In our series of suppliers’ blogs, we’ll be sharing the very best ideas, advice and inspiration from different wedding industry experts. This week we’ve been speaking to one of the UK’s top suppliers of wedding shoes. Read on for her thoughts on the results of our latest wedding survey, as well as how to choose the perfect pair…

 

Crystal encrusted handmade peep toe heels by Dymond’s Shoes & Accessories - wedding shoes

 

CeCe Cartman at Dymond’s Shoes & Accessories

“I'm a shoe girl at heart and I started Dymond’s with my husband to create great quality, customised wedding shoes,” says CeCe Cartman. “Most of our brides are between 28-34 years old and come to us once they have found their dream dress. We ask for at least five weeks for all customised orders, however, we usually receive orders between three to six months before the big day.”

Shoes with style and comfort

“As your Wedding Survey Report found, we’re seeing more couples having longer engagements. Two-year engagements are now very much the norm. When it comes to style, comfort and personal taste are the key factors when choosing wedding shoes. If strappy sandals aren’t your go-to style, it’s unlikely you’ll choose them for your special day, whatever time of year it is. We’re also seeing more ‘casual but classy’ styles, lower heels and even trainers taking centre stage. We always say, if you’re a heels girl then stick to heels. If you’re not you’ll just look like Bambi on your wedding day and you’ll be barefoot by midnight!”

Make your wedding shoes unique

“We sometimes have unusual requests and we welcome them all! Rhinestones, pearls and lace of every colour are creeping into the scene and it’s fabulous. Shoes are the perfect way to let your personality shine through, even if you want your overall look to be very traditional. A beautiful ivory ball gown and a pair of sparkling Toms are a match made in heaven. If Cinderella can wear glass slippers, then you can have pearl-encrusted Converse!”

 

I Do in crystals on the back of high heels by Dymond’s Shoes & Accessories - wedding shoes

 

The most popular styles…

“Our most popular styles are three to five inches high with a closed-toe, a strap and light ornate detail on the heel or around the trim. Brides with fuller dresses often choose lower heels, flats or trainers. This is usually because they have a lot of layers to contend with. Brides who are wearing fit and flare or fishtail styles often like height and glamour, for that Hollywood effect.”

Location, location

“Make sure you consider your wedding venue and the environment when choosing your shoes too, purely from a practical point of view. For example, six-inch stilettos won’t fare well on gravel or soft muddy farm ground. The general rule is the looser the ground, the lower the shoe. Trainers, in particular, have become a very popular choice, as well as shoes with a dyeable fabric that can be changed after the wedding.”

My top tips for choosing your wedding shoes are…

1. Stick to a style you know
Your wedding day is not a day for new trends and wobbly feet.
2. Wear your shoes in
Not just once! They need to stretch and mould to your feet so you can last a day in them comfortably. Wearing them for a couple of vacuums around the house should soften those soles.
3. Don’t be afraid to own your own style
Shoes can be loved again and again. Wear them on date nights, anniversaries or just when you want to feel a bit special. Get a style you can customise or are happy to wear for many years to come. They’re a great reminder of a little bit of wedding bliss, years after the big day.

Click here for a full list of suppliers of wedding shoes near you or visit our Wedding Suppliers page to find the very best suppliers in your area. Finally, for more big day inspiration and to find your dream dress, head over to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter