Bridesmaids' Shoes: Matching Or Mismatched, What's The Verdict?

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, with endless decisions to make. One of the most important considerations is the attire of the bridal party, including the bridesmaids' dresses, accessories, and, of course, their shoes. While some brides opt for a cohesive look, with matching shoes for their bridesmaids, others prefer to let their bridesmaids' individuality shine through by allowing them to choose their own footwear. This raises the question: should bridesmaids' shoes match?

Comfort is key

When it comes to choosing shoes for your bridesmaids, comfort is key. Your bridesmaids will be on their feet all day, running around helping you and celebrating with you, so the last thing they need are dizzyingly high heels and sore feet. Opt for wedges, kitten or block heels, or even flats instead of stilettos.

If your bridesmaids are wearing long dresses, you may not need to worry about matching shoes at all. In this case, you could simply ask them to wear something neutral and formal. If you do want a more cohesive look, set specific guidelines, such as nude pumps or black patent peep-toes, and let them pick something that fits their budget and their foot shape.

If your bridesmaids are wearing short dresses, you may want to consider the colour of their shoes to achieve a cohesive look. For example, rose gold shoes pair well with muted or dusty tones, while gold shoes are perfect with warm sunset hues. Silver shoes complement cool tones.

You could also consider buying your bridesmaids' shoes for them. This way, you can choose something that fits your vision and that they can wear again. If you do this, be sure to involve your bridesmaids in the process and get their input on style and size.

Remember, your bridesmaids are your friends and family members first, so treat them with respect and consideration. Involve them in the decision-making process and be mindful of their budgets and comfort levels.

Cost considerations

The cost of bridesmaids' shoes is an important factor to consider when deciding whether or not they should match. If you want your bridesmaids to wear matching shoes, it is considerate to offer to pay for them, especially if you have specific requirements in mind. This is because your bridesmaids may already be spending a lot of money on their dresses, travel, the bachelorette party, and gifts.

If you are happy for your bridesmaids to wear shoes of their choice, you can still provide guidelines to ensure a cohesive look. For example, you could suggest a colour family, such as nude or black sandals, or a style, such as patent nude sandals. This gives your bridesmaids more control over what they spend.

If you are set on your bridesmaids wearing matching shoes, there are ways to keep the cost down. You could look for budget bridal shoes or silver and gold evening shoe collections, which are ideal for bridesmaids to wear again after the wedding. You could also keep an eye out for sales or negotiate a better price with the store.

It is worth noting that not all shoes need to be identical. You could suggest a mix-and-match approach, where each bridesmaid chooses a style that suits their taste and budget, such as open-toe sandals or closed stiletto heels.

Additionally, consider the weather and season of your wedding, as this may impact the cost and availability of certain shoes. For example, if you're getting married in the spring, your bridesmaids may need a backup pair of wedding flats if it rains. In the winter, closed-toe shoes or booties are a good option to keep toes warm.

Remember to communicate your expectations and any associated costs clearly to your bridesmaids upfront, and be considerate of their financial limitations.

Colour coordination

Firstly, you can opt for a unified look, where all bridesmaids wear matching shoes. This creates a cohesive appearance, especially if the bridesmaids' dresses are short. If you decide to go for this option, it is important to consider the comfort and budget of your bridesmaids. You could choose a specific style, such as nude pumps or black patent peep-toes, and allow them to pick a pair within their budget that suits their foot shape. This ensures they can control their comfort level and choose a wider style if needed.

Alternatively, you can embrace a more eclectic look by allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own shoes. This can add interest and personality to their outfits and is a great way to showcase their individuality. If you go down this route, you may want to provide some parameters, such as suggesting they stay within a certain colour family, like metallic or neutral tones. This will help to create a cohesive feel without being too prescriptive.

Another idea is to tie the bridesmaids' shoes to the wedding's colour palette or theme. For example, if your wedding features colours such as rose gold, gold, or silver, matching the bridesmaids' shoes to these tones can create a bold and fun statement. Rose gold shoes can add a romantic touch, while gold or silver shoes pair beautifully with warm and cool-toned dresses, respectively.

