Your wedding dress is arguably the most important piece of clothing you will ever purchase. It’s not just the dress your loved ones will see you wearing as you marry the person of your dreams, it also reflects the marriage you hope to build together. It’s undoubtedly a symbolic piece of clothing, so it needs to represent you, while also coordinating with the day itself.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect dress, your wedding shoes are the next major choice. While some brides, especially those with floor-length gowns, don’t place much emphasis on the appearance of their footwear, comfort is crucial regardless.
Another decision to be made is the outfit you might change into later in the evening. Many brides opt for a less restrictive, but equally glamourous, second look for the wedding reception. As there are hundreds of styles to choose from, from second dresses to jumpsuits, we have collated some guidance to help work out the best option for you.
Wedding Shoes
Your wedding shoes should be chosen to fulfill two key roles. Firstly, they need to look beautiful as you walk down the aisle. Secondly, they need to carry you comfortably throughout the day. So, you could choose a more glamorous pair for photos and key moments, and a practical pair for dancing and mingling. Regardless of which option you choose, there are many companies that specialize in shoes fit for all brides.
For instance, Amina Muaddi may be quite new to the industry, compared to other designers, but has brought an inimitable 1970s flair to some classic shoes. The range of pastel colors ensures all brides are wedding-ready, while spool heels allow the shoes to remain comfortable and practical for an inevitably long day. The variety of styles and colors means that all wedding palettes are catered for, as are seasonal special days.
You may wish to choose something higher for the ceremony, though. This can be a good option where there’s a big height difference between bride and groom, as it creates better levels for the photographs. Sergio Rossi and Marc Jacobs could be your go-to designers here, for some ultra-high but ultra-sleek footwear.
Evening Outfit
Often, the evening outfit can represent a little more of your personality than your wedding dress. It doesn’t necessarily have to be white and tends to be a simpler garment without a train or veil. But, regardless of complexity, it will still need to make you look and feel your best. You could even opt for a set theme for your evening outfit and reception, such as The Great Gatsby. Others find it more appropriate to continue with the traditional day-time theme during the evening celebrations.
Again, comfort is vital here, especially as the evening event involves much more movement and socializing. So, finding a dress that reflects this stylish practicality is important. Designers such as Ted Baker and Retrofête have several gowns that would suit an occasion such as this, utilizing light, flowing material for comfort. Although not as form-fitting as the traditional white dress, these pieces allow you to still look and feel like a bride.
Looking back at your wedding, you won’t remember the missed cues for the speeches or the fact the parfait wasn’t as delicious as you expected. You’ll remember what you wore , how you felt, and the people who were around you.