Short answer: pick a low-to-mid heel (1–2.5 in) with a stable silhouette (block heel, wedge, platform or kitten), cushioned footbed, an ankle strap or closed back, and soft leather/mesh uppers. Brands that are consistently recommended for wedding comfort include Vionic, Naturalizer, Clarks, Cole Haan (Grand/ZeroGrand lines), Everlane (The Day Heel), Sam Edelman (block styles), Aerosoles, and Sofft.

Quick category guide (what to buy for comfort + style)

• Block heel (best all-round): 2–3 in block heel with ankle strap — stable for standing and dancing. Look for hidden padding and leather uppers.
• Kitten heel (best for low profile): 1–2 in — elegant and very comfortable for long wear.
• Platform or flatform heel (best if you want height): 2–3 in platform reduces pitch so it feels less steep.
• Wedge (best for outdoor/grass): full sole spreads weight, great for outdoor venues.
• Dressy sandal with ankle strap (best for summer): secures foot so less slipping/blisters.
• Closed-toe pump with cushioned insole (best for formal/air-conditioned venues): leather stretches to fit and won’t rub edges as badly as cheap synthetics.

Brand + style suggestions to search for

• Vionic — orthotic footbeds, good for people who need arch support.
• Naturalizer — known for roomy toe boxes and cushioning.
• Clarks — reliable for padded insoles and walkability.
• Cole Haan (Grand/ZeroGrand) — stylish with modern cushioning and flexible soles.
• Everlane The Day Heel — minimalist, well-padded low heel.
• Sam Edelman — trendy block heels and comfortable silhouettes.
• Aerosoles & Sofft — comfort-first dress heels at accessible prices.

How to choose the right heel for a wedding

• Heel height: 1–2.5 in is best for all-day comfort. If you want more height, pick a platform so the effective pitch is lower.
• Heel shape: wider = more stable. Avoid skinny stilettos for long standing/dancing.
• Fit: pick a shoe that fits your longest toe; measure in the afternoon when feet swell.
• Material: soft leather or mesh stretches and breathes. Avoid rigid synthetics.
• Support: ankle straps, closed backs, and arch-support footbeds reduce slippage and fatigue.

Break-in, protection, and day-of tips

• Break them in: wear them around the house with socks for several short sessions in the week before.
• Add simple upgrades: gel pads, heel grips, and thin metatarsal pads (ball-of-foot) dramatically improve comfort.
• Moleskin or blister patches: bring on the day for trouble spots.
• Heel protectors: plastic caps for grass or cobblestones so your heels don’t sink.
• Correct socks/hosiery: practice with the exact hosiery you’ll wear; tights can change fit.
• Pack a backup: cute flats or foldable ballet flats for dancing or after-party.

Wedding-day kit to bring

• Gel ball-of-foot pads + heel grips
• Blister bandages (Compeed, Band-Aid)
• Small sewing kit or double-sided fashion tape
• Spare flats or sandals
• Extra heel caps and a tiny bottle of clear nail polish (to glue loose seams temporarily)

Final quick pick depending on needs

• Need arch support: Vionic or Cole Haan.
• Want classic pumps: Naturalizer or Everlane Day Heel.
• Outdoor wedding on grass: wedge or block heel (Clarks or Sam Edelman wedges).
• Maximum dancing comfort: low block or kitten heel + gel pads.

If you want, tell me your dress style, venue (indoor/outdoor), and how tall you want the heel to be and I’ll give 3–5 specific models that match.