So, a friend approaching her wedding day emailed me asking my opinion on shoes for bridesmaids. I gave my answer, then went back through the archives looking for examples. And I was a little surprised! While I knew things were leaning strongly in the direction of variety, it took a careful examination to reveal that the vast majority of bridesmaids I've seen in the last year have been wearing shoes of their choosing, and often in varying heel heights. Thankfully there are better options if a shoes MUST be dyed to match, relegating the horribly ugly and uncomfortable dyeables to a forgotten
No matter the style, color, length, whatever, a nude or black shoe is almost never a bad choice. Nude or metallic especially look great on everyone because they lengthen the leg, and who wouldn't want that? It's slimming, flattering, and truly CAN be worn after the wedding, even if the bridesmaid dress cannot! :) Nude and pale metallic shoes are very on trend right now, for good reason.
Another wedding with metallic strappy sandals. The Ring Dog opted not to wear footwear, just the ring pillow and matching leash.
Classic black, in a variety of styles and heel heights. There are wider strapped with a thicker heel, a lower heeled pump, a T-strap, a stiletto with thin ankle strap, ankle straps, and a classic high heel peep toe. Each girl chose something that suited her style and comfort level.
This bridal party consisted of both guys and girls, since the bride wanted her guy buds to stand up with her. The dudes wore .......dude dress shoes. No surprise there. The ladies had a wide variety, including a metallic ballet flat with adorable flower detail, a high cork wedge, a strappy sandal, and a platform. This bride also had her two honor attendants wear chocolate dresses with teal accents, instead of the solid teal of the bridesmaids.
And while we're on this subject, let's just talk about ......later. As in LATER, when the ceremony is over, the formal photos have been taken, and it's time to par-tay. That's when these lovely and carefully selected shoes normally COME OFF of your tired footsies. My suggestion: have a comfortable pair to change into.
At every formal event I've ever been too, bare feet have been seen on the dance floor as the evening progresses. Consider that, although comfortable, it may not be the best option. Aside from the obvious risks of dirty soles and stubbed toes, there's a very real risk of serious injury. With spirits high, and spirits being consumed, there will be drinks in hand. And inevitably drinks will end up on the floor, usually surrounded by broken glass. Broken glass on the dance floor is a very, very common occurrence at wedding venues, and I've seen guests (and more recently, a bridesmaid) sustain cuts.
One bride actually bought matching flip flops for her ladies....
Classic black: elegant, polished, and timeless. And look how the flowers really pop against the black.
Spring wedding = spring colors. All hail the fresh and pretty look of this juicy green paired with gold sandals.
We ARE in the South, ya'll, so boots are a natural choice. And more comfortable than stilettos if you know you and your bridesmaids will be dancing, like these girls did.
Finally found one example of short dresses with identical shoes: silver ballet flats. Great choice! Cute, comfortable, and eminently wearable. As someone who has flats in nearly every color imaginable, I can attest that these are wardrobe staples.
Although, even if you have comfortable shoes, you may end up taking them off if you want to have a quick Powder Puff football game during your wedding festivities. Oh, yes they did.
So there are some examples from the Nina Parker Photography archives. It was a fun journey digging back through to remember who wore what, and how each bride made decisions that were right for her and her wedding party. At the end of the day, do what YOU want to do--it's your day!