Creating Your Own Beach Wedding Shoes: A Guide

Planning a beach wedding and unsure about what shoes to wear? You're not alone! Many brides struggle to find the perfect footwear for their seaside ceremony. The key is to strike a balance between style and comfort, as you'll be walking on uneven, sandy terrain. While going barefoot is an option, most brides prefer to wear shoes. So, what are the best options?

For brides, flat or low-heeled shoes are ideal, providing stability and comfort on the sand. Espadrilles, wedges, and flat sandals are popular choices, with decorative elements like rhinestones, pearls, or floral designs adding a touch of elegance. Barefoot sandals, crafted from soft and lightweight materials like crochet or lace, are also a unique and natural option.

For bridesmaids and guests, practicality and style can be combined with flat shoes, wedges, or low heels. Embellishments like beads, sequins, or lace can elevate a guest's attire, while comfortable straps and non-slip soles are a must for walking on the sand.

When choosing beach wedding shoes, opt for neutral tones or metallic finishes, and consider materials like leather or fabric that can withstand beach conditions. Most importantly, prioritize comfort and breathability to ensure you can fully enjoy your special day by the sea.

Flat shoes for beach weddings

Flat shoes are a great option for beach weddings, offering both comfort and style. Here are some ideas and tips for choosing the perfect pair for your big day:

Styles of Flat Shoes for Beach Weddings

Flat shoes are a practical choice for beach weddings, as they provide more stability and comfort than heels. Here are some stylish options:

• Sandals: Flat sandals are a versatile option for beach weddings. You can find them in various materials, such as leather, raffia, or braided textures. Look for elegant details like bows, buckles, or rhinestones to elevate your look.
• Espadrilles: Espadrilles are a popular choice for beach weddings as they are comfortable and can be dressed up or down. They often feature a woven design and can be paired with a flowy dress or a boho maxi gown.
• Mules: Mule-style flats with an open back and elegant details like pearl-embellished straps or pointed toes are a chic option for beach weddings.
• Slides: Slides are carefree and easy to wear. Look for festive prints, colours, or textures like raffia or braiding to add a touch of whimsy to your beach wedding outfit.
• Flip-flops: While some people may associate flip-flops with casual wear, you can find fancy flip-flops adorned with bright colours, statement hardware, or elegant details that can be perfect for a beach wedding.

Tips for Choosing Flat Shoes for Beach Weddings

When selecting flat shoes for a beach wedding, consider the following:

• Comfort: Ensure the shoes are comfortable and provide adequate cushioning, especially if you plan to wear them for an extended period.
• Stability: Opt for shoes with thick straps or secure ankle straps to provide more stability on the sand.
• Materials: Choose shoes made with breathable and lightweight materials, such as canvas, linen, or natural fibres. These materials can help keep your feet cool and comfortable in a beach setting.
• Colour and Details: Select colours and details that complement your wedding outfit and the beach setting. Neutral tones, such as nude, gold, or ivory, can be versatile and elegant choices. You can also add a touch of glamour with details like pearls, rhinestones, or metallic accents.
• Functionality: Consider the functionality of the shoes beyond the ceremony. Choose a pair that can transition from the beach to the reception and will work well with your outfit choices throughout the day.

Wedge shoes for beach weddings

Wedge shoes are a great option for beach weddings, offering both style and comfort. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the perfect wedge shoes for your beach wedding:

• Wedges provide more support and stability when walking on sandy terrain compared to traditional pumps or stilettos.
• They strike the perfect balance between style and comfort, elevating your look without sacrificing functionality.
• Wedges come in a variety of designs, from espadrille-style platforms to strappy sky-high wedges, allowing you to find a pair that complements your wedding gown and personal style.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wedge Shoes for a Beach Wedding:

• Venue and Terrain: Consider the location of your wedding. If you're exchanging vows directly on the sand, opt for wedges with lower heels or espadrille soles to provide better support and prevent sinking into the sand. For weddings set away from the sand, you have more flexibility and can choose wedges with higher heels or more intricate designs.
• Style and Colour: Beach weddings offer the opportunity to explore different styles and colours. Look for wedges with strappy designs, translucent heels, pearl embellishments, or espadrille soles that complement the beachy aesthetic. You can also add a pop of colour with ocean-inspired hues like seafoam green or blue.
• Comfort and Fit: While style is important, comfort is key on your big day. Choose wedges with padded footbeds and secure straps that will provide long-lasting comfort as you walk down the aisle and dance the night away. If you have wider feet, opt for wedges with thicker straps and platforms for added stability.

