What Shoes Should Men Wear to a Wedding? A Practical Style Guide

Men usually devote more time to picking their suit than their shoes. As the wedding approaches, one begins to ponder if brown shoes can be worn with navy, if brogues are too casual, and even whether loafers will be appropriate.

This is completely dependent upon the type of wedding. An evening wedding is not the same as an outdoor summer wedding. Your suit matters too.

If you're choosing wedding shoes for men, start with those two things rather than looking at shoes first.

At Amen Shoes, we think it's also worth considering what you'll do with the shoes afterwards. A set which has just been purchased for a single occasion, such as a wedding, will surely be collecting dust if they stay in the closet.

What Shoes Should Men Wear to a Wedding?

For a wedding ceremony, Oxfords or Derbies made from leather would be appropriate. For a less formal wedding ceremony, brogues and loafers can be tried out.

Your shoes do not have to be fancy. Just match the look of what you wear.

When Should You Wear Black Shoes?

A black outfit is usually the safe call for a wedding that calls for formal wear.

When you choose a black or dark grey suit, black leather shoes fit the look, and they rarely cause trouble. They're also a sensible option for an evening wedding.

A plain Oxford or Derby is enough. The shoes can be kept simple yet still look elegant.

When the dress code for the event is not clear to you, go for black.

Can You Wear Brown Shoes to a Wedding?

Yes, brown shoes are particularly easy to wear with navy and blue suits. They can also work with grey, beige and lighter summer tailoring.

The darker the brown, the smarter it tends to look. Dark brown suits a formal wedding. Tan is better suited to a relaxed daytime wedding.

The Derry Men's Leather Brogue Shoe is one example of a style that can work with blue or navy tailoring. Plain black has its own look, but the mix feels less set in stone.

Got on brown shoes? Then add the belt too. It doesn’t necessarily have to be exact; however, tones that complement each other will enhance the look.

Are Brogues Suitable for Weddings?

Yes, brogues are a go-to option for wedding looks. People like the little leather touches because they feel more lively than a simple dress shoe.  At the same time, the shape stays neat, so they still match a suit well.  

The Men's Leather Star Brogue Shoe is the sort of pair you could wear to the ceremony and then use again with smart trousers or chinos.

This becomes important if you have gone out shopping for wedding rings and do not wish for them to be kept unused in a box.

What Should the Groom Wear?

The groom has more freedom than the guests. Black leather works with a traditional formal suit. Brown or oxblood can look good with navy or blue tailoring.

You can also choose something more noticeable if the rest of the outfit is fairly simple.

The Ennis Men's Leather Designer Brocade Shoe, for example, has more going on than a standard black dress shoe. It could work for a groom looking for something different in his shoes.

Matching all the elements of the outfit is not essential. The shoes simply need to make sense with the suit.

What Should Groomsmen Wear?

A lot of times, it depends on what the wedding party asks for. If the groomsmen wear one colour suit, then matching the shoe style helps everyone look pulled together.

Black and dark brown are easy choices for darker suits. Brown or tan can work with lighter suits. Oxfords, Derbies, and brogues can all fit the look.

How Do You Match Shoes to Your Suit?

No need for a rigid code.

• Black suit: Black shoes

• Charcoal suit: Black or dark brown

• Navy suit: Brown, oxblood or black

• Blue suit: Brown or tan

• Grey suit: Black, brown or oxblood

• Beige or stone suit: Brown or tan

These are starting points rather than strict rules. The dress code still matters. A combination that looks fine at a relaxed summer wedding may not be right for a very formal ceremony.

Should You Buy Shoes Just for One Wedding?

Maybe not; only if you are the groom and picked a special pair for that day, you can keep it for the moment.

Otherwise, check what you already wear week to week. Ask yourself if those shoes would fit your job.

If they work for work, they can work at the wedding too. A dinner? Another wedding? A family event?

If the answer is yes, they're going to get far more use.

That's something we keep in mind at Amen Shoes. A solid choice for men should not sit in a closet until the next event.

FAQs

1. What shoes should men wear to a wedding?

Oxfords and Derbies are good choices for formal weddings. Brogues and loafers can work for less formal weddings, particularly during summer.

2. What are the best wedding shoes for men?

There isn't one style for every wedding. Choose based on the dress code, your suit and how formal the event is.

3. Can men wear brown shoes to a wedding?

Yes, brown shoes work particularly well with navy, blue and grey suits. Dark brown looks smarter, while tan suits more relaxed weddings.

4. Can guests wear loafers to a wedding?

Yes, if the dress code allows them. Leather loafers can look smart with a suit and are particularly useful for summer weddings.

5. Are brogues suitable for wedding suits?

Yes, brogues can definitely be worn with suits. They are perfect when you want a shoe which has got a little more detail than your formal shoe.

Choose Wedding Shoes You'll Wear Again

Choosing wedding shoes for men doesn't need to be difficult. Look at the dress code first, then the suit.

Black is the straightforward choice for formal weddings. Brown and oxblood give you more options with navy and blue suits. Brogues add detail, while loafers suit more relaxed weddings.

And don't forget what happens after the wedding. If you'll wear the shoes again to work, dinner or another occasion, you've probably made a better choice.

At Amen Shoes, that's what we look for in a good pair of formal footwear: something that works for the occasion without being limited to it.