The Top 14 Bridal Shoe Regrets You’ll Want To Avoid

Bridal shoe regrets can come back to haunt you well after your wedding is over.

When it comes their feet, some brides are very comfortable taking risks with their footwear. Now, I’m not talking about fashion risks. I’m talking about high heels. Choosing a look over comfort. Buying something that may be out of budget. Those types of risks. And, look, if you’re going to take a risk your footwear is probably a safe enough bet. However, there are some bridal shoe regrets, or risks, you’ll want to avoid.

The thing is, our feet are important. Especially on big days like our wedding day. Taking care of your feet with the right shoes means that you will be able to move around easier. You’ll feel better, too, and experience less discomfort or pain. Plus, you know, you’ll want to feel your feet in the days after your wedding. Choose the wrong shoe, and you’ll risk experiencing bridal shoe regrets on your wedding day, and the days afterwards.

The Top 14 Bridal Shoe Regrets You’ll Want To Avoid

This post is going to share with you the top fourteen bridal shoe regrets you’ll want to avoid. Depending on your preference in shoes, you’ll want to pick and choose what tips you adhere to from this post. It’s your body, your feet, and your wallet, so do what works for you. However, give yourself options and don’t go overboard. No one wants to regret their shoe choices on their wedding day.

Let’s get into it!

1. BUYING SHOES THAT WERE SUPER EXPENSIVE

Before we get into the comfort aspect of your footwear, let’s talk about your budget.

We all know that designer shoes can be super expensive. And, what’s a better occasion to treat yourself than your wedding? Splurging on some shoes can just make sense, right? I know that before my wedding I actually bought (and returned) Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik shoes before settling on some from the Design Shoe Warehouse.

Here’s the thing. If you have the budget, treat yourself. If you don’t, don’t. Don’t let your wedding shoe splurge come at the cost of other items you could have at your wedding.

2. NOT BREAKING IN THEIR SHOES BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY

Back to the designer shoes I bought and returned. You want to know why I returned them? Because I couldn’t break them in.

I tried. I walked around my condo, just waiting for the shoes to feel better on my feet. For walking to get easier. For it all to make sense. But, it didn’t. So they had to go back. Long story short, breaking in your shoes should make them easier to walk in. Take the time to walk around in them so your feet are “introduced” to them on your wedding day.

3. BUYING SHOES THAT AREN’T THEIR STYLE

We all have a style, right. A certain theme of clothes that we gravitate to and tend to choose and wear? It’s no different for shoes.

And, yes, your wedding day will probably involve wearing an outfit that you wouldn’t usually wear. However, it’s probably still your style. Your shoes should also be in line with that. For example, if you hate the color white, and your dress isn’t even white, don’t wear white shoes. If your style is casual and comfortable, don’t choose five-inch stilettos. Pick what feels right for you.

4. WEARING SHOES THAT WON’T STAY PUT

We all know the shoes that just slide around, right?

Maybe they slip off the back of your foot. Or your toes keep poking out the side. In either case, it’s super annoying. Add in some dancing, some heat, and your feet may get sweaty and make your shoes even less adhesive. In order to avoid bridal shoe regrets with slipping shoes, you have two lines of defense. First is to buy shoes that are the right size and will work with your feet. The next is to look into “shoe tape” to help hold things in place.

5. NOT BRINGING THEIR SHOES TO THEIR DRESS FITTINGS

Did you know that you should bring your wedding shoes to your dress fittings?

The reason for this is twofold. First, you will want your dress altered to match the height you will be on your wedding day. Having the proper shoe height will help. Second, you want to make sure your dress and your shoes match. Pairing them together is the best way to do that.

By the way, if you don’t have your shoes picked out when you go to your alterations, bring a pair that will be the same height as the ones you will wear. Life will be easier if you do. 

6. BUYING SHOES THAT ARE TOO SMALL

Girl, your feet may be too big for those shoes.

Bridal shoe regrets big time if you wear shoes that are too small for your feet to your wedding. Seriously. Don’t be a hero here. Keep in mind that being on your feet all day, and dancing, can even cause your feet to expand. When in doubt, if you’re in between sizes, choose the size that is slightly bigger.

7. WEARING HEELS WHEN THEY GOT MARRIED ON GRASS OR SAND

Have you ever worn heels on grass or sand? It’s not a great experience.

