Discover The Benefits Of Designer Bridal Shoes
Are Designer Bridal Shoes Right For You?
For the modern bride who wants the best, couture gowns are a great way to feel fabulous on that special day. But do you know there is a wide selection of designer bridal shoes on the market, also?
Accessories can make or break your ensemble – and footwear is vital – but it’s not just about looks. It’s important to feel comfortable, as well as beautiful, at your wedding. We’ve consulted with some top bridal experts to guide you through the process of choosing a beautiful pair of shoes for your ceremony. But you may be wondering: What is the benefit to buying designer bridal shoes, anyway?
Couture Bridal Shoes
Once the forte of the rich and famous, designer bridal shoes have quickly gained popularity with everyday brides who want to feel especially glamorous on their wedding day. But what makes designer bridal shoes a better investment than a generic label? It all comes down to quality, says Lisa Levine, owner of online bridal store PerfectDetails.
“Designer brands tend to put more effort into their fit and grading their patterns, and use more padding at the heel and toe,” said Levine.
She notes that designer brands are usually made from high-quality leather and silks, which wear better than synthetic materials. And it’s not just about appearance – it’s about comfort, too.
“Synthetic uppers don’t form to one’s foot or breathe as well,” she said. “And it also tends to be stiff.”
And Levine isn’t the only one touting the benefits to designer footwear. With more brides choosing high-end shoes each year, the popularity of designer wedding shoes is certainly on the rise.
Allison Buytkins of BellissimaBridalShoes.com says the old idiom, “You get what you pay for,” holds true.
“Some of the benefits to buying a better quality bridal shoe are better embellishments, better fabric and an all around better fit,” Said Buytkins.
Bridal Shoe Designers
So which names should you consider when shopping for designer wedding shoes? Bridal shoe designers such as Stuart Weitzman, Jimmy Choo, Vera Wang, Kate Spade and Manalo are popular with everyday brides and celebrities alike. When reality star Trista Rehn found love on The Bachelorette with Ryan Sutter, she splashed out with a pair of Stuart Weitzman’s for their wedding. The diamond-encrusted shoes, worth a whopping $50,000, are rumored to be the most expensive bridal shoes in the world! But you can own a gorgeous pair of designer bridal shoes without having to re-mortgage your house. Buytkins recommends the popular Grace line for budget-conscious brides, which typically range from $88-$210.
Choosing the Perfect Pair
Much like Cinderella trying on a glass slipper, fit is key when choosing designer bridal shoes. Levine touts the importance of comfort when making your selection.
“Remember, you will be on your feet most of the day, so a great comfort solution, if you are wearing a closed toe shoe, is go up half a size and insert a gelled insole,” said Levine. “The extra padding is great; you might like it so much that you’ll want to use it in all your dress shoes!”
Buytkins seconds this advice, adding the importance in choosing a style that complements your foot shape, as well as its width. This will lessen painful rubbing and prevent blisters. No one wants to hobble down the altar.
The heel height is also a major factor when choosing the perfect bridal shoe. “By choosing a moderate heel height, you will have better balance as well as more comfort,” Buytkins said. “Do not buy a shoe simply on looks and disregard fit; your feet will only hate you later!”
Levine notes that if your wedding is outdoors, you will want a flat bridal shoe that will not sink into grass or leave you teetering on uneven surfaces. Sling backs or ballet flats are good choices for an outdoor ceremony.
Comfort is important, but the shoes have to look the part, too. There is a dizzying array of bridal shoes on the market, with a vast number of styles and colors. Use your wedding gown’s style to narrow down your choices and simplify the process. If you dress is very elaborate, choose a simpler shoe to avoid a look that’s too busy. On the flip side, you can add some panache to a simple gown with more elaborate accessories.
Levine also adds that the hem of your dress will partially determine the shoe type – a cocktail-length dress will draw more attention to your footwear, and this can also be a consideration if your dress has an unusual hem. Your height may also play a role in determining the size of your heel, especially for taller brides.
Now that you have some basic parameters for selecting the perfect bridal shoes, it’s time to get creative! Let your own sense of style shine through, and don’t be afraid to do something different. Levine suggests thinking about colors other than white or crème for your footwear. Ice blue, pale pink and other pastel shades can coordinate beautifully with your gown. Metallic colors such as silver, gold or champagne can also work with your dress. Metallic shades are gaining popularity because they are unique and can be worn after the wedding with other day-to-day outfits. But above all, make sure you pick a style that you love.
“Get shoes you really like; it’s your special day!” suggested Levine. “How often will you be professionally styled with hair and makeup and look absolutely fabulous? Don’t ruin the moment with ugly shoes.
Trends in Designer Bridal Shoes
What styles are in vogue for this year’s bridal footwear?
“Some hot trends we’re doing well with are peep toes, especially Mary Janes,” said Levine. “Also, pointed toe flats are popular, especially if there is some type of special detail.”
For this year’s summer bride, a strappy sandal is a must-have. Buytkins says wedges are also gaining popularity, as well flats, which are experiencing a surprising gain in popularity for 2008. Perhaps today’s bride really does value comfort more.
Levine adds that bridal wear can be a frustrating industry for someone who closely follows trends. Silk shoes are very expensive and difficult to make, and as a result there are fewer designers offering them.
“Many styles will stay in a designer’s line for two to three years,” said Levine. “Thus, bridal shoes tend to be a year behind ‘ready to wear’ trends.”
Fortunately, classic looks are always appropriate for a wedding. For a timeless look, she suggests a classic sling, pump or D’orsay.
When you walk down the aisle, you want to look and feel amazing. Details are important in any wedding, and the right pair of bridal shoes can add that special touch that will make you feel like a powerful princess. This is why for more and more brides, designer bridal shoes are the way to go for both looks and comfort.
But whether you buy the finest of couture or just go barefoot, nothing can take away from the true meaning of your wedding; the union of two people in love. Enjoy your special day!
