Your big day is fast approaching and there is a lot to think about. You may have already sorted your dress – one of the most difficult sartorial decisions of your life – but now you need the shoes to match.
You want to step into the most special day with your best foot forward but there are many things to consider, from heel height and material, to toe shape and detailing.
In your bridal trousseau, you need a solemate shoe that will compliment your wedding style first and foremost. Colour, therefore, is crucial. You may prefer a traditional white or ivory to match your dress, or if you are going in a different direction with the hue of your gown, opt for a statement shoe to enhance the look. You may even want to complete your bridal ensemble with a baby blue shade as your ‘something blue’ . Donning a colour other than white also means there’s greater odds that you’ll wear them again - pinks and mints have become popular in more recent times. There is also always the option of dyeing them after the occasion.
For your reception party shoes, you will need to be able to spend the entire night twirling on the dancefloor without wanting to head back to the top table to give your feet a break. This will be after the ceremony where there will likely be a lot standing, so comfort is king. Your options: opt for pretty flats from the outset or have a pair on standby to change into once the festivities get underway, but the downfall is that your dress may then drag along the floor.
A helpful tip is to take your shoes to your dress fitting to ensure that it is hemmed to the perfect length. Also, it is worth wearing them in advance to the big day, while you are doing the vacuuming or just around the house, to break them in and find out if you need any extra padding or heel attachments. Better to find out now than spend the whole day in pain. Wrap them in plastic if you’re worried about scuffing them.
Next up: detailing and embellishments. For a minimalistic dress, you may want to up the ante with glamorous diamante and crystal adornments whereas for a more statement gown that already has a lot going on, you may want to pare back on the shoe front. This is, of course, completely up to your personal preference and it’s your special day so go big on both if your heart desires.
Depending on the season of your festivities, this may alter the shoe style. For summer, you may prefer an elegant peep toe, while a winter wedding may call for a classic closed-toe court shoe. Also take into consideration the surface as grass and mud may stain white satin or suede and is tricky terrain for stilettos. If the sole of the shoe is slippery, give it a quick rub with sandpaper to create better grip - it works on groom’s shoes too.
There are options for all tastes and all budgets – whether you want to splash out or prefer to save for other aspects of the celebrations. After all, if you are wearing a full-length dress, your shoes may not be on show.
We have gathered our favourite ceremony and party-worthy bridal shoes with stiletto and low heels options as well as flat and trainer varieties that you will treasure as a memento of your special day.
Stilettos
Jimmy Choo Aveline 100 Latte Sandals
You may recognise these show-stopping Jimmy Choo heels from Hailey Bieber’s nuptial wardrobe. The exquisite heels are embellished with an oversize bow detail on the front of one shoe and the heel of the other to add drama to an otherwise minimal look.
The shoes are available in this classic white hue as well as in black and feature an open toe with a heel height of 3.9 inches.
Buy now £795.00, Jimmy Choo
Sophia Webster Rosalind crystal-embellished metallic-leather heeled sandals
Nothing screams party-ready more than these gold strappy shoes from Sophia Webster in which the heel is actually comprised of nine mini disco balls. The shoes are composed of leather with a minimalistic style until you spot the subtle festive detailing that is around four inches in height. We’ve fallen head over heels.
Buy now £500.00, Selfridges
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 105 Notturno Bride Swarovski crystal-embellished courts
There is no Kira Kira app necessary with the sparkly bridal shoes of your dreams. On top of the all-over glitter, the heels features an added Swarovski crystal buckle and have gone straight to the top of our wedding wish list.
Buy now £945.00, Selfridges
Jimmy Choo ARI Crystal Covered Pointy Toe Pumps
Inspired by the world-famous fairy tale, Jimmy Choo’s Swarovski encrusted pumps brings Cinderella’s glass slippers to life. The shoe is a work of art; each crystal has been painstakingly hot-fixed on and there’s a hand-embroidered crystal cluster on the toe that looks like sculpted pieces of glass. The pumps also feature the label’s classic pointy toes and a spiked heel measuring 4.3 inches.
If you’re not comfortable in heels this high, the good news is that Jimmy Choo’s Cinderella range includes designs of all heights, with ARI at the tallest through to kitten-heeled ALLURE (2 inches) and even ATTILA flats. Who needs a fairy godmother when you can say “I do” in Choo?
Buy now £3700.00, Jimmy Choo
Aquazzura Celeste Sandal
Often seen donned by Meghan Markle, Aquazzura has become the Duchess’s go-to footwear brand. These silver strappy options have a simple but stylish design with shimmer, versatile slim straps and a knot detail.
Buy now £930.00, Farfetch
Dune Morella - Ivory
Dune London’s wedding collection is inspired by high-end designs and work for most wedding styles, but we like the Morella shoe best. There’s a touch of Aquazurra about this design, but they’re sold for a fraction of the designer price.
With diamante details, the look is perfect for brides who want traditional with a twist.
Buy now £185.00, Dune
Christopher Kane Crystal Cupchain Fringe Pumps
These timeless Christopher Kane heels are traditional but with a fun and eye-catching twist. The mules are crafted from leather with a classic heel that is around 9cm in height. They are best paired with a gown that sits just above the ankle to show off the glitzy detailing.
