Can You Wear Cowboy Boots as a Wedding Guest? (2024)

In the South especially, it’s common to see people style cowboy boots with formal wear. However, not every bride wants guests to wear boots to her wedding. With all the meticulous planning and detail that goes into a wedding, it’s only appropriate to dress respectfully. So, should you wear cowboy boots as a wedding guest?

Ask the Couple

Even if wearing boots to a wedding is socially acceptable where you live, the wedding couple may still not want you to wear them. Check the dress code they’ve set; they’ll usually send it with the invite or post the details on their wedding website.

If it explicitly says, “no boots,” there’s your answer. But what if it’s more subtle than that? We’ll give you some indicators in a moment to help you make your best guess, but if you really can’t figure it out, just ask. The couple or their family will be able to tell you.

Read the Room

If the wedding is black tie, elegance and glamour are the essences of the evening. It’s best to leave the cowboy boots at home in favor of a pair of polished dress shoes. If the wedding is casual and hosted in a barn or on a ranch, boots are likely encouraged. In fact, the wedding party might be wearing them!

If the wedding is co*cktail attire, it could go either way. Again, if you aren’t sure, ask.

Style Them Well

If you get the go-ahead to wear your boots, great! Now, how to style them? Weddings are still classy events, so you’ll be styling your boots with formal wear. Do not wear jeans to a wedding unless the wedding couple specifies that it is okay.

Make sure to clean your boots well and polish them before the big day. You don’t want to show up with muddy boots.

Wearing cowboy boots as a wedding guest can be a great way to show off your style in a formal setting. Just be sure to check with the wedding couple before you put your outfit together.