Most popular men’s wedding shoes for different settings and dress codes
If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably deep in wedding planning mode. So, firstly, we want to say a huge congratulations from everyone at Cheaney! With all the big bookings like the venue, band and catering out the way, you can now start thinking about the all-important details that will make your wedding day unique and super special.
As the groom, one crucial thing you must decide on is what you’re wearing on your feet! There are several factors to consider when deciding on your wedding shoes, for example, the style and colour of your wedding suit and the wedding colour scheme, the time of year and the location and dress code of the wedding. You will also want to make sure that the shoes you choose are comfortable and good quality as you will be walking, standing and dancing throughout the day in them, and hopefully, you will want them to last as well.
At Cheaney, we are experts in assisting grooms in selecting their perfect wedding shoes for their big day. This guide will outline the most popular men’s wedding shoes for different wedding settings, themes and dress codes so you look and feel great on your wedding day.
Table of contents
What kind of shoes should a groom wear?
- What kind of shoes should a groom wear?
- Does the groom have to wear the same shoes as the groomsmen?
- Different wedding settings and dress codes
It’s your big day, so naturally, you will want to look and feel your best. You’re also likely to be wearing formal attire. Whether you’re going for a morning coat, tuxedo or suit to a more casual chino and shirt, dress shoes are the best option for the groom’s footwear.
Depending on the formality of your wedding, there are a range of dress shoe options you can go for, from black oxfords or monk shoes to more casual slip-on loafers, derbys and brogues. But don’t worry if you’re unsure. We’re here to help you choose the best shoes for your wedding aesthetic.
Good quality and the correct fit
Make sure you opt for good quality shoes for your big day. The last thing you want at your wedding reception is a wardrobe malfunction! At Cheaney, we pride ourselves on high-quality leather, suede and outstanding craftsmanship. So when you choose your wedding shoes from us, you won’t have to worry about anything other than enjoying your special day.
It’s also crucial that you find the best-fitting shoe for you for your wedding. We always recommend trying on shoes before you buy them. When you choose Cheaney for your wedding shoes, we can help you find the right fit in one of our stores. With our selection of last shapes, you can find a shoe that fits your unique foot shape.
You’re likely to be doing a lot of walking and standing up at your wedding, so make sure you wear them a couple of times before the big day. Find out how to break-in new shoes in our helpful “Breaking in” Shoes guide.
Does the groom have to wear the same shoes as the groomsmen?
As with many things when planning a wedding, you’ll find many topics open for discussion. People will have polarising opinions on what you should and shouldn’t do, but in the end, it’s your day, and you can do precisely what you want and what makes you happy.
It can look fantastic if the groom and all the groomsmen wear the same shoes, especially if you want to create a uniform, seamless look. However, this is not a necessity. We’ve seen some brides and grooms ask their bridal party to dress in a colour scheme rather than all wearing the same thing, opting for a mismatched theme centred around one colour palette. This idea can create a more casual, relaxed dress code for your wedding party while still looking like part of a group. It’s a perfect way to add your own spin to a traditional custom and is ideal if you’re not having a formal wedding.
Alternatively, you could make your groomsmen all wear the same shoes, and the groom could wear a more formal or contrasting-coloured shoe to stand out. These combinations allow the groom to stand out in wedding photos, which looks extremely effective and instils some of his personality into the wedding attire.
Different wedding settings and dress codes
Of course, where you have your wedding will affect what wedding shoes you choose. The location and setting will naturally determine the formality and the dress code you set. Here are some of the most popular wedding locations and dress codes and what shoes are best suited to each.
What do men wear on their feet for a beach wedding?
If you’re the groom and having a romantic beach wedding, your wedding aesthetic will more likely be on the casual side. Whether you’re wearing a linen suit or chinos and a short-sleeved shirt, we recommend a laid-back dress shoe; the loafer is perfect for beach wedding attire.
Your colour scheme and suit colour will determine what colour loafer you go for, but usually, beach weddings tend to gravitate towards the sandy tones of tan suits. If this is the case for you, we recommend the Hadley Penny Loafer in Brown Suede or the Toby Collapsible Penny Loafer in Camel Suede to match this colour scheme.
What shoes does the groom wear to a garden wedding?
If you’re a groom looking for shoes for a garden wedding, the style will depend on the garden. For example, your style and aesthetic will differ wildly between a casual family back garden wedding to a wedding in the gardens of a stately home.
For a simple back garden wedding where you might have a marquee or a farm aesthetic, you may want to lean towards a more casual or decorated shoe. A derby in grain leather or with brogue detail will look smart and laid back for your special day. Stick to brown or warm tones and textured or suede leather for a casual aesthetic.
If your garden wedding is situated on the grounds of a gorgeous countryside mansion, you may require a more formal shoe. Stick to Oxford or monk shoes for an elegant, sophisticated look.
What shoes are best for a black-tie wedding?
As discussed in our Tuxedo Shoe Guide, you will want to wear the correct shoes for the dress code if you have a black-tie wedding. The best shoes to wear at a black-tie event are Patant Oxford shoes. The Oxford style provides the groom with the ultimate sophisticated look with a sleek and slimline silhouette. You can wear leather whole-cut Oxford shoes with your tuxedo, but it’s your wedding, so why not go all out with shiny patent leather?
Colour
We have written extensively on what coloured suits work best with which coloured shoes so we won’t repeat ourselves. To find the best colour suit and shoe combination, read our complete Wedding Shoe Guide.
Time of year
Of course, the time of year will also impact what you will wear for your wedding, the colour scheme and your shoe colour. For example, a winter or autumnal wedding might feature richer, darker tones like oxblood red, fern green and navy blue, which will impact the colour of your shoe. Due to the colder weather, you may want a covered shoe like an Oxford, Derby or Monk shoe.
Vice versa, if you have a summer wedding, you may choose lighter-coloured or more colourful suits, and your shoes should match. You may also want an open shoe like a loafer to relax during your summer wedding.
Men’s wedding shoes at Cheaney shoes
Remember, your suit colour and style, wedding colour scheme, location and setting, dress code and the time of year will determine what type of shoes will work on your wedding day. But ultimately, what shoes you wear to your wedding is your decision.
Whether you want to blend in with your setting or showcase your personality with a pair of contrasting shoes, here at Cheaney, we are here to help you find the perfect shoes for your wedding. To view our most popular men’s wedding shoes, view our Men’s Wedding Shoe collection today.
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