If you want to get married on a beach, shoes are going to be one of the most important considerations both for comfort and safety. You want to walk gracefully down the aisle. You don’t want to wobble down the aisle.
For females in the bridal party, you’ll probably want to avoid pantyhose. Pantyhose is simply miserable on the beach. And no matter what shoes you choose to wear, you’re going to get sand in them. Sand in shoes and having to wear pantyhose should be the some kind of the ninth circle of hell punishment. Since your bridal party is going to be walking down the aisle and standing up in front of guests for awhile, be kind to their comfort.
Heels are totally out. Because of the terrain everyone will wobble when they walk and you risk sprained or twisted ankles as well. Calling 911 in the middle of your ceremony might make for a memorable wedding, but not a happy memory. Flats are best. Shoes that are more open, like a sandal or mule may be your best bet. Yes, sand will get in, but sand will get in with any shoes you choose. A shoe that’s more open allows sand to go back out the way it came in, without getting trapped.
For males in the bridal party, let them go without socks. They can choose a regular dress shoe, or if the wedding is very casual and there are no tuxedos involved, a type of sandal may work well for them as well.
Another alternative is to allow everyone in the bridal party to go barefoot. It is the beach after all and given the venue is appropriate. Some brides who get married on the beach choose to let the bridal party wear shoes, while she goes without them. This is another way the bride is able to differentiate herself from the rest of the group.
Another consideration, of course, is your guests. If you’re having a beach wedding, be sure to include separate from your invitation an idea of what to wear. Many guests may feel uncomfortable wearing sandals or going barefoot to a wedding, even a beach wedding, unless the couple has explicitly stated that this is okay. Think of your guests comfort and safety as well as your own and you’ll be able to navigate the tricky footwear trials of a beach wedding.
