July 22, 2010

Choosing Wedding Shoes: Advice Would Be Nice!

I am a little confused and since I will have my first dress fitting on Wednesday of this coming week, I need to decide soon. I have some great options and this is in theory a good thing. But sometimes options can makes decisions more difficult. How do you choose pieces for a big event where you know you will remember what you wore? I talked about this before a bit but projecting that kind of anticipation onto a wedding day has me a little intimidated.
This first pair is technically something old. I have had them for almost a year now. They are not very high (3 inches maybe?). It would be practical to wear something I already own but a slingback could dig into my heels causing eventual discomfort. Plus the color reads pretty yellowy with flash and I worry that I should maybe try to dye them to be a little more neutral. I don't have a shoe dye person so I would need to find someone on the fly to do this.
The second pair would be new. I can still return them to Endless. They just arrived yesterday and are a little high even with a platform.  I like that they are a neutral formal color and they have a full back. I would probably wear them again if I kept them but they are the most expensive of my options so returning might be smart.
These are pretty comfortable but still a slingback. My bridal attendants are wearing a purple color similar to this (well I didn't actually dictate what anyone wear except that they wear something purple so who knows the hues that will result but this is the color my sister is wearing). They're pretty enough but new so less financially practical than something old. Still reasonably priced on sale. I would be able wear them again to weddings and what not.
My dress is long so the likelihood of people seeing my shoes for a longer stretch of time than a moment is not that great. Unless I pick up my dress a few times for steps or something. Do I go for comfort? Wear something old? Something new? Go glam, practicality/comfort be damned? Do I bring two pairs in case of emergency (and if so should that be flats instead of heels? Do I return the new stuff because weddings are financially impractical enough on their own?

This is certainly not a "problem" or a "dilemma" so much as a minor moment of privileged confusion but I would love some input.

26 comments:

Rad said...

I kind of love the purple shoes, even though I don't own any, I kind of like the idea of the color under your dress. And I can see it with some of your other outfits. But I like the yellow too. The grey ones are nice but since you're wearing a long dress, maybe a fun colored shoe would be good (plus I am weary of the uncomfortable wedding shoe).
I am a huge fun of blister blocks, moleskin, and those clear band aid like things that are meant to prevent blisters. I found something like this: http://www.onetri.com/trislide-silicone-lubricant-spray-p-2910.html (but cheaper and less intense looking) at the pharmacy, and it basically creates this invisible layer of protection on my heels. Big fan. So I suggest that you go with the sling backs, and experiment with anti blister methods a week or so before, wearing the shoes all day (in the house, grocery shopping) and see what works.
My friend's bridesmaids actually cut out moleskin and stuck it on the insides of her shoe straps (that is another option).

Sarah said...

I love the purple shoes! I definitely think wedding shoes should be fun and reflect your inner self. Definitely go with the purple. You already know they are comfortable and they are totally fun!

Scout said...

I take it you're the bride. ;-) As someone who got married recently and had a similar shoe issue, here's what advice I can impart to you:

COMFORT.

Girl... I've seen a bride fall down because of classy shoes. At that point, no one remembers your shoes. They remember your fall. First and foremost, wear something you can be in ALL DAY LONG. Wear something that will make you feel physically confident walking down aisles in, standing still in, walking up and down stairs in, and dancing in. You do not want to be worried about foot pain or wobbly feet at your wedding.

Once you've determined what will be the most comfortable to be in: Who cares if it's old or new? Make sure it's something you can wear again. There's already so much that you've spent money on that will be a one-time use purchase. Thankfully, shoes don't have to be that way. My wedding shoes? Light gold ballet flats that I wear to this day. Their cost? $10 on sale at Sears. You know your budget. Pay what you feel comfortable paying, make sure you LIKE the shoes and would wear them again, and make sure you can be comfortable in them ALL DAY LONG.

Tien said...

I want to say the purple shoes, but I don't know the shade of your dress and they may clash. The Loubs are beautiful, and I don't think the yellow will be too flashy. Are you going to have a reception? will you be wearing another dress? I'd imagine in your gown, you'd be standing and sitting quite a bit, and not moving around enough to hurt your feet on the slingbacks. But for the reception, there will be lots of dancing, and for that, I'd pick a pair of shoes you can dance all night in.

Cynthia said...

I know people who have specifically bought ballroom dance shoes for their weddings because they are designed for dancing and they are fantastically comfortable compared to regular heels. They're essentially high-tech sports shoes that look like heels. VeryFine is a brand that I've danced in for hours at a stretch. They are very supportive and well-balanced for just walking, too.

Academic Writer (a.k.a. A-Dubs) said...

I'm with all those who've voted for comfort. Since your dress is long, you'll only be flashing tiny glimpses of bridal shoe throughout the day.

I got married last year and even though I changed shoes (from higher to lower heels) for the reception, what I remember most from the end of the night is how much my feet hurt. As in, I thought I'd broken the balls of my feet forever.

That said, each of your current choices is beautiful, and you know what your feet can handle. Will we get to see some of the photographic evidence of your choice/s?

Kate (Embarrassment of Riches) said...

I vote for comfort....but whatever you do, DON'T DYE THOSE LOUBOUTINS!

Chuck said...

