From the moment you step onto the aisle until your final dip on the dance floor, you'll ask a lot of your wedding shoes beyond looking beautiful. Thought you've bought dozens (or is it hundreds?) of shoes before, picking a pair for this event requires some special considerations: the style and length of your gown, how tall you'd like to appear beside the groom, and of course, comfort. "A lot of women choose to buy a half size bigger because they will wear them for so many hours," says Nicole Sacco, accessories manager for Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. As you try on different styles and sizes, walk around in them a little longer than usual - or even dance a step or two - in the store to be sure they feel fine.
Bridal salons have chic selections, though you may find your shoes anywhere. While white satin pumps are the most classic, understated colors such as rose and soft gold are elegant even with a traditional dress; adornments like rhinestones and pearls provide a little sparkle. It's best to finalize your footwear before you first dress fitting, about eight weeks before the wedding. That way, the seamstress can adjust your gown accordingly, and you'll have time to break them in before their big debut. Wearing Heels?You might want to bring along a backup pair of comfortable flats for dancing well into the night. Don't shy away from bold embellishments; just be sure that any beads, brooches, or buckles won't catch on the hem of your dress. Dressy shoes come in all heights and shapes. Try to get comfortable in very high heels before choosing them for your walk down the aisle; medium heels may give legs the same lovely line but with a gentler lift. Flats are just as graceful and feminine, especially beneath full skirted gowns; they also make for more flattering proportions in photographs when the bride is as tall as the groom.