can I wear Birkenstocks to a wedding?

[bananasandhoney1]

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

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

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.

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.

We appreciate a certain amount of effort in our family. We do notice when people don’t bother. Generally you try and please the bride. Go with the ethos of the wedding. If it’s full of people wearing Birkenstocks you’ve nailed it. If you spend all your time feeling seriously underdressed, then it’s a mistake. I’d try and fit in and if that’s Birkenstocks so be it. But the middle way is safer!

Oh I definitely appreciate effort too. That’s why I’d be so glad they’d made the effort to be at my wedding celebration, regardless of what they had on their feet.

Yes, it’s on a farm, no one will be looking at your feet.

It's a farm, so I can't see a problem wearing them.

And for the pool comment it's ridiculous.

Yes I would.

I have several pairs, so comfy and if they are new looking I'd not think twice. They have some lovely metallic leathers.

Done my time in heels and they'll look ridiculous on a farm.

I did a few years ago at a Stately home type wedding , indoors and outdoors, when I had sprained my ankle. No one batted an eyelid. Don't forget that as long as you are not committing an obvious etiquette faux pas all eyes will be on the bride and not on guests and their apparel.

I went to a very similar sounding wedding (already legally married, on a farm etc) recently and they specifically put on the invite to not wear smart shoes as you’ll ruin them! I think as long as they are in decent shape (a lot of people I see with them they looks trashed) it’s fine.
And I say this as someone who really doesn’t like them!!

I am extremely casual and wear birkenstocks and similarly casual footwear most of the time.
I wouldn't wear them to a wedding though. In the same way I wouldn't wear a pair of trainers.

I was going to wear heels for a wedding last year and decided at the last minute to just wear Birkenstocks (the same colour) and I was glad I did! They were so comfortable and actually, when I looked around-half the women were wearing heels and half were wearing flat sandals like me. Most of the heel wearers were barefoot by 10pm and it looked like their feet were filthy with blisters!

What! I thought Birkenstocks were supposed to be practical and hardwearing? You mean you can wear them only in the sort if areas where you’d be OK in heels?

There was a post on here very recently complaining how uncomfortable they were. It's not just me! Not confusing them with crocs. You asked, I replied,end of.

Birkenstocks shouldn't get wet it breaks down the cork, and they crumble. So if the field is muddy, it's not really a good idea.

The main reason I wouldn’t wear Birkenstocks when it’s wet is because my feet would get wet.

Casual farm wedding I would think fine presuming they’re in decent nick and don’t look totally battered. But will it be muddy? They’re not supposed to get wet.

MN is weird about wedding attire.

MN is weird about weddings full-stop. I will never wear heels again in my life. I will say, though, that the PP upthread makes a very good point about ticks.

On the point of Birkenstocks: I have three pairs and they're good, hard-wearing and very long-lasting, but when did they become so expensive? And how on earth do they justify charging this much for them?

No

I would never, although I’m sure the other guests would be too polite to comment. IME “farm wedding” is mostly actually a fancy catered do in a marquee with the usual formal wedding attire and heels etc. Unless this has specifically been billed as a few pints in a field, I would personally err on the side of formal.

I know, I think I paid £65 for my current pair, which I’ve had for 4 years. The same pair are £115 now! Thankfully they’re still in great condition.

The effort is in attending the wedding…,why should OP have to ‘fit in’? ….fit in with what? ……very very judgy post 🙄

I think she moves in very different circles from most of us TBH.

I have never been to a very formal wedding where expectations of guests attire are very high. The couple have always been very pleased that we attended.