You’re making your way through your wedding essentials checklist: venue (secured), DJ (booked), invitations (sent), flowers (curated) and your wedding dress or wedding looks (found).
But don’t forget about the shoes, which, of course, are crucial — because who doesn’t love shoes? — but are also key to showcasing your carefully chosen gown. You want to find a pair that highlights your gown’s specific silhouette, the beautiful design details — lace, 3D appliqués, beading, embroidery, illusion paneling, all of it — and, most importantly, you. Because your wedding dress, and accompanying accessories, are a celebration of your personality, individual style and special day with your soul mate.
Never mind that a chic and versatile heel will effortlessly accompany you from formal ceremony gown to after-party little white dress since you have a busy day (or entire weekend ahead of you.) Plus, wedding shoes can really be a bridal investment that you wear again.
So behold: a guide to wedding dresses (and one jumpsuit) and shoe pairings which make the best couples. But don’t forget, there’s always the trusty standby: luxe sneakers.
Ethereal Mermaid X G-302
For a fitted to flared and sheer-skirted silhouette, opt for a simple, but strappy satin heel in a similar shade of white. The alluring design will peek through the iridescent tulle layers, but not distract from the beautiful floral lace appliqués and figure-flattering shape. Plus, a boost from the slight platform helps create more movement and gives extra drama to the lace-embroidered court train.
Your A-line ballgown skirt may hide your heels during the ceremony, but emerald-cut crystals on a single strap style will peek out at the reception — and definitely as you show off your moves on the dance floor. The rose gold hue on the shoe also enhances the trifecta of nude, ivory and ice pink layers of gossamery tulle of the dress.
Pay homage to this gown’s Victorian- and Edwardian-influences — the extended puff sleeves, intricate corsetry and lush velvet ribbon piping — with vintage-style lace paneling, a peep-toe silhouette and a delicate buckle at the ankle. The two make for show-stopping period-set romance.
A trouser-silhouette already feels a bit rebellious, but very chic, for a wedding — be it the full ceremony and reception or just the after-party. But unexpected elements, like an asymmetrical puff shoulder silhouette and other-wordly shimmer call for a heel that’s just as fantastical. Try a d’orsay pump, which offers the same full-coverage feel as the jumpsuit, but with a whimsical tuft of feathers floating up, up into the air.
Counterbalance ultra-femme tiers of cascading ruffles while also complement a tailored long sleeve top silhouette with a menswear-inspired cap-toe pump. The ‘30s style t-strap meshes with the gown’s vintage-influenced puff-sleeve and high-collar, while the cheeky bedazzled bow perfectly matches the flourish at the neckline.
A playful bubble-skirted LWD allows free license to experiment with modern details on your heel, like, PVC panels and adorable scalloped leather trim. Plus, a low block heel gives you the freedom to effortlessly stroll from courthouse to dinner or really groove all night long — and into the early morning — on the dance floor.
A sky high platform gives even more height to a body-conscious mermaid silhouette and enhances the impact of the majestic French guipure lace-work. A peep-toe style balances out the illusion long sleeves, plus a silver hue serves as a luxe neutral to complement the dress — and easily transition for an after-party look.
Ultra-strappy high heel sandals help show off your toned legs in a slinky illusion mermaid gown, plus the metallic shimmer seamlessly coordinates with the opulent hand-embroidery on the ethereal tulle.
Irregular, tiered tulle ruffles and a handkerchief hemline give a modern, unpredictable twist to the traditional strapless ballgown — and offer a peek at your heels. So be adventurous with edgier details, like, modern PVC straps and luxurious, but rocked out pyramid studs on the T-strap.
Obviously, the show-stopping Gaga gown requires a shoe worthy of its namesake, right? A towering platform (but not as tall as her Met Gala heels) helps flaunt the full effect of the voluminous ballgown skirt. Celestial metallic glimmer plays off the futuristic 3D lace, two-toned skirting and architectural double corsetry, while the T-strap counters with a classic silhouette.
The added bonus of a high-low gown: Your shoes will show! No pressure though. Delicate-strap metallic heels stun, but still enhance — and don’t distract from — the 3D embroidery and silver appliqués on the gown. Plus, the crystal embellished spheres on the stiletto heel offer eye-catching flashes of sparkle as you’re walking down the aisle.
Your ‘20-inspired sheath is a banger of a party in itself: intricate lace inserts, asymmetrical deco-detailing, brilliant beading and Instagram-friendly fringe. So opt for barely there, single-strap slingbacks in a silver neutral that are anything but simple — and bring focus onto the spectacular dress — and shining star (that’s you).
BOOM. If your dress is showing all the leg and sparkling with all the 3D lace appliqués, then an equally as sultry and blinged out stiletto is in order. But this one offers a separate, bejeweled and almost floating anklet, which stays in theme with the sexy illusion paneling on the dress. If you think about it, the shoe basically offers two-looks in one. Leave the ankle bracelet back in the room for a more casual look for the after-party (or post-wedding day brunch).
Pump up the blush undertones in your corseted and tulle-skirted ballgown with sky-high satin heels in pink. The Swarovski pearls channel-set between gold trim, feel sumptuous, yet playful and charmingly complement the delicate 3D florals dotting the bodice. Nicholas Kirkwood Casati Platform Sandals, $895
