These 13 Real Brides Wore the Coolest Shoes

Wedding Dress Detail

Photo by Gianny Campos

The wedding dress may get all the attention, but nothing compares to the relationship between a woman and her footwear. For those brides who find themselves guilty of one too many pairs in their closet (aka, all of us), it’s the shoe that brings in the final bit of magic. After all, they’re a fun way to exemplify your personality and complement—or contrast—the wedding dress to make a statement.

Think of traditional bridal footwear and white lace heels, jeweled pumps, or sparkly silver stilettos come to mind. And, let’s face it, no matter how many versions of these we see, each and every one is always mind-blowingly gorgeous. But for the nontraditional, playful, or spunky bride, it’s a bold and beautiful choice to walk off the beaten path in jewel tones, floral patterns, or vintage detailing.

If you shudder at the thought of teetering around in a pair of heels all day (don’t we all), wedges, flats, sandals, and even sneakers are an equally chic choice. They may even be the smarter choice, depending on where your wedding is located, which is something to take into consideration when you're shopping. An outdoor ceremony might find you sinking into the grass, so wedges may be your best bet here. And do you really want to wobble your way down the sandy aisle of a beach ceremony? Elegant sandals are for you. As for the reception itself? Well, we don’t blame you for swapping out those pumps for a pair of stylish flats.

We promise you: You can find a bridal version of every shoe style. These real brides did.

01 of 13

Gold Drama

A pair of gold stilettos.

Benj Haisch Photography

These gilded Sophia Webster heels make our hearts flutter. With angelic wings, these are a pair of statement shoes if we ever saw one.

02 of 13

Studded Slingback

White pointed studded stilettos on a tile floor.

Thecabook Fotolab

White pointed studded stilettos are edgy glam—but what else would you expect from a pair of Christian Louboutins?

03 of 13

Floral Fun

A pair of floral-printed heels and greenery.

2 Brides Photography

Floral-printed Manolo Blahnik heels scream garden whimsy.

04 of 13

Soft Metallic

A pair of metallic pointed toe flats.

Krystle Akin Photography

Who says you need to wear heels? Flats are an equally elegant choice, especially when outfitted with a metallic pointed toe and an embellished meshed body like you see with these Adrianna Papell pretties.

05 of 13

Feminine Ruffles

A pair of delicate pink heels with ruffled fabric.

Erich McVey Photography

Pleated ruffles have a fluidity that will dance their way down the aisle in a sweet romance.

06 of 13

Soft Velvet

Pink heels with think ankle straps.

Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

A thick ankle strap and bow brings a powerful modern femininity to these pair of Karen Millen shoes.

07 of 13

Something Blue

A pair of blue wedding shoes on a chair.

Julia Kaptelova Photography

In need of a "something blue?" Try a matte pair of baby-blue Carlo Pazolinis for a subtle touch.

08 of 13

Delicate Lace

A pair of of white lace pumps.

Bashful Captures Photography

White lace Vince Camuto heels are romantic and sweet in all the right places, the epitome of bridal footwear.

09 of 13

Classic and Feminine

Patent leather slingbacks with bow in pink.

Nick Murray Photography

Patent-leather Jimmy Choo slingbacks with symmetrical bows are preppy and contemporary.

10 of 13

Elegant Kitten Heels

A pair of neutral kitten heels.

Jacob and Pauline Photography

This gorgeous pair of Rene Caovillas prove that kitten heels get a bad rap. Lace detailing and delicate beadwork in a neutral palette bring romance to these slingbacks.

11 of 13

Intricate Details

Pale gray shoes with gold-plated heels.

Belle and Beau Fine Art Photography

Rich organic-inspired embellishments transform these pale-gray Harriet Wilde platforms into a lavish masterpiece.

12 of 13

Sophisticated Flats

Pointed metallic flats sitting on table.

Melina Walisch Photography

Sharp and chic, pointed metallic Jimmy Choo flats make a statement with their simplicity.

13 of 13

Crystal Creations

Crystal-embellished Manolo Blahnik Heels

To The Moon; Shoes by Manolo Blahnik

Crystal-embellished satin pumps can sometimes read a bit stuffy, but these Manolo Blahniks are anything but. With a contemporary shape and edgy motif, the style is modern, classic, and subtly dramatic—not to mention looked oh-so cool at the bride's mehndi party.

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