Fashionable wedding shoes

By Rebecca Gonsalves on 4/2/2020

Planning a wedding is all about dreaming, but it's important to be practical too, especially when it comes to getting dressed for the big day.
Ticking the search for a dress off an ever-growing to-do list feels momentous. But it creates further tasks, namely, accessorising. Whether you're opting for a new pair of wedding shoes or relying on old favourites your choice should be made before your final dress hemming.
If you plan to change for the evening or have multiple wedding events then think about whether you want to choose something that works for all, or multiple pairs.
These days there's a whole lot more than ivory satin court shoes, whatever your budget. Read on for the Culture Whisper guide to the best wedding shoes to wear long after the big day ends.
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Classic cream and white wedding shoes

Traditional white, and her pale sisters ecru, ivory and cream, still dominate bridal trends, so it's surprising just how hard it can be to find wedding shoes in this colour palette that aren't boring or basic.

Let your dress dictate the style of the shoes: if it's simple, use details such as pearls, beading or crystals to add a delicate touch of embellishment. Alternatively, if you're going to be weighed down under layers of voluminous skirts, strappy sandals will help to keep you from overheating.

Wear forever: white shoes are a summer style staple worn with sundresses or mom jeans.

1 Jimmy Choo mules, £1,295. 2 Topshop slingbacks, £36. 3 Aquazurra mules, £595. 4 By Far sandals, £325. 5 Neous sandals, £470. 6 Kurt Geiger mules, £139. 7 Whistles mules, £55.

Metallic gold and silver wedding shoes

When looking for a neutral shoe style to complement your big day look you might automatically think of a soft blush suede or a 'nude' leather. Practical though those options might be, there is a more exciting way to approach neutrals: metallics. Whether you opt for silver, gold, rose gold (or a combination) will depend largely on the colours of your wedding theme, your colouring and the season and style of your wedding, as well as personal preference.

Metallics are made for shorter hems and city weddings, but they're also a good day-to-night option if you're planning a more party-ready evening outfit.

Wear forever: pair with everything from bright colours and bold prints on holiday to a tuxedo come Christmas party season, and add instant oomph to a going-out top and jeans.

1 Nine West closed toe, £79. 2 Porte & Paire platform sandals, £265. 3 Souliers Martinez point-toe flats, £425. 4 Gucci delicate sandals, £625. 5 Loeffler Randall slingbacks, £345. 6 Whistles block-heel sandals, £165. 7 Prada platform sandals, £555. 8 René Caovilla slingbacks, £865.

Brightly coloured wedding shoes

The least traditional option, but perhaps the most fun: whether you've found the perfect pair that matches your wedding colour theme or you've simply fallen in love and want to justify the expense, choosing colour is an easy way to make a statement on your big day without going too off-piste. Barely there strappy sandals are more subtle, but bold mules or courts can look brilliant too.

Unless you happen to find a perfect match for another wedding element try not to overthink it; look for clashing or complementary colours on a spectrum instead.

Wear forever: Maintain the mix and match approach; combine with clashing colours for a statement look or bring some energy to neutral black, navy and denim.

1 Nicholas Kirkwood pink embellished satin mules, £695. 2 KG Kurt Geiger yellow strappy sandals, £89. 3 Studio Amelia orange leather sandals, £270. 4 Dune pink asymmetric slingbacks, £75.

Wedding trainers

Bohemian as it sounds, dancing barefoot at a wedding disco is a risky move so if you're planning to rave 'til dawn (or just past 10pm) you'll probably need a back-up pair of shoes. Enter the wedding trainer: more protective than flip flops or flat sandals, and with added bounce to ensure your dance moves match your excitement levels.

You could opt for a pair of plain white plimsolls embroidered with your new initials, but they are more likely to become a memento than a long-term boost to your wardrobe. We prefer the OTT take on classic sneakers.

Wear forever: Perhaps the most versatile footwear option ever, wear almost anywhere.

1 JW Anderson x Converse Chuck Taylors hi-top sneakers, £110. 2 Gucci Ace embroidered sneakers, £450. 3 Adidas Samba Rose trainers, £69.99.