The Significance Of Shoes In Wedding Ceremonies

Wedding shoes are steeped in tradition and symbolism, with many cultures having their own unique rituals. For instance, in Old English tradition, a coin is placed inside the bride's shoe to symbolise a prosperous marriage, while in Greece, the groom surprises the bride with a pair of shoes containing hidden money, signifying that she is 'walking in wealth'. In India, the Joota Chupai ritual involves the groom's female relatives stealing his shoes so they can negotiate a ransom. Beyond cultural traditions, wedding shoes are also an opportunity for the bride to express their style and make a statement, whether that's through colour, embellishments, or unique designs. Ultimately, comfort is key, as the bride will be wearing these shoes for a long day of celebrations.

Wedding shoe traditions around the world

Wedding traditions vary across the world, with rituals and customs differing from country to country. Here is a list of wedding shoe traditions from around the world:

England

The rhyme, "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe", is an Old English tradition dating back to the Victorian era. The bride collects five objects from friends and family to bring good fortune on her wedding day. The silver sixpence in her shoe is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to the couple's life together.

Greece

In Greece, the groom surprises the bride with a new pair of shoes, hiding money inside them. This symbolises wealth as the bride is believed to be "walking in wealth". Another Greek tradition involves the bridesmaids writing their names on the sole of the bride's shoe. The last name to be rubbed off is believed to be the next person to get married, although some believe it is the first name that rubs off.

India

The Joota Chupai ritual is a wedding tradition in which female family members steal the groom's shoes when he takes them off. They hide the shoes and demand money from the groom to give them back. This game is played to show that both families accept each other and are willing to share a lifetime of fun and laughter.

Wales

In Wales, brides wear a crown of myrtle leaves instead of a veil or a traditional crown. Before walking down the aisle, the bride's father places a gold coin in her right shoe, and her mother places a silver coin in her left shoe.

Choosing the right colour for your wedding shoes

Wedding shoes are an important part of the bridal look and can be chosen to complement the wedding dress and the bride's build. While there is no rule against brides straying from the traditional white or ivory wedding shoes, it is important to choose a colour that will complement the dress. Here are some tips for choosing the right colour for your wedding shoes:

Consider the style of your wedding dress

The style of your wedding shoes should complement the style of your dress. For example, if your dress is tea-length, a pair of pointed toes or open-toe heels would match well. If your wedding dress is a statement dress with a lot of detail, you can choose to either complement it with a simple, elegant court shoe or go bold with your wedding shoes to make a statement. Additionally, if your wedding dress is vintage, you can choose vintage wedding shoes inspired by the same era for consistency.

Choose a colour that complements your dress

If you want your shoes to match your dress, consider taking a swatch of your wedding dress fabric with you when shopping for shoes. This will help you find the perfect colour match. If exact colour matching is difficult, try to match the embellishment on your dress or jewellery with your shoes. Alternatively, you can have your shoes custom-made or ask the wedding dress designer to provide extra fabric to cover your shoes.

Add a pop of colour

If you want to add a touch of colour to your bridal look, incorporating a new colour with your shoes is a great way to do so. You can choose a colour that matches your flowers, bridesmaids' dresses, or your wedding colour scheme. Many brides also use their bridal shoes as their "something blue", a tradition that represents fidelity. Other popular colours for wedding shoes include pastel shades of pink, lavender, and baby blue.

Think about the venue and season of your wedding

Consider how much walking you will need to do throughout the day and the season you will be getting married in. Open sling backs are better for hotter climates, while peep toes are good for all year round. If you will be walking on grassy or muddy surfaces, be aware that your heels may sink or get stained. In this case, consider using heel protectors.

Don't forget comfort!

While the colour and style of your wedding shoes are important, don't forget to factor in comfort as well. Choose a heel height that you are comfortable with and that you can wear for a full day. Flat wedding shoes or kitten heels are the most comfortable choices. Additionally, wear your shoes a few times before your wedding day to mould them to your foot shape and ensure they are comfortable.

The heel height of your wedding shoes

If you're used to wearing high heels, a smaller heel could be a smart choice. A low heel of around 2 ½ inches is still comfortable while giving you a little height. This option also reduces the risk of tripping as you walk down the aisle. If you're not used to wearing heels, a pair of flats could be a better option to guarantee all-day comfort.

