Being Mother of the Bride or Groom is emotional, busy and unforgettable so the last thing you want to be worrying about is not feeling totally at ease what you're wearing. Shoes obviously play a huge part in that, and the right shoes will quietly make all the difference. From how you look to how you stand, walk and of course dance into the night, comfort and confidence are key- beautiful shoes should feel as good at 10pm as they did at 10am.
Here's my guide to choosing the perfect mother of the bride (or groom) shoes.
1. Comfort is crucial
It sounds obvious but your shoes need to support you for longer than your average event- weddings are long days and you'll be on your feet more than you think.
Look for soft leather linings which not only mould to your foot but also allow your feet to breathe (no one wants sweaty feet on the big day!).
Go for cushioned insoles, although this doesn't have to be thick padding- a slim layer of internal padding is just as comfy, if not more so as it avoids a shallow fit in the ball of your foot.
2. Size matters
I'm talking about heel height. Whilst you might love a skyscraper stiletto (and if you do, you go for it!), but generally a mid-height heel is the way to go. Heels with a height between 50mm and 80mm give you all the lift of a heel without any of the strain. If you never wear heels you might want to stick to the 50mm- 65mm end of the scale, or even go for a kitten heel, but unless you're a die hard flats fan, I always think a slight heel makes you feel a bit more dressy than a flat.
3. Strap in for the ride
Whilst everyone loves a classic court shoe, it's definitely worth considering a style with a strap for an extra bit stability. An adjustable ankle strap or slingback are great options and you won't have to worry about slipping out of them, or any unwanted blisters. If you do opt for something without a strap, make sure you go for the correct size. You wouldn't believe the number of people who wear shoes which are too big because they're worried about them. being too small, when in fact this can be just as uncomfy!
4. Timeless over trendy
I'm all for having fun with fashion, but your son or daughter's wedding probably isn’t the moment for trying something too experimental. You want to feel special and not look like everyone else, but you don't want to stand out too much and upstage the bride or groom! Elegant silhouettes, refined details and classic shapes photograph beautifully and you'll still love them when you're looking at the wedding album in years to come!
5. Very versatile
Investing in a good quality air of occasion shoes might set you back a little more than a day to day pair, so you want to make sure they won't be a one time wear. Consider what kind of shoes suit your personal style and what would go with several outfits you already own. That way you can ensure you'll wear them again and again and really get your money's worth!
Metallic leathers work with everything, as do neutral shades such as champagne and blush, soft pastels, navy and black. These colours all complement occasionwear perfectly, and can easily be worn again for future events.
Above all, the right shoes should make you feel comfortable and totally yourself. It's an emotional day and the last thing you want to be thinking about is sore feet. Take the time to find the shoes which are right for you, then you can just put them on in the morning and forget about them- I mean, you've got far more important things to focus on.
Check out our mother of the bride/ groom shoes here and as ever, I'm here if you have any questions!
Love,
Rachel xx