Creating Your Dream Beach Wedding Shoes

Beach weddings are a chance to get creative with your footwear. While going barefoot is an option, most brides prefer to wear shoes. So, what are the best options for brides who want to look good and stay comfortable on their big day?

The general consensus is that heels and sand don't mix. Stilettos are a no-go, as they will sink into the sand and make it difficult to walk – not a good look when you're trying to gracefully make your way down the aisle!

So, what are some stylish alternatives? Flat shoes, sandals, wedges, and espadrilles are all great options that provide stability and comfort on sandy terrain. When it comes to materials, leather and fabric are good choices as they can withstand beach conditions. And don't forget to have some fun with your shoes! Embellishments like pearls, rhinestones, and lace can add a touch of elegance and personality to your look.

Whether you choose to go barefoot, opt for a comfortable flat, or rock a pair of statement wedges, the most important thing is that you feel confident and happy on your special day.

Flat shoes

Materials and Design

• Opt for lightweight materials such as leather, fabric, crochet, or lace.
• Choose neutral tones or metallic finishes to complement your attire and add a touch of sophistication.
• Consider decorative elements like sequins, beading, rhinestones, pearls, or bows to add a touch of style and elegance.
• For a more casual look, go for soft and lightweight materials like crochet or lace, and incorporate delicate details like shells or pearls.
• If you want to match your shoes to your jewellery and accessories, opt for bridal shoes with similar materials, such as lace or crystal details.
• For a unique look, use the same fabric as your dress for the outer material of your shoes.

Comfort and Functionality

• Flat shoes for beach weddings should have a flat sole to provide stability and support on sandy and uneven surfaces.
• Look for shoes with secure straps to keep your feet in place, such as gladiator-style sandals or shoes with ankle straps.
• Opt for breathable fabrics to promote air circulation and keep your feet cool and dry.
• Choose slip-on styles for easy removal if you decide to go barefoot during the ceremony.

Examples

• Rhinestone flat sandals with T-straps or thong styles.
• Flat sandals with braided or crossover straps.
• Rhinestone or pearl-embellished slides.
• Lace-up espadrilles made from natural raffia or white satin.
• Ivory or white leather gladiator sandals adorned with pearls.
• Crochet or lace pointy-toe flats with small pearl appliques.
• White leather sandals with starfish or shell details.
• Denim flats with pearl embellishments.

Remember to break in your shoes before the wedding day to ensure comfort and avoid blisters!

Wedges

• Lace beach wedding wedges: These wedges by Bella Belle are perfect for the beach and beyond.
• ASOS DESIGN Tyra Closed Toe Wedges: These off-white wedges with a coastal-cool straw midsole are ideal for a tropical wedding.
• Soludos Wedge Lace-Up Espadrille Sandal: This heeled espadrille will give you a boost in height while keeping you steady on the sand.
• Tory Burch Rope Flat Slide: These rope-embellished slides have an upscale boho vibe perfect for a beach wedding.
• Castañer Carina Wedge Espadrilles: These iconic wedges are handcrafted in Spain and feature a small platform for added comfort and stability.

When choosing wedges for a beach wedding, it is important to consider the length of your dress. If your dress is too long, you may need to hem it to avoid stepping on the front of your dress while walking. Additionally, if you are concerned about walking on the sand in wedges, you can always opt for barefoot sandals or flip-flops for the ceremony and change into your wedges for the reception.

Espadrilles

Using a Kit

The Espadrilles Kit from A Happy Stitch offers a choice of beautiful fabrics, jute and rubber shoe soles, organic lining fabric, interfacing, an instruction booklet, an exclusive shoe pattern, and all the tools and threads needed to create espadrilles. You can also buy a Renewal Kit if you already have the pattern, needles, wax, etc., and just need the soles, interfacing, and yarn.

Sourcing Your Own Materials

If you want to source your own materials, you will need espadrille soles (wedges or flats), 1/4 yard shell fabric (canvas works great), 1/4 yard interfacing, heavy-duty or curved needles, espadrille/embroidery/heavy cotton thread, and a thimble or needle puller. You can also add grosgrain ribbon or twill tape for straps.

