We've all heard about the various bridal shoe traditions all around the world, but what about the act of gifting the bride a shoe? Is that something that people do? If it's not, it should be. Here's a guide that will talk you through your options.
If you're here looking for a pair of wearable shoes to buy for your bride, you can't go wrong with a pair loved by brides. Click here to explore the most popular bridal shoes.
Above lies a shoe that was gifted to a Stapleton bride in the 1920s.
For those of you wondering, a Stapleton bride was a relative on my nan's side of the family (Stapleton is her maiden name). Unfortunately, I don't know the first name or face of the 1920s bride, however, I do have this little piece of her that has been passed down for generations.
After my nan showed me the shoe when I was asking her about shoe styles in the 1920s and 30s, I just knew that I had to share this with you to encourage you to buy the bride in your life a special sentimental shoe because it's truly a beautiful keepsake. We feel so lucky that we have something like this in our family.
Spiritually, a shoe symbolises our direction and life path. On a brides wedding day, she chooses to take a permanent step into a new direction or life path with someone she cares for. Gifting someone a shoe to show your encouragement of their journey seems only natural.
If you can't find a shoe like the one above but love the idea of a non-wearable shoe as a gift, other kinds of shoes that would make the perfect wedding gift for the bride that you might like to consider are horseshoes, as well as chocolate shoes.
I only recently discovered chocolate shoes after watching the channel 5 documentary, Wonderful World of Chocolate. Wonderful World of Chocolate featured the London Chocolate Boutique, Cocoa To Thrill who creates bespoke and artistic chocolate shoes that can be eaten or admired. We've displayed an example below - isn't it the most decadent treat on the planet?! We think so.
Order a luxurious chocolate shoe for the bride in your life online at cocoatothrill.com/shop.
Whilst chocolate shoes may be a fairly new thing, the giving of horseshoes to a bride is a longstanding tradition bringing good luck to the newlyweds for the duration of their lives together.
Looking for some inspiration? Preview Orelia's Team Bride Horseshoe Bracelet as it may make the perfect wedding gift for the bride in your life.
Do you too have a 100-year-old wedding shoe in your family? Have you ever been gifted a shoe? We've love to hear your stories in the comments below.
*This blog post includes an affiliate link. This means that if you click on the affiliate link, go through to the retailer and purchase an item, I will receive a small percentage of your purchase.