These Are the Best Bridal Shoes for Your Beach Wedding
Hello, chic sandals, flats, and wedges...
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With smaller, outdoor weddings taking the place of larger, indoor affairs in a mid-pandemic world, many of 2021's celebrations will likely take place on the beach, or shoreside. Whether you live on the coast or are planning a destination affair for (fingers crossed!) when travel becomes more feasible later in the year, dressing for a wedding outdoors has its perks (read: floral prints, flowy fabrics, pops of color) and its challenges (read: stilettos sinking into the sand, grass, or between the slats of a deck).
We're seeing a push towards leveling up shoreside weddings for 2021—and, in that, fashion plays a major role. When shopping for beach-worthy wedding shoes, you'll want to ensure you have a chic pair that stacks up to your gown, but is appropriate for the terrain of your setting. These shoes should be gorgeous, but comfortable. Whether that calls for fancy flats, wedges, stack heels, or a lower heel height is up to you, but you should avoid a sky-high stiletto if your venue is more low-key, on uneven ground. Don't wait too long to consider your shoes—you'll want to bring the shoes you've landed on to your first dress fitting. From the shores of The Hamptons and South Beach to the white sands of the Caribbean, these are the beach wedding shoes to consider for your upcoming celebration on the shore.
Think Bridgerton vibes with a 360-degree ruffle on an easy-to-wear mule, like this satin pointed-toe option, for a shoe that reflects the ripples of the water and works with a midi dress for your rehearsal dinner, or a fuller skirt for the ceremony.
A low block heel makes sure your feet won't sink in the sand—and this chic trio of ties also offers ample ankle support for the walk down the aisle, and dancing all-night long.
These will not only look elegant with almost any gown, long or short, but they'll ensure you stay steady on uneven ground.
If you love the look of a super-strappy stiletto but can’t imagine yourself walking down a seaside aisle (let alone dancing all night) in a 4-inch heel, this shoe is the answer for the aisle, or a mid-evening shoe change.
These chic, Roaring Twenties-inspired slides are evening-appropriate, even without height. Opt for something like this with a goddess-like gown, or to update your poolside attire.
A statement sandal with a wooden block heel and silk ribbon ties pairs well with midi lengths, shorter silhouettes, day dresses for the events leading up to the aisle.
These are not your standard kitten heels, and they'll pair well with an elevated poolside look, a rehearsal dinner dress, or a cropped pant for your day-after brunch.
Not wanting to wear all white? No problem. A block heel works in the grass or on the beach—and this pair feels perfectly posh thanks to its metallic sheen and stately bow.
Opt for a barely-there T-bar strap sandal that speaks to the runways latest trends. Pair these with a gown or a midi dress for a look that is sleek, chic, and warm-weather appropriate.
A raffia sandal feels right for the beach, be it for welcome cocktails by the shore, or late night on the dancefloor. Plus, a thicker, kitten heel ensures you'll be comfortable on boardwalks, cobblestones, and anywhere in-between.
Woven wedges feel more beachy when paired with prints—but don't just keep the florals to your fashion. Case in point: this is fun yet flirty update to classic espadrilles.
Beach wedding shoes need not be flat nor sky-high—but it's super-chic when they're barely-there. Don't consider these if you're hosting on the sand, but we're all about incorporating a heel when you're staying on flat land.
Go sparkly, yet dainty for a sand-friendly yet formal look. These are the type of sandals that will disappear beneath your gown, without looking too casual.
A slide in soft white leather feels effortless and modern in all the right ways.
These scalloped leather slip-ons are undoubtedly chic—and are a no-brainer for all your more casual yet bridal looks surrounding the ceremony.
You can’t go wrong with a pointed-toe mule with chic studs, and this kitten-heeled option is the easy-to-wear answer to the pointed-toe-pump standard.
Opt for an update on the classic ballet flat—like this one with a crystal anklet and a more fashion-forward silhouette.
A textured block heel is chic and sophisticated—and is for the fashion pro who knows how to wear a high heel, even on uneven ground.
Meet the beach bride basic: the natural-toned espadrille. Opt for these for an easy rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, or brunch look that is chic for the setting.
A satin sandal is always a safe bridal bet, but for a unique touch, opt for a pair with unexpected embellishments, like this pair with a subtle pop of color.
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
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