topic Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION in Wellness

CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

pdlinda — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:28:53 GMT

My beautiful granddaughter is getting married next weekend. She's marrying a great guy and it's a big wedding. I've spent MONTHS getting my outfits ready and preparing to go out to L.A. for 4 days.

Everything went smoothly EXCEPT FINDING COMFORTABLE SHOES!

I have 2 hammer toes, had 3 joints replaced (2 hips, 1 knee) and a small bunion on my right foot. I have back problems that radiate down to my left thigh.

I don't ordinarily wear dress shoes; however, in this case, I had to find a pair to compliment my outfit. I RETURNED 10 pairs of shoes before settling on a pair of gold flats with a bow detail. I've been "trying out" walking in these shoes and am convinced (even with putting various padding and toe pads on) I'M NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO WALK COMFORTABLY IN THOSE SHOES!

If (when) I have to go to the rest room or go from the religious ceremony to the reception area, I am going to have to change shoes to a comfort pair of Sketchers "slip in's" I just bought.

PLEASE HELP ME DEVISE A PLAN TO SWAP THE DRESSY FLAT SHOES FOR THE ONES I CAN WALK IN BETWEEN THE CEREMONY AND THE RECEPTION AS INCONSPICUOUSLY AS POSSIBLE.

THANKS SO MUCH!!

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

ahoymate — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:42:11 GMT

You have really put some time into this special day for your upcoming granddaughter's wedding. Very sweet.

I wouldn't worry about changing into shoes that are comfortable but don't match your outfit. Look at hosts, models etc., on QVC. They wear Sketches, sneakers with everything! Everything. Some even get married in Sketchers.

Others certainly will understand. Don't let this draw attention away from the beautiful day. Enjoy.

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

kaydee50 — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:44:28 GMT

Sorry, I can't help you. But if I were in your position, I would have found the most comfortable "dressy" shoes and built my outfits around it. And I would wear pants that will cover most of the shoes. I would not enjoy myself if my feet hurt!! And NO ONE is going to be looking at your shoes!

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

pdlinda — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:48:02 GMT

@kaydee50 I DID choose the "most comfortable" dress shoes I could and will wear them for the photos being taken. My daughter requested I wear a gown and I will; however, I'm still unsure how to carry the comfy shoes into the venue when I do swap them out.

Should I put them in a tote bag?

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

Tinkrbl44 — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:48:12 GMT

@pdlinda

I have a very tough time finding comfortable shoes, so I know how frustrating it can be.

Having said that ....

If it were ME, I wouldn't wear "shoes" .... I'd play the Clever Grandma card and wear sequins sneakers.

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

OneHappyHiker — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:48:52 GMT

@pdlinda Congratulations on your granddaughter's wedding! It sounds like it will be a great time with wonderful people! That being said, from what I've seen at weddings, many people bring changes of shoes at all ages. Little ones, seniors, middle of the pack, even the bride/bridal party... it just goes with the territory... people bring a change of shoes when they want to be comfortable and want to be able to walk, dance, stand, etc. for long periods of time without hurting their feet.

I also would like to say, that while you might feel uncomfortable doing so, I honestly doubt anyone will notice. If they notice, they won't care. Plus, seniors often have foot problems and out and out just wear whatever works for their foot problems so they can be there enjoying the festivities. This is your family who already knows your problems, and friends of family who won't care.

The bride and groom will be the center of attention and if I can pass along any words of wisdom from what I've seen, it would be this: you are there for a glorious occasion, and please don't feel you need to be inconspicuous. You are the grandmother!!! That's an honor!!! Just be you and you will rock whatever you wear, however you wear it!

You asked for a plan... I usually see people carrying their comfy shoes/extra whatevers in a large-enough handbag or tote. They discreetly deposit it under the table where they will be sitting and do the old sliparoo under the table, switching from achy shoes to comfy. Since yours are Slipins, you will have no problems doing this. And don't worry about walking to wherever you have to go because everyone will be partying, dancing, drinking, eating, conversing. I promise you they will not be paying attention to the beautiful grandmom walking in her Slipins! If they notice you walking, they will be admiring how beautiful you look! So go rock them and forget about them!

Have a great time at this event!

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

Carmie — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:49:15 GMT

Just bring a tote bag with the shoes and leave them in the car.

Send someone out to get the tote bag when you are ready to change your shoes. You can probably just keep the tote bag at your chair or have the same person run it back to the car after you change shoes.

