The wedding dress may be the main talking point of a bride's overall look, and the item she'll spend months shopping for. But the wedding shoes are just as important a feature.
They may not always be on display depending on your dress length, but when a bride takes to the dancefloor for her first twirl, the shoes will be captured in photographs.
Comfort is another key point to remember. How can you make sure your shoes will stand up to the pressure of one of the most important days of your life?
Read on for the top tips on what to think about when buying your wedding shoes, as compiled by Rachel Bowditch, founder of luxury insole brand Alice Bow...
© Photo: iStock1. Watch the height
There is nothing worse than tired feet from heels that are too high. Remember that you are going to be on your feet all day, so be kind to them. For most heels three inches or below are the most comfortable but if you're a regular wearer of four-inch heels then go for it!
2. The twirl test
Everyone loves a good dance at a wedding but there is nothing worse than worrying about a shoe flying off mid-twirl. The best way to prevent this is to have a little strap or two on your shoe to hold your foot in. Plus, if you did decide to wear higher shoes than you normally wear, an ankle strap will feel more comfortable.
3. Beware of decoration
Any crystals, beading and such used to embellish your shoes run the risk of catching your dress, especially if your gown falls below your ankles. If you still have your heart set on embellished shoes and a long dress, then the easiest way to check if things will be okay is to take a piece of fabric similar to that of your wedding dress with you when trying on shoes. Run the piece of fabric over the shoe and see if it catches. If it doesn't, there's a good chance it won't happen on your wedding day, so you'll have one less thing to worry about.
4. Choose the right shoe size and shape for your foot
Everyone's feet come in different shapes and sizes and so do shoes, so don't be afraid to ask to try a shoe on in a couple of different sizes to check what the best fit is for you. It's also worth remembering that round or open toe shoes are much more comfortable than pointy toes shoes if you want to ensure your feet are happy on your big day.
5. Think about the heat
If you are getting married in a hot country or even on a hot summer's day there is a good chance that your feet will swell with the heat. A clever tip to avoid this problem is to go shoe shopping in the afternoon once you've been on your feet for a little bit so you will get a better feel for how the shoes will fit on the day.
6. Wear your shoes in before the big day
We all know that pinching feeling of new shoes. Make sure you get your shoes in advance, so you can start wearing them in and around home a few weeks before the big event. This will allow you to see if any spots rub and give you a chance to make small amendments. If you need more padding, pop a pair of Alice Bow insoles in to help take the pressure off your feet. And a final note for the groom ā make sure he also buys his shoes well before the big day so he can wear them in. If the shoes are tight around his toes, send him to the shoe repairer to get some shoe stretching solutions.
