, try to match the pattern of the lace on your shoes to the lace on your dress. This might involve getting custom-made shoes or doing some DIY to find the perfect matching lace.
• Add embellishments: Embellishments like pearls, crystals, or beads can add a stylish touch to your lace shoes. You can glue on these extra details or choose shoes that already have these embellishments.
• Consider the logistics: Lace shoes can be delicate, so consider the logistics of wearing them. Make sure your dress has a silky lining or wear a slip underneath to prevent snagging. If your dress or shoes have embellishments, be extra careful to avoid catching them on the lace.

By adding these extra details, you can create beautiful and unique lace wedding shoes that perfectly complement your bridal ensemble.

Sealing your lace shoes

Step 1: Clean the Shoes

Before starting the sealing process, ensure your lace wedding shoes are clean and free of any dirt or debris. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any excess dirt or dust from the surface of the shoes, including the lace area.

Step 2: Prepare the Materials

You will need a few materials to seal your lace shoes effectively. Gather the following:

• Craft glue (such as Fevicol) or any glue suitable for leather repair
• Cotton thread in a matching colour to your laces
• Toothpaste
• Small paintbrush
• Scissors

Step 3: Apply Glue to the Frayed End

Take your craft glue and use a small paintbrush to apply a thin layer of glue to the frayed end of the lace. Ensure you only apply a small amount to avoid excess glue dripping onto the shoe.

Step 4: Wrap with Thread

Cut a length of cotton thread and wrap one end of it around your finger. Take the other end and start winding it tightly around the glued tip of the lace, working from about 1 cm away from the frayed end towards the tip. Try to keep the thread as close and tight as possible. If you miss a spot, you can always go back and cover it later.

Step 5: Tie and Leave to Dry

Once you've finished wrapping the thread, tie both ends of the thread securely and leave the glue to dry for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Apply Toothpaste

After the glue has dried, your wrapped tip may look a little messy due to excess glue or grime. To clean it up, apply a small amount of toothpaste to the area and leave it to dry for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Make It Neat and Tidy

Once the toothpaste is dry, use a soft brush to gently rub off any excess, revealing a neat and tidy finish. If needed, use scissors to carefully snip the very tip of the lace to ensure it looks clean and even.

Tips:

• If your laces are coloured, you can mix a matching colour into the toothpaste or use marker pens to dye the thread after it has dried.
• For a quick fix, you can simply melt the frayed end of the lace with a lighter and pat it into shape. However, this may not look as neat as the other methods.
• You can also buy replacement aglets (the plastic coating at the end of laces) and attach them to the frayed ends.

Your lace wedding shoes are now sealed and protected! This method will help prevent further fraying and keep your shoes looking elegant and well-maintained.

Frequently asked questions