Wedding Shoes Cost
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How Much do Wedding Shoes Cost?

Last Updated on January 29, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

Your wedding shoes are one of the most important bridal accessories you’ll wear on your big day. But with so many shoe styles, brands, and options to choose from, what’s the right amount to budget for wedding shoes?

This guide will break down the cost factors, designer versus affordable choices, popular styles, custom designs, and shopping tips to help you find an elegant pair of footwear that fits your wedding outfit and budget.

The wedding shoes you select are a big bridal fashion statement and affect your comfort on your special day. That’s why it’s key to balance your shoe budget with finding a pair that makes you feel confident and fabulous. By understanding wedding shoe prices and prioritizing the features most important to you, you can land gorgeous shoes you love without overspending.

How Much do Wedding Shoes Cost?

When it comes to bridal shoe prices, there’s quite a range depending on the brand, style, materials, customization, and other factors. The average cost of wedding shoes is $100 to $300. However, you’ll find designer luxury styles over $1000 and budget-friendly options under $50.

For a baseline, here are typical price ranges for wedding shoes:

  • Budget Bridal Shoes: $20 – $75
  • Mid-Range Shoes: $75 – $200
  • High-End Designer Shoes: $200 – $500+
  • Luxury Designer Shoes: $500 – $3,000+

A WeddingWire.com user reported purchasing wedding shoes for under $35 on Amazon.

GreenWeddingShoes.com writes that the price range for wedding shoes from various brands is reported to be between $19 and $800, with different price points for different brands and styles.

DavidsBridal.com the price range for wedding shoes at David’s Bridal is stated to be as low as $18, with a wide selection of options available.

ShopEMAR.com features a bridal collection with shoes priced at $123.00 and $245.95, but it does not provide a specific price range for wedding shoes.

Keep in mind popular shoe styles like heels or embellished designs may push costs to the higher end. Simple flats and comfort shoes tend to be more affordable. Your wedding footwear budget can help narrow your options. But first, let’s look at what impacts the price of bridal footwear.

Factors that Determine the Cost of Wedding Shoes

Several factors influence the costs of wedding shoes, which cause the wide variety in bridal shoe prices:

Brand

Popular designer brands carry a premium price. High-end designers like Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, and Christian Louboutin command prices from $500 to over $1,000.

More affordable brands like Betsey Johnson, Badgley Mischka, and Steve Madden offer wedding collections at lower price points.

Materials

The materials used to construct the shoe also affect its price. Leather, satin, and lace tend to be pricier, while synthetics like polyester are cheaper. Exotic materials like silk or velvet raise costs further. Embellishments like crystals or pearls also boost the price.

Style

Elaborate styles take more effort to make, driving up costs. Decorated pumps, bold patterns, extensive beadwork or embroidery, and multi-layered detailing add to the expense. Simpler styles like minimalist heels, flats, or sandals require less labor and materials, reducing prices.

Comfort Technology

Shoes designed for comfort and support like padded insoles, cushy footbeds, and rubber soles often cost more due to the engineering involved. Extra arch support or adjustable ankle straps also raise prices.

Customization

Getting a customized or made-to-order pair that’s tailored to your feet and style demands specialized craftsmanship that’s reflected in higher wedding shoe prices.

Comparing Designer Shoes to Budget Options

Should you splurge on luxury designer wedding shoes or look for an affordable pair? Consider these key differences when weighing your options:

Designer Bride Shoes

  • Higher quality construction and premium materials
  • Trend-driven styles from famous designers
  • Improved comfort features and technology
  • Unique embellishments and detailing
  • Status symbol and luxurious experience
  • Limited availability and exclusivity
  • Excellent service and customization options
  • Costs from $200+, over $1,000+ for luxury and sparkle

Affordable Shoes

  • Focus on comfort and wearability
  • Simple, classic styles in satin or faux leather
  • Basic construction with manmade materials
  • Fewer embellishments and plainer detailing
  • Wide availability in bridal salons and online
  • Easy returns and exchanges
  • Prices from $20-$200

Consider your personal style, wedding vision, and budget priorities to decide if spending a lot on designer shoes is worth the investment or if more affordable options can fit the bill.

Popular Styles of Bridal Shoes and Their Costs

One of the fun parts of shopping for a pair of shoes is exploring the range of bridal footwear styles to complement your gown. Here are some popular wedding shoe styles and their average price range:

Heels

From stilettos to block heels, this classic style offers leg-lengthening height.

  • Stilettos – $500 – $800
  • Wedge Heels – $100 – $300
  • Kitten Heels – $50 – $150
  • Block Heels – $75 – $250

Flats

Provide comfort and versatility for casual or boho weddings.

  • Ballet Flats – $50 – $100
  • Pointy Toes – $75 – $150
  • D’Orsay Flats – $100 – $250
  • Embellished – $150 – $300

Sandals

Fun, flirty, and perfect for beach or summer weddings.

  • Ankle Strap – $100 – $250
  • Slides – $50 – $150
  • Embellished – $250 – $500
  • Metallic – $100 – $300

Boots

Make a fashion-forward statement for winter or rustic weddings.

  • Ankle Booties – $100 – $300
  • Knee High – $200 – $500
  • Cowboy – $150 – $300
  • Lace Up – $200 – $400

Pumps

A timeless, elegant style with many heel variations.

  • Peep Toe – $100 – $250
  • Slingback – $200 – $400
  • Pointed Toe – $100 – $300
  • Embellished – $250 – $500

Keep an open mind when trying on different styles – you may be surprised at what suits you best! Checking prices in advance helps set expectations.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a wedding officiant, wedding photographer, or gypsy wedding dress.

