Should I spend a lot on wedding shoes nobody will see?
Expensive wedding shoes often stay hidden under a long dress, making it hard to justify spending hundreds of dollars. Many people struggle to find comfortable, specific styles like blue satin flats or retro low heels that are actually in stock and from a reliable source.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Buying inexpensive $40 shoes from brands like Amazon or retail stores
- 2Wearing comfortable alternative footwear like Birkenstocks or Vans
- 3Choosing versatile flats that can be reworn to the office or for other outfits
- 4Searching Etsy or looking for discontinued styles
- 5wearing sandals or sneakers
- 6wearing brand-new white Birkenstocks
- 7looking at local shoe repair shops for larger sizes
- 8changing into comfortable shoes after photos
- 9Wear hiking shoes for the trek and change into nicer shoes once at the location.
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“My wedding is coming up in less than two months, and I’m trying to decide what to do about shoes.”source ↗
“I spent almost $3,000 on my dress, so I don’t know if I can justify spending hundreds more on shoes that will barely even be seen underneath it”source ↗
“Did you splurge on your wedding shoes, and was it worth it? Or did you keep them simple and affordable?”source ↗
“I’ve been having such a hard time finding flats or even a cute kitten heel in my size that I actually like.”source ↗
“I’m having such a difficult time finding shoes for my wedding!”source ↗
“I want to wear baby blue satin ballet flats or possibly simple, low heeled, 50s or 60s-esque pumps but I can’t find any that aren’t either on on a sketchy Etsy account or discontinued/sold out.”source ↗
“We are eloping in Colorado and I’m stuck on shoes. outside, mountains, pines, you know it. Some climbing. I’m lost. My dress is elegant. Hellllllpppppppo”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 3Are matching getting-ready pajamas and robes actually worth it?
- 2Can I go back the next day to buy a wedding dress?
- 2How to choose a bridal party without hurting feelings
- 5What to get your spouse for a wedding gift instead of registry stuff
- 4How to find a wedding dress on short notice
- 4How to pick bridesmaid dress colors without second-guessing