look book: hue honed heels

This season the bridal catwalks have dared brides to go beyond a traditional ivory dress, with blush, blue and even dazzling gold gowns making an appearance on the runway.

We understand however that a colourful gown, no matter how subtle, is still considered a more niche option, with many choosing to stick with a pure shade of fail-safe white. But this doesn’t mean that brides have to forgo colour altogether, as big day footwear provides an ideal area in which ladies can add a pop of pizazz and personality from any end of the spectrum.

When it’s time to get the shoe search underway, we highly advise looking to specialist bridal shoe designers who craft their creations with both comfort and style in mind – meaning you can keep your heels firmly on from the ‘I dos’ to the dance moves!

So, for those of you that crave a colour-pop, we’ve rounded up our favourite heels from the top designers in the industry, which we’re pretty sure will help inspire your choices. Ladies, let’s shop!

Main post images from Rachel Simpson.

First up is our fabulous Sponsor, Charlotte Mills, where each shoe sole is embossed with the phrase, “Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something Blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” And yes, each left shoe includes an original silver sixpence to bring you luck on your big day. Sticking with wedding traditions, why not add your ‘something blue’ in the shape of a shoe? The April Blue peep toe sandal is delicate in pale blue with a heart design at the back and cross-over ankle straps, while the Cece Blue is a T-bar peep toe with a low block heel and an iridescent pearl blue tonal glitter bow. Ms Mills also has some fab options if you want a stand-out heel. Check out the Becky range, each with a show-stopping glitter block heel and the Eve, a court shoe also rocking a pretty, shimmering heel.

Next, another stylish Sponsor of Brides Up North, Paradox London, where you can expect to find some bold blues in the shape of the Adaline Navy and Catrina Navy. The Adaline is ideal if you want a bit of height but don’t fancy teetering on a stiletto, while the Catrina has some lovely embellishment detail. Add pizzazz with the Alandra Red, a bejewelled stiletto sure to make an entrance, or tone it down a tad and plump for the Manhattan Blush or Macpherson Blush. The Manhattan sports a chunky jewel embellishment on the strap, while the Macpherson is a beautiful sandal with a sexy strap design to flatter the foot.

Taking a step into Rachel Simpson’s collections, the Mimosa shoe is heart-stoppingly beautiful. The soft petal design is inspired by nature – choose it in the pale mint leather, which is overlaid on metallic champagne gold leather to beautifully highlight the petal design. For a darker shade of green, look to the Olivia peep toe in luxurious velvet, which is enhanced with a luxe copper glitter heel. For your ‘something blue’, slip into a pair of Isabelle Ice Blue peep toes, with an art deco vibe and subtle metallic leather detailing, or the Valentina Cobalt – the perfect footwear for that kingfisher flash. And, if you’re looking for ruby red, check out the Bonita Red glitter courts, complete with full red satin bow.

And finally on our virtual shopping spree we visit Emmy London, where we find the fabulous made-to-order Meadow Jet, a 4.5in heel that offers a striking contrast to a traditional bridal look. Inspired by English country meadows, grass and floral silhouettes adorn the black court shoe, which is made from soft Italian suede. For a shoe that’s a little less ‘out there’ but no less striking, take a look at the Bluebell, which is inspired by Cinderella’s glass slipper and is embellished with aquamarine-coloured Swarovski crystals. The Alice Gold is also beautifully embellished, with a shimmering gold trim, Swarovski crystals, gold mirror glass and elegant cross-over straps, while the Beatrice is the perfect complement to a bright red lip and has glorious vintage detailing atop a straight heel with mother of pearl shell and Swarovski crystal. For a slightly lower heel and a playful pom pom detail, choose the Suzannah Duck Egg shoe in blue suede and an elegant pointed toe.

So, it appears choosing the perfect shoe can be just as exciting as choosing the perfect gown. But perhaps the best thing about all the fine footwaer featured here is that you can wear these heavenly heels time and time again – starting with the cocktail bar on honeymoon!

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