The venue is an important factor when deciding on heel height. If your wedding is outdoors, on grass or sand, a stiletto heel is likely to sink into the ground. A block heel is a more stable option for outdoor settings, and a platform heel can give you height without the discomfort of a stiletto. If you're set on a stiletto, consider changing into a more comfortable pair of shoes for the reception.

You should also consider the length of your dress. If you're wearing a full-length gown, your shoes won't be visible, so comfort may be the priority. With a shorter dress, your shoes can be a statement accessory, but you may still want to avoid very high heels that could cause you pain later in the day.

Whatever heel height you choose, don't forget to break in your wedding shoes before the big day. Wear them for short periods around the house on a carpeted floor to mould them to the shape of your feet.

The type of toe on your wedding shoes

When it comes to choosing the type of toe on your wedding shoes, there are a few options to consider: open-toe, closed-toe, or peep-toe. Ultimately, the decision is a matter of personal preference, comfort, and the style of your wedding. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your choice:

Open-Toe Wedding Shoes:

Open-toe wedding shoes are a popular choice, especially for spring and summer weddings. They come in a variety of styles, such as sandals, wedges, espadrilles, and pumps. Open-toe shoes are perfect for brides who want to show off their feet and pedicure. If you're considering open-toe shoes, be sure to get a pedicure before your wedding day to ensure your toes look their best. Additionally, consider the terrain of your venue when choosing open-toe shoes, as they may not be suitable for outdoor settings like grass or sand.

Closed-Toe Wedding Shoes:

Closed-toe wedding shoes are a more traditional option and are typically recommended for cooler climates or black-tie weddings. They can also be a good choice if you want to keep your toes under wraps or if you're concerned about the temperature of your venue. Closed-toe shoes come in a variety of styles, including stilettos, block heels, and flats. Keep in mind that closed-toe shoes may not be as breathable as open-toe options, so consider the comfort of your feet throughout the day.

Peep-Toe Wedding Shoes:

Peep-toe wedding shoes offer a happy medium between open-toe and closed-toe styles. They give you the look and feel of a sandal or open-toe shoe while providing a little more support for your feet. Peep-toe shoes are a favourite among brides who want a more laid-back option than a traditional pump. Like open-toe shoes, peep-toe styles are a great way to show off your pedicure. They can also add a touch of elegance and delicacy to your overall bridal look.

When deciding on the type of toe for your wedding shoes, it's important to consider your comfort, the weather, and the terrain of your venue. If you're still unsure, you can always opt for a versatile style that can work for multiple settings or bring a pair of closed-toe shoes as a backup option. Ultimately, choose the shoes that make you feel beautiful, comfortable, and true to yourself on your special day.

The cost of wedding shoes

Wedding shoes are an important part of a bride's attire, and the cost can vary depending on several factors. Firstly, it's worth noting that wedding traditions around shoes differ across cultures. In English weddings, for instance, the bride may follow the tradition of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe." In Greek weddings, the groom surprises the bride with a pair of shoes, often hiding money inside them, symbolising wealth as the bride is "walking in wealth".

The type of shoe chosen can significantly impact the cost. Traditional high heels are the most popular choice, followed by flats or sandals, kitten heels, bridal sneakers, and wedges. The price range for bridal shoes can be categorised as low (under $100), average ($100-$400), and high (above $400).

Inexpensive bridal shoes typically range from $25 to $75, with options available from retailers like David's Bridal and House of Brides. Moderate bridal shoes, often made with higher-quality materials or featuring unique designs, usually cost between $100 and $250. Brands like Peter Fox and Bliss Bridal Shoes fall into this category.

Expensive bridal shoes can range from $300 to $900 or more. Designer brands like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Stuart Weitzman offer styles in this price range. It's worth noting that the average cost of all bridal accessories, including shoes, jewellery, and extras, is $333, according to the Bridal Association of America.

When budgeting for wedding shoes, it's important to consider additional costs such as shipping fees, which can be $5 or more for online orders. It's also recommended to choose your wedding dress before selecting your shoes to ensure they complement each other. Other factors to keep in mind include the length of the dress, the height of your partner, and the location of the wedding, which may dictate the level of comfort and durability needed.

While some brides opt for inexpensive shoes, especially if they plan to wear them only once, others may choose to invest in a more expensive pair that they can wear again. Ultimately, comfort and personal style are essential factors in addition to budget when choosing the perfect wedding shoes.

Frequently asked questions