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can I wear Birkenstocks to a wedding?

129 replies

bananasandhoney1 · 20/06/2024 22:25

Wedding is outdoors (or at least partially outdoors) on a farm, and the legal ceremony has already happened - this is the celebration of their marriage. They have sent out proper invites (if that matters). Not sure if it is too informal or not? I don't want to wear heels and I do not currently have any other flat shoes that go with my dress so would have to buy some tomorrow if the answer to my question is a resounding 'no'!

Thanks in advance

OP posts:
NerrSnerr · 21/06/2024 09:30

Youdontevengohere · 21/06/2024 09:27

If it was my wedding I’d be upset to think someone had felt forced to go and spend/waste money on a new pair of shoes that they don’t particularly want just so that they looked ‘right’. I’d just be glad you’d come to celebrate with us.

I 100% agree with this. I could not tell you what shoes anyone wore to their wedding and I don't care. I wanted their company, not to look at their posh shoes.

Ohpleeeease · 21/06/2024 09:27

If they’re newish, of course. If they look like mine which travelled the world with me until the cork crumbled, possibly not!

In all seriousness, judging by some of the sights I’ve seen at weddings, your Birkos won’t be the worst thing there.

Kitkat1523 · 21/06/2024 09:27

I wouldn’t….but wouldn’t judge anyone who did ….wouldn’t even notice probably

Youdontevengohere · 21/06/2024 09:27

If it was my wedding I’d be upset to think someone had felt forced to go and spend/waste money on a new pair of shoes that they don’t particularly want just so that they looked ‘right’. I’d just be glad you’d come to celebrate with us.

TizerorFizz · 21/06/2024 09:21

On a farm. Does this mean in a party barn or in a field? @bananasandhoney1 This actually matters! If it’s damp, are you happy with sandals? Perhaps pumps are better. No heels! Or maybe smarter Sandi’s or sliders that look a bit more dressy. There’s loads around. Cannot see why you wouldn’t wear them again. Even M&S has loads to choose from!

SacreBleugh · 21/06/2024 09:17

Yes you can.

PinkTonic · 21/06/2024 09:16

Nannyfannybanny · 21/06/2024 09:00

You can of course, the question should be, should I. Absolutely not,ever. They are the most revolting shoe designed. I gather mostly uncomfortable plus ridiculousky expensive. I see someone in here wore them after foot surgery..I have a tiny size 4 friend who wears them, she looks like Herman Munster. My neighbours in their 90s with leg and foot edema wear them.

This is a bit much quite honestly. I said no because they’re a bit casual to my eyes but they are super comfortable, there are many designs and whether something is ‘ridiculously expensive’ is entirely subjective and determined by the purchaser. I’m on the fence now, I think they could be ok depending on the outfit and the style of the occasion.

I definitely don’t associate them with 90 year olds and foot oedema.

museumum · 21/06/2024 09:14

I would as long as they’re not old and manky. And painted toes.

DappledThings · 21/06/2024 09:09

They are the most revolting shoe designed. I gather mostly uncomfortable plus ridiculousky expensive
This is how I would describe most heels. Not Birkenstocks which are really comfortable. I've walked miles in mine quite happily. I've only ever had the proper sandal ones rather than the slip-on ones but that's only because I don't like mot having a backstrap.

Are people confusing Birkenstocks with Crocs or something?

NerdyBird · 21/06/2024 09:06

For an actual farm I'd probably wear a closed toe flat, in case of mud. But other wise I think it's fine. I've worn pretty flipflops or sparkly flat sandals to weddings and it's been fine. People have often said at the end of the night they wished they'd done the same when they are in agony from heels and I am fine! I wore sandals for my own wedding too.

Nannyfannybanny · 21/06/2024 09:00

You can of course, the question should be, should I. Absolutely not,ever. They are the most revolting shoe designed. I gather mostly uncomfortable plus ridiculousky expensive. I see someone in here wore them after foot surgery..I have a tiny size 4 friend who wears them, she looks like Herman Munster. My neighbours in their 90s with leg and foot edema wear them.

Iwouldlikesomecake · 21/06/2024 08:53

I wore red Madrids to my friend’s wedding because I’d not long had an ankle operation and couldn’t wear heels.

I wore coral Madrids to my own wedding because fuck wearing heels all day even though they were beautiful! (Had heels to walk down the aisle and for the photos)

since then I’ve occasionally worn birkies to weddings and all sorts of other things, until I found a great pair of flat sandals in Dune. I need shoes with a bit of support due to dodgy ankles!

MrsMoastyToasty · 21/06/2024 08:48

I would wear something that covers your feet a bit more. You don't want to get a tick bite .

RampantIvy · 21/06/2024 07:28

It depends on the dress, the weather and the terrain - in a barn, in a field?

Can you show a picture of the dress?

And it isn't a wedding. It is a wedding party.

Babycatsmummy · 21/06/2024 07:23

ForGreyKoala · 21/06/2024 04:55

Maybe they are just sick of the silly "rules" many posters seem to think are so important when it comes to wedding attire.

Or maybe they just want other peoples opinions and a bit of reassurance, not nasty or volatile responses from bitter keyboard warriors

Roundroundthegarden · 21/06/2024 06:23

It's a farm so I think anything goes.

abracadabra1980 · 21/06/2024 06:23

Absolutely you can-they are way cooler and trendier than heels! The only caveat I would state is that for a wedding they look clean and new if possible, and not scruffy! Have fun 😁 (I wore wellies with my wedding dress for a bit)

FunIsland · 21/06/2024 06:19

I was going to say that I don’t suppose anyone will even notice, but going by this thread, some people are more invested in other people’s feet than I anticipated.

SeanMean · 21/06/2024 06:15

No.

Highlighta · 21/06/2024 05:13

For me it would depend on if the outdoor part would mean the ground may be wet and muddy. No ways I'm wearing my Birkenstocks in those conditions as it will ruin them.

But that would be the only reason why not, as it sounds like a casual celebration.

ForGreyKoala · 21/06/2024 04:55

Babycatsmummy · 20/06/2024 22:35

Wake up on the wrong side of the bed love? No need for this. If you don't care don't bloody respond to the threat

Maybe they are just sick of the silly "rules" many posters seem to think are so important when it comes to wedding attire.

SD1978 · 21/06/2024 04:39

You'd be daft wearing heels on u ever farm ground- may need wellies if it's been raining big, but I'd say sandals are absolutely fine

CHEESEY13 · 21/06/2024 03:42

On a farm, outdoors? Definitely not heels (especially not stilettos) or you'll be stapled to the grass!

Birkenstocks are fine - especially comfort wise. Buying a brand new pair of shoes would be a waste and your poor feet will be on fire after a couple of hours standing around in them.

BruceAndNosh · 21/06/2024 03:35

As long as they aren't worn out and scruffy ones yes. And you have decent feet! No gnarly toenails!