The Cost of Custom or Bespoke Wedding Shoes

Wedding shoesWant your wedding shoes made just for you? Custom bridal footwear provides a personalized fit and design but comes at a higher cost.

Most luxury designers offer made-to-order services, starting around $500 and going up over $1,000+. Small independent cobblers also provide customization for $200-400.

Here’s an overview of the custom wedding shoe process and costs:

  • Initial Consultation – Discuss design, select materials, and details. $0
  • Digital Foot Scan – Precisely measure feet for proper sizing and fit. $50+
  • Development and Sketching – Work with the designer on style and sketches. $0
  • Sample Shoe – Test comfort, and fit and make adjustments. $100-$300
  • Manufacturing – Shoes made over 2-6 weeks. $200-$1000+
  • Final Fitting – Assess the finished pair for any last tweaks. $0
  • Delivery – Shoes shipped once complete. $0

While custom shoes have higher prices, the end result is a perfectly designed pair suited to your foot shape, height, and unique wedding style.

Smart Shopping Strategies for Wedding Shoes on a Budget

Here are savvy tips for scoring gorgeous bridal footwear without wrecking your budget:

  • Browse clearance sales at major department stores and online retailers for deep discounts on unsold inventory.
  • Buy off-the-rack styles and get them professionally dyed to match your color scheme. Much cheaper than made-to-order!
  • Rent designer shoes through websites like Rent the Runway for a fraction of the retail cost.
  • Shop consignment stores for like-new, gently worn designer shoes. Also check secondhand sites like Poshmark.
  • Stick to simple silhouettes without extra embellishment to keep costs low. Add your own personal touch with charms or accessories.
  • Comparison shop online to find the best deals. Sign up for retailer email lists to get promo codes and sale alerts.
  • If you find an expensive pair you love, look for lower-priced lookalikes. Or save them for inspiration when designing custom shoes.
  • Avoid multiple purchases and returns that waste money. Get professionally fitted at a shop rather than guessing your size and ordering multiples online.

Matching Your Shoes to Your Wedding Style and Dress

It’s important to choose bridal footwear that complements the style and color scheme of your wedding. Here are key tips:

  • Formal weddings call for closed-toe pumps or glittering embellished heels in elegant fabrics like satin.
  • Casual ceremonies are great for fun, flirty flats with touches of lace, pearls, or ribbon detail.
  • For beach weddings, opt for breezy metallic or jeweled sandals.
  • Rustic inspired weddings are perfect for richly colored suede booties or fringed cowboy boots.
  • Make sure colors and materials complement your gown – metallics pair well with shimmery fabrics, while lace shoes match lace details.
  • The height of the heel should factor in the length of your dress; bigger bridal heel heights prevent dragging.
  • Don’t forget the fining details – stockings, shoe clips, shoe flowers, dyeing soles, or adding personal charms.

Finding the Balance Between Style, Comfort, and Practicality

While tempting to sacrifice comfort for sky-high stilettos, remember you’ll be on your feet all wedding day – and night! Seek shoes that strike the right balance:

  • Prioritize comfort with padding, arch support, and adjustable straps or buckles. Break in new shoes well in advance. Some people even go as far as going for bridal sneakers.
  • Kitten heels and wedges provide stability if not used to stilettos. Flats are wonderful backup options.
  • Don’t underestimate practicality – opt for non-slip soles, materials that won’t stain easily, and straps that stay secured.
  • Posture is key to avoiding pain. Keep back straight, chin up, and walk heel to toe in heels. Bring back-ups for the reception.
  • If debating between two pairs, always go with the more comfy option. Avoid fashion over function regrets!

Finding Your Dream Wedding Shoes Within Budget

Your wedding shoes deserve thought and care when choosing the perfect pair within your budget. By understanding what impacts costs, from brand names to special details, you can make an informed decision about where to splurge and where to save.

Keep comfort and coordinating with your dress at the top of your priority list. And with an arsenal of shopping tips, you’re sure to find beautiful bridal shoes that make you smile down the aisle while staying within your wedding shoe budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much was Bella Swan’s wedding shoes in Breaking Dawn?

Bella Swan’s wedding shoes were designed by Manolo Blahnik, a famous high-end luxury designer. Though the exact cost was not specified, similar new Manolo Blahnik bridal shoes typically retail for $965 – $3,885 per pair.

As the central character in the popular Twilight book and movie series, Bella Swan wore elegant blue satin shoes by Manolo Blahnik in her vampire wedding to Edward Cullen. Given Manolo Blahnik’s prestige as a top designer brand, Bella’s customized wedding shoes likely cost in the range of $1,000-$2,000 for her character’s fictional wedding.

Who traditionally pays for the bride’s wedding shoes?

Traditionally, the cost of the bride’s wedding shoes is covered by the bride herself or her family as part of the overall wedding expenses.

While etiquette varies by culture, the bride’s attire and accessories like shoes are typically seen as personal expenses that are the bride’s responsibility, rather than the groom’s. Some brides may include their wedding shoes as part of their overall wedding clothing budget.

Others may receive assistance from parents. But it is not considered a mandatory obligation for the groom to pay for the bride’s wedding footwear.

Are bridesmaids expected to pay for their own wedding shoes?

Yes, typically bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own wedding shoes to match their bridesmaid dress.

Since the bride usually selects the specific bridesmaid dresses, requiring matching footwear, etiquette dictates that the bridesmaids should pay for their shoes as part of wearing the prescribed outfit.

The bride may offer to cover the cost of the shoes as a gift to her bridal party. But she is not obligated to do so. Bridesmaids should budget accordingly for any wedding attire and accessories.

Alec Pow
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