Interesting Facts About Wedding Shoes: An Essential Element of the Bridal Ensemble
The wedding gown is one of the priorities the bride-to-be has on her mind for the “big day” look, but it certainly isn’t the only one. Shoes are just as important, if not more, given the role they have in the overall comfort and enjoyment during the celebration. And all this is aside from the role they already have in the aesthetic of the look too.
Just as with the dress, the confusion starts when the woman faces the many options available. From the regular heels to the roomy and comfy wide fit wedding heels differing in design and size, from the flats to the sandals, there are many variables to take into consideration. Add the range of embellishments and colours in the mix, and it’s understandable if you feel like shopping turns into a hassle.
Shoes Through the Ages

And versatility wasn’t always the case. The ancient wedding shoes are believed to have been the humble leather or woven grass sandals that were oriented towards long-distance walks. Walking was also the reason the half boot wedding footwear design was the one of choice during the Regency Era. The more elaborate designs with detailing like beading and precious gems were added to show the bride’s social status in the Middle Ages.
Pointed toes were another indicator of wealth. And while we’re at it, throughout the world, wedding shoes have been related to this very aspect, wealth, for years bringing about many traditions. Some examples include the addition of money in the bride’s shoes by the groom, and the stealing of the groom’s shoes to gain money after the ceremony.
Speaking of traditions related to wealth, we can’t forget to mention the silver sixpence in the shoes from the Victorian Era poem. This has been delicately incorporated in the Charlotte Mills designs available nowadays, like the wide fit wedding heels, as a detail believed to ensure a prosperous marriage. Shoes can be part of the fun too, with the “Shoe Game” (also known as Mr. and Mrs. Game) being a beloved and popular reception activity as of late.
The silk and satin models we’ve come to associate with wedding shoes appeared in the 18th and 19th century, with lace ribbons and beads being the chosen elements of decoration. It’s important to note that white wasn’t the preferred colour, and many were known to implement various options, including earthy tones like green and brown.
After Queen Victoria popularised the colour white for the wedding gown and shoes, this became the trend – something we carry on to this day. The modest heels in the 19th century were having their makeover with the hem rise in the 1920s. Still, they weren’t flashy as the main items for detailing were the gown and the bridal accessories like the bouquet.
The popularised Mary-Janes and T-bar sandals got competition in the 1970s with the rising trend of platform soles and higher heels. In the 1990s, the simpler stiletto-heeled pumps were the preferred choice of many brides. Fast forward to today, the possibilities and trends and endless, and a bride can choose from a range of designs of heels or flats as she sees fit. Whether adorned or minimalist, white, ivory, or in a standout colour, one thing is certain – the wedding footwear is a crucial component of the whole bridal ensemble.
Shopping for Wedding Shoes

As we’ve established there are many choices of wedding shoes for brides, even wedding shoes for wide feet, here are a few dos and don’t to help you out with the shopping:
Do Choose Something You Like
While the tradition nowadays steers towards the Queen Victoria trend for all white, don’t just buy white out of thinking it’s something you have to choose. If you don’t like the idea of being all in white, then you can opt to add a pop of colour with the footwear. Moreover, you’re more likely to use the preferred pair after the big day too, turning them into a versatile investment rather than something that ends up collecting dust at the end of the closet.
Don’t Buy Last Minute
Sure, the gown choice is crucial but don’t think you should wait to find the perfect one to start hunting for the ideal pair of wedding shoes. Chances are there won’t be many options of the models you like around your wedding day, further increasing your stress. Choosing the shoes around the same time as the dress can be of help if you need to do dress fittings and alterations. What’s more, this can assist you with creating a cohesive ensemble that matches in style and ornaments.
Do Consider the Venue
Dreaming of having a beach wedding? Well, hold onto that thought because the choice of venue can definitely have a say in the choice of shoes you end up with. Much like the weather, the venue is an essential consideration as failing to do so could mean setting yourself up for a long day of discomfort, even if you find the perfect wide fit bridal model. Heels and sand don’t exactly go well together.
Don’t Wear the Shoes In On the Big Day
Depending on the model, material, and heel size, some shoes can be more uncomfortable than others. This is something you won’t be in the know of unless you wear them several times before the main event to be certain these are the shoes you want to be in. A little practice every week before the wedding day can save you from a lot of aches and pains down the aisle.