I’ve always been a little fascinated by the bridal industry.  So much money spent and so much fuss made for a single day in your life!  Recently, I was lucky enough to have the chance satisfy my curiosity by attending a discussion on bridal trends and the bridal industry and behind-the-scenes tour at Kleinfeld, New York’s destination wedding salon and the setting for TLC’s series “Say Yes To The Dress.”  Kleinfeld owner Mara Urshel and bridal fashion editor Juli Alvarez of the recently closed Modern Bride spoke on the trends and the business of this high-stress industry.

First of all, just going into Kleinfeld is quite a trip.  Even though I know I have in the past mocked the existence of a tv series about nothing but women trying on wedding dresses, I have to admit that I have in fact seen the series.  As with all reality TV, the participants (who have to apply) are selected to up the drama quotient.  I invariably end up thinking either a) “Wow, your friends suck!”,  b) “Wow, your mom is a b****!”, or c) “Dude, CALM DOWN.”  It is quite something else to actually walk into Kleinfeld and see the dresses in person.

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Really? A stiletto heel appropriate for the bride AND Nike comfort?

Admittedly, I knew that Cole Haan made heels using this technology — I have a gorgeous pair of brown suede peeptoes that are possibly the most comfortable heels I own.  What I didn’t know was that Cole Haan also had the genius idea of making a whole line of shoes in dyeable white satin for special occasions.  This might be the best wedding fashion idea EVER.  Cole Haan’s offerings come in varying heel heights, from 4″ sandals to ballet flats, so there are options for everyone.  The real advantage here, though, is in the heels — the difference between a 3″ Cole Haan Air heel and your average stiletto is hours of additional standing time while looking great before your feet really start to protest.  And let’s be real, if you’re the bride or a bridesmaid, you’re going to be on your feet a lot on the big day.

I’m partial to the one at top (yeah, the rosettes are a little lavish, but what better excuse are you ever going to have?), but there are a whole slew of styles available — check them out at Nordstrom or on Cole Haan‘s website, and get ready to dance the night away!