Finding the perfect pair of bridal shoes is at the top of the list of important wedding day accessories. Bridal shoes are as important as the dress in terms of fashion, comfort, and aesthetics. And, like wedding gowns, there are numerous options available depending on your personal style—and determining what type of heel you should wear on your wedding day is a question that may have cropped up.
Because your wedding shoes are often a focal point of your day-of look, help tie your entire bridal style together, and must withstand a night of dancing and mingling, it's understandable that so much thought goes into the selection.
We've created a guide detailing everything you need to know about the most popular types of bridal heels, as well as what to consider when shopping for this accessory, to help you weigh your options and find the best footwear for you.
What Should You Look For When Buying Wedding Shoes?
It's a good idea to specify your day-of style before beginning your wedding heel search. Do you want to go all out? Feminine? Contemporary? Do you want a shoe with a pop of colour, a lot of sparkles, or something more classic? Keeping this in mind can help you in choosing the ideal wedding heel from an aesthetic standpoint.
After you've found your dress, you should start looking for heels. Consult your stylist or seamstress to see what will look best with your gown, and if you're undecided between a few different styles, Bride Now recommends bringing a few different heels to your first fitting. If you don't have similar styles on hand, see if a few options have a return policy so you can try them on—or borrow a pair from a friend to get an IRL idea of your potential day-of ensemble.
But, more than anything else, we advise brides to prioritise comfort.
How to Choose the Best Bridal Heel Height
After you've decided on the style of your heels, the next step is to decide on a height. This will help you in deciding between stilettos and kitten heels, blocks, and platforms. The terrain of the venue is the most important factor that every bride should keep in mind.
Furthermore, when deciding between different heel heights and styles, we recommend going shorter because lower heel heights are generally more comfortable for longer periods of time. And after spending so much time perfecting your ensemble, the last thing you want is to have to remove your shoes before the reception even begins.
The Most Popular Wedding Heel Styles
From platforms to pumps and block heels, the most popular wedding heel types are listed below to help brides-to-be find the perfect fit.
Stilettos
Stilettos, named after the stiletto dagger, are easily identified by their long, thin heel. This style is typically one of the higher heel options, with heels ranging from two to three inches to as many as twelve inches. Stilettos look great on the foot, but they can be painful. When choosing this shoe, keep in mind that the super skinny heel puts all of the pressure on the ball of the foot.
Platform Heels
Platform heels can be sensible to sky-high, pencil-thin to thick, but their most distinguishing feature is the thick soul under the ball of the toe. A good platform heel is one of the best ways to get some extra height on your wedding day without having to wear a stiletto.
Block Heels
Block heels, so named because of their bigger heel diameter, are one of the most comfortable and terrain-friendly heel options for brides. The width of the heel not only adds stability, but they're also comfortable to wear and work well in outdoor settings.
Wedges
Wedges are characterised by their continuous height that begins at the toe and gradually extends to a higher heel. While we say this is a great option for outdoor weddings, we point out that they're not as common by today's wedding standards, so finding a bridal wedge can be tricky.
Pumps
While you've probably heard the term "pump" thrown around, Bride Now explains that it can refer to "any shoe with a heel." However, when people talk about pumps, they usually mean simple heels with few embellishments. Pumps with extra details are typically limited to a buckle or bow.
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