There’s nothing quite like a seaside ceremony. If you’ve RSVP’d yes for a friend or family member’s upcoming nuptials and the dress code nods toward a beach-chic aesthetic, footwear will be a primary focus. Shoes for beach wedding guests can be a fashionable catch-22—you need to look presentable and polished at a venue you’d otherwise be barefoot in.
Unlike terrain where stilettos bode well, sand is less friendly to severe heels. The solution? Leaning into silhouettes that thrive in a casual environment while also complementing a whimsical dress.
It may come as a surprise that footwear staples such as Hoka Shoes flat sandals and even espadrilles can translate to an evening spent on the sand. You’ll see it at cult-favorite labels like Staud and Cult Gaia, where trendy shoe shapes like wedges and block heels hit their stride. There are also options on the luxury designer front, like a pair of buckle-bedecked slingback sandals from Roger Vivier or even pearl-embellished heels as seen at Jimmy Choo. There’s a world of options beyond the classic high heel, from fancy flip-flops to sleek wedges that won’t sink in the sand.
Continue ahead to shop shoes for beach wedding guests that feel festive and fitting for a romantic outdoor environment.
Easy Slides
A carefree footwear silhouette, like the slide, can translate to a seaside ceremony when crafted in festive prints and colors or in beautiful textures like raffia or braiding. Plus, if the mood strikes, you can easily kick them off your feet for a quick spin on the sand.
Classic Espadrilles
Considered by many as the perfect summer shoe, espadrilles can be dressed up as easily as they are pared down. And when it comes to a beach wedding, this woven footwear staple is a comfortable, classy pick.
Practical Block Heels
If you’re keen on wearing heels to a beach wedding, the best route is block heels. They’re less likely to sink into the sand than a pair of stilettos, while still giving you an extra lift.
Strappy Sandals
There are few summer occasions where a pair of sleek, strappy sandals don’t make sense—and that applies to a beach wedding. Wear a flowy floral dress with a pair of flat metallic lace-up sandals for a look that’s romantic and unquestionably comfortable.
Slick Wedges
Even if you’re wary of the cork wedge’s return, there’s a diverse mix of wedge styles that would fare well on the sand and alongside a wedding guest dress. We’re currently loving options crafted in unexpected colors (like lime green) and summery textures (like raffia).
Fancy Flip-Flops
If you know the wedding is going to tip toward the more casual side of the dress code spectrum, a pair of fancy flip-flops could be a fun choice. Brands like Chloé and Loewe introduced the silhouette for the season with bright colors and statement hardware, both winning options.
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Embellished Sandals
Design details that can add oomph to a pair of flat sandals are texture and dimension. Look for options crafted with 3-D details like bows, buckles, and bijoux.
