Bridal Accessories

By Lei Lydle Founder and Editor Last Updated: 10/11/2004 6:00:35 AM

Bridal Shoes

There are many stores and designers that specialize in bridal shoes - and you can find gorgeous slippers - both trendy and traditional. Keep in mind, when looking for shoes, that most bridal stores also sell shoes. I have seen some very cool wedding shoes at these stores - you should check them out. They are not all lace and frills - some are strappy sandals, some have platform heels... For the most part, these stores carry some very beautiful shoes.

Sneakers Under Your Wedding Dress?

Think of all of the weddings you have been to (or participated in as an attendant). Did you ever notice the bride's shoes? Possibly, if the bride was your friend and she had on some very interesting shoes - platform strappy sandals or something. But for the most part people never see the shoes. One friend of mine even wore sneakers as she walked down the aisle and later danced the night away at her reception - she did this for comfort, budget wasn't an issue for this bride. Anyway, she and her husband chose to skip the public removal of the garter - so no one ever saw her shoes!...

...Choose Comfort Over Style

Don't get me wrong, I am not recommending that every bride wear sneakers underneath her dress. I truly believe that the shoes need to match and they need to be clean - chances are they will be seen. But, they also need to be comfortable. Keep in mind that they will probably be new shoes. New shoes tend to be uncomfortable and cause blisters. To avoid this - buy comfortable shoes. They may not look as fancy as others but the tradeoff for comfort is priceless. If you insist on purchasing uncomfortable shoes, please put on some thick socks and wear the shoes around the house for a few days to break them in. You may look ridiculous - but who cares? You are the bride!

As for shoe styles, a silk or satin pump that can be dyed to match your dress is probably the best bet for comfort and class. Some brides choose to wear ballet slippers, depending on their height and the groom's. Ballet slippers can be purchased at some bridal salons, dance stores or through mail order.

Shoes are no exception when it comes to the price of bridal attire in salons. Many stores sell many bridal shoes rnaging in price but just keep in mind that it is not unusual to pay well over $100 for shoes. If you don't have that kind of money to spend, there are several ways to avoid this expense. Ponder these ideas:

• Wear some white shoes that you already own if they match your dress.
• Borrow shoes from a friend who was a recent bride if she wears the same size and her shoes are still in good condition.
• Check out some discount stores such as Wal-Mart, Target and Payless. These stores will most likely be carrying some white shoes (and possibly even dyeables), especially in the summer.
• Shop the department stores such as Rich's and Macy's. They often carry perfectly acceptable shoes at affordable prices.
• Catch the bridal shoe stores during a sale.

As for jewelry, I recommend that you wear very little. You should probably wear some pearl or diamond earrings, especially if you are wearing your hair up and your ears will be showing. You might also want to wear a strand of pearls or a single pendant depending on the neckline of your dress. But, don't wear any type of bracelet or clunky watch - how distracting!!!

And, don't spend a lot of money on jewelry for this occasion. I am 99% positive that you can borrow any and all of the jewelry that you will need!

Gloves are optional depending on the degree of formality and the style of your wedding gown.

Basically you have two choices with gloves: long or short. Long gloves should be worn in a formal wedding when the sleeves on your dress are short. Short gloves should be worn with a less formal gown or a three-quarter length sleeve.

Make sure the glove is open for the ring finger. Your engagement ring can be worn under the glove on the right hand and transferred after the ceremony.

Your stockings should be a sheer pearl, ivory, white, beige or champagne, depending on the color of your shoes and dress. You could also buy hosiery that is made especially for brides. Many of these hose have applique and lace designs - and I admit they are very nice - but if you are trying to save money, here is a place where you could cut back. Special bridal hosiery costs more than regular hosiery and no one really sees them (up close at least) except you and your husband - and trust me, he won't know the difference!

2 Comments

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		Rina Leyva from Summit, NJ says...
		Dear Lei, I have a question for you, what is the protocol or etiquete on wearing stockings on your wedding day? I personally hate them but I know it looks nice to wear them. I am planning to buy sandals because I feel much more confortable and because I don't want to wear stockings. However, one of my bridesmaids suggested me that regardless of the type of shoes I choose, I should wear stockings (for open toe shoes, there are special kind of stockings) and my mom's opinion is the same. What do you think? Sincerly, Rina Wedding Date: May 22, 2004
		Posted: 1/19/2004

		Lei Lydle, Editor from this Site says...
		Dear Rina, This is really up to you and your comfort. If you follow the rules of etiquette, it would depend on the timing and formality of your wedding. If your wedding is in the Spring or Summer and it isn't formal, you could certainly forego the stockings. However, if you are having a super formal wedding anytime of year you may want to dress appropriately and wear stockings. HOWEVER, many brides these days are skipping the stockings altogether no matter how formal the wedding IF they are wearing open-toed shoes ... and this really is perfectly acceptable. If your gown is long, no one is really going to see your legs or feet anyway. But, if you do wear open shoes or sandals, be sure to get a pedicure - just in case! Hope this helps! Good luck! Lei
		Posted: 1/19/2004