How to Decorate Wedding Sneakers

Get comfortable without being too informal by spicing up your sneakers with some simple decorations

By Cynthia Myers

Photo by Michael Graham Photography

Whether you wear them as a fashion statement or to save your poor feet, wedding sneakers are a popular choice for many brides. Shoe companies even sell special dressy sneakers so the bride and groom or their respective wedding entourages can walk in comfort down the aisle. With a few notions and glue, you can make your own special wedding sneakers. This could be a fun project for a bridal shower or bridesmaid's get-together. When you hit the dance floor at your reception, you'll still be light on your feet.

• What You Need to Know
• The decision to trade comfort for fashion is yours alone. Make it wisely.
• An alternate pair of shoes is never a bad idea.

Step 1:

Choose shoes that match the color of your dress or outfit, and try to complement an element of your partner's ensemble. If you're wearing baby blue shoes with your wedding dress, for example, maybe the groom can have a flower of the same color.

Step 2:

Replace the laces with satin ribbon. Choose narrow ribbon the same width as the laces, or opt for 1-inch-wide ribbon for a poufy, feminine look. Use white ribbon or go with one of your wedding colors.

Step 3:

Add a lace ruffle around the opening. You can apply this with glue, but with canvas sneakers, it may be just as easy to sew the ruffle on with a large needle and sturdy thread. Stitch more lace to the tongue in rows, like a lace jabot.

Step 4:

Add some character to your footwear with sequins, gemstones, glitter or pearls. Be careful not to go overboard and overwhlem footwear with 'additives.' That can look tacky and take away from your outfit.

Step 5:

If you have canvas shoes, paint designs on them -- tastefully, of course. Don't forget the rubber toe cap and side strips above the sole. Accent these designs with sequins and rhinestones. Let dry overnight before you wear your sneakers.

• Tips & Warnings
• Make matching sneakers for all your bridesmaids.
• Sneakers don't have to be worn during the ceremony if you're worried about being too casual. You can use them for the reception.