Saturday, November 04, 2006

Themed Wedding Shoes

Jane Simpson

Tradition tells us that wedding shoes should be white, feminine,
and simply beautiful. But times are changing, and with that, the
trends on bridal shoes. A bride's wedding shoes are not limited
to stilettos, mules, pumps, and kitten heels in ivory and satin.
Today, the added flexibility of themed weddings allows brides to
express themselves with the footwear of their choice.

The fairy tale theme is probably the most popular for brides who
want to be different but remain on the safe side. Since most
brides are treated like royalties on their wedding days, the
fairy tale theme is highly appropriate. Fairy tale brides can
play with their dress and shoes more than the classic,
traditional bride. Common choices of fairy tale brides include
ball gowns and princess dresses with matching tiaras. Wedding
shoes are, by far, trickier. Stilettos are not appropriate since
they look too modern for princesses, and ditto with sandals. A
shoe suggestion for this theme would be dainty lace-up boots in
a complementary color to the wedding dress. These will look
fabulous with full skirts and sleeved dresses.

Outdoor garden weddings are also popular. Gardens with summer
themes allow for dresses with airy fabrics and materials. To
complement the "airiness" of the bridal dress, shoes should be
airy and lightweight like sandals. As too pointy heels can sink
in the ground, flat or platform sandals are best. Jeweled
slippers with beads and embellishments are also good choices.
This way, the bride does not have to worry about sinking or
balancing in uneven grounds. Wedding shoes for outdoor wedding
should be comfortable and relaxed to complement the relaxed and
summery setting.

More adventurous brides prefer beach weddings. Beaches are
usually chosen as venues if there are sentimental moments
between the couple that happened in the beach like the first
kiss or engagement. These are moments of surprise and the whole
bridal ensemble should echo the excitement of those moments.
Since the usual dresses for beach weddings show a lot of skin
(think tube, haltered, short dresses), the wedding shoes should
follow. Strapped heels are out because of the sand and this
makes for an opportunity to use funky flip-flops and flat thong
sandals. Embellished flip-flops and thong sandals with sparkly
rhinestone details complement the beach vibe.

Recently, travel-themed and ethnic weddings are getting popular
with jetsetter couples. Popular inspirations are Japanese,
Arabian, and African cultures. Wedding dresses and the decors of
the venue evoke images from the theme. A geisha-inspired dress
merits wooden platforms as wedding shoes as much as a Princess
Jasmine-inspired outfit matches satin slippers.

The gradual flexibility of wedding traditions allows for more
personal and intimate weddings. There is no reason why brides
should restrain their individual styles. Wedding shoes provide
opportunities for little surprises and brides are welcome to
take them. A wedding is, first and foremost, the bride's day.
She can proclaim her Keds as her wedding shoes and no one is
allowed to object.

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