Sole mates: Finding the perfect wedding shoe for your big day
The quest for the perfect wedding shoes has become as important as finding the right outfit. TBS took stock of the latest trends, standout brands, and options tailored to the Bangladeshi bride and groom
Our wedding industry is undeniably flourishing, with festivities no longer confined to a single event. Weddings have now transformed into week-long celebrations, filled with rituals, ceremonies, and many activities.
With the evolving wedding industry, numerous brands and businesses specialising in various niches have emerged, transforming a market once centered solely on bridal apparel into a highly competitive space. Today, dedicated platforms cater to even the smallest details, including footwear.
Weddings are synonymous with grandeur, and when it comes to bridal shoes, adding a touch of sparkle is essential. From sleek stilettos to comfortable wedges, a hint of glamour is a must to complete the perfect look.
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Comfort heels taking the front seat
Sabiha Sayed, a Dhaka-based banker got married last winter and for her wedding day, she chose a pair of block heels.
"I personally love pencil heels better for special occasions, but it is painful to wear pencil heels for longer hours. Hence, I opted for 4-inches block heels. It helped me carry myself quite effortlessly," she said.
Sabiha also noted that, besides block heels, platform heels are another excellent choice, offering both height and comfort for extended wear.
"It's wise to opt for a comfortable pair of heels if you have a pre-wedding shoot scheduled on your big day," she advised.
"From getting ready at the salon to travelling to an outdoor location for the shoot, and finally making your way to the wedding venue to spend hours on your feet, it's a hectic day, and comfort is key."
While heels aren't a necessity for weddings, many brides choose to embrace elaborately designed flat shoes for their special day. However, experts note that wearing heels often enhances posture, adding an elegant and confident edge to a bride's overall look.
The rising popularity of juttis
Over the past few years, juttis (also known as khussas) have become a beloved name in the bridal shoe market.
"It adds so many colours, just what your holud/mehedi day needs," said Nilima Yasmin, a baker and an entrepreneur who got married in 2022.
Nilima wore a vibrant lehenga in her holud but she was struggling to pair it up with the right shoe. Then she found the perfect one from Hermizon.
"Unlike heels, juttis have more surface area which works as a canvas for detailed embroideries and zardosi work. As a result, juttis complement the wedding attire even better," she said.
Made-to-measure shoes
Currently, there are no options for truly customised shoes for women in the country. A slight alteration can be done by brands, like Sumaya Khan Couture which makes handmade shoes. However, the option of making it from scratch for you has yet to be introduced.
Apex, however, has stepped into the scene and introduced it to men.
For those, who have an odd shoe size, they can get the perfect shoe, made-to-measure for them from Apex.
Beyond the size customisation, this option also enables you to choose the leather, texture, and sole and you can even engrave your name in the shoe. The final product comes in a leather bag, with a matching belt and shoe brush. The package costs between Tk20,000 to Tk24,000, depending on the level of customisation.
Among local brands, Rave has gained popularity for its dazzling women's footwear. Their collection, featuring an array of glittery and stone-embellished designs, has become a go-to choice for many brides, with prices ranging from Tk2,000 to Tk5,000.
Apex's new wedding drop this year has been quite a fascinating one. The collection includes a wide range of designs from Apex's Nino Rossi and Moochie line for women ranging from between Tk2,500 to Tk7,000. For men, they have high-end leather shoes in the Venturini line. The price for men's shoes can go up to Tk,20,000.
While Bata doesn't have any labelled collection for weddings, it still has glamorous shoes that amplify your wedding day. You can also check out La Mode, Meraki and Hermizon.
If you are looking for luxury international brands, Dhaka now has Steven Madden and Dune London outlets where you can directly purchase your dream shoes.
