What to Wear to a Beach Wedding: Best Wedding Shoes for Women and Men

Ways to Make Your Wedding Look More Beachy

Even though it’s a beach wedding there are still plenty of dos and don’ts as a guest. Avoid laid-back beach attire like bathing suits and all-white clothing, unless specified by the couple. There are small details you can take to make your entire look more beachy. We’re talking bold pops of color and prints on breezy maxi dresses, cocktail dresses for women, khakis, a button-up T-shirt, and seersucker suits for the guys. Go for hairstyles like wand curls or loose beach waves accented with a flower hair accessory while carrying a woven clutch or crossbody bag. There’s still one detail you’ll need to tie your look together–the shoes

Types of Women’s Sandals for a Beach Wedding

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If you’re a beach wedding attendee, you’re going to run into different elements like sand, sun, and of course, water! Depending on the time of year, the sand could be extra hot or cool, so you’re going to want shoes that are easy to take off. Case and point: a great pair of sandals.

Slide Sandals

One of the most popular styles to wear to a beach wedding are slide sandals for women. If their name isn’t obvious, women’s slide sandals are a breeze to slide on and off. Dress slide sandals come in a variety of colors, prints, and textures. Plus, you can kick them off your feet pre- or post-ceremony to run through the sand or walk along the incoming waves. Slide sandals and dress sandals from brands Steve Madden or Mix No. 6 are a few of our faves.  

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Wedges & Espadrille Sandals

If you’re looking for a sandal style that just screams beach weddings, look no further than espadrilles and wedges. Espadrille sandals can be easily dressed up and down, which makes them perfect to wear for a beach wedding. Want a little bit of height? Go for a wedge espadrille sandal. A wedge is flat at the bottom, so you won’t sink in the sand. Want extra ease? An espadrille sandal can be flat or have a subtle platform. Another great detail about espadrille sandals and wedge sandals is that they are available in many different colors and have boho-inspired details like jute, raffia, and rope braids. Find swoon-worthy espadrilles and wedge sandals from Crown Vintage, Kelly & Katie, and more.  

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Strappy Sandals

Want to be a little more daring and dramatic (in a good way) with your beach wedding sandals? We suggest strappy sandals and gladiator sandals. Picture this: a flowy dress with a pair of strappy sandals. Talk about giving off an ethereal vibe. A lace-up sandal is a great choice for a beach wedding because of its wearability during the ceremony, reception, and everywhere after. Discover plenty of need-right-now strappy sandals, heels, and gladiator sandals for women from Marc Fisher, Vince Camuto, and more!

Types of Women’s Heels for a Beach Wedding

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If your mind is set on wearing a pair of heels to a beach wedding, choose wisely! Leave the stiletto heels at home, you’re going to want something that won’t sink in wet sand but can give your look a little bit of a style and confidence boost. The solution: block heels and kitten heels.

Block Heels

In case you missed it, block heels are, like, really popular. We think it has to do with their thick easy-to-walk in heels, daylong comfort, and all the styles and colors they come in. Low-heel dress shoes are practical when standing for an extended period of time, but still gives your look an on-trend feel. A printed skirt or pastel cocktail dress will go great with chunky heels from brands Jessica Simpson and Dolce Vita.    

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Kitten Heels

Looking to channel a bit of ’50s glam? Go for a kitten heel. You guessed it, these women’s low-heel dress shoes will bring the right amount of comfort, trendiness, and ease while you’re watching nuptials on the beach. Pair a colorful kitten heel sandal with a linen dress or pantsuit for an effortless look. A women’s kitten heel from Mix No. 6 or Vince Camuto will get you a spot on the best-dressed guest list for sure.

Women’s Flats for a Beach Wedding

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Looking for a fuss-free style to wear to a beach wedding? Flats are the answer to all your what-to-wear dilemmas. If you know the beach wedding is leaning towards a casual side, go for ballet flats from Kelly & Katie, or a slip-on flat or mule from Franco Sarto if you want something a little more dressy. A flat sandal can also be a key choice. Flats that come in eye-catching colors or prints bring a bit of extra fun and can take you from the beach to another location for the wedding reception. Plus, you can dance the night away without your feet hurting!

Men’s Shoes for a Beach Wedding

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Guys, we didn’t forget about you. Whether you’re in the wedding party, a plus one, or a guest, there are plenty of options for shoes to wear during a beach wedding. Take your pick on men’s dress shoes, casual loafers, or standout monkstrap shoes.

Men’s Casual & Dress Shoes

Since you’re going to be walking on the boardwalk and in the sand, you’re going to want something that can handle it all. If you’re attending a low-key beach wedding, go with casual slip-on shoes from HEYDUDE. Another great option to show off your laid-back personality is a hybrid lace-up from Cole Haan that can be worn with khakis and a button-up. Wanting something a little more put-together? A monk-strap slip-on shoe from Florsheim is an excellent choice.

Loafers

Another timeless choice for men’s dress shoes to wear to a beach wedding is none other than the loafer. Casual loafers are becoming more and more popular on the wedding circuit. If you’re attending a beach wedding, loafers from Vince Camuto or Mix No. 6 are winning options to wear with a blazer or suit. They’re super comfortable and easy to slip on or off if you need to walk along the water.  

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Boat Shoes

The ocean, the smell of salt water, and boat shoes–they all just make sense together. Boat shoes bring an “I just parked my yacht” energy…even if you don’t own a yacht. Boat shoes could be considered the most appropriate men’s casual shoes to wear to a beach wedding. We can see it now: you, in classic pair of Sperry boat shoes wearing a palm tree-printed T-shirt, chino pants, and a cool pair of sunglasses. This is your sign to wear a pair of boat shoes to the next beach wedding you’re attending.  

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Driving Shoes

Another fresh pair of men’s shoes to wear to a beach wedding are driving shoes. Men’s driving shoes are a great addition to your summer rotation. What’s a driving shoe, you ask? A driving shoe combines the sophistication of a loafer and the relaxed feel of a boat shoe. They are easy to slip on and often feature a textured sole, so you won’t sink in the sand or have the potential to slip! Have we convinced you enough on why you should try out a pair of men’s driving shoes? Here’s another reason: they can go with anything you’ve packed in your suitcase for the beach wedding. Swim shorts for the pool? Yep. A polo shirt for cocktails? You got it. Slacks? Sure thing. Go on, try out a pair of driving shoes from Vince Camuto or Hush Puppies.

What Not to Wear to a Beach Wedding

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Remember, you want to look your best at a beach wedding, but you don’t want to upstage the bride and groom! As you’re making a list on what to pack to wear to a beach wedding, think about what you need and what you can keep at home. Leave the flip flops, beat-up sneakers, and stiletto heels in your closet, but bring sunshine-ready sandals, block heels, and boat shoes with you. Most importantly, sink your toes into the sand and have the best time!