Andras Schram Photography

Sometimes finding the perfect pair of shoes for your wedding day can be just as tough as finding the perfect dress. With so many styles, colors, and textures to choose from, it can definitely seem overwhelming on top of everything else on your wedding planning checklist.

But before you go on your hunt for that perfect shoe, make sure to consider all the factors. Things to think about before putting down your credit card should include: the theme of your wedding, the height of your groom, the weather, the length of your dress, and whether it’s an indoor or outdoor/beach bash. If you’re having a seaside wedding, and a bed of sand is your walkway, a pair of sky high heels might not be the ideal choice of shoe. Instead, a pair of cute flats or sandals for your walk down the aisle would look gorgeous with a flowy destination themed wedding dress. And many brides today have incorporated shoes such as Uggs for winter weddings and TOMS for summer weddings for a portion of their wedding day, and they honestly look both fun and fabulous when they’re worn as a team . . . so many great photo ops!

For the fashion savvy brides, after seeing Carrie Bradshaw walk down the aisle in a pair of blue satin Manolo Blahnik pumps, I have to admit that I adored her use of color as she looked absolutely glamorous . . . and I love how so many brides are embracing it now for their wedding day look. But aside from the color, not all women can comfortably walk in four inch heels like they’re a pair of running shoes. Having a pair of comfy shoes for the dance floor and when you’re going to be on your feet for a long period of time is a good idea. Keep your flashy pair of heels for the walk down the aisle and for pictures . . . by the end of the night, your feet will thank you.

• Manolo Blahnik Something Blue Pumps for the walk down the aisle & Manolo Blahnik Jeweled Satin Skimmer Blue flats for the dance floor.

• Hunter Rain Boots for a wet wedding day.

Orange Girl Photographs

• Rockin’ their personalities and favorite kicks, but coordinating at the same time.

Orange Girl Photographs

• A perfectly detailed look from head to toe.

Orange Girl Photographs

• And a great bridal boot for a cowboy themed wedding.

Orange Girl Photographs

If you’re looking for a wedding dress, don’t forget to stop by Bridal Debut. They’ve been helping brides find their perfect gown for 14 years. They have a great selection of gowns in a wide range of sizes. Plus, they’re not just in Sherwood Park anymore - Bridal Debut’s has opened a second store in South Edmonton.

The South Edmonton location provides the same friendly, no pressure service that Bridal Debut is known for in a smaller, boutique like atmosphere.

The new location caters to brides only (no bridesmaid gowns). They carry designers including Maggie Sottero, Allure, La Sposa, Jai and Alfred Sung. There is also a full time seamstress on staff. It offers a wide range of shoes, headpieces, veils and a large selection of jewellery.

When asked about the Southside location in comparison to the Sherwood Park location, Manager Amy Maier says that even though it is a smaller store, the selection is impressive with a focus on the bride who wants something a little different. “We try to bring in things that are different and trendy but at the same time upholding our standard of impeccable quality and great fit. We also have a wide range of classic styles and gowns to fit every bride’s budget.”

This location offers gowns in sample sizes from 6-28 with styles to suit every body type and a good selection of plus size gowns.

The staff is knowledgeable, helpful and are more than willing to assist brides who don’t know where to start, “We don’t expect brides to know what they want when they walk in the door, it’s our job to help them figure that out and we try to make the entire experience from start to finish as stress free and fun as possible, selecting a wedding gown for your big day should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.” says Maier.

When shopping for a gown at Bridal Debut you are encouraged to take photos and bring people with you to share in the experience but Bridal Debut South recommends you try and limit your group to 2 or 3 as the store is smaller and can get a little crowded especially on Saturdays when the store is it’s busiest. If you have a large group just give them a heads up and they will make every effort to accommodate.

Brides who purchase a gown at either Bridal Debut location receive 10% off all accessories and bridesmaid dresses and the discount is valid at both stores.

Watch for Bridal Debut’s new website (coming soon) and the annual birthday blowout sale at the Sherwood Park location Sunday, July 11th.

For more information including store hours and location information, visit Bridal Debut’s website: www.bridaldebut.com

Enter to Win!

It all started last July when Reed Palmer, the owner and designer of Soleil Shoe Company , attended a wedding. He saw the bride and bridesmaid had kicked off their heels and were all dancing barefoot at the reception. Dancing barefoot in dresses that cost hundreds of dollars! He thought to himself “there has to be a more practical and fashionable solution.” He designed a ballet flat that can roll or fold to fit into your clutch or purse for those all too common occasions when your feet have just had enough of those painful heels. Each pair of shoes comes in a designer gift box with a tote for your heels - how perfect is that! Comfortable, fashionable flats for you and your bridesmaids. These awesome flats make great bridal gifts!

Bridal Fantasy Sweepstakes has teamed up with Soleil Shoe Company to offer 3 prize packages to our lucky brides-to-be. Package one is a set of four (4) Soleil Shoes - one for the bride and up to three bridesmaids. Each of the girls will receive their very own pair. Two more brides-to-be will each receive their own pair of these fashionable flats. Head over to the sweepstakes page at BridalFantasy.com to enter now for your chance to win!