Bridal shoes can often be an accessory that is not given a great amount of thought. However, they are an essential part of not only your overall bridal ensemble, but also a reflection of your style as well as your comfort level. There are many things to think about before purchasing your shoes for the big day. Below are five main rules or questions to keep in mind.

Do they coordinate with your wedding gown? This all comes down to one thing… style! The style of your shoes must match the style of your wedding dress. These days, lots of brides are going for shoes with color, such as red and blue, and that is fine, as long as they work with the overall look. If you are having a casual wedding, choose a more casual shoe such as a smaller heel or chic sandal. If you are having a formal wedding, feel free to go for the blinged-out stilettos.
Are they comfortable? This is HUGE factor in choosing a bridal shoe. You do not want to have throbbing, sore feet on your wedding day. Make sure the shoes you pick are comfortable. For example, if you are not used to a very high heel, you might want to avoid it. Stay with what you know. If you are not sure, try borrowing or buying cheap pairs of heels and test them out around your house. A comfy bride makes for a happier bride!
Are they within your budget? Your wedding shoes should be counted as part of your wedding dress budget. Don’t try on super expensive shoes that you can’t afford. You are setting yourself up for disappointment. There are loads of stunning styles at great prices out there.
Do they fit the ceremony theme? You must consider what type of wedding you are having and make sure the shoes fit the bill. For example, if you are having a beach wedding, stilettos or heels are not the way to go. You don’t want to get stuck in the sand. And vice versa, if you are having a semi-formal or formal wedding, you don’t want something super casual like a flat sandal.
Do they reflect your personality? More than anything, choose a bridal shoe that speaks to you. Don’t settle! There are tons of options to choose from, so take your time and pick something that looks like an accessory you would wear all the time.
See also:
Picking the right wedding shoes
Glitzy wedding shoes
What men should know about renting wedding shoes