If you've got a wedding invite make sure you get comfy shoes (2024)

FAQs

What is the proper shoe etiquette for a wedding guest? ›

As for what you should wear, a classic pump for women—as long as it doesn't feel overly bridal—or black dress shoes for men are always timeless options. If the wedding is outdoors, women should also consider block heels or flats to easily walk around on grass or turf.

If you are having a rustic theme wedding and it takes place in a barn you may want your guest to wear boots or flats instead of heels. You can include a simple note on your wedding invites such as PS: The ceremony & reception will be on the lawn; choose your footwear accordingly!.

"It is always great to have dancing shoes in your bag," says celebrity and bridal stylist Diane Lloyde Roth, who fully supports bringing a backup footwear option to a celebration. Just put those comfortable pair of shoes—avoid sneakers at all costs—in a tote that also matches your outfit, she advises.

Lace-Up Flats: Another option for wedding guests wearing a knee-length dress are dressy lace-up flats. You can pull these off in either closed or open-toe versions. Choose a color that complements your dress or a color that's in the pattern for a coordinated but modern look.

One of the biggest rules of dressing for a wedding is to never outshine the couple. Avoid sequined ball gowns, sparkly tiaras, sky-high platform heels, or other articles of clothing that will draw attention away from the bride.

For example, is it more correct to wear panty hose to a wedding? It should LOOK like you're wearing stockings. So if your legs are toned, tight and tan, sure go barelegged. Of course, you're still going to want to use a nice tinted moisturizer or leg makeup just to make sure everything is nice and even.

There no rules with shoes! The way you hem your dress will be up to you. Traditionally, seamstresses will hem the dress to right above the floor. You won't see your wedding shoes when you are standing at the altar; however, when you step forward you will see the toe of the shoe.

SORT-OF SUIT & FLATS

If you're off to a more formal event but you're not a dress person, then a sort-of suit – in any colour other than black – and some smart loafers is an excellent option. The blazer and trousers don't even really need to match, hence sort-of suit.

If an invitation states 'black tie,' for example, we wouldn't suggest sneakers. 'Wear anything that makes you feel like celebrating,' though—and trainers are totally fair game. So, if you're attending a more relaxed affair and want to ensure you're ready to dance all night long, a sneaker can be wedding appropriate.

Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.

Is it OK to wear black to a wedding? ›

Luckily, times have changed, and given the fact that wedding fashion etiquette norms have shifted over the years, we now have good news for fans of coal-colored ensembles. “It is absolutely acceptable for a female to wear a black dress to a wedding,” Swann advises.

Flat shoes

If you're more comfortable in flats, then by all means don't feel pressured to wear heels, especially if you know you'll be on your feet all day. Wedding guest outfits featuring trousers - especially cropped styles - look particularly fabulous with flat shoes, and your feet will be thanking you for it!

Castañer Carina Wedge Espadrilles

The Castañer Carina Ankle Tie Espadrille Wedge Sandals are made from soft canvas that doesn't need to be broken in. We also love that the ribbon at the ankle is highly adjustable, for the perfect fit (even when your feet start to swell).

You should consider wearing black patent leather opera pumps to a white or black tie wedding - it's been a popular shoe choice for these events for decades. You can also wear black Oxford shoes, a classic choice for traditional weddings.

Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly.

Of course a closed-toe wedding shoe is recommended for cooler climates; however, for warmer wedding days, open-toe shoes are the norm. For black-tie weddings, closed-toe shoes are little more expected, but not a must. I recommend keeping an open mind on closed-toe and open-toe shoes.

"A good guest respects the host's home and happily abides by basic house rules—including removing shoes when requested to do so," says Farley. "It would be ungracious for a guest to refuse a gentle request to remove footwear." In the rare case this occurs, however, just roll with it.