Love the purple because the color is JUST FUN!!!
However I absolutely LOVE the detailing on the new ones!

I'm torn.
Good luck in your final decision.

gee said...

you would think i would say comfort. but when i got married i told myself i am only getting married once and i am going to wear whatever i feel like.. no matter the pain. (bc once you get to your reception..you take them off to dance and what not.) so wear the ones you want to see in your pictures...that you will look at 20 years from now. xoxo

roxyturtle said...

I like the purple ones. I would worry about the new pair catching on the dress.

tm said...

I like the idea of wearing purple shoes, and also of being comfortable!

Ashley Wilson said...

I vote the Stuart Weismans. They are so special, and I think getting new shoes for the big day is nice! 2nd place for me would be the purples- super cute! And I love that they would match your bridesmaids dresses.

JulieJ said...

go for comfort...definitely. you want to remember your special moment, not how much pain you were in because of your shoes. i actually changed into isotoner beaded ballet slippers during the reception and danced for hours. best decision ever.

swee2th said...

Did you say in an earlier post you were going for a fitting soon? How about taking all three pairs and asking the tailor's advice as well. Brynne

SunnyDay said...

Another vote for the purple and I second the idea of using a little moleskin on the strap if it's bothersome. I like the idea of that vibrant color peeking out from under the dress, and if they're comfortable that's a huge plus.

I'm with Kate on the Loubous!! DO not dye! Haven't seen you for such a long time, Kate :)

Anjali said...

It's hard to say for sure because I don't know the color of your dress, but my faves are the purple ones, because they are darling and comfortable and the heel doesn't look too high. The Louboutins are also gorgeous and "special" enough for your wedding day I think :) I'm against the Stuart Weitzmans only because that heel looks like it might be killer to walk around in all day!

Cat said...

Purple!! Purple!! I'm with the others on this one. Even if you don't see them, the fun pop of color will be your secret :) I just love that idea!

stef said...

i'm going to put in 2 votes--one for purple and one for comfort!

i gave into the whole bridal thing for my big day and splurged on a pricey pair of vera wang ivory slingbacks..4" heels, stiletto style. beautiful to look at (and i still lovingly look at them in the box 6 yrs later!), but, oh, were they painful! i remember feeling a bit woozy during the ceremony--not b/c i was nervous, but b/c my feet were hurting big time! i made it through the first dance in them, and that was it...off they went and i spent the rest of my reception barefoot!

the purple is so much fun and love that it will tie in your bridal party color...looking back i sorta wish i had a bit more fun w/my shoes--i'm such a non-traditionalist in everyday life yet my wedding screamed convention! oh well...still was a beautiful and memorable day!

whichever you choose, wear them constantly around your house until your big day so they're broken in and feel familiar!

oh...and like other said, don't dye the loubs! they're a gorgeous shade!

congratulations!!

A said...

I love the purple ones the most! The new ones might catch on the dress and you don't want to worry about that.

I brought an extra pair of comfortable heels to my wedding and ended up not wearing them, but it was nice to know that I had them if I needed them. I think you should bring an extra pair of comfy heels!

Congratulations! It will be wonderful!

triciathomas said...

I say you pick whatever ones you like the most! It's your day and being $ responsible works on every other day but your wedding day! Who care if your feet hurt your face hurst from smiling so much! You will be so caught up in the day you will not care about feet trust me! They are all beautiful!

erin said...

all are gorgeous! i really like the purple. (and agree, don't dye the loubs! the color is fantastic on them! or sell them to me!)

Sheena said...

I think the purple shoes are gorgeous and they would be perfect as far as comfort and that "special shoe". I would have said the Louboutins, but if you need someone to dye them on the fly, then it might be more too much hassle in a short time. I think any of the choices would be perfect, though!

Jesspgh of Consume or Consumed said...

So much to think about!!!

Thank you all for the input. I am leaning toward returning the SWs since they were the most spendy of my options. And I might keep the purple shoes because 1. they offer a pop of color that suits the existing chromatic themes 2. they are comfy 3. they were a pretty good deal. The CLs will stay the color they are, to be worn to other occasions and maybe brought along as back up (in addition to a nice pair of practical flats).

Dorky Medievalist said...

Ooo I love the new impractical pewter and sparkly 3-inchers! Though I think I would be more inclined to go with them if your dress were not floor length. For just a peep and a flash of fabulous shoe, I think either of the others would be lovely and if they are more comfortable, I think going with comfort might be wise. You will remember what you wore and you don't want to remember that what you wore was killing you. I think the purple is nice for a solidarity moment with your attendants, but the worn in golden shoes may be the one to trust for comfort. There are these sticky strip things that help keep sling backs in place. Orchids in Buttonholes posted about these kinds of comfort products a while back. Maybe worth a look?

In any case, any or all of these will do. And, if you're shoes don't show, I'd stow a pair of flats, maybe even flip flops, to throw on when standing in heels all day gets old. Like you are when I see you on the blog, you will be beautiful and stylish on your wedding day too, no matter what you wear.

Jessica said...

I love the purple ones! I think they'll offer a nice splash of color on your feet. 2nd choice or the yellow ones. And I think you deserve a new pair of shoes for your wedding. They'll definitely mean something more to you down the road.

Allie said...

Don't dye the CL's! I think you should wear them as is :)

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