What Sandal Styles Work for a Summer or Tropical Wedding?
May 06, 2026
You've found the dress. You've booked the flight. Now you're staring at your shoe rack wondering how to walk elegantly across sand, grass, or old cobblestones without your heels sinking into the ground.
If you've ever been a guest at a destination wedding, you know the feeling. And if you've chosen the wrong shoes, you really know the feeling.
Here's what actually works — and why flat sandals are often the best decision you'll make.
Why Heels Are Risky at Outdoor Weddings
Kitten heels on grass. Stilettos on a boat deck. Block heels on a cobblestone terrace. These are the moments weddings become memorable for the wrong reasons.
Beyond the physical risk, high heels at outdoor and tropical weddings often feel visually out of place. They fight the setting rather than work with it. And after four hours of standing, greeting, dancing, and wandering, your feet will be begging you to have made a different choice.
What to Look for in a Wedding Sandal
The best sandals for summer weddings share a few qualities:
A clean, refined silhouette — nothing too casual or too sporty. A neutral or elegant colour that complements rather than competes with your outfit. A secure fit — straps that actually hold your foot in place when you're dancing. And ideally, something that photographs beautifully because wedding photos last forever.
Ribbon sandals tick all of these. The ribbon tie at the ankle adds a delicate, intentional detail that elevates a flat sandal into something that reads as dressed up. Styled with a bow, they feel romantic. Styled with a simple knot and a velvet ribbon, they feel quietly luxurious.
We've put together a dedicated Wedding Proof page showing exactly how our sandals work for special occasions — take a look before you decide.
For Beach Weddings
Choose a sandal with a sole that handles uneven ground well. Avoid anything with a thin heel or a platform — both are unstable on sand. A flat ribbon sandal in ivory, cream, or champagne with a velvet ribbon is the perfect balance of elegant and practical.
Bonus tip: tie the ribbon slightly higher up the ankle for a more dressed-up look on the beach.
For Garden or Vineyard Weddings
Grass is the enemy of heels. A flat sandal is the safer, more comfortable choice. Go for a warm neutral — terracotta, sand, or blush — and pair with a flowy dress or a tailored linen suit. Check out our Cancun Vegan or Chalco Vegan for garden-wedding-ready styles.
For City or Venue Weddings
Here you have more freedom. If the venue is all indoors on a flat surface, you can get away with a heeled sandal if you want one. Our Camila — a ribbon sandal with a cork block heel — is perfect for venues where you want a little height without sacrificing comfort.
For Destination Weddings (Santorini, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast)
Mediterranean destinations call for Mediterranean dressing. Simple, warm, effortless. A flat ribbon sandal in a natural tone with minimal detail is exactly right — it looks like you belong there, which is the highest compliment in a destination wedding setting.
According to Fashion Revolution, conscious consumers are increasingly choosing quality sandals over disposable heels for special occasions — prioritising both longevity and comfort.
The One Thing Most Guests Get Wrong
They buy a new pair of shoes they've never worn before and wear them for the first time at the wedding.
Whatever sandals you choose, wear them at home for a few evenings first. Walk around your kitchen. Break them in. And read our Sandal Care guide to keep them looking great long after the big day.
At Rarámuri, our sandals are made to feel comfortable from the first wear — but we still recommend getting acquainted before the wedding.
