The Finishing Touch

While the most thought and detail are usually given to the bride’s dress, wedding shoes play a quieter, still equally important role. They are the final detail that complements her style and, of course, will take her from the first steps to the last dance.

For much of the twentieth century, ivory satin court shoes were considered a go-to for brides. Today, designers produce everything from crystal-embellished sandals to coloured heels and beautifully crafted flats and sandals, and the setting itself often dictates the choice. Shoes that work perfectly in a hotel ballroom may be less suited to a garden or beach ceremony or a reception that lasts well into the evening.

There is a step away from classic white simplicity, and we are now seeing far more decorative designs, and also colour. Bridal shoes have become a showpiece in their own right and are no longer just an essential.

As with so many elements of bridal fashion, it is often the details that complete a design. Pearls, hand embroidery, crystal embellishments, and sculptural elements can transform a simple shoe into something really memorable. These thoughtful touches reflect the same level of artistry found throughout the rest of the bridal outfit. Some brides commission one-off designs or incorporate intensely personal details, from embroidered initials and wedding dates to discreet symbolic motifs, to their “something blue” hidden within the lining.

Wedding shoes are among the few bridal accessories that often remain useful long after the wedding. A well-made pair may reappear at anniversaries and special occasions, while others are kept as part of a bride’s collection of wedding mementoes. Chosen for many different reasons, they frequently hold memories long after the photographs have been filed away.