December 12, 2024
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Weddings are a chance to create new and exciting memories with our dearest friends and family - but they take lots of time and planning. This is especially true when it comes to putting together your all-important outfit for the big day.
In this guide, we explain what the best wedding shoes are and where you can buy comfortable wedding shoes for ceremonies in a variety of settings.
The key things to bear in mind when choosing your footwear for the big day include:
Top tip: If you want to wear a heel but don't have much practice in them, opt for a block heel instead of a stiletto for better stability.
Picking the right pair of shoes for your wedding is just as important as finding the right dress. What shoes you should wear for your wedding all depends on the type of look and ceremony you're going for.
We recommend: Truffle Halla1 Womens White Heeled Sandal
If you're looking for a timeless, classic style, you can't go wrong with a simple heeled sandal. Stick to a neutral colour like ivory, silver or blush pink for a look that lets your wedding gown do all the talking. If you want to add something extra, pick a pair with added details such as diamantes or appliquès.
This pair of white heels is a great open toe option which will suit a more traditional look. The added block heel adds a bit of sass, and the neutral colour blends with any scheme.
We recommend: Lilley Scarlet Womens Wedge Sandal in White
No-one wants to spend their wedding ceremony pulling their heels out of the mud or sand... Sandals or decorative ballet pumps are a much smarter choice of wedding shoe if you're having an outdoor ceremony.
While a stiletto heel might not be ideal for an outdoor wedding, you can still add some height with a chunky wedged sandal. This sparkly pair adds a touch of glam to a floaty beach dress or a cosy outdoor look - without overpowering your bridal vibe.
As the groom, you might feel you're more restricted when it comes to the styles of shoe available to you. But this doesn't have to be the case. There are still plenty of ways you can adapt your footwear to suit your personality or theme of the wedding.
We recommend: Red Level Berthold Mens Tan Leather Brogue
Traditionally, a smart and stylish lace-up or brogue is the way to go when it comes to picking your wedding shoes. But traditional doesn't have to mean boring - intricate brougue detailing and unique colours can emphasise your individual style.
If you want to keep things traditional but add a little twist, a pair of brogues are ideal. The tan colour is a wonderful update to the conventional black shoe and will look fantastic with vintage, rustic or light blue suits.
We recommend: Comfy Steps Brady Mens Black Leather Shoe
If you're getting married outside, you might not want to opt for a traditional lace-up pair of shoes. For a light and airy outdoor ceremony, a more relaxed loafer will work beautifully.
The black leather of this understated pair of loafers still offers a traditional wedding feel without looking too over-the-top at a beach or outdoor ceremony. Plus, they're so practical you'll more than certainly find reason to wear them again.
Top Tip: If you're having a beach wedding, a shoe you can easily slip on and off is ideal for those moments when your shoes fill with soft sand.
Choosing your wedding shoes as a member of the bridal party can be tricky - especially for the ladies. Typically, groomsmen and the best man will end up in a pair matching the groom's. For bridesmaids though, choosing a shoe can be a little trickier.
We recommend: Lunar Blaze Womens Nude Patent Heel
A neutral coloured heel is a great all-rounder if you're looking for something that will suit most venues and colour schemes.
The pale blush colour of this nude court shoe is ideal for any colour scheme, from soft pastels to rich navy blue.
We recommend: Lilley & Skinner Phuket Womens Silver Sandals
Just like the bride, you won't want to spend the ceremony sinking into the ground. If you're attending an al fresco wedding, a simple sparkly sandal is the perfect finishing touch to your outfit.
This metallic pair of wedged sandals will give you the stability you need when walking down a softer aisle. The open design will look great at a spring or summer wedding, too.
Did you know: We have more great top tips and advice on choosing the best bridesmaid shoes in our bridesmaid guide.
If you're a ceremony guest, you'll want to look formal without going too far. For men, a simple lace-up shoe or brogue will do perfectly. For women, a sparkly peep-toe or sandal will complement almost any look without drawing too much attention away from the happy couple.
We recommend: Lilley Vivien Womens Black T-Bar Court Shoe
These black shoes have just the right amount of embellishment to suit the formal look of a wedding ceremony without distracting too much from your outfit.
We recommend: Beckett Billy Men's Tan Lace Up Brogue Shoe
A tan brogue is a fabulous look for a ceremony. It's a little less formal than the traditional black lace-up shoes often favoured by grooms, but still pairs well with a suit and shirt.
We recommend: Lilley Skylar Womens Silver Gem Sandal
A sparkly silver sandal with a flat outsole will give you the stability you need at an outdoor wedding. It adds just the right level of glam to your look.
We recommend: Hobos Brady Mens Black Slip On Formal Shoe
For an outdoor or beach wedding, a simple slip-on loafer is ideal. It delivers the formal element required for a wedding ceremony, but suits the relaxed outdoor vibes more than a lace-up shoe.
Top Tip: It's a great idea to have a pair of back-up shoes that you can change into for the evening reception. Something with a flat or low heel is perfect if you're planning on dancing the night away.
The rules for evening guests tend to be a lot more relaxed compared to ceremony guests. You'll mainly be partying away and celebrating the happy couple with plenty of time on the dance floor. That means a comfortable pair of shoes that won't rub or make your feet sore is crucial.
We recommend: Lunar Blaze Womens Navy Patent Heel
A low, block-heel shoe will give you the staying power you need for dancing. The open design of these gorgeous sparkling sandals will help keep your feet cool and stop them from swelling.
We recommend: Hush Puppies Jerry Mens Brown Leather Casual Shoe
These men's brown shoes are the perfect complement to your evening look. The leather upper means they'll look formal enough for partying, but won't leave you feeling overdressed compared to the other evening guests.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.