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Ten Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Shoes
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in Weddings
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8851
20 Sep 2016

Ten Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Shoes

When it comes to finding the right pair of wedding shoes, you might find yourself shying away from the task. We want to make things as simple as possible here at Barbies Boutique, providing the right hints and tips to help you with your choice.

Choosing your wedding shoes is never easy.  There are such a wide variety of shapes, sizes, styles and colours and finding the pair that will work perfectly with the dress you’ve chosen, can seem like such a difficult decision.

That’s why we’ve put this list of top tips together – to help you understand what you should be thinking about before you buy, so you can be confident that you’re making the right decision.

1) You need to find comfortable wedding shoes

Remember, you will be wearing your shoes from early in the morning until the last thing at night.

Proper wedding shoes are specially designed with comfort in mind and have additional padding exactly for this purpose.  Don’t make the mistake of buying cheap shoes that lack this padding and the extra support that makes wearing them not just tolerable, but comfortable, on your big day.

2) Don’t overlook cost

We understand everyone is on a budget, and at Barbies Boutique , we want to help you find a bargain.

We always advise brides to be prepared to spend 10-15% of the value of their dress on their bridal shoes – so if the beautiful dress you have cost you $500, then your ideal pair of shoes are going to cost between $50-$75.

If you are on a budget and looking for some brilliant shoes at exceptional prices, it would be worth looking at the sale section of our website.  With up to 75% off some of the original prices, you’re likely to find a fab bargain!

3) Consider the fabric

Silk and satin are traditionally the two most popular choices for wedding shoes, but naturally your wedding dress and personal taste are going to have the greatest impact on the shoes you choose.

One piece of advice we always give our brides is that if you’re wearing a non-traditional wedding dress, your shoes don’t need to be traditional either.

4) How should your bridal shoes fit with your dress?

It’s really important that you have your shoes for your dress fittings.  This means that your dressmaker can tailor the hem of your wedding dress to the perfect length.

This is why we always suggest that you order your shoes with plenty of time, particularly if you are having them customised.  This will take a lot of the pressure off you, and ensure that when the time of your big day comes around, everything is perfect.

5) Consider the colour

Not only should you shoes be a great match for your dress, and do the setting, location and style of your wedding – but it’s very important that they reflect your personality.

If you’re a funky bride, you might want to have your shoes dyed brightly to match the colour of the bridesmaid dresses.  If you have a flair and passion for design, you might want to embellish your shoes with diamonds or a jewelled shoe clip.  On the other hand, a more traditional bride may want to ensure that they are the exact colour of the dress.

6) Heel height, sexy heels or versatile flats?

Our suggestion to brides is that they stick with what they are used to and comfortable with on their wedding day.  So, if you normally wear 4 inch heels and you choose this heel height for your wedding shoes, then you know that you’ll be comfortable.

Ultimately, if you’re not used to wearing sky high heels, then why take the chance on your big day?  It’s probably not the time to experiment, and as we mentioned in point one, comfort is probably the most important factor for brides.

However, if you do want some height then great alternatives are available like platform heels or lower kitten heels, while satin ballet slippers make beautiful bridal shoes for those of us that prefer flats.

7) Destination beach or winter?

If you’re having a beach wedding, then the style of shoes needs to reflect that – funky flip flops, sandalsor wedges could work perfectly.  If you’re getting married in colder climates then ankle boots could be the best option.  It’s just always worth considering the setting for your wedding before buying your shoes.

8) White will vary in shade

There are several shades of white, so if your dress is white,  we always recommend getting a swatch from your dress shop to compare the shade.

Silk shoes are traditionally more of an off white shade because they are a natural fabric, whereas imported satin shoes are very bright white with almost a blue hue to them.  If in doubt, please get in touch and we will gladly help you out.

9) To dance or not to dance

Are you having a ceilidh on your wedding day?  If so you may consider purchasing a pair of more comfortable flat ballet slippers to change into for later on, so you can enjoy all the frivolity.

10) Would you like to wear your shoes again?

Consider having your shoes dyed black after the wedding.  This means you can get more wear out of them, and on occasions like anniversaries they become a perfect memento of the special day.

