When it comes to wedding planning, your shoes might not be the first thing on your list, but they’re more important than you think! Ideally, you should buy your wedding shoes around three months before your big day. But why so early? From dress fittings to ensuring the perfect fit, here are three key reasons to avoid last-minute bridal shoe shopping.
You need your shoes for your dress fitting
The best time to buy your wedding shoes is before your first dress fitting, as the heel height you choose will directly impact your dress alterations. Your seamstress will need to measure everything accurately to ensure your dress falls perfectly when paired with your shoes. Whether you opt for high heels, low heels, flats, or even bridal trainers, your choice will affect the hemline and overall silhouette of your gown.
Typically, dress fittings start around two to three months before your wedding, so purchasing your shoes at least three months prior gives you a comfortable buffer. With so many other wedding tasks to think about, it’s easy to leave shoe shopping until later, but planning ahead ensures your dress alterations are as precise as possible. If you already know which shoes you want but can’t get them in time, you can bring a similar pair with the same heel height to your fitting, but for the best results it’s always advisable to have your exact wedding shoes.
You want to make sure you get the perfect fit
Comfort is key on your wedding day, and choosing shoes that fit perfectly is just as important as finding the right style. Wearing shoes that are too small or too big can leave you feeling uncomfortable and unsteady, so allowing plenty of time to try on and test your wedding shoes is essential.
Speak to the stockist or brand you’re purchasing from to understand their sizing—do their shoes run true to size, slightly large, or on the smaller side? Reading customer reviews can also provide helpful insights into the fit and feel of the shoes. The materials used will also affect the fit—leather tends to give and mold to your feet over time, whereas satin and glitter fabrics are less forgiving. Buying your wedding shoes early gives you plenty of time to exchange sizes if you need to and wear them around the house to ensure they feel as good as they look.
Your dream shoes may sell out
Another great reason to buy your wedding shoes well in advance is to avoid any last-minute disappointment. You may have fallen in love with the perfect pair months ago, but brands update collections and popular styles can sell out- especially in peak wedding season. Imagine going to order your dream shoes, only to find they’re out of stock with no plans for a restock—that’s an last minute stress you definitely don’t need in the lead-up to your big day!
By purchasing your shoes early, you give yourself peace of mind and the best chance of securing the style you want. If they’re temporarily unavailable, you may still have time to pre-order or find an alternative, but leaving it too late could mean scrambling for a second choice. The earlier you tick this off your to-do list, the smoother your wedding planning experience will be.
In summary...
Your wedding shoes play a bigger role in your big day than you might expect, from perfecting your dress alterations to ensuring all-day comfort. Buying them around three months before your wedding allows enough time for fittings, exchanges, and making sure that they feel just right. Don’t let shoe shopping be a last-minute task— your feet will thank you!
Why not start your wedding shoe journey now with our beautiful bridal collection?