Wedding shoes: getting it right

You’ve got a fabulous pair of bridal shoes and a wonderful wedding dress in mind, but are they perfect together?

Finding a pair of shoes to complement your dress should be fun, not stressful, as long as you go about it the right way. Here's how to find the ideal pair and how to wear them like a pro...

Finding the perfect shoe

Once you've found your dress, start looking for your shoes immediately. Think fancy shoes for a simple dress or simple shoes with an elaborate gown; this rule of thumb can take some of the confusion out finding the right shoe. And always buy the right size!

Which fabrics are best?

You'll want to match your shoes to the fabric at the hem of your gown, rather than the bodice. Ivory suede is always a great choice -- it's luxurious and soft and looks wonderful with crepe and organza dresses. You should have your shoes by the time your gown is ready for any alterations, as you'll need to take them along to every fitting to ensure the hemline remains the same.

Crack the colour code

For a formal do it's advisable to stay within a certain colour palette: ivory, nude, and flesh tones for a natural look, and metallic colours for added sparkle. But if you're wearing white, remember all whites are not created equal. When choosing your shoes take a swatch of the fabric from your dress.

How high is too high?

When it comes to heels, go only as high as feels comfortable. Heels are great because they add length to your silhouette. Opt for the same height you wear day to day. If you're a slave to your trainers, but want to wear a heel, start wearing heels a bit more regularly beforehand (wedges and platforms don't count!) to get your feet and body used to the idea. Alternatively, compromise -- wear a low kitten heel.

Practise, practise, practise

Don't forget the comfort factor. You're going to be on your feet for hours and the last thing you'll want at the end of the day is aching, blistered feet. Be sure to break in your shoes for an hour a day starting at least a week before the big do. If you chose super-high heels, practise walking in them wearing your dress to avoid a nightmarish trip as you approach the church steps or the dance floor.

How can I keep my feet dancing?

Sprinkle talc into shoes to absorb moisture -- when your feet sweat and swell, your shoes are more likely to rub. Add padding under the ball of each foot, such as Scholl Party Feet.