For momentous occasions like your much-awaited wedding, looking good from head to foot is a must! Looking your absolute best on your wedding day is not just about wearing the right dress, it’s also about having the perfect bridal accessories.

Your bridal shoes are arguably the most important wedding accessory on your list. What’s the use of having a lovely dress when your shoes scream fashion faux-pas? To help you find the right bridal shoes, we’re featuring one of our favorites–the closed toe pump.

The term "pump" refers to a number of different shoe-types. Its definition and exact description depends on how the word is used and where it’s used.

In Britain for example, “pumps” refer to either of the following: athletic shoes, ballet shoes or flat shoes. In North America, when you say pumps or pump shoes, people automatically think of heeled or formal footwear. Since we’re talking weddings and formal events, we’ll be referring to heeled and formal shoes in this article. To make things even more specific, we’re going to discuss a specific pump design—the closed toe pump.

Choosing Your Wedding Pumps

Even as we narrow down its definition and design, finding the perfect closed toe pump could still prove to be a confusing endeavor. There are numerous closed toe pump designs on the market. To help you pick out the perfect closed toe pumps, we’ve come up with a list of tips designed to lead you to the perfect fashionable and comfortable bridal footwear.

Tip 1: Consider comfort.

Your perfect bridal shoes need to be sophisticated and beautiful, but your main priority should be finding a gorgeous pair of closed toe pumps that will make you feel comfortable. Think about it, you’ll be walking a lot, mingling with guests, posing for numerous photo ops and dancing with your groom and other members of your wedding entourage. How can you do all these things if you can’t even walk properly with you chosen footwear?

Nancy Sinatra may have had boots in mind as she sang "these boots are made for walking", but the same rule applies for all the different types of footwear. Keep in mind comfort and practicality when picking out your closed toe pumps.

Tip 2: Remember that whites will vary.

Your choice of wedding shoe color directly affects your overall look. When choosing your closed toe pumps, bring along a swatch of fabric or a picture of your wedding dress to help you find the shoe color that matches your garb.

Tip 3: When fitting your dress for alterations, be sure to bring your closed toe pumps. If you already have an idea on what your gown length will be, consider your dress length when picking out your heel-height.

Don’t worry about heel-height precision when placed against your wedding dress. The final fitting will give your dress the right amount of alterations needed for your closed toe pumps to work perfectly with your wedding gown.

Tip 4: Make sure your shoe-fabric matches your wedding dress.

Silk and satin are the two most popular fabrics used for bridal shoes. When determining what type of fabric to pick for your closed toe pumps, look at the hem of your gown to help you pick out the perfect fabric.

For shiny fabrics, go for satin closed toe pumps. For matte sheen dresses, go for crepe shoes. If your dress is in the lacy side, pick closed toe pumps with lace accents.

Tip 5: Make sure your bridal shoes embody your personal style.

Your shoes, just like your wedding dress, should reflect your personal style. If you’re fresh and funky, go for closed toe pumps with colorful embellishments and chunky heels. If you’re on the simple and chic side, then go for simple white satin closed toe pumps.

Tip 6: The rule of embellishments and detailing: fancy shoes for simple dresses, simple shoes for elaborate gowns.

If your heart is set on finding closed toe pumps with detailing, just make sure the embellishments match the decorations on your wedding dress.

Keep in mind comfort, style and price when picking out your perfect wedding closed toe pumps.

Check out this collection of bridal shoes for your wedding.