Recommended Wedge Shoes for Beach Weddings:

• ASOS DESIGN Tyra Closed Toe Wedges: These off-white wedges with a coastal-cool straw midsole are perfect for a beach wedding. They will pair beautifully with a slinky slip dress and can be worn again on your honeymoon.
• Tory Burch Multi-Strap Espadrille Wedge Sandal: These wedges add a dazzling touch to your wedding look with their metallic leather and cushioned insoles. The espadrille wedges provide comfort and stability, making them perfect for walking on the sand.
• Linea Paolo Violeta Wedge Sandal: These chic and sophisticated nude wedges will complement almost any wedding dress. They are versatile and can be worn during pre- and post-wedding events as well.
• Stuart Weitzman Pearlita 50MM Lacquered Leather Wedge Sandals: These wedges are a must-have for a beach resort or country club wedding. The pearl details add a touch of elegance, while the wedge heels ensure comfort as you walk on the sand.
• Gucci Leather Platform Espadrille: Crafted from white leather and a cord wedge, these luxurious espadrilles are perfect for a beach wedding. The woven heel provides comfort, and the ankle straps offer stability. The iconic Gucci logo adds a touch of glamour.
• Castaner Carina Wedge Espadrilles: These iconic wedges are handcrafted in Spain and feature pretty ribbon ankle straps and a small platform for added comfort. They come in two heel height options, allowing you to choose the perfect pair for your beach wedding.

Beach wedding shoes for bridesmaids

When it comes to beach wedding shoes for bridesmaids, it's important to consider both style and functionality. Here are some ideas and tips to help you choose the perfect footwear for your beach wedding:

Choosing the Right Style

Beach weddings offer a great opportunity to get creative with your footwear choices. Here are some stylish options to consider:

• Strappy sandals: These can add a touch of elegance to your bridesmaids' outfits. Look for flat or low-heeled options to ensure comfort and ease of walking on the sand.
• Flat sandals: If you want to forgo heels altogether, flat sandals are a great option. Embellished or rhinestone-studded flat sandals can add a touch of glamour to your bridesmaids' look while keeping them comfortable.
• Wedges: For a more supportive option, consider wedges instead of traditional pumps. Wedges provide better stability on sandy terrain and can be more comfortable for standing or walking on the beach.
• Neutral tones: Opt for comfortable sandals or block heels in neutral colours like nude, ivory, or gold. These colours complement a variety of bridesmaid dress styles and colours while still keeping with the beachy theme.

DIY Beach Wedding Shoes

If you're feeling creative, you can also make your own beach wedding shoes for your bridesmaids. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Rhinestone or pearl embellishments: Add some sparkle to plain sandals by gluing on rhinestones or pearls. This can be done on the straps or even around the ankles for a more unique look.
• Ankle straps: If you want to ensure the sandals stay securely on your bridesmaids' feet, consider adding ankle straps. You can buy plain sandals and decorate the straps with ribbons, beads, or other embellishments that match your wedding colour scheme.
• Barefoot sandals: For a more whimsical and bohemian look, you can create barefoot sandals using lace, pearls, and rhinestones. These are perfect for bridesmaids who want to feel the sand between their toes but still want some decorative foot jewellery.

Recommended Products

• Lulus Fallyn Naked Mules: These nude-coloured sandals offer a 'barely-there' look that creates a uniform and elegant appearance for your bridesmaids.
• Nisolo Stella Go-To Block Heel Sandal: These neutral-toned heeled sandals are a versatile option that can complement a variety of bridesmaid dress colours. They offer a good balance between style and comfort.
• Sam Edelman April Platform Sandals: These platform sandals provide both height and comfort. The natural-coloured straps will pair seamlessly with the outdoor setting of a beach wedding.
• Azazie Casual Ankle Strap Sandals: These black strappy block heels offer security and stability, and they also come in white, gold, and nude, making them a versatile option.
• Tuckernuck Shoes Gold Raffia Blake Heels: These gold raffia block heels are both functional and stylish. The bow detail adds a cute accent to your bridesmaids' looks.

