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The
Ultimate
Wedding Guest
Guide
The Ultimate Shoe Guide For Wedding Guests
With wedding season fully underway, your calendar full of weddings and your outfits sorted, it's time to start selecting shoes! At Daniel Footwear, we've put together the ultimate guide to wedding guest shoe etiquette, all our tips and tricks on selecting the best shoes for different weddings and our top picks for the ultimate wedding guest shoes.
What are the best shoes to wear to a wedding?
Firstly, choosing the right shoe as a wedding guest depends on several factors you need to consider, such as formality, role, venue, weather and style.
If you're part of the wedding party, like the mother-of-the-bride or a bridesmaid, you may be limited to the colour scheme the bride has chosen or a certain style she likes so that you are all matching.
However, if the bride has given you a freer reign or you're just attending as a guest, you can choose from various styles and colours. Here are our top tips for choosing the best wedding shoes based on formality.
Fancy pumps or stilettos are the classic choice if the wedding is more formal, for example, in a stately home. If the weather is set to be warm, elegant strappy sandals are perfect. Or, if you prioritise comfort above all else, dressy flats with embellishments can be stylish and comfortable.
You can choose a more casual shoe for a more semi-formal/cocktail dress code wedding. For example, block heels are more comfortable than stilettos and more suitable for dancing. Wedges are also great for outdoor weddings and are perfect if you need more stability on uneven ground. There is also nothing wrong with opting for a dressy ballet flat with embellishments if you prefer not to wear heels.
If you're attending a more casual wedding, for example, a garden or beach wedding, you can reflect the formality in your shoes. Dressy flats or low-heeled sandals are both stylish and comfortable for outdoor weddings. Espadrilles are a great style for beach weddings. Or, if it's a rustic autumnal or winter wedding, a pair of stylish ankle boots won't go amiss.
What do guests wear instead of heels at a wedding?
If heels aren't for you, there is nothing wrong with opting for a more sensible and comfortable flat shoe. They can look just as stylish, elegant, and formal at any wedding if you choose right.
Here are our top flat wedding guest shoe recommendations:
What is the proper shoe etiquette for a wedding guest?
As long as you match your shoes to the formality, dress code and venue style, you shouldn't have an issue with wedding shoe etiquette.
Just remember:
Formal or black-tie weddings typically require elegant heels or dressy flats.
A semi-formal or cocktail dress code wedding means you can wear heels, wedges or fancy flats.
Whereas casual or outdoor weddings mean you can wear dressy sandals, flats or wedges. Remember that if the wedding is outside, avoid stilettos as they can sink into grass or sand. Wedges, block heels or flats are better for these wedding locations.
You should also consider comfort as part of wedding shoe etiquette. Weddings often involve long standing, walking and dancing periods, so choose shoes you can wear comfortably for several hours. It's also acceptable to bring a pair of flats to change into later in the evening or for dancing if you want to change out of your heels.
We recommend avoiding wearing white shoes to a wedding as it is considered inappropriate. Also, avoid matching the bridesmaid's dress colours out of consideration. If you don't know what the bridesmaids are wearing, asking the bride is acceptable.
What colour should wedding shoes be?
Now you have the formality down, it's time to decide on the colour. The formality of the wedding also determines your wedding guest shoe colour but also your outfit and individual style. Here are our top recommendations for wedding guest shoe colour.
Black
Black shoes are classic, versatile, and perfect for more formal or evening weddings.
Nude / Neutral
Nude and neutral shades work well with any dress colour and are elegant and versatile. You'll likely be able to wear these again with multiple dress options.
Metallic
Gold or silver shoes can complement a wide range of coloured dresses and add a touch of glamour to your special occasion outfit.
Pastel
Many weddings take place during spring and summer. Therefore soft pastel shades can be a lovely choice.
Match your dress
Coordinate your shoe colour with your dress for a cohesive look. Either go for monochrome or choose a colour that highlights a secondary shade in your outfit.
Bold
Alternatively, add a pop of colour to your wedding guest outfit by choosing a pair of shoes with a contrasting shade to your dress to celebrate the happy occasion.
Top tips:
- Choose colours that match or complement your outfit.
- Avoid matching the bridesmaids or wearing white if you're a wedding guest.
- Consider the season. Light and pastel colours are great for spring and summer, while darker, rich tones work well in autumn and winter.
- Think about the venue. An outdoor wedding might influence your choice towards more practical shades to avoid grass or mud stains.
- Ultimately, your shoes should reflect your unique style and whichever makes you feel most comfortable and confident.
Should you buy wedding shoes before the dress?
We recommend deciding on your dress or outfit before choosing your shoes for style and practical reasons and here's why. Firstly, the length of your dress will influence the height of your heels. If you have a long gown, you may need a higher shoe to avoid tripping over your dress. Secondly, you'll want to choose your shoes based on the colour and shade of your dress.
Lastly, the style and formality of your dress will guide the appropriate shoe style for the occasion. For example, a heavily embellished gown might pair well with simpler shoes. At the same time, a minimalist dress will allow a pair of elaborate footwear to stand out.
What we’d recommend wearing to a wedding.
If you're looking for the perfect pair of shoes for your wedding guest dress, you've come to the right place. Take a look at the best trending styles of occasion heels we have to offer at Daniel Footwear.
Avery
The platform
If you love height but want solid stability, platforms are your friend. Because a platform shoe raises both the heel and the toe, the incline is gentler than a typical heel - height with less pain! The Avery sandal is our best selling sandal with a reputation for being ‘wedding ready’ with testimonies of lasting from day to night.
Saria
The Ballet Flat
Soft, classic, and endlessly wearable — ballet flats are the perfect choice when you want elegance without the height. Look for pairs with cushioned insoles, padded heel backs, and flexible soles so you can dance through the night. These Saria Flats are a perfect classic design and perfect for the mother (or grandmother) of the bride!
Eppie
The Pointed Sling Back
For a sleek, refined look without straining your feet, pointed sling backs strike the right balance. The strap at the back helps keep your foot secure, while a low or mid-height kitten heel gives subtle lift without discomfort. The Eppie is the epitome of comfort crafted from the highest quality leather with a leather lining and cushioned footbed.
Pitter
The Dressy Sandal
A dressy sandal is a great option for a summer wedding. Look for styles with arch support, breathable straps (think soft leather or fabric) and lightly-padded footbeds. Metallic hues, jewel embellishments or dainty detailing can make them special enough for a wedding but comfy enough for long standing and socialising.
Nessie
The Court Shoe
A timeless classic, the court shoe lends polish and grace, especially to tailored dresses or formal sets. Opt for lower to mid heels, a slightly rounded or almond toe to reduce pressure, and soft insoles. The Nessie courts are stylish and comfortable, crafted from premium leather with a block heel, offering a perfect wedding shoe all year round.
Sheli
The Wedge
Destination wedding ready! Wedges are perfect when you want both lift and stability — especially useful for uneven terrain like garden paths or cobbles. A well-designed wedge spreads weight more evenly than a stiletto, making walking easier. Go for wedges with ankle straps (to add support), lightly contoured footbeds, and moderate height so you stay comfortable from ceremony to dance floor.
Not quite found what you're looking for?
Browse our occasion shoes, the perfect collection for wedding guest shoe browsing.