How I Found the Perfect Wedding Shoes Before Saying “I Do”

May 2, 2024

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Shoe High Heel Person Skirt and Sandal

_{All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something.}

The countdown to my summer 2024 wedding is on–114 days away to be exact, not that I’m counting. With the “big” things sorted–venue, band, photographer, florals–now comes the fun part: the fashion. Whether you’re a bride, plan to be one, or are surrounded by a few, then you know the importance of securing the dress. Have you had a dream dress in mind since you were a child, inspired by your favorite Disney princess? Are you repurposing your mom’s vintage gown from the ’80s with its puffed sleeves and delicate lace? Or did you simply try one on in a store and instantly fall in love? No matter how you got there, nothing beats the feeling of slipping into a wedding dress and knowing it’s the one.

My Wedding-Shoe Wish List:

The Shimmering Slingback: Manolo Blahnik Hangisi satin crystal-buckle halter pumps, $1,195
The Sleek Satin Sandal: Loeffler Randall Jackie satin sandals, $295
The Kitten Heel: The Row silk kitten-heel slide sandals, $920
The Bare Sandal: Aeyde Mikita leather sandals, $425
The Block Heel: Staud Solange block-heel sandals, $350
The Pearl Pick: Jimmy Choo Sacaria pearly-stud platform sandals, $2,050
The Crystal Choice: Miu Miu satin slingback pumps, $1,550
The Ballet Flat: Magda Butrym leather-trimmed embroidered mesh ballet flats, $1,055

While I won’t give you details just yet about the dress I chose (my husband-to-be could be reading this), I can tell you one thing: It lends itself perfectly to a dazzling, statement wedding shoe. I, of course, had a few top contenders in mind—but didn’t want to play favorites. I wanted to cast a wide net to make sure I wasn’t missing out on anything fabulous, trying on everything from glittering, pointed-toe pumps from Jimmy Choo to sleek, strappy heeled sandals from The Row. Come along with me on my journey, below.

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Shoe High Heel Sneaker Accessories Jewelry and Necklace

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Sandal High Heel Shoe Person Text Number Symbol and Shop

Like many fashion brides-to-be, I started out my search at Bergdorf Goodman. As I made my way up to its glossy, manicured shoe floor, I had an open mind and a more-the-merrier attitude when starting my selection. To no bride’s surprise, I instantly gravitated toward Manolo Blahnik, opting to try on its signature Hangisi style in both heeled slingback and ballet flat forms. As much as I love high heels, there’s something especially elegant, and not to mention comfortable, about stepping into a ballet flat on your big day.

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Shoe, High Heel, and Sandal

Manolo Blahnik

Hangisi satin crystal-buckle halter pumps

$1,195

BERGDORF GOODMAN

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Shoe, High Heel, and Suede

Manolo Blahnik

Hangisi satin crystal-buckle ballerina flats

$1,075

BERGDORF GOODMAN

$1,195

NET-A-PORTER

$1,095

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Shoe High Heel Adult Person Sandal Skirt Electronics Mobile Phone and Phone

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Shoe, High Heel, Sandal, and Accessories

Jimmy Choo

Saeda 100 crystal-embellished satin pumps

$1,125

NET-A-PORTER

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, High Heel, and Shoe

Chanel

slingbacks

$1,100

CHANEL

After starting strong with the classics, like the aforementioned Manolo and a pointed-toe Jimmy Choo pump, I set my sight on a few more dramatic pairs. Something with serious sparkle, if you will. Enter: Miu Miu’s crystal-adorned slingbacks and a pair of 3-D floral pumps from Valentino. While statement-making, I came to the conclusion that they work better as after-party options rather than my actual wedding shoes. I’m not looking to completely overpower my dress, after all.

I’d be remiss not to talk about a pair of two-toned Chanel slingbacks that instantly stole my heart; I like to consider myself a Chanel slingback connoisseur—my collection includes both the classic beige and black cap-toe pair, and a burgundy beauty that I actually wore the night I got engaged! I didn’t end up getting these out of fear the black cap-toe would be too stark against my off-white dress, but that’s not to say I won’t be back for them on a later date. I’m not opposed to a little daytime sparkle.

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Shoe and Sneaker

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Shoe and High Heel

Miu Miu

satin slingback pumps

$1,550

MIU MIU

$1,520

BERGDORF GOODMAN

$1,520

FWRD

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, High Heel, Shoe, and Sandal

Valentino

archive floral patent slingback pumps

$1,190

NEIMAN MARCUS

$1,190

BERGDORF GOODMAN

I tried on other styles that I’d been eyeing online, like those from Loeffler Randall, Amina Muaddi, Mach Mach, and Roger Vivier, but while beautiful in their own way, ultimately, there was one pair that gave me butterflies. You could probably guess it, yes, it was the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi slingbacks. Crafted from glossy white satin and featuring the brand’s signature crystal-embellished buckle, they’re a shoe that perfectly suit my dress and overall wedding vibe. Not to mention they have the ideal two-inch kitten-heel height, which makes dancing all night long a piece of (wedding) cake. I also love the styling mileage they provide as I plan to wear them not only on my big day, but beyond.

To all my brides out there, let this serve as my official declaration to not forget about your wedding shoes amidst all the planning madness. The dress is undoubtedly the star, but your shoes deserve all the same love and attention.