How to Prepare Wedding Shoes for Custom Colour Dyeing

Quick answer

If you want custom colour wedding shoes, the safest route is to order a professional shoe dye service on ivory satin shoes before they are worn. Do not attempt to dye them yourself unless you are prepared for uneven colour and stiff satin. Start by confirming your shoes are dyeable, then test a small area, and send them off clean and unmarked.

Why preparation decides the final colour

Dyeing satin shoes is not like dyeing a cotton t-shirt. Satin has a delicate weave that shows every crease, stain, and uneven application. Professional dyeing works best on clean, unworn shoes because the satin absorbs colour evenly. If you have already worn your shoes outdoors, dirt and scuffs can block the dye and create patchy results.

Before you do anything, check the material. Only ivory satin shoes from the original brand can be dyed by Harriet Wilde's service. Shoes from other brands are not accepted because the satin composition and finish vary too much. If your shoes are not dyeable, consider ordering a custom colour from the start instead.

Step-by-step preparation for dyeing

• Step 1: Confirm your shoes are eligible. The dye service only works on Harriet Wilde ivory satin shoes. Check the label or your order confirmation. If you have embellished shoes, note that they take longer and cost more to dye. Common mistake: assuming any white or ivory shoe can be dyed. Check first.
• Step 2: Decide on your custom colour. You can request any colour except white. Gather a fabric swatch or a Pantone reference to send with your shoes. Without a physical reference, the dye house will interpret your colour from a screen, which can look different in person. Checkpoint: order a dye sample if you are unsure.
• Step 3: Test a small area (if doing it yourself). If you insist on dyeing at home, test on the inside of the heel or a spare piece of satin. Use a small amount of dye and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Common mistake: skipping the test and ruining the whole shoe. If the test looks uneven, stop and send them to a professional.
• Step 4: Clean and dry your shoes. Wipe the surface with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use water or leather cleaners on satin, as they can leave rings. If there are any marks, gently rub with a soft eraser. Checkpoint: shoes must be completely dry before dyeing.
• Step 5: Remove or protect embellishments. If your shoes have bows, clips, or crystals, remove them if possible. If they are fixed, the dye service will handle them, but note that embellished styles take longer. Common mistake: dyeing over metal hardware, which can discolour.
• Step 6: Pack and send. Place each shoe in a separate dust bag or wrap in tissue paper. Include your colour reference and order details. Ship in a sturdy box. Checkpoint: keep a photo of your shoes before sending, in case of any dispute.



• Step 7: Allow time for the service. Dyeing takes time, especially for embellished styles. Do not leave it until the week before the wedding. Common mistake: rushing the process and accepting a rushed finish.

What to expect after dyeing

After professional dyeing, your shoes will have a custom colour that matches your palette. The finish may be slightly stiffer than the original satin, but it will soften with wear. Avoid wearing them in wet weather, as the dye can transfer. If you need to clean them later, use a dry cloth only.

If you ordered a custom embellishment, your shoes will arrive with a dust bag. Store them in the dust bag away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Preparation steps at a glance

1. Check eligibility: Only Harriet Wilde ivory satin shoes can be dyed. Embellished styles take longer and cost more. Do not send other brands.
2. Choose your colour: Pick any colour except white. Send a physical swatch or Pantone reference. Screen colours can mislead.
3. Test first: If dyeing at home, test on a hidden area. If it looks uneven, stop. A small test saves the shoe.
4. Clean and dry: Wipe with a dry cloth. No water or leather cleaners on satin. Any moisture can cause rings.
5. Protect embellishments: Remove if possible. If fixed, the dye service will handle them. Metal hardware can discolour.
6. Pack and send: Wrap each shoe separately. Include your colour reference and order details. Photograph before sending.
7. Allow time: Dyeing takes time, especially for embellished styles. Do not rush. Send at least 4-6 weeks before the wedding.

Products that work with this process

• Hetty Blue Straps Custom Embellished: A comfortable high block heeled blue wedding shoe, crafted in Spain using misty blue suede with a full leather lining, padding under the foot and a leather sole, all natural and high quality. The style has an ankle strap to secure to the foot and the heel is approximately 9cm, 3.5 inches high, this is a stable, supportive and comfortable style. Styles with a custom embellishment come with a dust bag. If you want a coloured shoe without dyeing, this style already comes in misty blue suede. It is stable and supportive for long wear.
• Shoe Dye - Custom Colour: Order a shoe dye, we can dye any of our ivory satin shoes to any colour (except for white), even the embellished styles, please note we can only dye our own brand and not others. Select either plain shoe or embellished shoe if it features any embellishments, these take longer so the price is higher. Shoes can be dyed before wear, perfect if you can't find a shoe in a particular colour, we can dye to your desired... This service lets you get a custom colour on your ivory satin shoes. Embellished styles cost more and take longer, so plan ahead.
• Hetty Mid Ivory Organza Wide Custom Embellished: A comfortable wide fit bridal shoe on a mid block heel with a rounded toe, the style fastens securely on the foot with a beautiful silk organza bow or a satin ankle strap, it comes with both, they are easy to change over, you can style the shoe in 2 ways, perfect for 2 different looks, no wonder its a best selling style. Use the drop down if you would like a custom embellishment, we will send the shoes to... This wide-fit style is a good candidate for dyeing if you need a custom colour and a comfortable fit. It comes with two fastening options for versatility.