Bridesmaids' Shoes: Choosing The Perfect Pair For The Big Day

Choosing the right shoes for your bridesmaids can be a tricky task. While you want your bridal party to look and feel fabulous, it's also important to consider their comfort, especially if they'll be on their feet all day. So, what should you keep in mind when selecting shoes for your bridesmaids? Firstly, it's essential to strike a balance between style and comfort. Opting for shoes that are both stylish and comfortable will ensure your bridesmaids can dance the night away without sore feet. Secondly, consider the length of their dresses. If your bridesmaids are wearing short dresses, you may want to opt for a cohesive look by choosing a specific style or colour for their shoes. On the other hand, if they're wearing long dresses, you can be more flexible since the shoes will be less visible. You could suggest a colour family or theme for them to work with. Finally, don't forget to involve your bridesmaids in the decision-making process. They can provide valuable input on what styles and colours they prefer and are more likely to wear again. By taking these factors into account, you can help your bridesmaids look and feel their best on your special day.

Comfort is key

When it comes to choosing shoes for your bridesmaids, one of the most important considerations is comfort. After all, your bridesmaids will likely be on their feet all day, from walking down the aisle to dancing the night away. Ensuring they have comfortable shoes will not only keep them happy but also ensure they can fully enjoy the celebrations.

• Choose a style that fits: As the saying goes, "walk a mile in someone else's shoes". How a shoe fits and feels varies from person to person. Instead of asking your bridesmaids to buy identical shoes, consider giving them some flexibility to choose a style that suits their feet. This could mean allowing for a wider style if they have wide feet or a lower heel if they're not used to wearing high heels.
• Opt for comfort-focused brands: Look for shoe brands that are known for their comfort. This could include brands that offer a range of width options or those that use cushioning and supportive materials in their soles. Comfortable shoes don't have to be boring—many stylish options provide both fashion and function.
• Consider the venue: The wedding venue can play a significant role in the comfort of your bridesmaids' shoes. For example, if your wedding is outdoors, on grass or gravel, stiletto heels might not be the best choice. Instead, opt for a block heel, wedge, or even a stylish flat. This will ensure your bridesmaids can navigate the terrain with ease and stability.
• Provide gel inserts: If you have your heart set on a particular style of shoe that may not be the most comfortable, consider providing gel inserts for your bridesmaids. These can be placed inside the shoes to add extra cushioning and support, making it easier for your bridesmaids to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Discuss budget: Comfortable shoes often come at a higher price point. Discuss your bridesmaids' budgets and try to find options that are both comfortable and affordable for them. This will help ensure they don't have to compromise their comfort or spend more than they can afford.

Remember, happy bridesmaids mean a happy wedding! By prioritising their comfort, you'll not only show that you care but also help ensure they can fully enjoy your special day.

Long dresses = more shoe freedom

If your bridesmaids are wearing long dresses, you have more freedom when it comes to choosing their shoes. While you still want to ensure the shoes are comfortable and cohesive with the overall look, they will be less visible than if the bridesmaids were wearing shorter dresses. This means you can be more flexible with the style and colour of the shoes.

When it comes to the colour of the shoes, you have a few options. You could opt for a neutral shade, such as nude or black, which will go with any dress colour and are easy for your bridesmaids to source. If you want the shoes to stand out a little more, you could choose a metallic shade like gold or silver, which will add a touch of sparkle. Alternatively, you could match the shoe colour to your wedding colours or the bridesmaid dresses. For example, if your wedding colours are dusty or muted tones, rose gold shoes will complement these beautifully.

In terms of style, you can give your bridesmaids some guidelines, such as heels or flats, open-toed or closed-toed, or a specific type of heel, like a stiletto or block heel. This will ensure some consistency while still allowing your bridesmaids to choose a style that they are comfortable with and that suits their budget. If you're not too concerned about the shoes being identical, you could let your bridesmaids choose their own style within a specific colour palette.

Ultimately, the most important factor when choosing shoes for your bridesmaids is comfort. They will be on their feet all day, so it's crucial to select a style that they can walk and dance in easily. You don't want your bridesmaids to be stumbling down the aisle or struggling to enjoy the reception because of uncomfortable shoes. Additionally, keep in mind the terrain of your wedding venue when selecting shoes. For example, if your wedding is outdoors, stilettos may not be the best choice as they can sink into the grass or gravel.

