While all eyes are on the bride for the big day, as an invited guest it’s oh-so important to look presentable for the many photographs that will be snapped throughout. Putting together the right outfit is all about striking the right balance, comfortable without being underdressed, looking the part without being OTT. 

The secret? Choosing the right summer wedding shoes. A good pair of wedding shoes will bring your outfit together without hurting your feet as you step from church to banquet hall to dancefloor.

Weddings can be an expensive affair and not just for the bride and groom. From affordable comfortable heels for her to men’s cheap smart shoes, we’ve rounded up a whole host of affordable wedding shoes that will make you (and your wallet) happy on the happiest of days. 

Women’s Wedding Shoes

High Heels

High heels are the formal event staple - but which style of heels to go for? 

Stiletto heels are the ever-elegant option that never goes out of style. Not only will they look good on the big day, but they’ll look just as good years later in the photographs. 

The ingrained elegance of this barely-there silhouette means they’ll go with just about any dress, jumpsuit, or tailored trouser option you could ever imagine. To add a layer of comfort, opt for a shoe with a cushioned footbed.

Offering the same elevation as a pair of stiletto heels, block heel sandals and summer wedges carry the benefit of added stability by redistributing weight more evenly across the foot. 

A great option for those who love to throw shapes on the dancefloor, and ideal for weddings set to the backdrop of a country house where photos on sprawling lawns are the order of the day. 

Can I wear flat shoes to a wedding?

A smart pair of flats will look just as good as a pair of heels.  

Ballet slippers are the ideal choice for formal attire. Elegant in shape and set upon slim soles, their cobble and grass-friendly profile (not to mention their background in dance halls) means this shoe is more than capable of keeping up with whatever the big day throws your way. 

Choose a well-designed yet minimalist silhouette, such as a woven or textured style, for a considered touch that’s suitable for a formal affair. 

Maintaining the support of a flat sole, platform sandals will add a boost to your outfit without sacrificing on comfort. Again, it’s all in the details – opt for a flattering strap design with added details (buckles, suede, braided soles) that elevate the sandals beyond just a casual summer style.  

Mother of the Bride Shoes

There are few places among the bridal party more important than the mother of the bride (except the bride of course!) 

A low heel will be most suitable for fulfilling mother of the bride duties. This wedding-worthy style of heel will add height to your ensemble while also allowing you to dance the night away in comfort and elegant style. 

Men’s Wedding Shoes

When it comes to men’s shoes for weddings the options are far simpler, yet no less elegant. 

Smart, lace-up Oxford shoes and Derby silhouettes are the standard choice and will rarely steer you wrong where style is concerned. Men’s brogues offer a little added detail that always looks dapper. 

Regardless of which style you go for, shoes constructed in leather are best for a comfortable and durable pair that will last beyond a single event. 

For weddings due to take place at in far-flung destinations or on sunny days closer to home, consider opting for men’s loafers instead. 

This comfortable and airy slip-on silhouette will be able to compete with the heat where other, more traditional, styles simply can’t. Again, choose leather, suede or similar for a well-rounded finish to your wedding guest attire.