The shoes of the newlyweds
Rules and tips
The choice of shoes must be made taking into account many aspects, not least comfort, since it is something you will have to wear, and which you will have to be on, throughout the whole wedding day. This is a rather delicate subject, as the wrong heel will cause the bride considerable discomfort.
In addition, even when a long wedding dress has been chosen, the choice of shoes must never be underestimated, which must be in line with the style of the wedding dress. Also remember that shoes often capture the attention of the beholder, so the right choice will make the whole flawless.
This applies to both newlyweds, but let's go step by step.
How to choose wedding shoes.
It is quite normal that, when the bride-to-be begins her very personal tour of the shoe shops, at each pair worn she asks herself a series of questions. Doubts, perplexities and much more. But it is really important that for every pair of shoes she tries on, she asks herself these questions:
Are they in harmony with the dress?
They must be in harmony with the dress because the overall look must convey a feeling of absolute beauty, must convey fluidity and elegance. In concrete terms, therefore, it is better to choose the dress first and then proceed with the shoes: if you choose an important dress, perhaps in Mikado, a shoe in tone-on-tone fabric is perfect. If, on the other hand, the wedding dress is light, with overlapping transparencies and organza, you can choose a sandal (discreet!) or an open toe model. Finally, the color: if the dress is in optical white, the shoes certainly can't be champagne!
Is the height right?
Your shoes must not (and cannot!) have a 6-inch heel. It is essential to pay attention to the style of the wedding and, above all, to the place of the ceremony: if the ceremony takes place, for example, in a garden, wearing a pair of very high shoes would only be counterproductive, because they would not allow you to move with agility and ease (sinking into lawns at every step isn't exactly the best). However, if the wedding is luxurious and super elegant, you will certainly not be able to choose a pair of ballet flats! So, once again, we need to find a balance point. It is also good to remember that, if for any reason one is forced to wear a pair of comfortable shoes, there are now many beautiful and elegant proposals at a moderate height.
Are they appropriate for the location?
This point is directly related to the previous one. Dress and location are pivotal in choosing the right wedding shoes. Gardens and similar places require thoughtful reflections and choices.
Are they comfortable?
Besides being beautiful, wedding shoes must also be comfortable. You will have to be on it for the whole day, from the time of preparations until unexpected times; it is therefore necessary to find a model that fits perfectly, in which the feet will be fine.
Are they too exaggerated?
There are also "alternative" proposals, the less conventional ones that focus on the surprise effect under the dress. What the market offers, nowadays, are really not bad but my advice, however, would always be to not overdo it. If your desire is to get away from tradition, be careful not to stumble into too risky choices, bordering on kitsch. I am thinking, for example, of models with exaggerated stiletto heels and plateaus of over three centimeters, even worse if colored in strong and bright colors. Or of shoes excessively adorned with flowers, bows and glitter. Less is more, remember.
How much are they?
Last but not least, the price. We should try to move within the pre-established spending budget. There are well-known brands with beautiful and affordable proposals.
If, when going around for trials, only one (or more!) of the answers is not right, then it is necessary to move on to the next pair because the success of the purchase (as well as the whole) depends on these answers: with sore feet the bride will not be able to enjoy the day and this aspect will also remain etched in her memories. Ever heard stories of this kind? “How beautiful my wedding shoes were! What a pain, though! When I finally took them off (after 20 hours of wearing them!) I was reborn! " etc etc …
In any case, if the wedding dress is purchased in a good atelier, my very personal advice would be to ask in that very place to get a couple of models to try on and then have them lined (always by them) with the same fabric that will be used for the dress.
Now the groom.
As I said on the last Sunday of November, "The groom's shoes must be mandatorily black. In leather, with a leather sole (rubber is prohibited!), with laces and well polished. The shoes will be black even if the blue dress is chosen. It is not possible to deviate from that color”.
This is a classic rule that I like to follow, but it can also happen that the groom chooses to take different paths. So, whether they are black, blue or burgundy, there are always three basic models of ceremony shoes:
• Oxford;
• Derby;
• Moccasin (or Loafer).
The Oxford is the classic elegant and polished shoe that stands out for its formal line and closed lacing. It fits perfectly with tailored suits, morning coats and pinstripe suits.
The Derby is instead a more informal model and is easily recognizable by the open lacing of the strings.
The return of the Moccasin, even in a more classic version, is the real novelty of 2020. It does not fit all looks but it is certainly the best choice for those who want to add a contemporary touch or for unconventional ceremonies.
Once you have decided what the groom's suit will be, it is not necessary to immediately choose the ceremony shoe to match, however, the advice is to find and bring the model purchased during the last fitting of the suit. This way you can make sure that everything is perfect, starting from the length of the suit.
Finally, the correct matching of socks: if the ensemble is classic, you need to opt for a sock in the same color as the shoe; if it is more unconventional, you can dare with contrast or a fantasy genre.
Personally, I’d go with shoe and socks of the same color (so all dark) and, above all, long socks!
The Wedding Newsletter will take a short break and return on the second Sunday of 2021.
Merry Christmas, happy holidays and happy new year to you all.