Where’d You Get Those Shoes?

So you went to a wedding this weekend and jeepers creepers but the bride’s wedding day shoes were HAWT. Yes. In all capital letters.

You caught a peek of them as the bride was walking down the aisle. In fact, unless you’re imagining things, she even did a little kick just to show them off. (Oh, come on, that was so completely not an accidental stumble.)

You loved, loved, loved the bride’s shoes. And now you’re lusting unbecomingly after them — or at least a pair that will be equally unique, fun, fantastic…and you. Where are the best places to look for wedding shoes? Here’s where we’ve had success with absolutely fabulous wedding shoe finds your future guests will drool over:

Independent online craftspeople/companies. Indie sites like Etsy and Artfire may give you just what you’re looking for: shoes made just for you, at a reasonable price and with that personal touch. (Check it out, mama got bling on her slings.) This option may be for you if you have a fairly standard shoe size and width and can generally order shoes without trying them on.

Watch out, though: not all indie craftspeople wear sewn-in dreds, thong sandles and work just for the love of it. Some of the artists at Etsy are expensive.  And others may be just plain unreliable. When shopping Etsy for your wedding shoes, look for three things: 1. a longstanding membership at the site; 2. great reviews and 3. a “deliver by” date guarantee.

Ebay. Online auction markets can, even with their amazing overcommercialization, still yield some great finds for a fraction of the store price. Compare Buy it Now offers to sales prices of local distributors, though; there may be no difference at all (and in many cases, with Ebay you’re also paying for the shipping). Take your time, start well ahead of your wedding date and be patient for that great find.

You do have to do your homework when it comes to Ebay, and entering an auction could still be your best bet for finding a brand-new uber cheap pair (just be prepared with a backup in case you don’t win the one you have your eye on).

Even better? A used pair that still looks good as new, from a private seller. Do get it in writing that the shoes are in “like new” or “excellent” condition before buying.

Consignment or thrift shops. Yes, we are serious, thank you very much. Make friends with your local consignment buyer/seller, slip her your phone number and ask her to text you if and when a great pair of shoes comes in.

As with the private Ebay seller option above, many newlyweds are simply looking to unload a pair of shoes they’ll never wear again, while making a few needed dollars. Don’t overlook this awesome resource. You never know.

Local department stores. White shoes in all shapes and styles can be had, usually in the spring and summer, at department stores, and because they’re not marketed as “wedding” shoes, not only can you find unique looks, you may get a better price. Summer strappy, tall white or off-white sandals or kickin’ retro Victorian white boots are possibilities for under-the-gown if you check out your local department stores.

Happy shoe shopping, my lovelies!

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