Bridal Shoes 101: Heels, Wedges, or Sneakers—What’s Best for Your Wedding Day?
Jump to the Good Stuff: Pros, Cons & Pro Tips
WEDGES (and Chunky Heels!)
One of the most common questions I hear as a Hudson Valley wedding planner (and designer!) is:
"What shoes should I wear on my wedding day?"
Should you go for heels to get that luxury, high-fashion vibe? Wedges for a happy middle ground? Or lean into comfort with sneakers, sandals, or even barefoot? Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here (see what I did there?).
The truth is, your wedding shoes should match your aesthetic and keep you comfy—because let’s be real, you’re gonna be on your feet for a looooong time.
Between navigating gravel paths, grassy lawns, uneven stonework (I see you, New England venues), and dancing until your legs officially quit—you want shoes that can keep up with the day you’ve worked so hard to plan.
Here’s your quick guide to picking the perfect wedding shoes, whether you're tying the knot in the Hudson Valley, New England, or at a dreamy destination wedding beyond!
Heels: The Ultimate Bridal Shoe Statement
If you’ve always imagined floating down the aisle in designer heels, you’re not alone. Labels like Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, and Badgley Mischka know how to bring that “wow” factor.
Pros of Heels
✔ Instantly elevates your look—perfect for elegant, luxury weddings.
✔ Sooo many style options—stilettos, block heels, satin bows, sparkles galore.
✔ Gorgeous for photos—there’s just something about the silhouette heels give in portraits.
Cons of Heels
✖ Comfort? Umm… questionable after hour #4 (or hour #2 if you're me).
✖ Not great for outdoor venues—hello, sinking into grass, gravel, or cobblestones.
Pro Tips: If your heart is set on heels, grab yourself some heel guards (those little clear caps that clip onto the bottom of your stilettos). They help keep you from aerating the lawn with every step.Bonus thought: Instead of starting with sky-high stilettos and regretting life by the first dance, think about 1-2 inch heels. You still get that pretty posture boost—without needing a full-on foot massage by dinner.
Wedges (and Chunky Heels!): A Stylish Yet Practical Compromise
If you love the idea of a little height but don’t want to spend your entire wedding day plotting your escape from stilettos… wedges (and their close cousin, the chunky heel) might be your perfect fit.
Both give you that extra lift without the wobble and are much friendlier on gravel paths, grassy lawns, and cobblestone walkways—which, let’s be honest, are a staple at many Hudson Valley and New England wedding venues.
Pros of Wedges
✔ More comfortable than stilettos—the even weight distribution means less foot pain and fewer “please carry me” moments.
✔ No heel guards needed—these styles won’t sink into grass or cobblestones like skinny heels do.
✔ Still stylish and chic—chunky heels especially come in gorgeous modern designs that feel luxe without the ouch factor.
Cons of Wedges
✖ Slightly fewer designer options for wedges (but chunky heels are having a moment, so your choices here might surprise you!).
✖ Not always as formal as a sleek stiletto—if you’re going full red-carpet glam, these may not deliver quite the same high-drama effect.
Pro Tip:
Just like with heels—bring your wedges or chunky heels to your dress fittings so your hem hits exactly where it should.
Casual Wedding Shoes: Sneakers, Sandals & Barefoot Vibes
If your top priority is comfort + personality, I fully support the sneaker bride movement. Whether it’s custom Converse with rhinestones, Vans with your wedding date stitched inside, or sparkly sandals—you do you.
Pros of Casual Shoes
✔ Maximum comfort (and no secret stash of Band-Aids needed).
✔ Adds a personal touch—I’ve seen custom bridal sneakers with Swarovski crystals, blue soles, and even embroidery.
✔ Great option for a reception shoe change—heels for the ceremony, sneakers for the dance floor.
Cons of Casual Shoes
✖ May not quite fit the vibe if your wedding is black-tie formal.
✖ Dress length issues—if you switch from high heels to flats without planning ahead, you might find yourself tripping on your gown.
Pro Tip:
If you're planning to change into sneakers later, consider either a reception dress (shorter hem = no problem) or keep your ceremony shoes on the lower side of the heel spectrum to avoid a big height difference.
Should You Change Shoes for the Reception?
Many brides start in heels or wedges and switch into sneakers, flats, or sandals for the party portion of the night. Love this idea—but here’s what to watch out for:
If your gown is hemmed for high heels, it may be too long once you switch to flats.
Extra fabric + dance floor = guests stepping on your dress (and maybe your toes).
Consider a second dress for the reception if you’re planning a big shoe change—it’ll make moving (and dancing!) so much easier.
Pro Tip: Bring your shoes to your alterations! Your dress hem is going to be tailored to your shoe height. Last thing you want is a perfect gown… and trip hazards.There is no wrong answer here (except maybe forgetting to plan your alterations around your shoes… don’t do that). Whether you rock luxury heels, chic wedges, or comfy sneakers, your wedding shoes should support the style you love and the comfort you need.
Quick Recap (for my fellow ADHD brains):
✔ High heels? Heel guards + plan for comfy breaks.
✔ Wedges? Cute and practical for outdoor weddings.
✔ Sneakers/flats? Maximum comfort with fun customization options.
✔ Shoe change? Mind your gown length + consider a second dress for dancing.
Whatever shoes you choose… own it. Your wedding day is about feeling amazing—from head to toe.