Most brides-to-be are stunned when they discover just how many shades of white there actually are. According to the experts, there are at least five primary shades of wedding day white. There is stark white or bright white, champagne white, ivory, candlelight and ecru. Of course, there are dozens of different shades, either lighter or darker, for each of these primary shades of white.
As you might imagine, this can create a problem when it comes to matching accessories. After all, dresses are available in hundreds of different shades of white, but shoes and purses are not. In the past, this often meant that brides had to walk down the aisle with shoes and other accessories that didn't quite match their dresses. Now, some women might not mind the inconsistency. But when you're paying twenty-five thousand dollars for your wedding (the national average), most brides-to-be want everything to be perfect. Dyeable shoes are a simple solution to this problem.
Sold at most bridal boutiques and salons, dyeable wedding shoes are made from a special type of white satin fabric that is designed to accept dye. Dyes can be matched to any shade of white and the coating will not change the look or the feel of the fabric. However, there is a small service charge for expert dyeing.
Where to start?
If you are interested in obtaining a perfect match, the first thing you must do is ask the salesperson to show you the dyeable shoes. Only a small portion of wedding shoes are, in fact, dyeable. These shoes are only slightly more expensive than non-dyeable models.
The most important consideration when it comes to dyeable shoes is the time. The service takes at least two weeks at most bridal salons. It may take even longer if the work is not done in-house. Most brides-to-be send their shoes out to be dyed as soon as they select them.
Remember to bring in a fabric swatch of your bridal gown if you decide to get your shoes dyed at a later date. Without a color swatch, the salesperson will not be able to help you select a matching color. It is also important to note that not all bridal salons will provide this service. Because dyeable products must match specific dress collections, some of the small boutiques and salons will not offer dyeing services. The only sure bet is a bridal warehouse.
Shoe Care
The dyes that are used for these shoes are water soluble, which means that they must be protected from moisture. If a dyed surface does get wet, the color may fade. Brides-to-be who are planning an outdoor ceremony should know that wearing dyeable shoes is a gamble. Wet grass or a sun shower could be enough to cause the color to run.
Caveat Emptor
Any item that is dyed is generally considered to be a personalized item. As such, it cannot be returned or exchanged. If the color is not a perfect match, the store may or may not take responsibility for it. If worst comes to worst, you may have to pay to have your shoes dyed again. Of course, this will take at least another two weeks.
Helpful Hints
The bride isn't the only one who can take advantage of dyeable shoes. Most wedding salons sell dyeable footwear for the bridesmaids, flower girls and the mothers of the bride and groom. Trust us, their formal gowns can be difficult to match as well. Dyeable shoes are a simple and affordable solution for all members of the bridal party.
If your local bridal salon or boutique does not offer dyeing services, you can find great deals online. In fact, some professional service providers offer free shipping for larger orders, which may save you money over your local store. There's a reason why e-commerce is on rise. Doing business directly with providers who do not operate costly storefronts is less expensive.
One of the best things about dyeable shoes is that they can be dyed again. Why wear your bridal shoes only once? At an average cost of two hundred and fifty dollars, they are often the most expensive accessory, ahead of the veil. But if they are comfortable enough for walking and dancing, it would be a shame to banish them to an attic or a deep dark closet to collect dust. Dyeable shoes can be redyed as many times as the wearer wants. Why not match them to your favorite cocktail dress or evening gown? Waste not, want not.
Most of the major shoe designers offer full lines of dyeable shoes. Size is never an issue and neither is heel height. The most important thing to remember is to find a professional service provider that can help you match the color of your gown. Find that perfect pair now!
