WEDDINGShoes BEST

BY HONORA JAMES

Abride plans a summer wedding envisioning a picturesque scene of blue skies, flowers in full bloom and afterwards a beach locale honeymoon. But summer is also the time of year when temperatures can reach triple digits in some regions, and the wise bride will choose a bridal shoe that has a “cool factor.”

Wedding footwear that keep the bride’s feet cool depends on the shoe material and the shoe style. Unlike man-made or synthetic shoe materials that are inflexible and constricting, shoes made of leather, silk or satin are pliable and allow air to pass through.

Shoe styles that best fit the “cool factor” category are sandals, or peep toed. The heels for both styles can vary from flat, medium, high-heeled or wedged.

A bride who wants both comfort and style is not setting herself up for heartbreak; it can be done. A shoe that is easy to wear begins with knowing the right size. Shoe sizes can vary from company to company, therefore to eliminate any guesswork have feet measured, preferably in the afternoon when feet are prone to swell.

Once the question of shoe size is settled, try on the best selling styles and walk around in them taking note of how they respond on different floor types. Among summer’s most comfortable and popular shoe styles are embellished ballerina flats, wedge sandals and the perennial favorite pumps.

Cool pastel shades of cream, pink, blue, green or the neutral colors of white, silver and gold provide lightness to a balmy summer wedding day. Pastel and neutral colored flats or T-strap sandals are perfect compliments to a short or tea-length wedding dress.

Summer wedding venues can range from a traditional church, romantic beach, relaxed backyard or lush country club setting. An outdoor wedding shoe pick has to provide the bride with stability and support on uneven walking surfaces, like grass or sand.

An ankle strap, crystal studded high-heel sandal, when paired with a charmeuse sheath wedding gown completes an elegant head-to-toe look, and works well for both indoor and formal outdoor ceremonies.

Yes, all brides are beautiful, but like everyone else, brides have physical attributes they want to draw the eye to, and away from. A petite or voluptuous bride should not wear ankle strap shoes or sandals with a short wedding dress. Ankle straps shorten the legs making a petite bride appear even shorter and large legs appear bigger. Conversely, a pointed toe shoe elongates the legs.

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