Chic wedding shoes for every bridal style

04 May 2022 | Updated on: 16 Mar 2023 |By Zoe Gunn

Don’t let your dress down with the details: we’ve found the perfect wedding shoes for every bride

All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.

The venue is booked, your groom is suited and booted, and your dress is safely stored for the big day. Now it’s time to think finishing touches. But, before you get carried away with gorgeous bridal jewellery and selecting your wedding fragrance, it’s time to select the perfect pair of bridal shoes.

The good news is, whether you’ve opted for a classic church wedding or something completely alternative, you’ll still have plenty of styles to choose from. So, from sandals to slingbacks and satin to sneakers, read on for our guide to the best wedding shoes for every type of bride.

High-heeled wedding shoes

Jimmy Choo Sacora pearl-embellished satin sandals, £1,495, matchesfashion.com
Malone Souliers Maureen lace pumps, £475, net-a-porter.com

Looking for some show-stopping skyscrapers to strut down the aisle in? Expect to be spoilt for choice. Vintage brides are guaranteed to love Jimmy Choo’s pretty peep-toe numbers, finished with pearl embellishments for a soft, romantic cream hue, while Malone Souliers’ signature mules promise to put a modern spin on even the most traditional of lace dresses.

Magda Butrym satin mules, £765, harrods.com
Cupid Plateau platforms, £660, aquazzura.com

For something a little more minimalist look to Magda Butrym, who eschews all-over sparkle in favour of a delicate jewelled appliqué to the toe and a leg-lengthening wraparound tie closure. Finally, brides in need of a little height will be thankful for Aquazzura’s Cupid Plateau platforms, which boast a soaring 130mm heel and thus are strictly for those with plenty of experience (walking in high heels that is, not walking down the aisle).

Mid-heeled wedding shoes

Peter Do bow-strap sandals, £505, matchesfashion.com
Jennifer Chamandi heels, £630, jenniferchamandi.com

If you’re searching for something elegant and romantic that won’t leave you hobbling around in pain before the first dance, the plethora of mid- and low-heeled wedding shoes on the market provides plenty of options. Peter Do’s floaty chiffon designs, complete with a contemporary metal stiletto, are the perfect accompaniment to a short dress, while Jennifer Chamandi’s elegant slingbacks are great candidates for a post-wedding dye (trust us, you’ll want to wear these more than once).

Neous Irena slingback, £455, matchesfashion.com
Mach & Mach embellished mules, £845, farfetch.com

With their subtle lace trim, meanwhile, Neous’ Irena pumps are full of bridal charm but feature a mere two-inch heel perfect for dancing the night away. Alternatively, consult Mach & Mach, purveyor of a whole rainbow of wedding-appropriate styles. We’re particularly fond of these pearl and crystal-embellished mules.

Flat wedding shoes

Staud Gina embellished mules, £215, net-a-porter.com
Miu Miu ballet flats, £540, mytheresa.com

Destination wedding, reception outfit change or just good old-fashioned comfort: there are plenty of reasons to opt for flats on your wedding day – and shoe designers are happy to provide. Staud’s slipper styles offer a more louche, laidback appeal than your average bridal shoe, while Miu Miu’s crystal-embellished ballet flats promise increased coverage for shoulder-season nuptials.

Bobbies Hydra sandals, £95, harveynichols.com
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi flats, £815, harrods.com

If you’re assured of good weather (welcome back beach weddings!), Bobbie’s rope sandals will look great with a floaty dress on the big day and just as good with sundresses and swimsuits on your honeymoon. And need we tell you that you can never go wrong with a pair of sleek snow-white Manolos?

Alternative wedding shoes

Christian Louboutin sneakers, £565, net-a-porter.com
Manolo Blahnik Lutara mules, £895, farfetch.com

Satin and sparkle not for you? Modern bridal fashion is far from prescriptive and shoe designers have been quick to catch up. Two of the biggest names in the business – Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik – have opted for opposite ends of the spectrum, the former offering these chic sneakers rendered in white satin, and the latter going for something unabashedly feminine with his powder-pink crystal-embellished mules.

Emilia Wickstead pumps, £465, matchesfashion.com
Saint Laurent Tina sandals, £725, mytheresa.com

Equally ladylike are Emilia Wickstead’s floral print pumps, perfect for injecting a dash of colour into your wedding look (thrifty brides: they also work brilliantly with jeans and summer dresses). Elsewhere, Saint Laurent’s metallic silver sandals have ‘party time’ written all over them.

Read more: The 2022 bridal edit

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