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Size Designations
The size listed on the shoe will give you some idea of whether it will fit you. However, shoe sizing is by no means an exact science. Some shoe designers list widths as simply Medium, Wide and Extra Wide. Others are more specific (C, D, E, EE, and so on).
Designers will differ even with the same-named shoe size, so be sure to go into the store and try on a few pairs. If you're buying from a catalog or online, check to see whether the store offers a return option. If not, move on. You can't be sure of a shoe's fit until you try it on.
Get to Know Your Feet
"Plus size" can mean a number of different things when it comes to footwear. The dome (height) of the foot might be high, or the width could be broader than the average. Likewise, your foot might be wide at the toes but narrow at the heel, or broad toward the middle.
Find out what cut of shoe fits your foot best, and start looking for that cut in wedding shoes. Knowing the general shape of your foot will dramatically decrease the time you would otherwise spend rifling through shapes that just don't suit you.
Cute Boots
One piece of footwear that seems to work well for plus-sized feet is the wedding boot. Otherwise known as the "granny boot", this elegant, adorable shoe hearkens back to the romantic early 1900s. Usually, wedding boots will have a low but definite heel, making this supportive shoe a great wide width pick.
Sexy Toes
Sandals are another shoe that work for larger feet. The open toe offers the wiggle room your wide width needs. White sandals are also a very sophisticated look. Flatter your feet by choosing a sandal that has the strap over the widest part of your foot (if possible). If not, look for accents in the middle of the top strap to draw the attention inward.
Easy Pumps
Pumps are one piece of footwear that almost always flatter a wide foot. They also offer comfort, as the sides are generally broad enough to accommodate most sizes. You can dress up a wedding pump with a rhinestone clip-on at the base of the toes on the vamp (top) of the shoe.
Optical Illusions
You can create a more slender silhouette with a few well-known fashion industry tricks.
Although many brides choose white shoes, consider a sophisticated black sandal or pump. A thin black stripe of fabric around the base of the shoe will also slenderize your foot.
You might also consider wearing a shoe that matches your bridesmaids' dress color, or has an accent in that color. For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing fuchsia dresses and solid-color matching footwear, buy a shoe with fuchsia embroidery near the toes. Adding a splash of color, even if it's subtle, "breaks up" the solid whiteness of the shoe and gives a more streamlined appearance to the foot.
Where to Shop
Many national store chains offer plus-size shoes. Start there -- you might come upon a fabulous find.
The internet is another great resource. Scan online auctions for wide width shoes.
Check out plus size clothing catalogs, too. Many offer wedding clothing and accessories, and may have the wedding shoe that's just right for you.