You might even just wear the Sketchers and forget the dress shoes altogether. I have seen the bride, groom and whole wedding party wearing tennis shoes with their formal attire.

Even kids wear them to their prom. It's pretty common.

Nothing is worse than your feet hurting. Why put yourself through that for vanity? It's not worth it.

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

Shelbelle — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:49:26 GMT

How about giving the shoes to a friend or relative who will be in the audience and let them hold them for you , after the ceremony you meet her in the ladies room and make the swap.

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

pdlinda — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:51:59 GMT

@OneHappyHiker Thank you for giving me the confidence to approach this situation in a way that will allow me to enjoy this beautiful event!!

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:58:06 GMT

@pdlinda - I think you're making it a bigger deal than it needs to be or actually will be. You don't need a plan other than having your Skechers placed on the floor at your seat or have a friend hold them for you. Once the ceremony is over, you'll need to be available for a few pictures but then you'll have time to get the shoes and visit the ladies room while other things are going on, like other pictures and the cocktail hour. It should only take you a couple of minutes to make the switch.

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

pdlinda — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:56:48 GMT

@Carmie My daughter made a point of letting me know I'd be in the front row when the family pictures and videos are taken so I'll plan on making it to that part of the event wearing the fancy shoes.

However, I'll make sure I have access to the comfortable shoes after that because in the reception area, I'll be able to be seated at a table so my shoes will be unnoticable!

I'm SO GLAD I POSTED as I can now face this event without the uncertainty I was experiencing!! THANK YOU!!

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

OneHappyHiker — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:57:30 GMT

@pdlinda wrote:
@OneHappyHiker Thank you for giving me the confidence to approach this situation in a way that will allow me to enjoy this beautiful event!!

@pdlinda You are most welcome! I would not say all that if I didn't wholeheartedly mean it. You must forget about any feelings that you have to hide your foot problems. You are a grandma! Last I checked, grandmas have problems from lives well lived.

I'm glad I could help with an approach that will allow you to fully enjoy the experience. It goes by so quickly! Make sure you take in every moment of this beautiful day!

PS For pictures or any other time, there are always people standing around or open areas for you to place the tote. Don't worry about that. Again, everyone is doing something, they won't be paying attention to what you are doing because they need to pay attention to what THEY are doing haha.

Please let us all know how it went when you have time if you would like to share!

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

pdlinda — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:58:53 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch Yes, I can, and will do that. Believe me, the discomfort I was feeling trying to "fake" walking in those fancy shoes was not manageable. Now I have a PLAN!!! Thank you.

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

pdlinda — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:59:59 GMT

@OneHappyHiker Yes, of course I will!!

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 21:01:00 GMT

@pdlinda wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch Yes, I can, and will do that. Believe me, the discomfort I was feeling trying to "fake" walking in those fancy shoes was not manageable. Now I have a PLAN!!! Thank you.

Yes, I know all too well about certain shoes and sore feet. Enjoy the wedding, @pdlinda.

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

pdlinda — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 21:03:09 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch Thank you so much!

She's my eldest grandchild!

I have 6 more to go after this one!!

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

Desertdi — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 21:13:19 GMT

Surely some family member could stuff THESE in a purse or pocket:

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

chrystaltree — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 21:22:36 GMT

Do what 75% of the other ladies will do, including the bridal party. At just about every wedding or anniversary I have attended; the fancy painful shoes come off after the formal pictures are taken. We skip into comfy flats, sneakers and some go barefoot. So take a little tote bag with your comfy footwear and slip into them when the time is right. It's no big deal and honestly no one will be looking at you. What's important is that you feel comfortable and your feet don't hurt so you can enjoy this wonderful family event. My friend will be the mother of the bride this summer. She'd 65 with foot issues and she chose a gorgeous outfit with sheer palazzo pants. It's a mauve color and she's wearing sequinned rose gold sneakers. Her jewelry and evening bag are rose gold. She bought the sneakers from HSN last fall and built her outfit around them.

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

pdlinda — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 21:23:32 GMT

@Desertdi I thought of those BUT they have no "support" and I'm afraid my back won't be able to take the stress of my trying to walk in them. My sketchers have support so my ankles won't turn.

Re: CHANGING SHOES AT A WEDDING RECEPTION

Desertdi — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 21:25:30 GMT

@pdlinda wrote:
@Desertdi I thought of those BUT they have no "support" and I'm afraid my back won't be able to take the stress of my trying to walk in them. My sketchers have support so my ankles won't turn.

@pdlinda

I walk barefoot most of the time... di