Preparing for your wedding day involves endless decision making between the happy couple but for the groom selecting his wedding day shoes is choice only the man himself can truly decide on. While mens wedding style can go from traditionally classic to alternatively creative the groom’s shoes has to match his suit with perfection. The style of formal shoes for weddings tend to be in the direction of the classic mens Oxford shoe, a popular mens shoe for formal wear that will serve you well both down the aisle and at other formal occasions thanks to their timeless style.
The black mens oxford shoe is the default choice for wedding attire that will never disappoint, whether it’s made from calf leather or polished. For a hi-shine finish the Barker Arnold and Winsford toe cap oxford shoes for men come highly recommended and if its a polished brogue you’d prefer the Albert and Alfred are great formal shoes.
For a Countryside wedding the most popular style for wedding shoes is a pair of mens brogues in particular designs that feature small brogue punching to give additional detail to your outfit. From the Barker collection the Charles and Westfield brogues are best suited to formal events in particular weddings. Wedding brogues don’t necessarily have to be a Oxford style as the Derby alternative also works well with all but some formal suits.
One of Barker’s most popular full brogues is the McClean which features in the Barker Icon Series. The McClean is made on the 443 last from premium calf leather on a full leather sole and features contrasting suede or lasered paisley inserts. The most iconic McClean colourway for grooms around the world is the Cedar Calf / Navy Suede option. Other Barker Creative collection brogues that are well suited to weddings include the Grant, Woody and Valiant styles.
Other options to wear on your wedding day that will catch the guest’s eyes on the big day while making a style statement include bold-buckled Monk Straps, Chelsea Boots and slip on Loafers, all of which provide smooth transition into a party mood come the evening.
Once you’ve decided on the style of shoe the next important step is colour which understanding the basic principles of formal wear allows you to ensure your shoes will compliment your suit and vice versa.
Firstly, never wear a black suit with brown or tan shoes, a rule that also applies to darker grey suits until you reach lighter shades of grey as this is when a brown, burgundy or cherry shoe works well. The black shoe can be worn with almost any colour of suit making it the safest shoe colour choice but maybe not as exciting as the groom wants for his wedding day.
For blue suits a black or brown shoe in any shade is most appropriate with navy, black or darker brown shoes generally working the best for this option. For lighter blue suits a lighter brown or tan shoe is ideal but also consider a burgundy or brown with a reddish hue. Green suits may not as common but they make a statement especially when worn with brown or tan shoes and the same applies if a cream or off white suit is on the cards.
Traditionally your wedding shoes should be darker than your suit but for more relaxed or eccentric weddings the other way round will make for an impactful entrance to the wedding venue both for you and the shoes.
