Let me guess: you said yes to being a bridesmaid, you have your dress picked out (kind of), and now you’re staring at your closet wondering: what kind of bridesmaid shoes should I wear? Same, bestie. Same.
As a wedding planner who’s witnessed everything from barefoot flower girls to a bridesmaid who wore Crocs (on purpose!), I’m here to walk you through the real-deal, no-fluff guide to bridesmaid shoes. Because cute matters, yes. But so does not limping into the reception.
Let’s get into it!
Start Here: 3 Questions You Have to Ask
- Did the bride give shoe instructions? This is not the time to go rogue. If she wants gold strappy heels, that’s the assignment. Don’t fight it. (Ask first, always.)
- What’s the dress length? Depending on the dress length, your shoe choice might change — here’s a full guide to bridesmaid dress styles. Long gowns = shoe freedom. Short or midi? That toe is gonna show. Plan accordingly. And get a pedicure.
- What are you walking on? Grass? Sand? Cobbled patio in heels at 3PM in July? This matters more than people think. Plan for the terrain like your ankles depend on it. (Because they do.)
Shoes That Actually Make Sense by Venue Type
Garden or Outdoor Weddings
You need stability. Block heels, cute wedges, or dressy flats are your safe zone here. Stilettos will have you aerating the lawn, and nobody wants that for you.
Opt for a black flat, a la lovely handmade shop Kaileep (translation: SO COMFY!):
Glittery pointed-toe flats? Perfect for an elegant wedding. And yes, you can walk in them so much easier than heels. Also by Kaileep.
Dressy bridesmaid flats that won’t destroy your wallet? I got you covered! These are drama-free. Get them here.
Indoor or Ballroom Weddings
Go classic. Kitten heels, pumps, or metallic sandals always work and won’t get caught in floorboards or decking. Bring these gel inserts. Trust me.
Comfortable but Still Cute Bridesmaid Shoe Picks
- Low block heels: The MVP of bridesmaid shoes. Chic. Stable. A+ for dancing.
- Pointed flats: Elevated, sleek, and great if you’d rather not wobble down the aisle.
- Platform sandals: If you’re short, this adds height without pain.
- Summer weddings: These platform wedges are the real MVPs. They’re cool and comfy. By Dream Pairs.
- Wedding-worthy sneakers: If the bride is cool with it, white or blush sneakers are adorable and SO comfy.
PRO TIP: These heels are my #1 go-to for bridesmaids – affordable, comfortable, stable, neutral, cute. Go, go, go → they’re at Lulus. They’re low heel, easy for walking in, available in many colors, and won’t break the bank → but be sure to size up! This pair is a bridesmaid shoe no-brainer. You can read the reviews here if you’re still on the fence.
EMMA SAYS: These suede-like beauties are comfy and cute! If you’re going the flats route, these won’t disappoint you. Under $25 for a limited time.
Should Bridesmaids All Match Shoes?
It’s totally up to the bride. Some like everything to match; others go for the “same color, different style” look, which I personally LOVE. That way everyone can pick a pair they can actually walk in. Revolutionary, I know.
What Color Shoes Go with Bridesmaid Dresses?
Let’s break it down. You don’t need a color theory degree — just stick to these trusted combos:
- Blush dress: Nude, champagne, rose gold
- Navy dress: Silver, nude, gold
- Sage green dress: Gold, ivory, tan
- Black dress: Literally anything — it’s black. Go bold if you want.
- Mauve or dusty rose: Blush, taupe, soft metallics
These are my fave nude heels ever ever ever. The lace-up? Chef’s kiss. By Lulus.
PSA: Break in the Dang Shoes
Whatever you choose, please — please — break them in before the big day. Wear them around your house. Add inserts. Keep band-aids in your clutch. Future you will thank you when you’re 3 hours into dancing and still going strong. Read: 9 Wedding Shoe Mistakes to Avoid and, ya know, avoid them. :)
Bring a Backup Pair
Save your ankles! ALWAYS bring a backup pair, just in case. My go-to: handmade lifesaver Cinderollies. These roll up and fit in your clutch, so now you have no excuses to not go HARD on the dance floor!
Final Thoughts: Wear Shoes You Can Celebrate In
If you’re still asking “what kind of bridesmaid shoes should I wear?”, here’s your answer: shoes that let you actually enjoy the day. Yes, look cute. But also, don’t suffer. You’ve got a toast to give, a dance floor to dominate, and photos to slay. Choose accordingly. 💅
► Need b’maid shoe-spiration? I gotchu! This collection is my go-to: it’s affordable and stylish. Win-win.
Need a bridesmaid shoe recommendation? Or just want to rant about that one time your heel snapped mid-speech? Drop it in the comments — I live for this stuff.
xo
Emma
