If the shoe fits…

…it’s ok to make them wear it.  Just don’t make them wear it all night.

My friend was a bridesmaid last week.  A few weeks before the wedding, I was at her house eating lunch.  There on the kitchen table was shoe box, and she happened to catch me glancing at it.  She said “Go ahead and take a look.  Those are the bridesmaid shoes.”  Much to my surprise, there was a pair of somewhere-near 4″ heels inside.  I said, “WHAT!?”  Not being a high-heel person at all, I couldn’t believe someone would make their friends wear such a thing.  All I could think about was the pain and blisters.  I even went as far to worry about my friend the night of the wedding.

When the pics were posted on facebook the next day, I couldn’t wait to see the dress, the shoes and how great my friend looked.  A few photos into the album, I finally saw a full-length photo of my friend.  And what did I see?  Cowboy boots!  And guess what?  They looked amazing with that red dress she had on!  Yes, she did have to wear those (in my opinion) awful shoes, but what a gift not to have to wear them the whole night.  A few more photos into the album, there were the other bridesmaids on the table dancing with bare-feet and even Uggs.  It was such a great photo!

With great photos come great memories.  With great memories come great friends.  Yes, it is definitely your wedding and, for the most part, you can do whatever you want.  However, if you want to keep the friends you have in your wedding, just be flexible and let them enjoy the day as much as you’re going to.  Let them shed those silly shoes as soon as you say “I do.” Or, think about making your bridesmaids love you even more by letting them pair something fun (and comfy) with that awesome dress you’ve picked out for them during the actual ceremony.  Maybe even a pair of cowboy boots….

P.S. – I’m working on getting the pic of my friend in her boots.  Stay tuned.