Guide to choosing flat espadrilles for weddings and daytime events

Ending a wedding barefoot, carrying your heels in your hand, is a more common scene than it seems, and it perfectly explains why more and more guests are reconsidering their footwear for daytime events. The no-heel design of flat espadrilles has gone from being an emergency option to a carefully considered choice: they offer enough elegance for a celebration while providing a level of comfort that heels can rarely match. The key is knowing how to choose the right pair, and that is exactly what this guide is about.

Why flat styles are winning at daytime weddings

Wedges add height and elongate the silhouette, but a flat design provides what really matters when the day stretches on for hours: stability and endurance. On grass, gravel or uneven paving — the typical surfaces found at countryside venues and estates — a jute or esparto sole distributes weight more evenly and offers much better grip than any elevated platform. The result is a confident step throughout the entire celebration.

This advantage is complemented by breathability. Esparto and leather or cotton uppers allow the foot to breathe when temperatures rise, something that becomes increasingly appreciated as the day goes on. From an aesthetic point of view, a high-quality handcrafted pair has nothing to envy compared with traditional dress shoes: the artisanal craftsmanship and natural materials give them a unique character.

How to recognise a pair suitable for an event

Not every model is suitable for a wedding. Everyday espadrilles and guest styles may look similar, but they respond to different needs. It is worth paying attention to three key aspects:

• Premium materials: leather, suede or quality cotton, combined with a well-finished jute or esparto sole. It is best to avoid obvious synthetics and poorly constructed bases.

• Careful details: metallic accents, champagne tones, satin ribbons or refined braiding elevate the outfit without making it look overdone.

• Reliable support: an ankle strap or a fastening ribbon across the foot keeps it secure and helps prevent discomfort after several hours.

What to choose depending on the venue

Garden, estate or countryside wedding. One of the most common settings during spring and summer, with surfaces that combine grass, gravel and paving. Here, an ankle-strap silhouette in a neutral tone works especially well, offering comfort on different types of ground.

Beach atmosphere or beach club. The natural environment for this type of footwear. It allows for more colour, navy blue, terracotta, raffia details and a more relaxed style.

Urban venue or formal celebration. The expectations are higher: leather or suede in neutral colours, clean lines and fewer casual elements. A nude, ivory or leather-toned pair with a refined finish is perfectly suitable.

Colours that work best and colours to avoid

Safe choices: beige, cream, nude, ivory, camel and matte gold. They work with almost any dress and complement the outfit without competing with it.

For those who want more personality: sage green, navy blue or terracotta can look stunning when the rest of the outfit remains neutral.

For outdoor daytime weddings, it is better to avoid black, which can create too much contrast with bright settings, neon shades and very bold prints if the dress already has its own statement pattern.

How to combine them with your guest outfit

• Flowing maxi dress: when the fabric falls to the floor, the footwear is barely visible, so comfort becomes the priority. A neutral shade that appears naturally while walking is enough to complete the look.

• Short or cocktail dress: with the foot more visible, the finish becomes more important. A metallic detail or a delicate strap adds a dressed-up touch that balances the absence of a heel.

• Two-piece suit or tailored trousers: the contrast between tailoring and an esparto or raffia base softens the outfit and gives it a contemporary feel, perfect for more urban-style weddings.

• Full skirt or pleated skirt with a top: the movement of the skirt calls for a lightweight and discreet base. Cream, camel or natural leather tones balance the volume without overwhelming the outfit.

• Jumpsuit: without the height of a heel, the foot detail becomes more important. An ankle ribbon or a distinctive braided design helps define the silhouette and complete the look.

In conclusion

Flat footwear has stopped being a secondary option and has become a true choice for weddings and daytime events. The formula is simple: natural materials, quality finishes and secure support. At Verbenas, we bring this philosophy to every pair we design, staying true to the Mediterranean comfort that defines the brand. The right choice allows you to enjoy the celebration from beginning to end.