{wedding shoes 2011}

The average bride-to-be tries on about dozen dresses before she finds the right one. But that's nothing compared to the number of shoes she slips into and out of before her big day. Why is the right bridal footwear so hard to find? For one thing, the shoes must match the dress, the venue, the season and more. In this article, we will review a few basic tips that will hopefully help you avoid heel blisters and find the perfect pair a little sooner.

When to Buy?

Contrary to popular belief, shoes need not be purchased on the same day as the dress. In fact, it is probably a good idea to choose the dress first and then set aside an afternoon to focus on the shoes. When you do go shoe shopping, make sure that you bring a swatch from your gown to assure the best color match. As a general rule, it is always a good idea to have your shoes with you when you have the first fitting. This will cut down on the alteration costs and ensure that your dress will be ready on time. The first fitting typically takes place about a month before the day.

Fabric

It is important to note that none of these tips are etched in stone. There are no rules when it comes to the day. After all, it is your day. But according to the experts, the fabric and texture of your shoes should match as closely as possible with the fabric and texture of your dress. Which means that if you are wearing a satin gown, your shoes should contain a similar type of satin that will complement it.

Color

For brides-to-be who do not use the same fabric on their shoes as in their gowns, obtaining a perfect color match can be a chore. There are literally hundreds of different shades of white and most of them are slightly off white. One easy way to assure a match is to purchase a dye-able shoe. The bridal boutique or salon can then send them out and have the shoes professionally dyed to match the color of your dress.

Style

If every bride-to-be could simply choose a shoe they loved, this process would be a whole lot easier. But when it comes to style, there are a several factors you should consider. First and most importantly is the venue. If the ceremony is to be held outdoors, certain shoes simply will not work. For example, you can't wear high heels to a beach. You'd sink! The four most popular styles that can accommodate most venues are sandals, pumps, sling backs and flats.

Comfort

To begin with, we strongly suggest that you choose a heel height that you have worn in the past and that you are comfortable with. You have a thousand important things to worry about without adding walking to the list. As a general rule, you should select a pair that is comfortable enough to wear for the entire day. Remember, most dresses are hemmed to floor length, which means that if you remove them, your dress will be dragging on the floor. [via]

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