Photo: Katy Lunsford
Your wedding is the perfect excuse to splurge on those designer shoes you’ve been drooling over for years. You grab your purse, put on a cute fit (just because) and strut into your fave designer storefront. There they are–the heels sky high, the leather is softer than you imagined it would be, don’t even get us started on the packaging. You are living your best life, and then you remember…YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED OUTSIDE! Don’t say goodbye to your dream shoes just yet. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about wedding shoes and how to make them work with your outdoor ceremony. And, we’re going to say something controversial–having an outdoor wedding does not mean you HAVE to wear flats. Sure, flats will make it easier to walk in any terrain, but there are plenty of heel options available that will also work in grass, sand, and even snow. The key is expanding surface area, so chunky heels and wedges will be your best friends. There is also a special accessory that you can pop onto your stilettos to make the heel wider to keep you from sinking as you walk. Another thing to consider is the material. Steer clear of soft fabrics like satin and lean into leather and sheer net fabrics that won’t get ruined if they get a little wet. Here are some outdoor-friendly shoes that serve both fashion and function…
If you’ve got your heart set on flats, here are some of our faves. And here are a few gorgeous wedding shoe options (and they’re all under $100!).
Chunky Heels
If you’re getting married in a garden or on grass of any kind, a chunky heel is the way to go. Not only does the width add extra comfort and support, the added surface area prevents the heel from penetrating the ground and keeps you from sinking.
Photo/Shoes: Badgley Mischka via BHLDN
Photo/Shoes: Dolce Vita
Photo/Shoes: BHLDN
Wedges
Aside from flats, wedges are the best option for beach weddings, especially if you’re going to be walking in the sand. A traditional heel will bend in the middle as the back of the shoe starts to sink, and, in sand, it will, no matter the width. The added support of a wedge prevents the shoe from folding in on itself and gives you that height you’re looking for.
Photo/Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Flats
For an outdoor wedding, flats are always the most comfortable option. And, believe it or not, there are plenty of adorable flats from your fave designers that will still give you all the bridal feels.
Photo/Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Photo/Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Convertibles
Designed to solve this specific dilemma, convertible shoes let you have the best of both worlds. These shoes from Pashion also come with different heel options so you can opt for a chunky heel that would still work for an outdoor ceremony and then convert to a flat afterward.
Photo/Shoes: Pashion Footwear
Boots
Dressing for winter weddings can be tricky, especially when it comes to shoes. You’ll definitely want to go with something with more coverage, that’s also water resistant like leather booties. And remember to keep those heels wide.
Photo/Shoes: AMINA MUADDI via Bergdorf Goodman
Photo/Shoes: RENE CAOVILLA via Bergdorf Goodman
You Can Have It All
If you’ve already fallen in love with a pair of sky-high stilettos, we’ve got good news! The Solemates makes an adapter that fits on the bottom of your heel to expand the width making it perfect for walking on grass. They even have a bridal bundle that comes with an assortment of different-sized adapters, so you can make sure that everyone makes it down the aisle in one piece and with their shoes intact.
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