Beach wedding guest shoes

When it comes to beach wedding guest shoes, comfort and practicality are key. The soft sand and uneven surfaces of a beach can be challenging to navigate, so choosing the right footwear is essential. Here are some tips and ideas to help you find the perfect beach wedding guest shoes.

Flat Sandals

Flat sandals are a versatile and comfortable option for beach weddings. Look for styles with secure straps and non-slip soles to provide stability and ease of movement on the sand. Embellishments like beads, sequins, or rhinestones can add a touch of elegance to your guest attire. Flat sandals are a great choice if you want to be able to dance the night away without worrying about sinking into the sand.

Wedges

If you're looking for a little extra height, wedges are a great alternative to stilettos or thin heels, which are not ideal for walking on sand. Wedges provide stability and support, and they won't sink into the soft ground. You can find wedges in a variety of materials, such as raffia, rope, or jute, that complement the beachy aesthetic.

Espadrilles

Espadrilles are a summer staple and an excellent choice for beach weddings. They are typically made with lightweight and breathable materials like canvas and jute, making them comfortable and easy to walk in. Espadrilles come in a range of styles, from flat sandals to wedge heels, so you can find the perfect pair to suit your taste and the formality of the event.

Block Heels

If you're keen on wearing heels to a beach wedding, block heels are a better option than stilettos. They provide more stability and are less likely to sink into the sand. Look for block heels with a sturdy base and secure straps to keep you comfortable and steady while walking on the uneven terrain.

Fancy Flip-Flops

For a more casual beach wedding, you might consider a pair of fancy flip-flops. High-end brands often offer stylish options with bright colours, statement hardware, or unique details. Just be sure to check with the couple or dress code before showing up in flip-flops, as they may not be appropriate for all beach weddings.

Final Thoughts

When choosing beach wedding guest shoes, it's important to consider the terrain and the dress code. Opt for shoes that provide comfort, stability, and ease of movement. Embellishments and details can add a touch of elegance to your guest attire, butsection, ensuring you look and feel your best as you celebrate the happy couple's special day.

Beach wedding shoes for the mother of the bride

If you're the mother of the bride at a beach wedding, you'll want to look for shoes that strike a balance between style and comfort. Here are some ideas for beach wedding shoes that are elegant, comfortable, and suitable for walking on the sand:

• Flat Sandals: Opt for flat sandals with rhinestones, pearls, or other embellishments to add a touch of glamour to your look. You can find flat sandals with ankle straps, toe rings, or braided details that will keep them securely on your feet.
• Wedges: If you want a bit of height, wedges are a better option than traditional pumps or thin heels, as they offer more support and stability on the sand. Look for wedges made from natural fibers, such as espadrilles, for a summery look.
• Block Heels: A pair of block heels can provide more stability than a thin heel, but be sure to choose a pair with a sturdy, thick heel that won't sink into the sand.
• Slip-On Sandals: For a casual yet elegant look, slip-on sandals are a great option. You can find stylish slip-on sandals with soft leather slippers or braided details.
• Open-Toe Shoes: To keep your feet cool and comfortable, opt for open-toe shoes or sandals. This style also helps if you're worried about getting sand in your shoes.
• Neutral Colours: When it comes to colour, neutral tones like nude, white, ivory, or gold are ideal for beach weddings. These colours can be dressed up or down and won't distract from the bridal party's attire.
• Comfortable Soles: Look for shoes with cushioned or memory foam soles, which will provide extra comfort, especially if you'll be standing or walking for extended periods.

Remember, it's essential to have a functional pair of shoes to get you to and from the venue and for the reception. You can always keep a pair of fancier shoes on hand for indoor portions of the wedding if you're concerned about ruining them on the sand. Additionally, if you're unsure about the footwear expectations, communicate with the couple or other guests to get a sense of what they plan to wear.

Frequently asked questions