During which part of my wedding can I wear flats?

That's entirely up to the blushing bride! 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 shoes 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 are among some of our favorite celebrity brides who wore flats on their wedding days.

15 Best Fashionable Wedding Flats of 2023

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.

Of course, finding your dream wedding shoe is easier said than done. To help, we've researched the best options on the market, keeping comfort, style, and overall quality in mind. For something simple yet chic, you can't go wrong with the Rodger Vivier Trompette Dorsay Metal Buckle Ballerinas. Are you a big fan of embellishments? You'll love the David's Bridal Crochet Ballet Flats and the Badgley Mischka Karine Pointed Toe Flat.

Read on for the best wedding flats for every bridal style and budget.

Our Top Picks

For a Hint of Hardware:

Roger Vivier Trompette Dorsay Metal Buckle Ballerinas at Rogervivier.com

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For the Romantic Bride:

Sleeper Mille-feuille Silk Flats in White at The-sleeper.com

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Most Timeless:

Margaux Flats at Margauxny.com

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For Something Blue:

Aminh Abdul Jillil Bow Flat Blue at Aminahabduljillil.com

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For the Classic Bride:

Gianvito Rossi Patent Ribbon Medallion Ankle-Strap Ballerina Flats at Neiman Marcus

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Best Lace:

David's Bridal Crochet Ballet Flats at David's Bridal

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Best Ballerina Style:

The Row Satin Ballerina Flats at Net-a-Porter

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Most Stylish Slingback:

Prada Bow-Embellished Slingback Textured-Leather Flats at Modaoperandi.com

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Most Simplistic:

Flattered Polly Leather Ballet Flats at Modaoperandi.com

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For the Modern Bride:

Cult Gaia Alia Ball Heel Mules at Bloomingdales

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Courtesy of Roger Vivier

View On Rogervivier.com

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

Price at time of publish: $850

Courtesy of Sleeper

View On The-sleeper.com

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

Price at time of publish: $290

Margaux

View On Margauxny.com

Behold, the quintessential pointed-toe flat does exist. There’s no going wrong with a pair of classic ballerinas, especially when they come with a bow on top.

Price at time of publish: $305

Courtesy of Aminh Abdul Jillil

View On Aminahabduljillil.com

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."

Price at time of publish: $425

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

View On Neiman Marcus

The beautiful patent napa leather, round-toe design, and adjustable ankle strap with a ribbon logo medallion make this a classic choice that's equally as stylish as it is comfortable.

Courtesy of David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

Romantic, sweet, and perfect for a garden ceremony–we can't get over this stunning pair from David's Bridal. The stunning crochet detail and comfortable fit make these both stylish and practical.

Price at time of publish: $30

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Dance down the aisle in these classic ballerina flats, designed in a gorgeous satin fabric that goes with any style of wedding dress. Pair it underneath your ballgown or with a simple slip dress.

Price at time of publish: $790

Courtesy of Moda Operandi

View On Modaoperandi.com

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

Price at time of publish: $690

Courtesy of Moda Operandi

View On Modaoperandi.com

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.

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

View On Bloomingdales

How stunning are these Cult Gaia mules? With intricate detailing and an ultra-unique round heel, these shoes are a true work of art.

Price at time of publish: $398

Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

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.

Price at time of publish: $550

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

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

Price at time of publish: $375

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Zappos

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

The Row Ava Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Net-A-Porter

View On 24s.com View On Net-a-Porter View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

For a '60s vibe, don a pair of Mary Janes. Though vintage-reminiscent, these cream flats still feel a touch modern and are the perfect neutral for your wedding day ensemble.

Price at time of publish: $790

Courtesy of Brother Vellies

View On Brothervellies.com

Who says you have to wear white shoes? 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.

Price at time of publish: $425

What to Look for When Shopping for Wedding Flats

Comfort and Fit

If you're wearing flats on your wedding day, chances are you prioritize comfort–as you should! So look for styles that are sure to keep you on your feet and dancing the night away. You might consider options made with comfortable materials like satin or styles offering an easy-to-slip-on stretch fit. It's also worth considering shoe options with an ankle strap or laces for added support. We especially love the Sleeper Millie-Feuille Silk Flats.

Style and Aesthetic

Flats are the perfect wedding day footwear because they're both comfortable and stylish! When searching for your perfect bridal flats, keep your wedding gown in mind. Beautifully embellished shoes will complement a beaded ballgown or A-line dress, while simple ballet flats are perfectly suited for a simple slip or more casual midi dress.

You'll also want to consider the overall formality and theme of your wedding. Chic city venues call for patent leather and flashy kicks, while lace designs and mules are great for casual beach ceremonies or rustic barn weddings.

FAQ

During which part of my wedding can I wear flats?

That's entirely up to the blushing bride! 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 shoes 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 are among some of our favorite celebrity brides who wore flats on their wedding days.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Nicole Kliest has over eleven years of experience writing in fashion. Her work has appeared on sites including Vogue, Fashionista, Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle, among others.

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