There are plenty of to-do’s on your wedding list, but having less than comfortable wedding shoes can make or break your day. If you pick a pair of wedding shoes that’s uncomfortable, unflattering, or downright painful, you’ll be sorry you did. But, if you take a few of these wedding shoe tips to heart you’ll keep you feet happy, accentuate your style, and you’ll be able to dance the night away.
Read on to find out which seven wedding shoe mistakes you should avoid and see why it’s important PLUS find out which three must-have shoe accessories you’ll want and need for your wedding.
Here are the top wedding shoe mistakes to avoid for your big day.
1. Not considering comfort over style
It’s important to be comfortable on your wedding day, since you’ll be on your feet for most of it. Whether walking down the aisle or dancing, you won’t want to wince in pain. Uncomfortable shoes can ruin the overall experience and lead to unnecessary pain. Therefore, be sure to prioritize comfort when choosing your wedding shoes.
These are the best of both worlds: seriously comfortable AND stylish.
We did all the digging to find the most comfortable pairs – in this HUGE list. ► READ: 50 Most Comfortable Wedding Shoes Ever for suggestions.
2. Not factoring in the venue and weather
Where will your wedding be held? Indoors or outdoors? When is the celebration going to be held? Consider the location and weather of your wedding when selecting your shoes.
For instance:
• SPRING/SUMMER: In the summertime, outdoor weddings call for block heels that make walking on grass and uneven ground a breeze. You won’t sink into the grass or dirt with a sturdy block heel, which is a bonus. Or consider a wedge, platform heel, or for a casual rustic wedding, a pair of boots is always a comfortable option.
A pair of lace flats, like these, are always a comfy option that look stylish.
Prefer a heel? Rounded block heels, like these by Forever Soles, are a sturdy and fashionable choice.
Or platform heels, like these, will give you height, along with a nice and sturdy base.
• FALL/WINTER: The leaves or snowy grounds are beautiful, but it can be difficult to know where you’re walking. Instead of sinking into the dirt and mud, or slipping on slick ice or snow, consider a pair of block heels or boots. A pair of flats is always a nice option. Bridal booties that are perfect for wintry weather are a nice addition to your wardrobe and look great in photos. Photo shoots often occur outside where the lighting is best, but you may be walking on snow or ice.
These bridal booties are a stylish option you’ll love to wear. By ForeverSoles.
Western boots like these in white are chic and rugged. By Durango Boots.
It’s important to choose suitable shoe options depending on the venue and weather conditions.
3. Not staying true to your authentic style
Many brides wear heels, but that doesn’t mean you have to! If your style is more rugged or casual, consider a pair of boots or sneakers instead. For stylish high-tops that look great and have personalization, we recommend these custom shoes as one option. Want personalized bridal sneakers? These pairs are amazing – and look adorable – and these lace sneakers are another fun find you’ll be excited to show off on your wedding day.
If you’re most comfortable in flats, invest in a pair that is comfortable and stylish.
And last but not least, if you love heels, wear the most incredible pair you can find!
The bottom line? Don’t be afraid to choose your OWN style!
4. Spending more than you need to
Wedding shoes can be downright expensive! Besides, if your dress is so long that it hides your feet anyway, don’t spend a fortune on something hardly anyone will even see. When you do find the perfect pair, shop around to get the best price. If ordering online, make sure the company has a great return policy (I’ve ordered countless pairs of shoes from this collection on Amazon and they have a wonderful return policy in case they don’t fit).
Designer Brands
Luxury wedding shoes – ahem, like these – look great in wedding photos. But you don’t have to wear a luxe brand if you don’t want to (or it’s not in your budget). Prioritize comfort and style that YOU love versus the name on the shoes.
If you do love designer brands, you can always try to save money by watching for sales and shopping ahead of time. For instance, the highly sought-after Bella Belle Shoes – with intricate hand-crafted detailing – sometimes have sales, but you have to keep an eye on their website page here.
► SHOP SMALL: Shop browse independent shoe stores online, like Pinky Promise Accessories, ForeverSoles, and KaileeP, and score a great deal. All three shoe shops offer amazing shoes at terrific prices – with awesome customer service. You can shop small for the big day and find gorgeous pairs of wedding shoes.
