Oh, we are fond of shoes here at BM HQ! Flats, heels, sandals, pumps and peep-toes – it's pretty rare we meet a shoe we don't like.
But that doesn't mean choosing your wedding shoes is an easy task.
My sister bought the first wedding dress she tried on, but it took about ten stores, dozens of heels and two purchases before she found her perfect big day footwear!
When you put so much effort into your wedding day look, it's nice to put a little thought and effort into the finishing touches.
When we saw the latest lookbook from wedding shoe specialists, Bella Belle, not only did we get a little giddy (shoes can do that to you, you know!), but we also thought, who better to share their top tips for finding the perfect footwear for brides?
Founded by best friends, Erina and Veronyca, Bella Belle create the most beautiful array of big day shoes, with elegant styles and intricate detailing.
There's a lot to love about this collection (and the super-pretty lookbook by White Loft Studio to go with it) but our favourite thing is the variety of styles, whether you're having a beach wedding, a vintage soiree or something chic in the city.
Scroll down for some serious shoe-swooning, but don't forget to read Veronyca and Erina's expert shoe-shopping advice (these ladies know their stuff!)
1. Don’t Wait Until Last Minute
Some handmade shoes may have longer lead time, which means getting shoes earlier in the process could save you a lot of agony waiting for your dream shoes to be restocked in your size as your wedding day is approaching.
It is very important to have your shoes with you from the first, down to the final dress fitting, to make sure the dress hem is altered to the right length, as the heel height of your shoe choice dictates your dress length.
It is increasingly common for wedding gown designers to offer custom hollow-to-hem length. This will help you save on alteration costs which could be significant if there are decorative details on the hem.
2. Complement Your Style
Brides, you put a lot of thought and effort into finding THE dress, which means most likely, your dress represents your sense of style.
Look at the element of your dress that attracted you the most. Is it the whimsical bow, or the elegant rhinestone embellishments, or the classic embroidery? Look for similar elements in your wedding shoes to complement your dress AND your style.
3. Comfort is Possible
They say ‘no pain, no gain’, but we disagree!
You CAN be comfortable without sacrificing your style. When choosing your shoes, look for thick cushioned padding to help eliminate numbness, natural materials such as genuine leather allow stretching and breathability.
4. Sentimental Value vs Practical Value
It is important you to decide if you are looking for a sentimental or practical value.
If you want the novelty and sentimental value, focus your search on specialty bridal shoes that will be stored away with your dress to be passed down as heirlooms.
If you are all about practical value, we recommend investing in shoes that go with your daily wardrobe/style so you can wear them again after the big day.
5. Go to a Reliable Source
Just like you wouldn’t purchase your dress from an unreliable source, you should only purchase your shoes from a reputable vendor.
If you are buying from an online vendor, look for good return policy, feedback and reviews. If a vendor sells the same shoes at a much cheaper price, it is usually (not always) a red flag and not worth the risk.
When in doubt, go to your local stores and boutiques where you can get one-on-one consultation and help.
So pretty – I love how some of the soles work as a something blue too, how handy! And aren't the tips great too, I love the one about making sure your shoes are comfortable as well as gorgeous. It's so important to have them before your alteration fittings too.
Thanks so much to the team at Bella Belle for sharing their words of wisdom. Check out their website for more looks at their chic shoes.
Have you picked your wedding shoes yet? We'd love to hear your tips!
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