Written By: Gina Elegance Atelier
Over the years bridal shoes have been playing a big role in symbolizing different cultural beliefs and traditions. Reflecting values of prosperity, fertility and marital happiness and success.
Of course any footwear had the origin to protect and safeguard feet against injury. Thus, wearing them on your wedding day also became a symbol of protection against evil spirits, to ensure a happy and fruitful union.
The colour would also symbolize purity, fertility and prosperity. Red and gold were popular choices in many cultures.
As clothes became more stylish and the purpose became far more than just protection, clothes evolved and so did shoes.
Let’s Look At the Different Eras
During the Victorian era shoes were embellished with lace, pearls and embroidery. Shoes were mostly covered with satin or silk.
Today bridal shoes are more diverse ranging from pumps, very high heels, moder slingbacks or sandles. Some girls even choose delicate boots or decorated tekkies for comfort when celebrating and dancing.
It is Asian tradition for Chinese and Indian brides to choose red to symbolize luck and happiness. True to western tradition it is more popular to choose white, ivory or shades of cream. These colours symbolize purity and innocence as part of traditional colours chosen by brides.
The modern bride will sometimes break tradition and opt for a different colour. Choosing the theme colour of her wedding or adding gold or silver. Some like a neutral colour like tan or beige.
How to choose the perfect bridal shoes?
- Ensure the shoes will be part of the style or the dress and theme of the wedding.
- Know yourself, don’t choose a heel length you won’t be able to wear the whole day long. Sometimes a heel for pictures and the official part of the wedding can be changed for a lower more comfortable option later on.
- Take your venue into consideration. Will you be on a solid floor or grass or sand.
