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

You must be confusing them with crocs

Making an effort shouldn't mean spending money on something you don't really want like a different pair of shoes

It should mean - turning up , looking smart ( for you ) , being nice and helpful to people

You know things that really matter in life

I never remember what shoes someone wears, I do remember if they are pleasant or caring or funny

I live in my Birkis, I have them in black, gold, silver.. but I think they're a bit too casual for a wedding. I would only wear mine when I would equally wear trainers to be honest.

They really make an outfit very casual, meaning you can get away with wearing anything on the school run without looking over-dressed, which is probably not the look you are going for.

I think I'd find it less faff and cheaper to find a pair of sparkly flats that go with everything than having to go extra-smart with the outfit to compensate for the shoes.

So buy a pair of sparkly flats - if I did that I would never wear them again ( they sound absolutely hideous but I know some people love sparkles ) , and to get shoes that don't hurt my feet never costs less than £50

Sone people are so shallow

they don't have to be "sparkly" 🙄
you can buy anything you want, flat, boring flats, wedges... Birkenstocks and trainers are casual shoes.

Shoes are part of your outfit, why is it shallow to dress up for a wedding now?

Most people get invited to more than one wedding in their lifetime, it's rare they don't get to wear the same shoes again.

Erm… have you missed the memo that Birkenstocks are in at the moment? Just because you don’t like them doesn’t change that.

but I do agree they are not suitable for a wedding

Oh don’t be ridiculous. Birkenstocks are practical and often attractive. They are suitable wherever you like. What a snobby remark.

Not even these ones?

No you couldn’t. I wear mine everywhere. Water (even salt water) does no damage.

Never happened to me. I’ve been wearing them years. Lived rurally by the sea. They experienced all sorts of conditions.

I say yes, wear them!

I'd personally pick a pretty sandal for an occasion, but if other guests wore Birkenstocks I wouldn't think a thing of it (unless they'd paired them with the jeans they clearly wore to mow the lawn and a T-shirt that's been washed 300 times, which just smacks of "I'd rather be anywhere than here" doesn't it)

The ones shared at 10.59 are both a pretty sandal and Birkenstocks.

I think the decision should be more to do with what condition they’re in than the style. My old scruffy decades old Birkenstocks wouldn’t do but a smarter shinier pair might be just the thing for uneven fields. You could always take a “proper” pair of shoes for any photos and then change after. At that point literally no-one will be looking at your feet.

Absolutely - wore walking sandals to a wedding on a farm last year - very comfortable in unexpected heat and able to make friends with some lovely Shetlands too.

Good for you. It's happened to me.

Mine got wet, walking in the damp grass in the mornings and once the cork was breached they started to fall apart. Two pairs. Both genuine Birks.
However, they do make some that are specifically for use around beach/swimming pool in lots of nice colours . However, if the weather is very dry it shouldnt be an issue.
https://www.birkenstock.com/gb/arizona-eva/arizonaessentials-tothebeachmetallic-eva-0-eva-u11686.html

I would wear nicer shoes at the start of day (mainly for pictures), but then change to more comfortable shoes later on.

Absolutely agree

Crikey I hope none of my guests ask you for advice.

I wouldn't be able to remember if any of my guests came barefoot or wearing wellies. Who cares? It affects nobody. Wear what you're comfortable in.

Why? It's a slightly aggressive delivery but it's sound advice

I hope they do

So long as its not a white wedding dress or their scruffs

People should feel comfortable wearing whatever

MN would have you believe otherwise hence I advice not asking here

I'd be disappointed if someone rocked up to my wedding in jeans/flip-flops/casual shorts and t-shirt. Some people may have that vibe for their own weddings but it's not mine. I don't expect heels unless people want to.

I'd also be a bit offended if someone rocked up to a close family member's funeral in jeans etc.

I know I'm not alone but MN "what shall k wear to this wedding/funeral threads are full of "X won't mind".

I rather find MN in general is ridiculously prescriptive about weddings. You can't wear black, red, green or white even as a background colour. Or any colour that might look bridesmaidy. Or consider not having painted toenails or having bare legs. All of which are very silly rules that help nobody to be sensible and relaxed.

It's hardly ever a question of what's formal enough. Everyone knows what's basically required for a wedding. Birkenstocks aren't inappropriate within that at all.

I wore Birkenstocks to my own (fancy) wedding so yeah go for it.