By choosing a long dress for your bridesmaids, you open up more possibilities for their shoes. This allows you to find a balance between style and comfort, ensuring your bridesmaids look and feel their best on your special day.

Short dresses = less shoe freedom

If your bridesmaids are wearing short dresses, you may want to consider the shoes more carefully. This is because shorter dresses draw attention to the legs and feet, and shoes are more visible. If you want a uniform look, you could ask your bridesmaids to wear the same colour shoe, or even buy the same pair. This can be a great budget-friendly option, and it also means your bridesmaids won't have to worry about choosing their own shoes.

However, it's important to remember that everyone's feet are different, and what works for one person might not work for another. If you're set on a particular style, it's worth bearing in mind that some of your bridesmaids might not be comfortable in very high heels, for example. You could consider giving a more general guideline, such as nude pumps or black peep-toes, and let your bridesmaids choose a specific style that suits their feet. This way, they can also control their comfort level and choose a wider style if they need to.

If you're happy to have a less cohesive look, you could let your bridesmaids choose their own shoes entirely. This means they can pick a pair that suits their budget, and they might be more likely to wear them again. You could give them some parameters, such as metallic shoes or a particular colour family, to keep the look coordinated.

Ultimately, the decision of what shoes your bridesmaids should wear depends on the look you want to achieve, as well as your bridesmaids' comfort and preferences.

Letting bridesmaids choose their own shoes

There are several advantages to letting bridesmaids choose their own shoes. Firstly, it ensures comfort and a good fit, as how a shoe fits and feels can be a personal experience. Asking bridesmaids to buy identical shoes that they may never wear again can be unnecessary and expensive. By choosing their own shoes, bridesmaids can also control their comfort level and select a wider style if they have wide feet. This option also allows them to choose shoes within their budget.

Additionally, letting bridesmaids pick their own shoes can add a unique and individual touch to their overall look. If all the bridesmaids are wearing the same dress, different accents and shoes can avoid a "cookie-cutter" look. It can also be a fun way for their personalities and styles to shine through.

However, if the bridesmaids are wearing short dresses and a uniform look is desired, letting them pick their own shoes may not work. In this case, setting specific guidelines, such as the colour or style of the shoe, can help create a cohesive look while still giving them some freedom of choice.

Ultimately, the decision to let bridesmaids choose their own shoes depends on the preferences of the bride and the bridesmaids themselves. It can be a great way to ensure comfort, individuality, and budget-friendliness, but it may not be suitable if a highly coordinated look is desired.

Matching shoes

Choose a Colour Scheme

Decide on a colour scheme that complements the bridesmaid dresses and the overall wedding theme. This can be a single colour or a combination of colours that work well together. For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing muted or dusty tone dresses, rose gold shoes can add a bold and fun touch. Gold shoes pair beautifully with warm-toned, sunset hues, while silver shoes are perfect for cool tones.

Consider the Dress Length

The length of the bridesmaid dresses can play a role in your shoe choice. If the dresses are short, matching shoes can create a more cohesive look. On the other hand, if your bridesmaids are wearing long dresses, you may have more flexibility, as the shoes will be less visible.

Set Guidelines

While you want matching shoes, it's important to consider your bridesmaids' comfort and budget. You can set specific guidelines, such as nude pumps or black patent peep-toes, and let them choose a style that suits their needs and budget. This way, they can control their comfort level and select a wider style if needed.

Keep Comfort in Mind

Dancing and standing for extended periods are inevitable at weddings, so comfort is crucial. Choose a shoe style and heel height that your bridesmaids can wear comfortably throughout the day and night. You may also suggest gel inserts for added comfort.

Accessorise with Jewellery

To elevate the matching shoe look, consider coordinating jewellery. For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing gold or silver shoes, you can choose jewellery in the same metal to create a cohesive and stylish ensemble.

Mix and Match

While you want the shoes to match, you can still allow for some individuality by letting your bridesmaids choose their specific shoe style. For example, they can select between different types of heels, flats, or sandals, as long as they fall within the colour scheme and guidelines you've set.

Frequently asked questions