Veils and Accesories Section

Shoe In

Make the wrong choice and you'll be in agony all night. But follow our plan for picking the perfect pair, and you'll never want to leave the dance floor.

Your feet will really get a workout on your wedding day. So what should you look for in a shoe? Style, for sure-but comfort is also key.

Comfort

Try not to make a drastic change from the heel height you're accustomed to. If you are generally found in flats, a high heel may spoil some of your fun. If a different heel is necessary, make sure the shoe fits very well. Also keep your venue in mind. Very high heels, for example, may be trouble on the grassy lawn of an outdoor wedding.

It's best to buy your shoes early. That way, you'll have plenty of time to break them in around the house and at dress fittings.

Style

Shoes may be made of satin, brocade or silk, and display details such as ribbons, braids, beads, flowers and jeweled ornaments. Keep in mind that bows are losing popularity, while flowers and crystal detailing are becoming fashionable.

There is a whole range of available shapes. There is a trend towards comfortable open toes and sleek sling backs, and away from Victorian lace-up boots. Pumps can have round or square toes and skinny or square heels. Square and stocky is now the more popular-and practical-heel shape.

Embellishment and shape are really a matter of preference, but should coordinate with your dress. If you're getting married on a beach in a sundress, for example, you may want to wear sandals.

Making the buy

Buy your shoes soon after you've bought a gown, especially if you need to special-order them. Recently, brides have been paying more attention to detail, including shoes. It is important to match the color and the fabric of the shoe to your dress. Try to bring a photo of the dress or a swatch of fabric when picking them out. Don't give yourself a headache over getting an exact match, however. "Things aren't all going to match completely," says Dawn Drewganis of Accessory to a Wedding, a bridal accessory and attire shop in Chicago. "You have different manufacturers creating products from different bolts of fabric."

Finally, wedding shoes are a purchase you may be able to use again. Transforming dyeable shoes into basic black (or the shade of your favorite cocktail dress) is a great idea and a money saver.