Steps to Make Your Espadrilles

• Use the pattern provided with the soles to cut out the toe and heel pieces from your chosen fabric, lining, and interfacing.
• Apply interfacing or stabilizer per the pattern and manufacturer's instructions.
• If you are making fabric straps, cut them out now. Fold each strap piece in half, right sides together, and stitch the long edges. Turn them right side out, press flat, and topstitch closed.
• Stitch the darts on the heels, trim and press open. Place the straps at the designated markings on the outer heel fabric and baste in place. Pin the outer heel pieces to the heel lining pieces, keeping the straps tucked in between the layers. Sew around the heel with a 3/8” seam allowance, leaving a 2” opening centered around the bottom of the dart.
• Trim the seam allowance to 1/8” except where the opening is. Turn right side out and use a point turner to gently push out corners and shape the pieces.
• Place the outer toe fabric and the toe lining fabric right sides together, and pin. Stitch around the toe, leaving a 2” opening on one side, at least 1 to 1 1/2” from the point. Trim the seam allowance to 1/8”, except where the opening is. Turn right side out and use a point turner to gently push out corners and shape.
• Press both heel and toe pieces, folding the opening seam allowance to the inside. Topstitch around all pieces at 1/4”.
• Position and pin the heels and toes to the corresponding soles, following the instructions that came with the soles.
• Cut 3 yards of espadrille yarn. Pull the yarn through beeswax several times. Thread the needle and knot one end of the yarn.
• Start stitching where the package instructions indicate, inserting your needle about 1/4” down from the edge through the sole to 1/4” from the edge on the inside. Pull the thread through tightly so that the knot sits snugly in the jute. Trim the yarn tails close to the knot.
• Hold the yarn taut and to the left, in the direction of stitching. Start your second stitch 1/4” away from the first, bringing your needle up in front of the tail of the yarn.
• Continue to stitch around the espadrille, reinforcing the corners of both the heels and toes. When you come back to the beginning, insert your last stitch very close to the beginning knot and bring the needle up in the same place as the first stitch. Insert your needle down through the top and come out diagonally in the adjacent stitch. Make a small stitch around the blanket stitch, pull tight, and insert through the jute, coming out either the top or through the layers of jute.

Custom designs

• Lace details: Add a touch of elegance to your beach wedding shoes with lace details. You can choose a pair of lace-up espadrilles or wedges, or opt for delicate lace barefoot sandals.
• Sparkly details: If you want your shoes to sparkle in the sun, consider a pair of sparkly athletic shoes or t-strap sandals. You can even find sparkly gold flip-flops or sandals with rhinestones.
• Something Blue: For your "something blue", opt for shoes with a blue sole or a hidden blue detail. This could be a fun surprise for you and your partner.
• Custom fabric: For a truly unique look, use the same fabric as your dress for the outer material of your shoes. This will create a cohesive and personalised outfit.
• Custom designs: Create custom designs that incorporate specific details such as lace, crystal, or other accessories that match your overall bridal style. For example, you could add monogrammed details or custom hand-painted designs.
• Pearls and rhinestones: Beach wedding shoes with delicate details such as pearls or rhinestones can add a touch of sophistication and glamour to your look.
• Comfort and practicality: While style is important, don't forget about comfort and practicality. Opt for shoes with secure straps, non-slip soles, and breathable fabrics. Flat shoes or low wedges are a great option for stability and comfort on the sand.

Barefoot sandals

Firstly, measure out a good length of beading cord (around 0.75m). You will want to thread on enough seed beads to wrap under your toe, where you want your sandals to sit. The second toe in from the biggest is the best one to use. After you've added enough seed beads, make this section into a fixed loop by threading both ends of the cord through a round bead. Pull the round bead down the cord so that it sits snugly next to the seed beads.

Next, start making a pattern for your barefoot sandals by threading seed beads onto each strand of cord. Secure those seed beads with another round bead by threading both ends of the cord through it. You can carry on adding seed beads and round beads in whatever pattern you like. Keep trying your barefoot sandal on as you work so that you don't add too many beads before you get to the ankle part.

Once you reach the point where you need to make a strap for your ankle, start threading seed beads onto the individual cords again. You will need to add quite a lot of seed beads for the ankle strap. Keep trying the barefoot sandal on so that you make the perfect size for your foot. When you have enough seed beads, make a double knot in the cord to tie the strands together. Apply some jewellery glue to the knots to ensure that the cord won't come undone.

Finally, trim any excess cord away and add a charm or some other decoration to make your barefoot sandal even prettier. Repeat the process to make a matching sandal for the other foot.

Frequently asked questions