Outdoor Weddings

They are two words that strike fear in the hearts of heel-lovers everywhere: outdoor wedding. For me, that means two things: either my heels will sink into the grass and be ruined, or I’ll have to wear flats. Oh, the horror! (Just kidding, flats lovers. That’s just me.) However, not all outdoor wedding sites are created equal, and all require different shoe styles and levels of formality.

For example, fancy flip flops are totally acceptable for a beach wedding—they’re the classic beach shoe! And what’s more wedding-y than pearls?

  The Versaille sandal by Carlos Santana comes in pewter (shown), black, and a really lovely brown—all your neutral bases are covered. They’re easy to slip on and slip off with an elasticized back, but they’re still secure enough that you won’t lose them in the sand. Go up a half size since they run narrow. You can find them at DSW for about $40.

Now if the wedding is on grass, step it up a little and go for a wedge:

  A wedge distributes your weight along the entire sole of the shoe instead of just one little point, so you won’t sink into the ground. The Bonito wedge by Marc Fisher comes in black or tan patent leather, with a four inch raffia-covered wedge and a one-inch platform. You can find these at Macy’s—and hey, they’re on sale! $63 instead of $79.

However, if the wedding is on cobblestones, wear a wedge at your own risk. Flip flops aren’t a good choice either. (Trust me, I’m very familiar with the damage cobblestones can do to shoes... and ankles!) You’re safest with a flat: Love these! (Yes, I just said I love a flat. Perhaps the Apocalypse is coming after all!) Available in black or silver, these Maeko ballet flats by Merona have a treaded sole, cushioned insole, and sparkly rhinestone feature at the toe. You can pick these up at Target for about $23 (though they weren’t at my Target in Plymouth Meeting, so you might need to get them online).

If you just can’t let go of the heels, there is a way: SoleMates.

  They slip right over your heel to broaden the base and help prevent sinking! They won’t do much on sand, but they’ll be a big help on grass and will keep your heels from being gnawed to death by cobblestones. They come in clear, black, silver, and gold, and in three different widths depending on the width of your heel. If you’re in the city, pick them up at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (yes, that’s right), and if you’re not there are tons of stores out in the burbs. You can also order them online.