How To Pick The Perfect Shoes For Your Wedding Day

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. And a pair of perfect shoes. That's how the adage goes, right? It should, because shoes shouldn't be an afterthought to your wedding look. Not only is the photographer apt to take photos of your footwear, but your shoes can affect everything from your posture, comfort, and overall style on the big day. So how do you pick the perfect shoes for your nuptials?

Two places to start: style and comfort. As far as style goes, consider your dress. Shoes should work with the vibe of the bridal outfit. Are dramatic bridal feathers part of your wedding dress? Then your footwear can take on a more subdued feel so as not to compete with the dress and have the ensemble look overly busy. Are you wearing a slinky, sexy wedding gown? Perhaps strappy sandals might be for you. Have you chosen a wedding gown that's super traditional? In that case, a pair of elegant closed-toe pumps will likely coordinate well.

When it comes to comfort, consider what feels good on your foot, as well as what feels the most "you." By that, we mean if you feel like a little girl playing dress-up when you wear heels, don't feel pressure to suddenly wear stilettos that aren't you. Wearing a pair of shoes that is comfortable on the feet is a must. Practice wearing them indoors before the big day to make sure they won't pinch or rub. A wincing bride isn't a great look in photos.

The wedding venue should also influence your shoe choice. If you're getting married on grass, sand, or another uneven outdoor surface, then flats or wedges might be your best option. What about the reception venue? Same rules apply. Do you love to boogie? Then make sure you can comfortably strut your stuff. You might consider bringing a pair of dancing shoes for the reception so you can dance the night away, whether they're supportive stacked-heel ankle-strap sandals, sparkly white ballet flats, or even cute sneakers.

Your wedding footwear is also an opportunity to try something fun and unexpected. It's common for brides to consider blue shoes for their "something blue" or coordinate their footwear with the color scheme of the wedding. Or skip traditional bridal footwear altogether and take the opportunity to pick a pair of shoes that you love and know you'll wear again down the road. Not only is buying a pair that will have more than one use a great money-saving tip for a budget-conscious bride, every time you slip them on, you'll think about how you said "I do" in them. Just remember, it's the special touches, like footwear that feels very "you," that make a wedding feel custom-fit for the happy couple.