Our lifestyle editor Alexandra Dudley shares the Christian Louboutin shoes she fell in love with as she prepares for her own big day.
Finding the right shoes for your wedding is a joyful task but one that requires attention to detail. These are the shoes that carry you through what is set to be one of the happiest and most memorable days of your life. They must be comfortable, they must be magical and most of all, they must be right for you. The process of choosing bridal shoes is an incredibly personal one. And whether it be for the big day itself, the rehearsal dinner, or even the honeymoon, when the right shoe fits you will know it.
For The Bridesmaids Lunch – The Matricia Mule
Even for the chicest of pre-bridal celebrations, there has to be at least a pop of pink.
Crafted in lustrous fuchsia satin, the Matricia mule brings an electric spark of joy to any outfit and is a stunning embodiment of the Maison’s creative flair. With wide satin crisscrossed straps in an intricate pattern inspired by Japanese kimonos, all eyes will be on you in this sophisticated yet undeniably sexy shoe. Mounted on a 100mm heel, the shoe creates clean lines that gently unveil the foot and look fantastic when paired with a mini dress. I knew I was looking for something fun for my hen, but also something that was comfortable and that could be worn time and time again. With an open back and impeccable design allowing your foot to relax whilst feeling supported, the Matricia mule is exceptionally comfortable. This is the sort of shoe one could wear all through the day and long into the night.
Wear the Matricia Mule, £725
Match it to his: with the Louis Junior Orlato sneaker for the stag do.
For The Rehearsal Dinner – The Degrastsrass PVC
The opportune moment to walk out any wriggles ahead of the big day, the rehearsal dinner is a sensible time to choose a pair of shoes that reflect the heel height of those you’ll wear on your wedding day. But it’s also an occasion where one can have a little fun. With an irresistibly bold design the Degrastrass PVC pump is set on an 85 mm heel (the same height I plan on wearing for the wedding). A classic Christian Louboutin silhouette, this see-through model is designed in buttery soft PVC and silver calfskin leather and finished with a constellation of rhinestones that create a dazzling and almost magical effect. Echoing Cinderella’s glass slipper, it has an instant fairy-tale quality to it that will pair with any colour you choose to wear. I wanted something loose-fitting but elegant and loved this full-length sequined gown. The Degrastsrass PVC pump would be a perfect honey-moon shoe too, ideal for a dressed up dinner or to add a little sparkle to a sun-drenched alfresco
Wear the Degrastsrass PVC pump, £945
Match it to his: with the Greggo men’s classic patent loafer
For The Wedding Day- The Kate Draperia pump
An iconic Christian Louboutin model, the Kate Draperia pump is an instant choice for a wedding shoe. With a pointed toe and signature low-cut vamp, the shoe enhances the foot and gracefully lengthens the ankle. Crafted from a white mesh and sequinned tulle, it has a delicate feel, marrying classical elegance with a subtle note of sparkle. Set on an 85mm heel, the height is perfect for me. High enough that I feel taller in my dress but not so high that I will have to stop dancing. It is a shoe that would pair well with any style of wedding dress but I fell in love with it most wearing this petticoated belted gown. A full skirt with the ability to spin makes me feel almost as glamorous as Grace Kelly. I love the way that the sequins catch the light of the early evening sun. This is a shoe that echoes the beauty of the bride rather than overpowers.
Wear the Kate Draperia pump, £775
Match it to his: with the Greg On patent men’s loafer
For The Next Day Lunch – The Riojana Spikes
A next-day lunch is a wonderful way to stretch out the joy of a wedding and for many brides, it is an opportunity to let their hair down too. There can be more champagne and more dancing but the pressure is off. A continuation of the joy of the day preceding but without the nerves of forgetting one’s lines at the altar. Especially for those opting for a more traditional look, the next day can be an opportunity to wear something a little more sensual. A stunning example of Maison Christian Louboutin’s inspired style, the Riojana is a perfect choice. Made from pearly white calfskin dotted with Louboutin’s signature silver spikes the shoe has a confident heel height of 100m. Slim straps and an open-toe design give this shoe an elegant yet playful feel. Again, this is a shoe that would pair well with most outfits but having opted for something traditional for the big day I wanted to wear something that had a fun and feminine allure to it. A low back with a slight shimmer was the perfect match.
Wear Riojana Spikes, £665
Match it to his: pair with the sophisticated Alpha Male in black and silver herringbone
For The Honeymoon – The Just Queen
An iconic elegant design, the Just Queen mule is an exquisite example of Christian Louboutin’s craftsmanship. Lengthening the leg, a slim 100m heel creates a stunning arch to the foot supported by two delicate PVC straps embellished with diamanté crystals. As the shoe glitters so do you, with each jewel-inspired crystal catching the light as you take a step. This is an ideal shoe for a sunset cocktail on the terrace, glamourous dinner, or wherever your honeymoon takes you. Sparkly and seductive the Just Queen is a shoe that commands attention and needs little else to make an outfit. I paired it with a cream floor-length dress and let it work its magic.
Wear the Just Queen, £945
Match it to his: with the Dandelion men’s calfskin loafer
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