Bridal Shoe Smarts

Think your bridal gown is the most important garment you'll need for your wedding? Think again! Your shoes could make or break your day. When your feet hurt, it shows on your face, and you only want smiles on your wedding day. Following are the top ten tips for choosing the best wedding shoes.

1. Shoes with a pointed toe tend to run a little smaller. If you tend to be in-between sizes, it's a good idea to chose the bigger size and put a pad in the ball of the shoe or heel if you have to.

2. Wear shoe pads to cushion your feet for the long day.

3. A "strappy" sandal or sling back tends to slip. A long narrow adhesive shoe pad stuck to the strap can solve the problem. Using wig tape works great too!

4. Consider high quality silk dyeable shoes that will hold up through several dye processes so you can get more wear from your shoes after the wedding. A dyeable silk shoe of good quality can normally be dyed up to 4-6 times.
6. If you have a simple dress, have fun with your shoes. Choose a pair with crystal or pearl embellishments, try a touch of color; Pale blue, for your something blue perhaps. However, make sure the shoes complement the dress and match the look of your wedding attire.

7. Shopping online makes the wedding planning process a breeze but some brides might be afraid to buy wedding shoes online for fear they won't fit or won't be what they expected. Do not be afraid to order shoes online! Select stores with contact information readily available so you can call and ask questions, ex: if a shoe runs narrow, big, etc.

8. Make sure to start your shoe shopping 2 to 3 months before you actually need them for your dress fitting so you avoid paying rush handling and shipping fees.
9. Some online stores charge a restocking fee or specify exchange on certain shoes, so read the returns policy before you buy. Some brides just don't want to deal with that, but a lot of brides say it's a good trade=off. They like shopping online for the large selection that they can't come close to getting in their hometown. When you get the shoes, handle them with care. Try them on carpet so the soles aren't scratched, and always try the shoes on with pantyhose so you don't leave toe prints. If you decide the shoes need to be returned, they'll be in pristine condition. Dirty or damaged shoes are going to be difficult, if not impossible to return.

10. Shoes can definitely be a tough fit; so before purchase, you should always know your true shoe size. I recommend stopping by a specialty shoe store to have your feet measured just to be sure. Ordering the correct size the first time is going to increase your chance that your first purchase will be the right one. Do this at the end of the day for the most comfort, since feet tend to swell throughout the day.

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