Summer is wedding season, and there’s no better feeling than finding the perfect pair of shoes. Whether you're attending a beachside ceremony, a formal affair at a country house, or a relaxed garden celebration, your footwear should balance style, comfort, and the practicalities of the venue.
If you’ve got questions about which style or colour shoe to wear to a summer wedding, read on. This guide will give you fashion tips for all eventualities.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
• What colour shoes to wear to a summer wedding
• Shoes for different types of summer weddings
• Indoor vs outdoor weddings: what to consider
• The dos and don’ts of summer wedding footwear
• Summer wedding shoes FAQs
What Colour Shoes Should I Wear to a Summer Wedding?
Choosing a colour can be daunting, but summer weddings are the perfect time to play with a wider, more vibrant palette. Soft pastels, warm neutrals, and metallics all work beautifully and complement the light, airy feel of the season. Blush, champagne, dove grey, or soft gold add subtle polish without stealing attention from the rest of your outfit.
With that in mind, though, don’t be afraid to make a statement. A bold shoe in a bright colour like coral, scarlet, or emerald can elevate a neutral outfit or tie in with a printed dress.
In terms of matching, coordinating your shoes with your outfit can look elegant, but contrasting colours can be just as stylish. Metallics are a great middle ground if you’re unsure: they pair effortlessly with nearly everything and add a little sparkle without being overpowering. And for accessories, your shoes don’t have to match your bag or fascinator, but creating cohesion through tone, texture, or finish will help pull the look together.
Shoes for Different Types of Summer Weddings
Different settings call for different styles, not just aesthetically, but practically too. Here’s how to choose a shoe that fits the vibe of the day.
Shoes for a Formal Summer Wedding
Shoes for a Casual or Garden Wedding
Garden weddings and relaxed summer ceremonies call for shoes that feel comfortable and low-key while still looking polished. Think block-heeled sandals, espadrilles, or dressy flats. These styles work well on grass and softer terrain, and they pair effortlessly with floaty dresses or midi skirts. If you're wearing something with a pattern or texture, consider sandals in a complementary tone or subtle metallic for balance.
Shoes for a Beach or Destination Wedding
Indoor vs Outdoor Wedding Venues: What to Consider
Where the wedding takes place has a big impact on what shoes will work best. Here are a few practical pointers to help you plan:
Indoor Weddings
Think about flooring! Marble, polished wood, or tiled surfaces can be slippery, so opt for shoes with a bit of grip or a block heel for added stability. Closed-toe shoes or dressy slingbacks are perfect for venues with a more traditional or formal feel.
Outdoor Weddings
Grass, gravel, sand, and cobblestones can all pose challenges for thin heels. In these cases, wedges, platforms, or flats are a good choice. Choose breathable materials like leather, canvas, or suede to keep things cool and comfortable throughout the day.
And always check the weather! If there's a chance of rain, bring a backup pair or choose something with a more durable sole.
Comfortable Wedding Shoes That Still Look Smart
Always remember that you don’t have to choose between comfort and style. There are plenty of wedding-ready shoes designed to support your feet and still look elegant.
Block heels offer more surface area, which means better weight distribution and more stability, especially if you're wearing them for hours. Slingbacks with a mid-heel are another great choice: they feel light and breathable while still looking occasion-appropriate.
Smart flats are perfect if you're not a heel-wearer. Look for options with cushioned soles, elegant, pointed toes, or subtle embellishments to elevate the look. Metallic or patent finishes add polish, making them ideal for a more formal outfit without the discomfort of height.
The Dos and Don’ts of Summer Wedding Shoes
With long days, mixed venues, and unpredictable weather in mind, here are a few quick-fire tips for choosing shoes that work beautifully for a summer wedding:
• Do prioritise breathable materials like leather, canvas, or mesh, especially if you're attending a daytime or outdoor wedding.
• Don’t forget to consider the venue! Stilettos can sink into grass or sand, so go for wedges, block heels, or dressy flats instead.
• Do bring a backup pair, especially if you’re wearing heels! Consider packing some foldable flats for the dancefloor or journey home.
• Don’t assume comfort means casual: there are plenty of supportive styles that still feel special, from mid-heel slingbacks to smart metallic sandals.
• Do coordinate, but not too much: it’s more modern to match tone or texture than to go for an exact colour match across shoes, bag, and fascinator.
• Don’t wait until the day of to try them on, as breaking your shoes in around the house will make sure they’re ready to go when the big day arrives.
Wedding Shoes FAQs
Can I wear white shoes to a wedding?
Generally, yes, but proceed with caution. White shoes can work beautifully if the rest of your outfit contrasts, but avoid anything that looks bridal (like white satin stilettos or heavily embellished heels) to ensure you're not mistaken for the bride.
What can I wear instead of heels to a wedding?
Smart flats, loafers, ballet pumps, or even low block heels are all excellent alternatives. Comfort-focused brands now offer a wide range of formal flats that don’t compromise on style.
Should your fascinator match your shoes or dress?
There's no hard rule. You can match your fascinator to your shoes, dress, or even contrast both. The key is to ensure there's some balance, so if your fascinator is a standout colour, echo it subtly elsewhere.
Do shoes and bags have to match for a wedding?
Not anymore. While coordinating is classic, mixing textures or tones is now widely accepted and often more modern. Choose accessories that feel cohesive with your outfit, rather than perfectly matched.
Step stylishly into wedding season
Now you’ve found the perfect pair, you’re ready to take on wedding season with comfort and confidence. Whatever the type of wedding you’re attending, your shoes will carry you from ceremony to dancefloor with ease.
From breathable heeled sandals to dressy flats, our women’s wedding shoes collection has something to suit every dress code and destination. Designed with both occasion dressing and wear-all-day comfort in mind, each pair is crafted to complement your look and keep you feeling your best. You can also visit us in store to get personalised recommendations from our friendly team of footwear experts.