Has anyone done bespoke wedding shoes? Or have an eye for shoe design?

[BlingDreams]

We're heading down that isle (so to speak ) and wanted to bounce design ideas off of anyone who either has done it before or has an interest in or eye for design.

 

[Akalahab]

What are your ideas for your shoes? I'd never even thought of bespoke wedding shoes!

 

[foxinsox]

I considered it for my wedding last year and spent a bit of time looking on Shoes Of Prey trying to work out what to get.. but I never actually managed to decide on which ones to get! I have seen some shoes by SoP in a department store in Melbourne and they looked nicely made too.
I'd love to know if you do go ahead with custom/bespoke shoes tho!

 

[BlingDreams]

Let me apologize first that I never saw I had replies to this thread, so sorry for the delay! And I totally wish I'd found these sooner to bounce ideas off of you ladies because I JUST sent in the confirmed order for my choice about three hours ago

What are your ideas for your shoes? I'd never even thought of bespoke wedding shoes!

I hadn't either! I figured I'd get run-of-the-mill shoes but when we were trying on wedding dresses I was put in a pair of high heels to help me better evaluate the dress. I didn't think much of it, until I'd been in the heels for well over an hour and it suddenly dawned on me that my feet didn't hurt AT ALL. I barely noticed I had them on. I was like "Who makes these shoes??!" And there began my journey...

Of course, it turned out that the shoes are terribly expensive (at least compared to what I would usually spend!) and even worn by some royalty (Kate Middleton and her mother/sister, etc.). The funny thing is though it's just a small London boutique and not a huge conglomerate. Anyway, we browsed the website and while I was gobsmacked at the prices we both loved the look of the shoes; yet nothing was quite perfect and for that price I wasn't going to compromise. One day I was on the website and saw a "bespoke" link. I clicked it, saw what was possible, and shot SO a text saying "you're not going to believe this, but..." He replied with something like "It fits us - bespoke engagement ring, bespoke wedding band, bespoke wedding dress... why not the shoes? Go for it."

I considered it for my wedding last year and spent a bit of time looking on Shoes Of Prey trying to work out what to get.. but I never actually managed to decide on which ones to get! I have seen some shoes by SoP in a department store in Melbourne and they looked nicely made too.
I'd love to know if you do go ahead with custom/bespoke shoes tho!

I decided to do it! I took one of their styles, raised the heel, and changed the color of suede (even choosing something other than their stock colors... they're having to import it from their tannery in Italy). I might tinker with the embellishment a bit too. It's been a pretty exciting but nerve wracking process as it's expensive, but they have been wonderful to work with. The level of professionalism and politeness has been an uplifting experience.

I'll try to put together a collage of what my shoe will look like and post it for you ladies to see

 

[BlingDreams]

Ok, here's what we're looking at.

Factors that led to the ultimate decision were that I wanted shoes I could conceivable wear again (so not too highly decorated), something slightly casual (while I'll be wearing a wedding dress, I'm accessorizing it in a way that makes it less traditional/more relaxed looking), and around 4" heel height (since he's almost a foot taller than I am).

The top two shoes are the base that we're starting with. I'll be using the slingback style and the peep toe front. The bottom two shoes are the heel height I'll have as well as the whiter embellishment. Below the collage is the color I've asked them to get. It's called "pastel lilac" or something like that; I used a coloring app I have to approximate how it will look when completed. The color goes with the earrings I'll wear as well as the long scarf I'll be using as a sash (both also shown). Plus, purple is my favorite color so I'm sure I'll have other outfits I can wear them with after the wedding

Let me know what you think!

 

[Matthews1127]

I had bespoke shoes customized for my wedding. My gown is all Chantilly Lace, and quite long (I'm on the short side). I struggled trying to find lace shoes that were white, like my gown, yet high enough to keep the front of my gown from dragging over my feet; I couldn't hem the front, and I was terrified I'd rip it or trip.
I was scrolling on Etsy, and stumbled upon a shoe designer in Scotland. I loved her designs, and they seemed to be very similar to what I was looking for. She designed my shoes using 2" platform, 5.5" stiletto heels. They were white, covered with white lace, and speckled from top to bottom with Swarovski crystals, with a fan-like embellishment on the front, fine satin trim, and feathers on the back. She & I created a modern gatsby style shoe that lifted my short stature above the floor high enough to lift my dress to avoid damage or tripping! I sent her photos of my gown, and the style of the theme I needed to create. Platforms had to be used to lift me up high, but the design was all Art Deco/Gatsby! She sent me photos of embellishments, and I chose the ones I loved most. She also shared progress photos, during her creation, to ask my opinion. She did an AMAZING job!
My shoes were only worn for a short period of time (they actually made me taller than DH), but while they were on, they were the talk of the night!

These are actual wedding photos taken by my photographer...


Taken when the shoes arrived, and after I opened the box to display them on my cluttered kitchen table...lol!


I love my shoes, and they're a one of a kind pair, custom made for me by a wonderful crafter in Scotland! These shoes made my wedding day all the more special, especially since we integrated our Celtic heritage into our ceremony!
I love the photos of the shoes you are creating for your wedding!! They are beautiful, and I know no one else will have the same shoes!! So unique & special!!!
So exciting!!
CRM
**Edit**
She also added a Sixpence under my left shoe for good luck!

 

[BlingDreams]

@Matthews1127 - How fun! I love a good Gatsby-themed outfit and gathering. I toyed with going that route with my shoes too (not nearly as decorated as yours though... just a simple suede pump with a beaded crossover scalloped fan) but decided on the more traditional design.

Thanks for sharing

 

[valeria101]

I was like "Who makes these shoes??!"

?

 

[xsouzie]

My wedding shoes were bespoke in a way.
It was next to impossible to find shoes I liked so I bought a pair and had them customized with 24K gold coated Swarovski crystals.

 

[BlingDreams]

?

I'm guessing you're asking who the designer is? If so, it's Emmy Scarterfield, aka Emmy London

 

[valeria101]

Yes ! Thanks !

WHOA!

 

[BlingDreams]

My wedding shoes were bespoke in a way.
It was next to impossible to find shoes I liked so I bought a pair and had them customized with 24K gold coated Swarovski crystals.

Based on the maker of your dress and shoes, plus 24k embellishments, I'm guessing no expense was spared for the wedding?

 

[foxinsox]

Ok, here's what we're looking at.
Let me know what you think!

These are going to be so pretty! And not a one time wear wedding shoe either. They're ready nice

 

[leloponka]

What are your ideas for your shoes? I'd never even thought of bespoke wedding shoes!

bespoke wedding shoes sounds great, however, what are your experiences?