Wedding shoes are the finishing touch that can elevate the entire bridal look. From classics to bold statements, let’s find the right wedding shoes for you.

Bridal footwear trends 2024: from elegant classics to statement shoes

In recent years, bridal shoe trends and popular wedding shoe styles have seamlessly merged with broader fashion trends, offering brides a diverse array of options beyond traditional designs. Increasingly, brides are opting for statement shoes from brands that don't exclusively specialize in wedding footwear.

This shift reflects a desire for individuality and self-expression, as brides seek shoes that not only complement their wedding attire but also resonate with their style. So, let’s look at the hottest shoe trends that will translate excellently into your bridal look.

Bows, pearls and flowers

In the realm of bridal shoe trends, bows, pearls, and flowers have emerged as quintessential embellishments, adding a touch of romance and femininity to bridal footwear. These embellishments elevate bridal footwear, transforming them into exquisite works of art that captivate the eye and enchant the heart.

Bows, whether dainty and delicate or oversized and dramatic, evoke a sense of whimsy and charm, adorning heels, straps, or even the toes of shoes with elegance and grace.

Pearls, with their timeless allure, bring a sense of sophistication and refinement to bridal shoes, delicately encrusting heels or intricately woven into intricate designs. They offer a subtle yet luxurious accent that enhances the overall bridal look.

Flowers, whether intricately embroidered, appliquéd, or sculpted from fabric, infuse bridal shoes with a sense of natural beauty and ethereal romance. From delicate floral motifs to bold floral embellishments, these elements evoke the enchantment of a blooming garden, adding a whimsical touch to the bride's ensemble.

Mary Janes reimagined

When it comes to the best wedding shoes for both style and comfort, Mary Janes stands out as a timeless and practical choice. Renowned for its classic silhouette featuring a strap across the instep, Mary Janes offers stability and support without sacrificing elegance. What makes them ideal wedding heels is their comfortable design, characterized by a low to moderate heel height and a closed toe, providing ample coverage and minimizing pressure on the feet.

One can’t think of more comfortable wedding heels. Additionally, Mary Janes come in a variety of materials, from soft leather to satin or velvet, allowing brides to choose a pair that complements their wedding gown. Whether adorned with delicate embellishments or kept simple for understated sophistication, Mary Janes exudes an effortless grace.

2024 hottest shoe trend: open toes

The newest shoe trend to grace the bridal scene is undoubtedly the resurgence of open-toe designs. Combining elegance with a touch of edginess, high-heeled wedding shoes with open toes have taken the bridal fashion world by storm. This trend offers brides the perfect balance between traditional sophistication and contemporary flair, allowing them to showcase their style with confidence on their special day.

What sets open-toe bridal shoes apart is their ability to elongate the legs and add a sense of allure to the bridal ensemble. The peek-a-boo effect of open toes adds a subtle hint of playfulness, while also providing a modern twist to classic bridal footwear. Furthermore, high-heeled wedding shoes with open toes allow brides to flaunt their pedicures, adding an extra layer of detail to their look. This trend is all about embracing femininity with a contemporary edge, making it particularly appealing to brides who want to make a fashion statement while walking down the aisle.

Statement platform shoes

Platforms undoubtedly offer a dual advantage for brides seeking elevated style and relative comfort on their wedding day. These shoes boast a thicker sole under the forefoot and sometimes the heel, providing additional height without the discomfort often associated with traditional high heels. The elevated sole adds inches to the bride's height and also distributes her weight more evenly, reducing pressure on the feet and making it easier to maintain balance and stability throughout the day.

However, when opting for platform heels, it's crucial to strike the right balance to avoid overwhelming the overall bridal look. While platforms can undoubtedly add a bold and glamorous touch, going overboard with excessive height or chunky designs can risk making the ensemble appear too heavy. Therefore, brides should carefully consider the proportion of the platform concerning their gown and personal style to ensure a harmonious aesthetic.

For those in search of designer wedding shoes, esteemed fashion houses like Valentino, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta, and Prada offer a stunning array of luxury platform heels. Each brand brings unique flair and craftsmanship to its signature platform designs, ranging from sleek and sophisticated to daring and avant-garde.

Ballet flats: putting comfort first

Ballet flats have emerged as a popular and practical choice for brides seeking comfort without compromising on style for their wedding day. Wedding flats for brides offer a chic alternative to traditional heels, providing a comfortable option. With their sleek silhouette and simple design, ballet flats exude a sense of sophistication that complements various wedding dress styles, from classic ball gowns to bohemian sheath dresses. Whether crafted from soft leather, satin, lace or adorned with embellishments like bows or crystals, ballet flats offer brides a range of options.

