June 9th, 2025
10 Best Wedding Guest Shoes
As the weather changes and wedding invitations pile up, one question always comes first: what am I going to wear?
Spring and summer weddings are the perfect chance to have fun with fashion, but no outfit is complete without the right shoes. From garden ceremonies to beachside vows and city receptions, what you wear on your feet matters just as much as the dress.
The best wedding guest shoes should tick all the boxes: stylish enough for the occasion, comfortable enough to last through the night and versatile enough to wear long after the last dance. At TOMS, we make it easy to find the perfect pair of women’s shoes for wedding guests, with options that look great, feel great and won’t sit in your wardrobe after just one wear.
1. Alpargatas
If the weather is warm or the dress code leans more relaxed, Alpargatas are a perfect choice. They bring a laid-back elegance to any wedding guest outfit while keeping your feet cool and comfortable. Ideal for outdoor venues, daytime ceremonies, or summer weddings when heavier shoes might feel too formal, a neutral pair of Alpargatas has an effortless charm that works with everything from breezy sundresses to tailored jumpsuits.
Styling Tip: A crochet Alpargata pair beautifully with a flowy maxi dress or a crisp linen suit. If the wedding calls for a little extra flair, go for a pair with metallic details - it keeps things festive while providing all-day comfort for dancing and celebrating under the sun.
2. Slingback Flats
For those looking for comfortable wedding guest shoes with a modern twist, flats are the perfect option because they keep you light on your feet without sacrificing style. Slingback flats, in particular, strike the right balance between chic and effortless. The open back adds elegance and the secure fit keeps them practical enough for a full day of celebrating your loved ones.
Styling Tip: A peep-toe slingback instantly elevates a loose maxi or a tailored jumpsuit, giving a polished look without the height of a heel. For a softer, more romantic feel, try them with a floral midi dress and delicate accessories.
3. Wedge Sandals
Who doesn’t love a beach wedding? But for weddings on sandy or uneven terrain, it’s probably a good idea to steer clear of stilettos or anything with a narrow heel. So, what’s a nice dress shoe for wedding guests in this case? Wedge sandals combine height and stability, giving you the elegance of a heel without the struggle of sinking into the ground. Perfect for daytime weddings or outdoor venues like beach ceremonies, vineyard receptions or garden parties, they bring a stylish yet practical touch to any outfit.
Styling Tip: Neutral wedges in colours like beige, tan or soft metallics look timeless and are easy to pair, while floral prints or pastel hues add a fun, seasonal twist that complements airy fabrics and flowy silhouettes.
4. Ballet Flats
Curious to hear one of our favourite tricks to keep yourself comfortable all day? Pack a pair of ballet flats in your bag! They’re easy to slip into when it’s time to hit the dance floor or when your feet need a break after hours of standing. Beyond being a backup plan, ballet flats are chic and effortless shoes for wedding guests, as they work for everything from casual daytime ceremonies to more elegant evening receptions - especially when paired with the right outfit.
Styling Tip: A classic ballet flat in a soft neutral or metallic shade looks great for both day and night weddings in casual or semi-formal settings. If you want something with a little more flair, look for details such as basket weave ballet flats.
5. Cut-out Heels
Depending on the length and style, flowy maxi dresses don’t always pair well with flat shoes, while wedge sandals can sometimes feel too casual for the occasion. Cut-out heels are the perfect in-between wedding shoes for guests, giving you the structure of a closed shoe with the lightness of an open design. They add dimension to dresses while keeping things elegant, which makes them a great choice for semi-formal and dressy weddings alike.
Styling Tip: A cut-out heel with delicate straps or lace details pairs nicely with a romantic maxi dress. For a modern twist, go for a platform heel to complement more sleek and minimalist silhouettes.
6. Mules
Heading off to a destination wedding with an informal dress code? Consider packing a pair of mules, which are both elegant and relaxed. This laid-back yet chic style is perfect for beachside vows, garden receptions or intimate celebrations under the stars. Plus, they’re a travel-friendly option that won’t take up much space in your suitcase.
Styling Tip: A leather mule in a soft neutral or pastel shade pairs well with lightweight fabrics like linen or chiffon. For a more playful look, opt for a bold colour or textured detail to add personality to your outfit.
7. Platform Espadrilles
Coastal weddings are the perfect time to flaunt a pair of platform espadrilles. Their elegance and sturdy construction make them an excellent choice for walking on sand, standing for long periods of time or getting down on the dance floor. Dress codes that range from casual to semi-formal work well with this style. The best part? They don’t have to stay reserved for weddings since they’re just as easy to wear with sundresses, linen trousers or everyday warm-weather outfits.
Styling Tip: Wear your platform espadrilles with a maxi dress in romantic floral prints, a tailored midi dress or a flowy jumpsuit. Want to know more about espadrilles? Read our blogs about the best espadrilles and FAQ.
8. Mary Janes
Can’t find the right shoes to wear with a vintage-inspired short dress? Mary Janes are the answer. They are comfortable, feminine and feature a classic silhouette, so they’re a natural match for weddings with a playful or romantic dress code. They’re perfect for any wedding on your calendar this season, from elegant indoor ceremonies to relaxed, outdoor garden parties.
Styling Tip: Wear flat Mary Janes pairs with a fit-and-flare dress or a pointed-toe style with a more structured outfit. For an extra nod to vintage style, go for a patent finish or a soft pastel shade.
9. Suede Heels
Suede heels and weddings go hand in hand, adding texture and a touch of elegance to any outfit. The soft material has a way of elevating even the simplest dress and making it feel more put-together without being too formal. Garden parties, rustic venues and elegant brunch receptions are all settings where the suede heel fits right in.
Styling Tip: A suede heel pump in a warm neutral or soft pastel pairs naturally with floral dresses and flowy skirts, creating an easy, stylish look. If subtle tones aren’t your thing, bolder colours like flame or metallic add contrast without looking out of place.
10. Loafers
Another non-heel wedding guest shoes for women that still look chic and elevated? Loafers. And no, these aren’t just for long days at the office. With the right outfit, they can look just as refined as heels, especially for daytime ceremonies or more relaxed venues. You can choose from leather, suede or fun prints to bring a little personality to the big day!
Styling Tip: A pointed-toe loafer works well with a tailored midi dress or a chic jumpsuit, but it’s also a great match for a pantsuit. Loafers in rich tones like dark purple, dark brown or classic black work well for weddings in every season.
Tips for Choosing a Wedding Guest Shoe
When it comes to shoes, wedding guests have tons of options. But it’s important to keep in mind that the right pair should complement your outfit, feel good enough to wear for hours and match the setting.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing the perfect pair of wedding guest shoes:
Venue: Outdoor weddings on grass, sand, or cobblestone call for stable heels, platforms or flats, while indoor venues offer more flexibility.
Season: Light fabrics and open styles work well for spring wedding guest shoes, while closed-toe options feel more fitting for cooler months.
Dress code: A formal ballroom wedding might call for classic heels, while a casual garden ceremony allows for more relaxed styles.
Comfort: Standing, walking and dancing are part of the night, so shoes that pinch or lack support won’t hold up.
Colour and style: Neutrals are always a safe bet, but a bold colour or unique detail can add just the right amount of personality to your outfit.
Versatility: If you want a pair that won’t sit in your wardrobe after the event, go for something that works with outfits beyond the wedding season.
