The aspect of a high heel that can be the most difficult to decide on is definitely the heel height, especially when planning for special occasions such as a wedding. On the one hand, you want to stay comfortable, but on the other, you don’t want to sacrifice style, either. Thankfully, you can weigh the pros and cons of both choices – style, and comfort – and find the perfect balance that will meet your requirements.

It is said that from a health-oriented point of view, the ideal heel height is from one to three inches. At this height, less stress is put on the ankles, knees, and lower back, which will prevent foot fatigue and keep you feeling more energized for longer periods of time.

However, if you’re going to be attending a big event and kitten heels just don’t fit your look, there are ways you can wear higher heels while still staying relatively comfortable. It’s best to wear very high heels only if you know you won’t be walking or standing for long periods, as they do put stress on the feet and joints. They can be difficult to walk in and will cause fatigue and strain in the short term. In the long term, they may even permanently affect posture and cause damage to the joints.

One way to figure out if the heel is too high for you is to try and go on your tiptoes while still wearing the shoe, lifting your heels out of it. If you can lift yourself about an inch out of the design, then they should be a good fit. If you’re having a hard time, that might mean that the heel is too high for you.

If you’re planning on attending parties or dances after the wedding and would like to wear high heels, but are worried about discomfort, you could always bring a spare pair of flats or pumps or sandals that have lower heels and will keep you more comfortable.

Though the footwear material can often be neglected, it is actually among the most important characteristics of a design. Not only can the construction determine comfort and durability (and many other features, such as breathability, water resistance, and more), but depending on the material, it can also save you a lot of time and effort that would otherwise be spent on cleaning your footwear.

Many heels are made of satin. This fabric is a type of textile weave that is glossy and soft, with a rich look. Though it’s often made from silk, satin can also be made from polyester, nylon, and rayon. Compared to other types of textile weaves like plain and twill weaves, satin is the smoothest and hardiest of all three and does not wrinkle easily. However, it is still relatively delicate and can stain easily. It could also become damaged if not taken care of properly.

When it comes to cleaning your satin footwear, it’s best to do it by hand. Brush away any dirt with a soft-bristled brush and make sure not to scrub too hard. Then, use a soft cloth and cold water to rub away any stains in the upper, and finish off by drying it with a soft cloth. Make sure never to use hot water, as it can cause discoloration and cause it to shrink, which will mess with the fit and design of the shoe. This simple process should be enough for most kinds of stains. If there are more stubborn stains, you could also use some hand soap.

Some heels are also made out of leather. This is more often seen in formal footwear. Leather gives the design a more professional look and is known for its durability. However, it also has its downsides. Leather is more expensive than synthetic materials and most leather footwear is not waterproof unless stated because the material itself is not waterproof unless it has specifically been treated.

There is also patent, or synthetic, leather, which is an imitation of leather made out of man-made materials. It is vegan and cost-effective because the preparation process is much simpler compared to that of real leather, and it is also made to be very durable. Faux leather is more likely to be waterproof, can be more resistant to wear, and is also easier to take care of. However, a downside is that it is not biodegradable, meaning it will not eventually become part of the earth once more but will become waste. Additionally, it is hard to imitate the rich texture that genuine leather has.

To sum it up, satin is soft but high-maintenance. Genuine leather is high-quality but expensive and high-maintenance, while synthetic leather is affordable, vegan, but not biodegradable. Depending on what your conditions and priorities are, you can choose a design with the material that will best work for you.

Though many people who wear heels often have a preference for either closed- or open-toed heels, there are many pros and cons for both designs.

At a glance, open toe heels have a less formal and a more casual, playful look. They can be great for parties, graduations, and summertime weddings. They can also be dressed down and worn on a regular basis. Paired with a bridesmaid dress, they add a touch of playfulness which can be great.

The biggest advantage of open-toed heels is that there is no risk of having squished, uncomfortable toes. If standing or walking for long periods of time, the foot tends to slide forward against the toe of the shoe, which can cause discomfort. This can be a nightmare when wearing closed- or pointed-toe heels, but the problem is greatly minimized with open-toe heels.

The downside that comes along with it, however, is that the toes may slide forward and out. If you don’t pick your size carefully and wind up with a design that’s a bit too large, this can happen. It is especially likely in footwear with very high heels such as stilettos and sky-high heels.

When it comes to closed-toe heels, they can often have a more modest and professional look, but can still be great for a wedding if the style and color are right. They can also be worn on other occasions like at work or in meetings. The closed-toe means your foot won’t risk sliding out uncomfortably when walking or standing for too long, but they can also cause your toes to drive into the narrow toe of the upper. This is especially likely for those with wide feet, or with a slightly smaller size, and can make even the most exciting events drag on forever because of the discomfort they cause.

Overall, when it comes to open-toe or closed-toe footwear, the former is great for casual events but should not be too roomy, and the latter is more formal but can cause more toe discomfort. You can then make your choice based on your situation and what will best suit your needs.

If you aren't picking out your own footwear for the wedding, then style shouldn’t be as much of a problem. However, if you’re left to your own devices, the prospect of so many different style options can be daunting – because what you have to consider is more than just the color. Depending on the style and design of your dress, your ideal shoe will be affected, too.

Footwear can be a great way to spice up an outfit that would otherwise be plain and ordinary. If your dress is going to be of uniform color and have a very minimalist design, you’ll have a chance to let a bit of your personality shine by matching it with a pair of eye-catching heels with a more sophisticated design, such as with straps, pleated satin, or rhinestones. This can balance out your look and prevent you from looking too serious or boring.

On the other hand, if your dress is going to be patterned, bold and eye-catching, the footwear can serve as a way to tone your outfit down a bit. Consider picking out a pair with a less complicated design, perhaps in a monochrome color and with a clean, simple design. This avoids clashing and prevents the onlooker to be too overwhelmed by colors and patterns.

The color of your footwear is also something to think about. But, you shouldn’t worry about the hue of your sandals that much, because a wide variety of colors is accepted today, and they can be seen as a statement, rather than a failure.

White used to be color of choice, as it was seen as pure and perfect, just like the bride. Later, the colors fanned out into nudes, ivories, and champagnes. If you consider yourself to be conservative, and you’re attending a wedding that is based on tradition, then these are the colors you should choose. Pair them up with a dress of the same shade, and you’ll be a star.

If you are a more fashion-forward bridesmaid, however, the world is your oyster! Don’t be afraid to think out of the box, and let your imagination run wild and free. Consider metallics, rose golds and silvers, as their shimmer will draw the eye and attract attention. These tones can also enhance the details on your dress, and according to those very details, choose the proper shade of metallic.

Golden colors accentuate warm decorations, while silver will complement cool details. It can even pair up with your jewelry! Some brides like pastel colors, because they don’t drag the attention away from the pure white, but they still add some life into the solid whites. The color of choice is usually a pale blue - many brides choose this for their Something Blue! Royal blue also works, and everything in between. Any color can work, honestly, if you know what to do with it!