Wellness

[pdlinda]

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!!

[ahoymate]

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.

[kaydee50]

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!

[pdlinda]

@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?

[Tinkrbl44]

@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.  

[OneHappyHiker]

@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!

[Carmie]

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.

[Shelbelle]

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. 

[pdlinda]

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

[JeanLouiseFinch]

@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.