3 Types of Shoes All Mothers of the Bride Should Avoid Wearing

As the mother of the bride or groom, your role in the wedding party surpasses many other guests. You'll likely be asked to pose for many photos, meet and greet a myriad of people, and possibly even give a speech at some portion of the night. Of course, your tasks will vary depending on what the couple prefers, but even so, what you choose to wear will clearly be at the forefront and should be carefully planned out.

For many, deciding on a dress is typically what takes priority (and rightfully so), but what some moms fail to remember is that their accessories have the ability to make or break their outfit—especially as it relates to shoes. As mentioned above, weddings are events that require lots of walking and mingling, so what you choose to wear on your feet is just as important as the gown you decide to sport on the big day. (After all, the last thing you want to deal with, during any portion of the wedding, is sore feet). And while there are tons of shoe options dedicated to servicing the mother of the bride and groom, there are also styles every mom should avoid wearing for their child's celebration.

If you happen to be on the hunt for shoes that will perfectly pull off your mother-of-the-bride or groom attire, you've come to the right place. Keep reading below for a list of three shoe styles to avoid in order to have a memorable and comfortable wedding day experience.

Shoes that are too casual.

A wedding is a special occasion and, depending on the dress code, a time to break out your most formal and special attire. Therefore, it's highly encouraged that you forgo wearing any type of casual footwear. "This is a moment to dress up, even if the wedding is at the beach," shares Marina Larroudé, co-founder of the popular shoe brand Larroudé.

Avoid styles such as flip flops, Uggs, Birkenstocks, and tennis shoes, and instead, opt for pieces that fit the occasion, dress code, and formality of your ensemble. There are a variety of brands that offer comfortable, affordable, and stylish shoes—like embellished flats, lace heels, and formal wedges—so the options are truly limitless when it comes to finding footwear for the occasion.

Shoes that are uncomfortable.

As the mother of the bride or groom, you will spend a large portion of the wedding day on your feet, especially in the moments leading up to the ceremony and reception. So, the last thing you want to wear is a pair of shoes that will make it impossible to stand up for prolonged periods of time. Comfort is key when it comes to any wedding day ensemble, and this is particularly true when it comes to your shoes.

Before committing to any piece of footwear, be sure to test them out long before the celebration. This will allow you to determine whether or not they're comfortable enough for you to wear to your child's special day.

Shoes that have too high of a heel.

Formal footwear doesn't always have to equate to high heels. If you're someone who's not used to wearing heels on a regular basis, your child's wedding is not the time to experiment with this style. Luckily, many brands create flat and low-heeled shoes, perfect for mothers of the bride and groom who'd like to stick with pieces they feel comfortable wearing.

For instance, you can find styles like Larroudé's Valerie Mules, which is a wonderful option for spring and summer nuptials. "Since these heels are a bit lower, they’re super comfortable for long hours of standing on your feet. There’s a reason it’s our best-selling style for weddings and special events!" notes Larroudé.