Bridal Shoe Colors Beyond White or Ivory

The choice of bridal shoe is an opportunity for every bride to express her own personal style. There are many high-heel shoe colors a bride can wear beyond basic white or ivory.

As an added bonus, it can be cheaper to go with an alternative color because then the shoe can be purchased as a regular evening dress shoe at the store of her choice. In contrast, a designated 'bridal shoe' is often more expensive.

Silver shoes with a white wedding dress,

or gold shoes with an ivory wedding dress.

Both colors are still fairly traditional, plus :

• you'll be able to pick out of the current up-to-the-minute styles available (a big bonus for the fashionista bride!)

• you'll be able to wear the shoe again after the wedding with other clothes you may have (and beyond labor day too!); for example silver shoes will go really well with a pale green-blue dress or other pastel outfit

Beware: Don't wind up with the fashion flop of aiming for a gold shoe and veering into a bronze brown when you're among the many hues at the shoe store… it won't match your ivory dress anymore!

Soft ballet slippers in pastel pink for the ultimate girly romantic look with a hint of fairytale fantasy.

• these will be much more comfortable than heels
• your bridesmaids can also wear ballet slippers, perhaps in a different color to coordinate with your theme

A shoe color matching an accent color on your wedding dress. For example, if you have a red sash on your dress, match it with red shoes. Or if you have blue beading, use blue shoes. Be aware that this creates a truly bold look, so unless you're an adventurous type you might prefer to stick with one of the previous options described above. With colored shoes:

• you'll be able to really accentuate any colored detailing on your dress
• you'll get great bridal photos when posed to allow the shoes to be seen

Beware: Don't be overambitious and try to match your shoe to something other than what you're wearing. For example, if you match to your bridesmaids' dress colors, it will just look like you've swapped shoes with your bridesmaid!

The choice of bridal footwear is a very personal decision. Some enjoy the very traditional look of classic white or ivory, while others prefer a shoe color that adds extra impact or can more easily be worn again. Whatever decision you make, be aware that there are many options available to you.

© 2011 Giselle Maine