Can You Wear White Shoes To A Wedding?
Wedding season is almost upon us and you know what that means…
The bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and event invitations for your friend or family member’s upcoming wedding are on their way!
And while wedding attire for guests is pretty straightforward pending the theme of the wedding, there are still some questions you might be asking yourself.
So today, we’re going over one of the most commonly asked questions about getting dressed as a wedding guest!
Can You Wear White Shoes to a Wedding?
Short Answer
Yes, you can wear white shoes to a wedding.
However, there are a few things to consider before making that decision.
As we all know, wearing a white dress as a wedding guest is a faux pas as it’s the bride’s big day to shine.
But when it comes to footwear, there is generally less focus on the color of your shoes since they are just a small accessory to the rest of your outfit.
However, it’s still always a good idea to pay attention to the wedding invitation as this will be where the dress code information is provided.
Let’s take a closer look at the different dress codes you might run into when attending a wedding as a guest.
Understanding the Dress Code
Different Types of Weddings
A wedding is a very special day and it’s important to consider the type of wedding you will be attending.
There are different types of weddings, such as formal events, black-tie events, and casual beach weddings.
Additionally, different cultures celebrate weddings in different ways. A wedding ceremony can be held in a variety of locations such as a church, on the beach, in a hall, at a hall, etc.
These types of weddings require different dress codes, and it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion.
Wedding Dress Codes
Wedding dress codes can be confusing, but they are important to follow to ensure that you are dressed appropriately. Here are some common wedding dress codes:
Black-Tie
The most formal wedding you can attend is one that has a black tie dress code. Men should wear a tuxedo, and women should wear a long gown.
Formal
The formal wear dress code is less formal than black-tie but still requires formal attire. Men should wear a suit and tie and women should wear a cocktail dress or evening gown.
Casual
This dress code is the most casual and requires comfortable clothing.
If it’s a casual beach wedding men can wear linen pants and a button-down shirt, and women can wear a sundress or a maxi dress.
This is the perfect opportunity for women to pair a floral dress with a pair of white wedges or lace up style of shoe without taking away from the bride.
These white wedges would be a great option for a casual beach wedding.
They’re comfortable for walking on uneven ground and they’re not overly attention-grabbing so you won’t be committing any fashion no-nos.
White Shoes at Weddings
White Shoes for Women
When it comes to white shoes at weddings, women have a variety of options to choose from.
White heels are a classic choice for a more formal look and the more understated, the better.
Strappy heels are a popular option and can add a touch of elegance to any outfit while white pumps are a bit chunky and should generally be avoided.
These shoes are a great option if you want to stay on the safe side. Although they’re white, they are a thinner style shoe so they don’t stand out.
Block heels are typically the most comfortable shoes for those who plan to be on the dance floor all night. I actually have this pair above and they’re awesome!
Even though they have a strappy design, they are quite comfortable due to the low, block heel.
One thing that’s important to keep in mind is the heel height when choosing sandals. High heels can sink into the grass, making it difficult to walk and dance comfortably.
If you’re dead set on wearing your heels to a wedding where you could potentially be in the grass, these heel attachments are a MUST HAVE!
These easily slip onto the bottom of your heel and provide concealed flat surface underneath of your heel so you can still get the look of high heels without the pain and suffering!
For those who prefer a more casual look, a pair of white wedges can be a stylish and comfortable option. They can be paired with a dress or pants for a more laid-back look.
White Shoes for Men
Men can also wear white shoes to weddings, but it’s important to choose the right type of shoe.
Dress shoes are a classic choice and can be paired with a suit for a more formal look. However, in recent years we’ve been seeing sneakers becoming a common theme.
Again, it all depends on the wedding dress code.
If the invitation specifies a formal dress code, dress shoes are the best option. However, if the dress code is more casual, white sneakers can be a great choice.
Alternatives to White Shoes
If you decide you want to go with a different color but aren’t sure which option is best, here are a few alternatives.
Neutral Colors
Neutral colors are a good choice for wedding shoes as they can complement a variety of outfits.
Colors like beige, nude, taupe, and light gray can all work well. These colors are versatile and can be worn to any other special occasion or formal event you have in the future as well.
Darker colors like black and brown also work as well and are always a safe choice.
Metallics
Metallic styles like gold or silver shoes are a perfect choice to complete a wedding day look as a guest.
These colors work with many different outfits and are the classic choice for pairing with cocktail dresses.
Bold Colors
A great way to add a pop of color to your outfit is by wearing shoes in bright colors.
Colors like pink, blue, or green can add some personality to your outfit and can be the perfect statement piece to complete your look.
Just make sure the color complements the overall style of your outfit.
Embellished Shoes
For those who want to make a bold statement, consider wearing shoes with unique designs or embellishments.
Shoes with embroidery, lace, or glitter can add some sparkle to your outfit. Just make sure the shoes don’t clash with any other accessories or jewelry.
FAQs
Is it appropriate to wear white accessories to a wedding?
As a general rule, white accessories such as a white clutch bag or white jewelry can be appropriate to wear to a wedding.
However, it is best to avoid wearing a white hat or white gloves, as they can be seen as upstaging the bride.
What color shoes are acceptable to wear to a wedding?
A neutral color is always the best choice for a wedding guest. However, each bride/groom and wedding will have different requirements for attire.
Can you wear cream-colored shoes to a wedding?
Yes! Cream-colored, off-white shades and ivory shoes are ok to wear to a wedding.
Can I wear white shoes to a rehearsal dinner?
Shoe color isn’t usually that important for a rehearsal dinner.
Generally, it’s just the bride and groom, their family, and the bridal party at the rehearsal dinner and although it’s a wedding event, it’s not usually as formal but again, always check with the bride and groom.
How much white can you wear to a wedding?
You should never ever wear white clothing to a wedding. However, it is ok for white in small doses in accessories and/or shoes. For example, a white clutch bag or white earrings is ok.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing when finalizing your overall look for a wedding is the wishes of the bride and groom. The last thing you want to do is upset them on their wedding day.
While wearing white shoes to a wedding is typically ok, you should always check the invitation first for specific dress code instructions.
If you’re unsure about the required attire, ask a member of the family or wedding party to confirm or err on the side of caution by sticking to another neutral color.
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