Moreover, ballet flats provide practical advantages for brides navigating various wedding venues and terrains. From garden ceremonies to beach weddings, these shoes offer stability and ease of movement, allowing brides to navigate uneven surfaces with confidence. Additionally, their flat sole provides relief from the strain often associated with high heels, ensuring that brides can enjoy every moment of their special day without discomfort.

For brides seeking designer wedding flats, esteemed fashion houses such as Chanel, Manolo Blahnik and, though known for their signature stilettos, even Christian Louboutin offers exquisite options that marry luxury with comfort. From classic designs to fashion-forward styles, these designer flats elevate bridal footwear.

Wedding shoe ideas for unique bridal footwear

Two main options to make sure you have one-of-a-kind wedding shoes are looking for vintage wedding shoes or opting for customization options. Whether you choose vintage or custom wedding shoes, the key is to select footwear that not only complements your wedding dress but also reflects your style and makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.

When choosing vintage wedding shoes, embrace nostalgia with delicate lace-covered heels reminiscent of bygone eras. Look for shoes with intricate lace patterns and scalloped edges for a romantic touch. Or channel the glamour of the 1920s with T-strap pumps featuring Art Deco embellishments like geometric shapes, crystals, and metallic accents. Play with the current trends and opt for retro-style Mary Jane pumps with rounded toes and low heels, perfect for adding a dose of vintage charm to your bridal ensemble.

Speaking of customization options, you can personalize your wedding shoes with monogramming, whether your initials, wedding date or a special message embroidered or engraved onto the shoes. Work with a shoemaker or designer to create custom embellishments for your wedding shoes, such as Swarovski crystal clusters, lace appliqués, or silk ribbon bows, tailored to match your wedding theme and style. If you have specific comfort needs or preferences, opt for custom-made shoes that cater to your exact measurements, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum comfort throughout your wedding day.

In the search for unique wedding shoes, keep sustainability in mind so that your special shoes have a longer life than just one day. By choosing sustainable wedding footwear, both in terms of quality and style, that you can wear again, you not only contribute to an eco-friendlier wedding but also embrace a mindset of mindful consumption and conscious living. With sustainability at the forefront, your wedding shoes become more than just a fleeting accessory—they become a meaningful and enduring part of your wardrobe.

Comprehensive wedding shoe shopping guide

Whether planning a summer or winter wedding, selecting the perfect shoes involves considering factors such as materials, styles, colours, comfort, weather considerations, and accessories to ensure that your footwear not only complements your bridal attire but also keeps you comfortable on your special day.

When choosing summer wedding shoes, opt for breathable materials such as satin, silk, or mesh to keep your feet cool and comfortable in warm weather. Embrace summery hues like ivory, blush, or metallic to complement the season. Sandals with delicate straps or embellishments for a feminine and airy look are a popular summer wedding shoe style. You can add a playful touch with shoe accessories like anklets, toe rings, or floral embellishments to enhance your summer look.

For winter wedding shoes, choose warm and insulating materials such as velvet, suede, or faux fur to keep your feet cosy in colder temperatures. Popular winter wedding shoe styles include classic closed-toe pumps that offer elegance and warmth, ankle booties as a modern and chic alternative that provides coverage and flats with embellishments like pearls, crystals, or sequins for a touch of winter glamour.

For winter wedding shoes, opt for deep hues like burgundy, emerald, or navy to evoke a sense of sophistication or add sparkle to your winter look with metallic shoes in silver, gold, or rose gold.

Don’t forget about wedding shoe accessories because they can add a touch of personality, elegance, and uniqueness to your bridal ensemble.

Shoe clips can instantly elevate your shoes with embellishments like rhinestones, pearls, flowers, or bows. Attach them to the front, sides, or backs of your wedding shoes for added sparkle and charm.

Delicate anklets adorned with crystals, beads, or charms can add a subtle touch of glamour to your ankles, especially if wearing open-toe or strappy sandals.

Add a bohemian flair to your bridal look with dainty toe rings featuring intricate designs or sparkling gemstones. They're perfect for showcasing your pedicure and adding a subtle hint of bling.

Replace traditional shoe straps with elegant satin or lace ribbons that you can tie around your ankles or calves for a romantic and feminine touch.

Decorative shoe jewellery, such as rhinestone appliqués, crystal brooches, or metallic charms, can be attached to your shoes to create a custom look.

Author: Renāte Berga

Photographer: Atmosphere Photography