There is no such thing as a ceremony by the sea. If you answered yes for the upcoming nuptials of a friend or family member and the dress code nods to a beach-chic aesthetic, footwear will be a priority. Shoes for guests at a beach wedding can be a fashion snag – you need to look presentable and polished in a venue where you would otherwise be barefoot.

Unlike terrain where stilettos are auspicious, sand is less favorable to stern heels. The solution? Leaning into silhouettes that thrive in casual surroundings while complementing a whimsical dress.

It may come as a surprise that basic footwear such as flat sandals and even espadrilles can translate to an evening spent on the sand. You’ll see it on cult brands like Staud and Cult Gaia, where trendy shoe shapes like wedges and block heels are making their way. There are also options on the luxury designer front, like a pair of buckled slingback sandals from Roger Vivier or even pearl-embellished heels as seen at Jimmy Choo. There’s a world of options beyond the classic high heel, from fancy flip flops to sleek wedge heels that won’t sink in the sand.

Continue to buy shoes for beach wedding guests that feel festive and suitable for a romantic outdoor environment.

Easy slides

A carefree shoe silhouette, like the flip-flop, can translate to a seaside ceremony when crafted in festive prints and colors or beautiful textures like raffia or braiding. Plus, if the mood takes you, you can easily take them off your feet for a quick spin on the sand.

Bottega Veneta woven raffia sandals

Larroudé for Oscar de la Renta Ivy flat mules in Magnolia Begonia cotton

Gucci women’s raffia-effect GG slides

Tory Burch Rope Flat Slides

Classic sneakers

Considered by many to be the perfect summer shoe, espadrilles can be dressed up as easily as they are pared down. And when it comes to a beach wedding, this woven basic shoe is a comfortable and stylish choice.

Castañer Carina 30 canvas and jute wedge espadrilles

Staud Billie Wedge Espadrilles

Schutz Geissa rope sandals

Reformation Alessa Linen Wedge Espadrilles

Practical block heels

If you want to wear heels for a beach wedding, the best solution is block heels. They’re less likely to sink into the sand than a pair of stilettos, while still giving you that extra boost.

Jimmy Choo Amara 45 Pearl Embellished Champagne Glitter Suede Mules

Larroudé Laguna mules in lilac floral knit

Reike Nen Noodle low sandals

Strappy sandals

There are few summer occasions when a pair of stylish strappy sandals don’t makes sense and that applies to a beach wedding. Wear a flowy floral dress with a pair of metallic lace-up flat sandals for a romantic and undeniably comfortable look.

Porte & Paire metallic leather sandals

Zimmermann strappy sandals

The Row calfskin slingback sandals

Emme Parsons Susan sandals in tan nappa

Smooth corners

Even if you’re wary of the return of the cork wedge, there’s a diverse mix of wedge styles that would do well on the sand. and alongside a wedding guest dress. We’re currently loving options designed in unexpected colors (like lime green) and summery textures (like raffia).

Holds intentionally empty intentionally Gretta

Rachel Comey’s Jordan Wedges

Maryam Nassir Zadeh Olympia wedges in wafer

Cult Gaia Mirai Ankle Strap Wedge Sandals

Fancy flip flops

If you know the wedding is going to swing to the more casual side of the dress code spectrum, a pair of fancy flip flops might be a fun choice. Brands like Chloé and Loewe showcased the season’s silhouette with bold colors and statement hardware, two winning options.

Blanche twisted leather flat sandals

Pedro Garcia Pal pearly satin thong sandals

Loewe Paula’s Ibiza leather thong sandals

Embellished sandals

Design details that can add punch to a pair of flat sandals are texture and dimension. Look for options designed with 3D details like bows, buckles and jewels.

Loeffler Randall Daphne Nova Floral Bow Slides

Fabrizio Viti Bea raffia and leather flat sandals

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Flat sandals with bow Le Monde Béryl

Roger Vivier Biki love crystal-embellished leather sandals