Finally, comfort should be a key consideration when selecting bridesmaid shoes. Your bridesmaids will be on their feet all day, so it is important to choose shoes that are not only stylish but also comfortable. Opt for wedges, kitten heels, block heels, or even flats instead of stilettos to ensure your bridesmaids can move around with ease.

Remember, the most important thing is to communicate clearly with your bridesmaids, be considerate of their budgets, and involve them in the decision-making process to ensure everyone is happy with the chosen shoes.

Cohesive look

Creating a cohesive look for your bridesmaids is an important part of wedding planning. While you may want to impose your style on them, it is important to remember that your bridesmaids are your friends and family members first. Involving them in the decision-making process and considering their comfort and budget will help you achieve a cohesive look without causing resentment or drama. Here are some tips to achieve a cohesive look for your bridesmaids' shoes:

Plan, Research, and Consult with Your Bridesmaids:

Start by planning and researching shoe options early. Visit wedding shows and use online resources to explore different styles, such as open-toe, sparkly, metallic, modern, or classic. Consult with your bridesmaids to understand their preferences and budget constraints. Collaborating with them will help you choose a shoe style that aligns with their tastes and ensures their comfort.

Organize a Try Session:

Arrange a day for all your bridesmaids to try on shoes together. This session is crucial for determining the best fit, colour, and style that complements all your bridesmaids. It will help you narrow down options, such as dyeing, metallic, or mix-and-match shoes.

Colour and Material of the Shoes:

Consider matching the shoes with the theme of your wedding and the dresses. Maintain a good colour balance between the dress and the shoes. If your dress is simple, you can add a pop of colour with brighter accent-coloured shoes. Alternatively, nude, metallic, or black shoes are versatile and timeless choices that complement many different styles.

Comfort aka Height of the Heel:

Prioritize comfort when selecting bridesmaid shoes. Opt for wedges, kitten or block heels, or even flats instead of stilettos. Your bridesmaids will be on their feet all day, so choose shoes that provide support and comfort without compromising the beauty of their dresses.

Think About the Price:

Be mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets when selecting shoes. There are many affordable options under $100 that are perfect for a bridal party, and your bridesmaids can wear them again. Start your research early to catch sales or negotiate better prices with stores.

Mix and Match:

You don't need to stick to identical shoes for every bridesmaid. Feel free to mix and match shoe styles to make things more interesting. For example, one bridesmaid could wear open-toe sandals, while another could choose closed stiletto ones. Get creative and enjoy the process of curating a cohesive look for your bridal party.

Individuality

It is your wedding day, and you want everything to be perfect, from the decor to the food to the attire. While you may be tempted to coordinate every aspect of your bridesmaids' outfits, including their shoes, allowing them to showcase their individuality can make them feel more comfortable and confident.

Letting your bridesmaids choose their own shoes is a great way to ensure comfort. Each person has unique preferences and requirements when it comes to footwear. By allowing your bridesmaids to select their own shoes, you can avoid the risk of them stumbling down the aisle due to uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes. This can be especially important if your bridesmaids will be standing for extended periods or dancing the night away.

Involving your bridesmaids in the decision-making process can also help to ensure that they feel their best. Everyone has different styles and tastes, and allowing your bridesmaids to showcase their individuality can make them feel more confident and happy. This can be achieved by setting some parameters, such as colour or style, while still giving them the freedom to choose shoes that align with their personalities and budgets.

Additionally, by not imposing strict requirements on shoe choices, you can alleviate some of the financial burden on your bridesmaids. Wedding attire can be expensive, and allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own shoes gives them the option to select a pair that fits within their budget. This can be especially considerate if your bridesmaids have other wedding-related expenses, such as travel costs or gifts.

Ultimately, the decision to have matching or mismatched shoes for your bridesmaids is a personal one. However, by prioritising comfort, individuality, and budget, you can create a bridal party that looks and feels fantastic.

Frequently asked questions