Buy now £825.00, Christopher Kane
Malone Souliers Maureen Satin Mules
Made in Italy, and with a heel height of 3.5 inches, Malone Souller’s pale pink slip-on mules offer a lovely alternative to an all-white shoe.
They’re distinctive, thanks to its signature sloping silhouette and backless heel. Metallic straps will ensure the design stays securely on your foot all throughout your celebrations, and perhaps best of all, the soft blush tones means the shoes will be easy to pair with other outfits in your wardrobe after you’re married. We’re nothing if not fans of cost-per-wear.
Buy now £495.00, Harvey Nichols
Mid-Low Heels
Russell & Bromley Strictly Embellished Court
Add a touch of sparkle to your wedding look with these Russell & Bromley silver glitter leather courts that put a contemporary twist on a classic bridal shoe.
Buy now £245.00, Russell & Bromley
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Caged Pumps
No rule states brides must opt for delicately dainty ensembles. If you want to toughen up your Big Day look, without straying too far from traditional white in a blush pink hue, this pair of Rockstud pumps will help you do it in style. Made in Italy, the Valentino heels feature those instantly-recognisable straps and pyramid studs as well as pointed toes and stiletto heels. We see this paired with short dresses as well as longer gowns.
Buy now £790.00, MyTheresa
Loewe Drop heel mule in calfskin
For an unusual option that will turn heads, look no further than Loewe’s collection of objets trouvés heels. This white mule with a teardrop heel is sure to turn heads as you walk down the aisle. For greater cost-per-wear, these options can be worn beyond your big day.
Buy now £448.00, Loewe
Russell & Bromley Slingpoint Slingback Point Pump
Tick off both the ‘something blue’ and ‘something new’ boxes with this demure slingback from Russell & Bromley. Perfect for heel newbies, the kitten heel gives you a bit of height while remaining comfortable and wearable for an evening long of celebrations. They are also available in gold if you’re looking for some extra shine.
Buy now £225.00, Russell & Bromley
Christian Louboutin Iriza Pumps
From France’s most revered footwear designer, Christian Louboutin, these classic heels with inject a touch of Parisienne glamour into your nuptials. Shimmy and sashay your way down the aisle with the pointed-toe pump adorned with the red sole we all know and love. The shoes are crafted from nappa leather and have an 85mm heel.
Buy now £595.00, Selfridges
Saint Laurent Mae Mules in crepe satin with feathers
When it comes to feathers, the answer’s always yes. An elegant silhouette that’s taken to new realms with a feather pom pom, Saint Laurent’s heels are perfect for the ‘I Do’s’ and beyond. The versatile satin shoes can be paired with just about any dress style and will make a seamless switch over from the ceremony to the party stage of the celebrations.
Buy now £785.00, Saint Laurent
Loeffler Randall Camellia bow-embellished plissé-organza sandals
In the brand’s signature design, Loeffler Randall’s plissé heels will add a touch of delicate elegance to any bridal outfit. With a block 90mm heel, ankle strap, and comfortable organza details, they’ll see you from AM to PM in comfort and style.
Buy now £380.00, Net-A-Porter
Charles & Keith Blythe Bead-Embellished Satin Mules - White
A romantic design, Charles & Keith’s ruched satin mules with bead embellishments will guarantee you’re stepping out in style. Walking the tightrope between modernity and tradition, they’re a sophisticated choice that will be loved by your grandma and your best friend alike. Our top tip? Pair with a short hemline to show them off.
Buy now £79.00, Charles & Keith
Miu Miu Satin and glitter slides
The definition of a statement shoe, these Miu Miu heels may be low in height but they’re big in personality and set to become your most favourite pair. they have an eye-catching all-over glitter heel, and thin straps that bolster their ‘90s appeal. The heel will offer a subtle height addition measuring 85mm.
Buy now £710.00, Miu Miu
Flats
Gucci Women’s platform perforated G sandal
She’s not a regular wedding shoe, she’s a cool wedding shoe. Gucci’s platform mules will not only look divine moseying down the aisle, but will also be your go-to honeymoon shoe, there to slip on at a moment’s notice to elevate any casual look in an instant.
Buy now £380.00, MyTheresa
Jimmy Choo Anise Flat
Made for celebrating, these slip-on shoes from Jimmy Choo have all the elegance needed to nail your bridal shoe game but without an uncomfortable heel. They have a backless design and a sophisticated geometric design in a glitter leather to up the glamour of your look.
Buy now £625.00, Jimmy Choo
Alexander McQueen Oversized raised-sole leather trainers
If you’re a trainer girl through and through, Alexander McQueen’s chunky sole design will rock up any wedding day attire. Even better? They’ll tick off your something blue, too.
Buy now £450.00, MatchesFashion
Aeyde Kirsten Creamy Nappa
If one thing’s for sure, it’s that balletcore is back for 2023, so why not opt for a ballerina pump for your wedding? Look no further than Berlin-based independent luxury footwear brand Aeyde have an amazing selection, whether you prefer cream, silver, or latte.
Buy now £225.00, Aeyde
Hermes Oran Sandal
If you’re planning your big day somewhere warm, why not spend your wedding footwear budget on the pair of sandals you’ve always wanted?
Featuring the brand’s iconic H construction, Hermes’ Oran sandals are a global hit and will certainly gain you some serious fashion points as you walk down the aisle. Plus you’ll wear them far beyond the big day.
Buy now £570.00, MyTheresa
