How do you choose your Bridal Shoes?!

3 Jan

Written By Michelle Cato

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Day Shoes…

Hello! Michelle, Gav’s wife here and lets talk wedding shoes!

It’s no secret I’m a shoe lover- and when it comes to choosing the right wedding shoes- there is a lot to consider! I vividly remember picking out my own wedding shoes. Gav and I were shopping in NYC over Christmas in 2011 , 8 months before our big day, and I walked past the window of none other than Jimmy Choo. I saw a cute bright red set of heels staring back at me in the window. I looked at Gav, and said “that’s them! They are my wedding shoes!!” And they travelled with me for the 2 weeks we were away and all the way back to Australia :) ( take a peek at them right at the end of this blog!)

My advice and thoughts on shoes..

When it comes to your wedding day, every detail matters, and your choice of footwear is no exception. Your wedding shoes should complement your overall look, keep you comfortable throughout the day, and my favourite, they should reflect your personality! Have fun with them! Colours, embellishments… because, why not?!

Whether you’re walking down the aisle, hitting the dance floor, or posing for photos, your shoes will be with you every step of the way. I must admit, my Jimmys weren’t that practical. Gav and I had our wedding in Port Douglas, where I not only walked on the beach , through rainforest and on a planked boardwalk where my thin stilettos could have easily slipped through sending me crashing and falling down the isle ( luckily, that didn’t happen!) But did I care? Nope. Did I regret it? Not that I can remember :) I still have my Jimmys tucked away in a box in the wardrobe, where they come out whenever I need a stunning red shoe to complement my outfit!

Here’s a few tips to help you find the right shoes for you for your day.

1. Comfort Is Key… ( or is it?)
Weddings are long events, often involving hours of standing, walking, and dancing. Choosing a pair of shoes that feel as good as they look is essential. You may wish to consider factors like cushioning, arch support, and heel height. If you’re not used to wearing heels, a block heel or even a stylish pair of flats might be a better option. Break in your shoes well in advance of the wedding to avoid any unwelcome surprises like blisters or pinching. This also goes for your partner! Recently Gav bought a pair of fancy shoes for a black tie event from Crockett & Jones and didn’t break them in prior…. Just ask him about his experience walking back to the hotel after being on his feet all night! Ha! :)

2. Harmonise the Style
Your shoes should match with the style of your wedding and / or your dress. I chose red shoes, and teamed it up with a red maniure and red flowers in my bouquet as an example. A classic satin pump pairs beautifully with a traditional gown, while sparkly heels or bold colours can add personality to a modern or boho look. Don’t forget about practical considerations, like the venue. For outdoor weddings, wedges or block heels are ideal for navigating grass or gravel, while elegant stilettos shine on smooth indoor floors.

3. Think Beyond the Aisle
While your ceremony shoes are important, consider having a backup pair for the reception or walking through fields taking photos. Swapping to a comfortable pair of sneakers, flats, or even embellished sandals can help you stay on your feet for longer but also help you move faster during your afternoon photoshoot- and rememebr, the faster you can move, the faster you can get back to celebatring with your guests! ;-)

And yes its another reason to have multiple pairs of shoes for the day! (Sorry, yes, I’m a bad influence!)

4. Personal Touches
Your wedding shoes can also be a wonderful way to incorporate sentimental touches or showcase your personality. Consider customisations like engraving your wedding date or initials on the soles. Choosing a colour that reflects your personality or matches your bouquet / colour theme can also make your shoes feel uniquely yours. If you’re into tradition, “something old ,something new ,something borrowed ,something blue and a sixpence in her shoe”…. consider a pair of Charlotte Mills shoes where the sixpence is inserted into the sole. Oh the romance of it all!

5. But What Do Most Brides Do?

I hear this question a lot, so painstakingly went through most of Gavs wedding galleries from 2024 to find the perfect shoe inspo for you! #yourewelcome

My biggest tip, would be don’t feel like you “have” to choose white/ ivory. While most brides opt for this classic, most of the time your shoes are hardly seen, so pick shoes that YOU genuinely love, and if spending a small fortune, be sure you can wear and love them over and over again, just like I did with my red Jimmy Choos!