If the shoe fits: comfort and style

>Shoes not only do they need to work with your gown, they also should be comfortable enough to get you through the day without sores or blisters. If guests see you grimace as you walk down the aisle, they may wonder if you're having second thoughts! Here, some tips on choosing stylish yet comfortable footwear for your big day.

Danielle Bobish, Founder/Creative Director of Curtain Up Events (www.curtainupevents.com) in NYC, agrees comfort should be a bride's first consideration because a wedding day is a long day.

"Once you’re in your dress there are pictures followed by a ceremony followed by a reception, etc. Standing (and dancing) in heels for that long can be painful," notes Bobish. "With that said, keep comfort in mind when looking to buy your wedding shoes.

[Your shoes] can still be beautiful, but being able to walk and dance is key. The second factor is, of course, beauty. With some gowns, you will never even see the bride’s feet, but with others they are visible the entire time. If that's the case," continues Bobish, "you want to have stylish shoes that compliment that gorgeous dress!"

"Shoes may be beautiful on the outside," adds Erika Phipps, Bridal Stylist La Belle Reve Bridal (http://www.labellereve.com/index.php), "but you may find that they can feel like a torture device for your feet if you are not careful.

Try the shoes on and walk around in them for a few minutes before you make your purchase decision, be sure that you get the right size, and width for your foot. And above all, make sure you break in your wedding shoes before the big day. Otherwise," continues Erika, "you may be in a world of hurt. If you decide to wear heels, the break-in rule is about four days. This means you should wear them for at least four to six hours for four days before the wedding. When it comes to the groom's shoes color and comfort are the two main things to pay attention to. When the groom is looking for shoes, he should first match the color, then the size, and then break-in his shoes, as well. The break-in rule for leather or men's shoes is generally three days."

Alissa Kraisosky, owner and designer for SummerJasmines (www.summerjasmines.com) suggests brides steal a trick used by models. "Choose bridal shoes that are one to two sizes larger than your usual shoe size. Walk around the shoe salon to test that they don't slip. Especially if you have a sky-high heel, this will provide more comfort and your feet will thank you later. In addition, a pair of foldable sandals or ballet flats are a great accessory if and when your shoes start to pinch. Stay stylish and yet keep (comfortably) dancing the night away!"

Shoe News

Shoe designer Chie Mihara (http://www.chiemihara.com) has added a romantic new addition to her feminine and eclectic collection by launching her first bridal collection. Silhouettes include high heels, classic shapes and booties with both subtle and elaborate details, and materials range from classic soft leather to grainy leathers, satin pleated laces, rouching and soft floral details. The twenty bridal styles are designed with a soft color palate of rose, pale yellow and cream. Sweet and rounded shapes seen throughout the collection are nostalgic of the renewed energy of spring fashion trends. “Entering the bridal market was a natural evolution," states Chie, "and fits within the collection. For me, it was important that women have unique and comfortable options for one of the most important days of their lives.”

For the groom, consider stylish shoes by Magnanni, which feature classic lines, ultra-quality materials and old world craftsmanship. Founded by Sebastian Blanco, the family company is run by his son Pascual and four grandsons in Almansa, Spain. A close attention to detail, combined with limited distribution, has garnered Magnanni a global reputation for excellence.