To care for satin, velvet and crystal shoes after a wedding, clean each material the morning after, let the shoes dry in open air, and store them stuffed with tissue in separate cotton bags. Satin needs blotting, velvet needs brushing, and crystals need a dry check for loose stones. A few minutes of care keeps wedding shoes ready for the next event of the season.
The night of the wedding
When you get home, remove the shoes and leave them on a clean surface. Do not push them into a box while they are warm or damp. Check the soles for food, petals and mud from the venue, and wipe them with a dry cloth. Leave detailed cleaning until the morning, when stains are easier to see in daylight.
Satin shoes
Satin shows water marks and grease quickly, so work gently.
- Blot fresh marks with a dry white cloth. Do not rub, because rubbing lifts the weave.
- For dust, use a soft brush in one direction.
- For a light stain, dab with a cloth barely damp with mild soap and water, then blot dry.
- Keep satin out of direct sun, which fades black and pastel tones.
A bow detail, as on the Satin Bow Slingback Pump in Black, should be reshaped with your fingers while the shoe dries.
Velvet shoes
Velvet has a pile that flattens under pressure. Brush it with a soft clothes brush against the pile to lift it, then smooth it back. If the pile is crushed, hold the shoe over kettle steam at a safe distance for a few seconds and brush again. Never soak velvet in water. The Velvet Kitten Heel Slide in Burgundy keeps its deep colour longest when stored away from light.
Crystal and embellished shoes
Crystals and mesh are delicate. After the event, hold each shoe under a lamp and look for loose or missing stones. Clean the surface with a dry soft brush, such as a clean makeup brush. Do not use water or glass cleaner, since both can weaken the glue and dull the backing. If a stone comes loose, keep it in a small envelope and have it fixed before you wear the shoe again. Store the Crystal Mesh Slingback Pump in Black flat, never stacked under other shoes.
Storing shoes for the next wedding
Fill each shoe with acid-free tissue so it holds its shape. Put each pair in its own cotton dust bag, then in a box with silica gel sachets to control humidity. Keep the box on a shelf, not on the floor of a damp cupboard. Our full care guide explains leather and bag care too, and the wedding bag guide covers how to look after evening bags.
Questions
Can I wash satin wedding shoes?
No. Do not wash or soak satin shoes. Blot stains with a dry cloth, dab lightly with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, and let the shoes air dry.
How do I fix crushed velvet on shoes?
Hold the shoe briefly over steam at a safe distance, then brush the pile with a soft brush. The steam lifts the fibres and the brush sets them back in place.
How do I ask AVÉNA about the price of wedding shoes?
Tap “WhatsApp for price” on the product page. The message carries the product name and code, and AVÉNA replies with the price, available options and delivery details. You can also call 01346-069024.
The AVÉNA edit