These stylish lace block heels are an affordable price with tons of comfort. By Kaileep.
Or these Something Blue velvet block heels – what a gorgeous look! By PinkyPromiseAccessories.
5. Waiting until the last minute to buy shoes
Don’t leave shoe shopping until right before the wedding. This may cause you to have limited options available, as well as expensive last-minute purchases. By starting the search for wedding shoes early, you’ll allow yourself enough time to find the shoes you want to wear, and make any substitutions if needed.
You’ll also be able to bring the shoes along to your dress fittings to ensure the heel (or lack of) will work well with the dress you have selected.
6. Not considering the length of your dress
The length of your wedding dress has an impact on the style of shoe you select. Your shoe choice should be made with the dress in mind, making sure to complement the style without causing any discomfort. For instance, don’t select a pair of heels that will get you tripped up on your long gown. Moreover, a pair of flats may not be a great option if your gown is too long, making it even harder to walk down the aisle.
This is why it’s so important to try on your shoes with the dress during fittings. This will ensure the perfect fit and length. Plus, you’ll have the most accurate prediction of how your wedding shoes will look on the big day so you can avoid wedding shoe mistakes that are easily preventable.
7. Not breaking them in before the big day
Many brides forget to do this, and it’s a shame because it causes so much unnecessary pain and rubbing on the backs of your feet. Use a shoe stretcher ahead of the big day to make sure your shoes get that “worn in feeling” – or wear them around your home a bit.
8. Forgetting to bring a backup pair
One of the major wedding shoe mistakes brides make is forgetting to bring travel flats, just in case. You’ll be happy to have them if your shoes start to hurt, especially since that can mean sitting out on your wedding day (and I don’t want that to happen to you).
Keep dancing thanks to a pair of comfy Tieks, or a pair of affordable Cinderollies. Both fold and fit into your tote bag for easy transport on the big day (and on your honeymoon).
Cinderollies in particular make excellent wedding favors for the ladies at your wedding, so keep them in mind as a favor purchase. They’re available in bulk here at great pricing and will keep everyone’s feet happy!
They also make useful bridesmaid gifts they’ll use again.
9. Skipping these wedding shoe essentials
Okay, now that you know the basics, here are some important things to keep in mind.
If you’re wearing flats, heels, sneakers, wedges, platforms, high-tops, kitten heels – whatever! – make sure you try them out plenty of times before the big day.
If you have heels, I highly recommend these wedding shoe essentials to keep your feet feeling great:
• Back of Foot Pads: Insert these cheap foot pads into your shoes to make sure you don’t get rubbing or blisters.
• Ball of Foot Cushions: These are especially important for walking and dancing on your wedding day. They’ll keep your feet happy.
• Traction Stickers: Add a little traction to the bottoms of slippery shoes with these stickers.
• Shoe Stretchers: And use these for stretching your shoes just a bit to give them a worn-in feeling.
BONUS: Forgetting a pedicure
Yuck! Some brides forget all about their feet and wish they didn’t.
Avoid making this mistake: set an appointment for a pedicure or do one yourself! This is especially important if you’re planning to wear open-toe or peep-toe wedding heels or sandals. You don’t want to show off gnarly feet on your wedding day. 😉 Trim your toenails, give yourself a little foot bath, use one of these (amazing) feet masks, and paint those nails! You’ll be glad you did.
These tips will make sure you’re keen on avoiding these common wedding shoe mistakes. When you choose wedding shoes, remember to shop early, don’t splurge unless you want to, wear your pair to dress fittings, and select the style you love – not just based on what’s popular or trending. Be sure to use the shoe accessories mentioned in the post so you don’t get blisters or annoying rubbing, two of the major mistakes to avoid. And last but not least, remember that choosing the perfect wedding shoes for your special day is a memorable experience, so have fun with it!
► Ready to shop? We’ve done all the digging for you! Read: 50 Best Pairs of Wedding Shoes for Comfortable Feet to shop the shoes of your dreams. I already have ten pairs in my cart, lol.
What would YOU add to the list? Tell us your secrets to wedding shoes in the comment box below.
Chat soon!
xo
Emma