10 Plus One Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Dress
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in Weddings
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4584
13 Sep 2016

10 Plus One Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Dress

I. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Knowing the place and time of your wedding will help focus your search. Will you be having a daytime ceremony on the beach? You can rule out ball gowns with long trains and dramatic embellishments. Exchanging vows in a candlelit cathedral? Avoid short slip dresses or anything that looks like it could be worn to a cocktail party. Most fabrics are suitable year-round, but some, like linen and organdy, are more appropriate for warm weather, while velvet and brocade are best left for winter.

II. SET A BUDGET

Figure out how much you want to spend, and tell the salesperson before she starts bringing out gowns. That way you won’t lose your heart to a dress you can’t afford. Typically, a wedding ensemble, including veil, undergarments, and any other accessories, accounts for 10 percent to 15 percent of the total wedding cost. Factor in extras, such as alterations—which can add a few hundred or a few thousand dollars depending on how involved they are—and shipping fees. Once the dress arrives, it may require professional pressing or steaming, which can tack on a hundred dollars or more.

III. START EARLY

Begin shopping six to nine months before your wedding. It takes about four months for a manufacturer to make a dress and another two months to complete the alterations. Very elaborate gowns will take longer. Short on time? Many shops do rush orders for an additional fee, but your choices will likely be limited. They also may have a sale section with samples you can buy off the rack. If you’re lucky, you can get one that needs just minor alterations.

IV. DO YOUR RESEARCH

It’s not every day you see terms such as basque waist or Watteau train or try to differentiate between three shades of white. Pore over bridal magazines, books, and websites to learn about fabrics, silhouettes, and the lexicon so you can better convey what you’re looking for. Start a folder with pictures of dresses or details that appeal to you, and take it with you when you shop.

V. MAKE A GAME PLAN

Decide where you want to go and call stores in advance to find out which designers they carry, the price range of their dresses, and if they sell accessories and provide alterations. Most salons require that you schedule an appointment. If possible, shop on a weekday but not during your lunch hour when you’ll be rushed. Don’t shop till you drop—limit yourself to two stores a day, so you don’t get exhausted or forget what you’ve seen. Carry a notebook and jot down dress descriptions (photos are usually prohibited until you buy a gown).

VI. BRING BACKUP

Take anything you know you want to wear, such as a special necklace or your grandmother’s veil. Boutiques will often provide bustiers, strapless bras, and shoes, but you may want to bring your own. You’ll also need the advice of a few trusted confidantes, but not too many: An opinionated entourage can be confusing and frustrating. Invite one or two people who know your taste, will be honest with you, and whose judgment you trust.

VII. FIND A DRESS FOR LESS

You don’t have to spend a million bucks to get the perfect gown. Besides having sale racks, many salons hold big sales once or twice a year to clear out “gently worn” or discontinued samples (usually in sizes 6, 8, or 10). To find out when these are, call stores, go to designers’ websites, and sign up for mailing lists. Also register for trunk shows, where designers debut new lines. Sometimes boutiques offer discounts if you buy on the show day.

VIII. KEEP AN OPEN MIND

This is the mantra repeated over and over by bridal consultants. So take their advice, even if what they urge you to try on doesn’t seem like your style. Some dresses don’t look like much on the hanger but look great on. On the other hand, never let yourself be talked into purchasing a gown you’re not in love with.

IX. FOCUS ON FIT, NOT SIZE

Bridalwear often runs smaller than ready-to-wear; if you normally buy an 8, you may need a 12. So forget the numbers and don’t insist on a smaller size because you intend to lose weight before the wedding—order the one that fits now. A gown is easy to take in, but difficult and costly to let out.

X. GET IT IN WRITING

Before putting down a deposit (usually 50 percent), go over the contract with your bridal consultant. Find out when the gown will be ready, the estimated fee for alterations, if it can be shipped out of state (or country), what the cancellation policy is, and what recourse you have if the dress is damaged or comes without the requested modifications. Finally, double-check that the manufacturer’s name, style number, size, and color are correct.

XI. MAKE THE MOST OF EACH FITTING

It usually takes two or three fittings to adjust a gown, but don’t be shy about asking for more if you think tweaks are needed. The first appointment occurs about two to four months before the wedding, at which time you need to have your undergarments, shoes, and accessories. You may also want to get your hair done in the style you will wear. Can you lift your arms easily? Do the straps stay up? Do any seams pucker? The last fitting takes place a week or two before the event. Bring your mother, an attendant, or whomever will be helping you into your gown.