Why Barefoot Sandals Are Perfect for Your Beach Wedding
When we first started planning our destination wedding, I knew one thing for sure—I wanted to say “I do” with my toes in the sand.
Barefoot sandals, foot jewellery, or footless sandals are super popular among destination brides. They’re stylish, affordable compared to other options, and so easy to wear!
Walking on sand is tricky even on the best of days, so I knew from the start that regular shoes weren’t going to cut it for me. My husband even had nice dress shoes ready but decided to go barefoot at the last minute.
Thankfully, there are so many gorgeous barefoot sandal designs that are absolutely perfect for a beach wedding. I was so focused on being barefoot for the ceremony that it didn’t even cross my mind that I’d need shoes for the reception!
This blog contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you purchase items at no additional cost to you.
Barefoot Sandals are the Best Choice for a Beach Wedding (IMO!)
My number one recommendation will always be barefoot sandals, BUT this is not to dissuade you from wearing heels to your wedding! I suggest barefoot sandals because I find them to be the most practical for a beach setting.
I’m sharing my personal experience and love of barefoot sandals, plus some super cute and affordable options for you! Footless sandals are so easy to pack and barely take up any room, which makes packing for your destination wedding a breeze.
Can you Wear Heels to a Beach Wedding?
Yes – absolutely! It will come down to personal choice and how comfortable you are wearing heels in the sand. If you do want to wear heels to your wedding on the beach, wear them! But I would suggest opting for a wedge, block heels, or flats (or something with more stability – you get the idea!). Don’t even consider stiletto heels – you’ll sink right down into the sand.
Buy your dream wedding shoes for your reception. Since many receptions are on a flat surface, you’ll be fine to wear whatever you have your eyes on.
Isn’t the Sand Too Hot?
Usually most weddings are in the late afternoon or early evening, so the peak heat of the day has passed. But even during the day, while walking around on the beach, it isn’t scorching hot. To be completely honest, I didn’t even notice the temperature of the sand – I was too fixated on everything else.
With thousands of brides getting married barefoot, I don’t think I’ve heard of one saying the sand is too hot to stand in. The sand never really gets hot – but it will feel nice on your feet!
How to get from your room to the ceremony
Your wedding coordinator should be walking down with you to your ceremony. If you want, wear a pair of flip flops down from your room or bridal salon. Arrange with your wedding coordinator beforehand – your options will be to take them off and leave them to the side (and your wedding coordinator will fetch them later) or put them in a bag and hand them to her.
If you’re worried about your flip flops going missing, Old Navy (or even the dollar store!) sells cheap ones. No one else will see them but you and your bridal party.
You won’t be standing on concrete for long, since you will be walking. This is the only time I noticed heat on my feet. The concrete or wood decking is likely to be hot, but it’s only for a short time. Just keep moving!
Beautiful Barefoot Sandals for Destination Weddings
These creative and unique footless sandals are perfect for a beach wedding! Whether you’re looking for something boho, covered in jewels, or with beach vibes, there really are endless options to pick from!
You can also use them for your something blue, and they make fantastic bridesmaid gifts, too!
You can even get some really cute barefoot sandals on Amazon if you’re in a pinch, if you decide you want a pair last minute!
Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Your Wedding Shoes
1. Hem your wedding dress to the length of your reception heels. This is advice from seamstresses. This will mean your dress may seem a little long while you’re walking barefoot, but for the 30 seconds or so you have to walk with it (I picked mine up a bit to the side), it’s manageable. Hemming to your ankle will not be the right length if you are wearing heels for your reception.
2. Just remember that shoes can be really hard to walk in on the beach! You won’t even see your footwear in your wedding photos.
3. Always check before ordering if your footless sandals come individually or as a pair – because it happened to me where I ordered one, and only one arrived (who only ever orders one!?)
Pin it for later!
