During which part of my wedding can I wear flats?

You should wear whatever makes you look and feel your best–and it's your day so you make the rules! Flats are a great choice for the ceremony , reception, after-party, or any event leading up to your wedding.

What dress styles pair best with flats?

If you'd like to wear flats with a floor-length gown , it’s best to go with a pair that has minimal embellishments in order to avoid having your shoe get stuck to the inside of your dress. For those wearing mini or midi dresses, any style should work just fine.

What famous brides have worn flats on their wedding day?

We’re glad you asked! Keira Knightley, Amy Schumer, Serena Williams , and Yoko Ono all got married in flats.

26 Best Fashionable Wedding Flats of 2021

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The funny thing about tradition is how easy (and satisfying) it can be to break it. Take, for example, bridal footwear. If you're newly-engaged and are on the hunt for shoes to wear on your wedding day, you've probably searched for white pumps or strappy sandals. But what about flats? Just because heels are expected doesn't mean they're necessary. In fact, a stylish pair of white flats, like mules and ballet slippers, can make even more of a statement than your standard stiletto.

Alternatively, if you have your mind made up and want to wear heels during the ceremony, you might want to consider switching into flats for the reception. After all, walking around to greet guests, whilst also dancing, calls for comfortable footwear.

Ahead, discover and shop 26 pairs of wedding flats from classic labels like Roger Vivier and Prada, as well as buzzy brands including Staud, Brother Vellies, and Khaite.

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For a Garden Ceremony: LoQ Costa in Sal Sandals

These festive flats resemble lattice, making them a perfect pick for outdoor nuptials amongst flowers and trees.

29 Garden Wedding Dresses Perfect for Spring Weddings

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For the Romantic Bride: Sleeper Mille-Feuille Silk Flats in White

For an extra touch of romanticism on your big day, these silk ballet flats from Sleeper are the perfect addition.

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For a Pop of Metallic: Doen Geraldine Mary Jane

No, you don’t have to wear all-white on your wedding day. A pair of gold or silver flats work perfectly well, too!

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Most Unique Mules: Vince Gena Asymmetrical Mules

The asymmetrical silhouette on these simple white mules feels fresh and modern for a nontraditional bride.

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Most Timeless: Margaux The Demi

There’s no going wrong with a pair of classic ballet flats, especially when they come with a bow on top.

29 Timeless Wedding Dresses for the Classic Bride

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For Something Blue: Aminh Abdul Jillil Bow Flat Blue

These flats from Aminh Abdul Jillil will stun guests on your big day. They also come in additional colors if you've already secured your "something blue."

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For a Hint of Hardware: Roger Vivier Off White Trompette Dorsay Metal Buckle Ballerinas

The D’orsay silhouette, combined with Roger Vivier’s signature square hardware, makes these white flats a chic pick for your wedding day.

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Best Faux Anklet: Gianvito Rossi Chain-Embellished Leather Point-Toe Flats

The chain on these simple white flats will elevate the style of any bridal ensemble. Show it off with either a mini or midi dress.

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For the Modern Minimalist: Khaite Ashland Bow-Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

Khaite’s take on the scrunched-up ballet flat is, as expected, very chic. A great shoe option for the reception.

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Best Pointed Toe: Bottega Veneta Leather Ballet Flats

Leave it to Bottega Veneta to create a top-notch pointed-toe flat for your wedding day (and every day thereafter).

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Most Stylish Slingback: Prada Bow-Embellished Slingback Textured-Leather Flats

Prada’s bow motif and supportive slingback silhouette come together for a truly versatile flat. The perfect pairing with a minimal slip bridal dress.

22 Elegant Slip Wedding Dresses for the Minimalist Bride

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For the Trendy Bride: Neous Phinia Ballet Flats

Neous Phinea — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

Buzzy footwear label Neous has done it again, creating a gorgeous white flat you can wear on your wedding day, to the airport, and on your honeymoon.

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Most Simplistic: Flattered Polly Leather Ballet Flats

Flattered flats — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

The knot on top of these off-white flats feels artful and elegant. These shoes are lovely for a bride looking to keep adornment details to a minimum.

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Most Sleek: Aeyde Betty Leather Flats

If you’re after a super simple sleek flat, purchase a pair of these Aeyde leather shoes.

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Most Textural: Cult Gaia Angie Flats

We can’t get enough of the tactile texture on these embroidered flats. A great choice for a bride seeking a unique and fashion-forward piece.

37 Unique Wedding Dresses You Probably Never Knew Existed

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For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Malone Souliers Matilda Flats

The ruched texture on these pointed-toe flats feel unexpected and interesting and are a smart pick for your bridal look.

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Best Faux Leather Option: Stella McCartney Ballerina Ankle Flats

The faux anklet and sleek silhouette on these flats from British designer Stella McCartney screams bridal.

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Best Rounded Toe: Staud Tuli Ballet Flats

This versatile flat would look fabulous with any type of dress, and could even be worn for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and bachelorette party.

18 Beautiful Bridal Shower Dresses

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Best Sneaker: Clergerie Sneakers AVA

We've said it once and we'll say it again, bridal sneakers are a trend that's here to stay.

22 Wedding Sneakers to Take You from the Aisle to the Afterparty

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Best Sheer Paneling: Christian Louboutin Galativi Mesh Pointed Toe Flat

The sheer paneling on these pretty pointed-toe flats makes for an elegant and classic pair of shoes.

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Best Scalloped Topline: Chloe Lauren Scalloped Ballet Flat

There’s something about scalloped edges that feels especially whimsical and fun. This pair would look beautiful with a lace gown on a boho bride.

20 Beautiful Bohemian Wedding Dresses

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Most Artisanal: Bella Belle Willow Skimmer Flat

The intricate beading on these romantic flats makes them a suitable choice for a walk down the aisle.

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Most Embellished: Badgley Mischka Collection Carissa Embroidered Pointed Toe Flat

badgley mischka flats — Courtesy of Nordstrom

These ankle-strap beaded flats exude romanticism; wear with a silk slip dress for extra impact.

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Best Mary Janes: Who What Wear Marjory Mary Jane Flat

For a 60s vibe, done a pair of mary janes. Though vintage-reminiscent, these cream flats still feel a touch modern.

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For the After-Party: Brother Vellies Picnic Shoe

brother veillies — Courtesy of Brother Vellies

The party doesn't have to end after the reception is over, and these Brother Vellies flats would be a perfect addition to your after-party look.

27 After-Party Dresses for Every Bridal Style

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For a Spring Ceremony: Franco Sarto Jolee Ankle Strap Flat

Have a springtime wedding? The woven texture on these white ankle-strap flats nods to a carefree backyard garden aesthetic.

FAQ

During which part of my wedding can I wear flats?

You should wear whatever makes you look and feel your best–and it's your day so you make the rules! Flats are a great choice for the ceremony, reception, after-party, or any event leading up to your wedding.
What dress styles pair best with flats?

If you'd like to wear flats with a floor-length gown, it’s best to go with a pair that has minimal embellishments in order to avoid having your shoe get stuck to the inside of your dress. For those wearing mini or midi dresses, any style should work just fine.
What famous brides have worn flats on their wedding day?

We’re glad you asked! Keira Knightley, Amy Schumer, Serena Williams, and Yoko Ono all got married in flats.