Warning! Essay ahead!
Our ceremony will be outside (on grass) and I was having a difficult time finding shoes that were the right height so that I didn't need further alterations to my dress. Well I've finally found shoes (two pairs of them) and now I'm struggling to pick which ones!
I ordered two pairs of Badgley Mischka Jewel wedges from Nordstrom and then my mom found me some short heels at Nordstrom Rack. One pair of wedges is too tall for my dress (so those will need to go back), but the others are the right height and I like the color and silhouette of them quite a bit.
Top Comparison - Wedge shown left of photo, heel shown right
Wedges, side view (mark on my leg is a shadow, not a bruise!)
Heel side view, with ankle strap not buckled all the way
Stock photo of wedges, to show fancy ankle strap
The heels my mom got me are a bit less "bridal" but they are mostly hidden by my dress so I'm not sure it matters. They are patent (synthetic) leather, so should wipe down easily, but might show scratches as well. The toe strap is a bit thicker and not as delicate, but positioned a bit better than the one on the wedges. They are quite comfortable and I can definitely wear them again with different outfits. I'll be keeping them regardless, because my mom got them for me when we were shopping several states away and it would be a headache to return them, plus they're more comfortable than other "low" dress shoes I have. They secure via an ankle strap that is wrapped in the same color, so there is no exposed hardware. They're probably the perfect height for my dress.
Unfortunately I ordered the wedges before my mom got me the heels, but they hadn't arrived by the time we went shopping (PS: Nordstrom's free shipping option takes forever). When we saw the heels I knew they would work if the wedges didn't, so we bought them just so I'd have something because I was worried we wouldn't be able to find them again (it was Nordstrom Rack and they were only $30).
Both shoes are pretty much invisible under my dress when standing stationary. With the wedges being a smidge higher you see them a bit sooner when I move, but because the color is good and they look dressy and bridal it doesn't matter. My MOH is wearing a dusty rose/coral color (David's "Desert Coral") and my e-ring and wedding band is rose gold so the color of the wedges works really well with those, but the nude of the heels also goes with everything.
I mostly need to decide whether or not I want to return the wedges. I got them on sale, so they weren't too expensive ($60), so if I wear them, even if just for the wedding, I'm okay with that, but I don't actually need them since I have the heels. I have to return the second pair of wedges I bought (not shown) anyway. I have thought about keeping both shoes just so I have the option of changing them if one pair becomes uncomfortable or damaged because I don't have anything else in a similar height. I just don't want to decide to keep the wedges and then never wear them.
Thoughts?