For today’s trendspotting post, I’ve invited Jenny Wells from Wedding Feet to share some of the wedding shoe trends she’s been spotting lately…

Welcome, Jenny!

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We here at WeddingFeet.com have seen the 2009 season bring several new trends for wedding shoes. This year, brides will find even more styles to choose from. Also, they will feel a lot more free to buy any style or type of shoe they want. From boots to flats to fancy heels, the bride should feel free to shop anywhere and not be restricted to only bridal shops.

Trend #1: Color

Colors are still a major trend. Starting a few years ago, brides began to buy colored wedding shoes for their big day. Some would match their shoes to their wedding colors or their bridesmaid dresses. Others would use their shoe as their “something blue” color. Now, brides are choosing whatever color they like. White or ivory wedding gowns will match almost any brightly colored shoes and colorful shoes peeking out from underneath a wedding dress always gives a bride a fun and unique look on her wedding day.

Trend #2: Beyond Cocktail Hour

The next – and probably best – trend is that cocktail and evening shoes are now really easily translated to bridal footwear. These days, evening shoes are more elaborate and more dramatic – something many brides are looking for on their wedding day. Various colors, accessories and adornments can make for one fantastic wedding shoe. Look for ribbons, ruffles, rosettes and even fancy boots. The biggest plus here is that the bride can wear these shoes long after the wedding,  making the purchase of an expensive pair of evening shoes worth every penny. This fall, brides will find a wide variety of choices since evening shoes are especially popular in the winter season when holiday parties prevail.

Trend #3: Drama

Like with cocktail and evening shoes, wedding shoes have also been updated to have more drama. There are more rhinestones decorating the shoes and more lace being used. What used to be a simple shoe with tiny straps or just a basic pump has now become much more complex and dramatic. To avoid clashing with the gown, wedding shoes in these styles are oftentimes better used when the bride will be wearing a simple dress.

Trend #4: Flats

Finally, one other trend that continues to be seen this year are wedding flats. Flats can be found decorated with rhinestones and are available in several colors since they are also becoming more popular in women’s shoes in general. If you’re opting for flats, have some fun with them! Choose a fun, unexpected color or decorate plain flats fancy, elaborate clip-on accessories.

There are many choices out there for wedding shoes and we here at WeddingFeet.com are here to guide you! We have a step by step guide which will help you think through your decisions and we offer a wide variety of suggestions organized by category for you to look through. So, start shopping and have fun!

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Thanks for the tips Jenny!

Image Credits:
colors: red shoe by Nina Palas, purple shoe by Max Studio Scent, navy shoe by Steve Madden, pink shoe by  Stuart Weitzman (Gigiritz)

cocktail/evening: white pumps by Christian Louboutin (Carnaval Nodo Satin d’Orsay), silver sequin pumps by Valentino, ankle boot by Kelsi Dagger (Rosabella), charcoal ruffle shoe by Nina Elga

dramatic bridal: lace shoe by Stuart Weitzman (Chantelle), ruffle shoe by RSVP (Lauren)

flats: both styles by J.Crew