Summarize:

The era of traditional, high heeled, white, wedding shoes is over. Nowadays, you can get away with wearing any type of shoe to your wedding - be it dress shoes, sneakers, cowboy boots, or sandals. The most important thing is that whatever shoe you pick suits your personality. So you want to find one you'll feel completely comfortable and happy in. For example, if you never wear heels, you probably don't want to wear them on your wedding day. You'll likely have trouble walking in them and will, in turn, feel awkward and uncomfortable. Or, if you commonly wear vintage items, buy a 40s or 50s inspired shoe from a site like Modcloth. In the same vein, if you're the type of person always in workout gear, try a new pair of sneakers! You can opt for the traditional and choose a color that matches your dress - which may mean having to bring a swatch along with you to ensure that your colors are identical - or you can go outside the box and pick a bright, standout color. The most popular colors for bridal shoes are white, neutral, yellow, violet, purple, gray, and black. However, picking a jewel tone like an emerald or a ruby is a great way to add some extra character to your gown and showcase your personality.  Keep in mind if you can't find the color you want, most shoes can be dyed. There is also the option of picking a shade that diverts from your dress but matches your accessories, such as silver or gold. You can also change up the color through embellishments, such as pearls, beads, sequins, and rhinestones. Raw silk, crepe, or satin shoes are common choices because these are often the fabrics of the dress. However, diverting from the norm and selecting a different fabric from the dress, like leather or metallic, can add a unique touch to the overall ensemble. Keep in mind if you choose shoes that are vinyl or plastic, they are likely to pinch and rub awkwardly against your feet. They also don't breathe well, which can cause your feet to swell more. Weddings are all day events and you don't want to kick your shoes off, at least until you have finished the formal dancing. The reality is that comfort is a very significant factor to consider when choosing a shoe, more-so than looks, and you don't want to find this out while you are cringing during the photo session. Heels should only be an option if you are used to wearing them, and if you are not, but you really want to wear them, then buy them well in advance to break them in and get used to them.  The shape of the shoe can also affect your comfort level. For example, a shoe with an open or rounded toe is likely to be more comfortable than a shoe with a pointed toe.  Break in your shoes by wearing them around the house, at work, or while running errands in the days leading up to the wedding. Take into account the formality of the wedding, the style of your dress, and the season when selecting a wedding shoe. For example, a satin, open-toe, off-white slipper would work well with an off the shoulder, open back, satin gown during the summer. In contrast, a plain raw silk closed shoe would complement a traditional raw silk, full-skirted gown during the fall and winter months. Informal weddings allow for casual looks, such as ballet slippers or embellished sandals.
Pick a shoe that fits your personality. Select a wedding shoe color to complement your gown. Decide on the fabric of your shoe. Make sure the shoe is comfortable. Match the style of your shoe to your dress and the occasion.