The problem with heels on these surfaces is that they sink in. It’s super annoying and it can ruin or even break your shoes. There are a couple solutions, though. You can buy “heel reinforcers” if you’re getting married on grass. They provide shoes a bigger base and prevent them from sinking in. And, if you’re getting married on sand? Maybe skip the shoes altogether until you get to firmer land.

8. LIMITING THEMSELVES TO JUST ONE PAIR OF SHOES

I had three pairs of shoes at my wedding. The fancy ones. The comfy ones. And the fun ones. I wore all of them at different points.

After all the photos and ceremony and planned events at your wedding, there is no reason why you can’t wear different shoes. Heck, many brides slip into different gowns. Why can’t we switch up our footwear? Nothing is off the table. Even slippers. Do what feels right, and give your feet a break if needed.

9. NOT BUYING THEIR SHOES EARLIER IN THE WEDDING PLANNING PROCESS

Let me tell you a little story.

I was recently in Spain with a friend and she was going to a really fancy black-tie event. She had the dress, she knew what her makeup and hair would look like, but she needed shoes. Frantically, last minute, we searched the streets of Madrid for shoes, and finally, right before the event, the perfect pair was found.

Here’s the thing. No one wants to experience that franticness near or even on their wedding day. Your feet aren’t going to grow. Just get your shoes early and check them off the list.

10. WEARING SHOES THAT WERE SUPER UNCOMFORTABLE

Remember earlier when I said I bought and returned some Manolo’s and Jimmy’s before choosing the right pair of shoes for my wedding? They were just so darn uncomfortable!

At your wedding, comfort should be a huge factor when you decide what to wear. In fact, I recently wrote a whole post about it. Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes just because they look good. You will be on your feet, a lot. You’ll surely have bridal shoe regrets if you pick shoes that cause your feet pain and discomfort right away.

11. BUYING SHOES THAT DIDN’T MATCH THE WEDDING DRESS

Sometimes we fall in love with a pair of shoes and just have to wear them, no matter what.

To be honest, I had a pair of “fancy” shoes that I owned before I got engaged, and I almost wore them to my wedding. I mean, why not? I loved those shoes. They were meant for my feet. And they were gorgeous. However, they just didn’t go with my dress. No matter how much I tried them both on at the same time, I couldn’t wrap my head around pairing them up.

At the end of the day, your dress and shoes should go together. Just saying.

12. WEARING SHOES THAT AREN’T GREAT FOR DANCING

Okay, this bridal shoe regret may not be applicable if you have no dancing at your wedding. However, if you plan to dance at your wedding, even a slow dance, this one is for you.

Some shoes just aren’t great for dancing. They maybe require balance. You might break an ankle if you move the wrong way. Maybe they are really uncomfortable, or very flimsy. I know it may seem impossible, but try to wear some shoes you can dance in. Trust me on this.

13. BUYING SHOES THAT GET CAUGHT IN THEIR DRESSES

Have you ever worn stiletto heels that love to get caught in long dresses? It’s no fun.

If you have a long wedding dress, please make sure that your shoes can handle it. The longer your heel, the thinner and pointier it is, and the easier it will get caught. Catching on your dress means that you’re more likely to trip, or your dress could even rip. Yikes.

14. NOT PREPPING THEIR FEET BEFORE THE WEDDING

Last tip!

This one isn’t really about shoes as much as it’s about your feet. If you don’t prep your feet properly, bridal shoe regrets are more likely, so they go hand in hand.

Before your wedding, get your feet ready for the big day. Treat yourself to a pedicure, and give your feet a good massage to help your blood flow to them. Cut your toenails so they don’t bother you while squished in your shoes. Do all the things.

If you need some more details on taking care of your feet before your wedding, this is the post for you.

THOUGHTS ON BRIDAL SHOE REGRETS THAT YOU’LL WANT TO AVOID

Friends, bridal shoe regrets happen when you aren’t intentional about the shoes you will wear to your wedding. Making sure your shoes are your style, match your dress, and are somewhat comfortable are key. Your shoes should also be in your budget and shouldn’t be bought at the last minute if you can help it. Take care of your feet, too, to help them “survive” the shoes, and don’t forget to break those shoes in. Happy wedding planning! 

More On Wedding Clothes From Hummingbird Wedding Advice 

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