Google shows so many choices for wedding shoes when you look on the image screen. You have your perfect wedding dress, how do you know which wedding shoes are right for you?

Wedding Shoe History

When we think of the perfect wedding shoes, most of us think of the fairytale Cinderella and her “glass slippers”.

How did we go from sandals, the first known shoe of mankind, to the “glass slipper” or current styles for dress shoes and wedding shoes?

The Romans used shoes as status symbols so by the middle ages a shoemaking guild was formed. In the 16th century the “royals” wanted to seem taller and larger-than-life so they started commissioning “taller” shoes. Because of this heels were invented. The taller or more decorated, the higher the person’s status.

Shoes were becoming more and more popular and eventually, everyone was wearing shoes. Because of this shoes were no longer just for protecting the feet, but a way to distinguish oneself in society.

Formal wedding dresses that we know today didn’t become popular until the late 1800s. Before then, women wore the best dress they already owned until the industrial revolution. Once popular, wedding dresses were traditionally in cream or white to signify the Victorian idea of purity.

Because of fashion, women wanted shoes to match their dresses. The evolution of shoes had no problem in adding wedding shoes to the mix.

The Problem

Bridesmaid Shoes

At the first wedding I went to, I was a bridesmaid for my best friend. We were so excited to go dress shopping! We also wanted to make sure that whatever shoes she got would match her wedding colors. The focus was on what the bride needed and how we could help. Her gown was gorgeous. Honestly, she was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.

She was so happy and I was so happy for her. Honestly, we didn’t think about anything, other than the look. The dresses she chose for us bridesmaids were fabulous. Our shoes were dyed to match perfectly.

The wedding day came and we all looked perfect! After standing for twenty minutes, my feet started to complain a little. I didn’t care, it was an awesome day!

During the reception after the formalities and dancing, my feet were sore and blistered… I thought it was because I didn’t break them in enough. We didn’t think about comfort. So, the next wedding I went to, I broke the shoes in even longer, again I went for the look. After the many hours in the shoes, the same thing happened. Was I the only one with this issue?

I was dating Ron and starting to help him with the weddings that he was working. I saw many brides and bridesmaids and how they were handling their wedding shoes. By the end of the night they were dancing shoe-less. Some were even rubbing their feet. I realized everyone has the same problem! Wedding shoes just hurt!

My Wedding Shoes Solution

Vintage wedding dress on a hanger with cowboy boots.

I began to realize that my feet were with me for life and I needed to take better care of them. It was important for me to have comfort if I was to stand for hours on end. It was time to worry more about comfort than about style.

When I married Ron, I decided to have comfortable wedding shoes. This was my day and I didn’t want my feet complaining after standing and dancing for several hours. I wore my most comfortable cowboy boots and my feet couldn’t have been happier.

I recommend thinking about comfort before style when choosing the right wedding shoes for you. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have a combination of comfort and style in wedding shoes? Hopefully one day, until then… think about what wedding shoes are best for you.

Written by Ellen Crivellone of Smokey Mountain Sounds and the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association– We would love to DJ for your celebration, call now for availability! 1-865-712-1854

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