Flip flops! Put on your dancing shoes!

zaretsky · July 2013

Hi guys! I'm getting married next month and love the idea of putting out a basket of flip flops for my guests to use for dancing! I've seen it at other weddings before and loved it but I'm having a hard time finding a place to buy cheaper flip flops in bulk... I think I'd need around 60-70?? (we're having 200 guests). I know Old Navy does $1 flip flop days but I tried to go to the last one early in the morning and the line was already three blocks long.. by the time i got in there, everything was pretty much gone. I know the dollartree used to sell them online but I don't think they do anymore... anyone have any other suggestions?? thanks!

manateehugger · July 2013

zaretsky said:

Hi guys! I'm getting married next month and love the idea of putting out a basket of flip flops for my guests to use for dancing! I've seen it at other weddings before and loved it but I'm having a hard time finding a place to buy cheaper flip flops in bulk... I think I'd need around 60-70?? (we're having 200 guests). I know Old Navy does $1 flip flop days but I tried to go to the last one early in the morning and the line was already three blocks long.. by the time i got in there, everything was pretty much gone. I know the dollartree used to sell them online but I don't think they do anymore... anyone have any other suggestions?? thanks!

1. If you do this, I think you need a pair for every single guest. If I'm person number 71 and I didn't get a pair, I'd be a little peeved.

2. I think this is just added stress and $200 you don't need to spend. It's a nice gesture, but I'd much rather have an expanded bar, late night snack, or extra dessert than a pair of flip flops I'll throw away eventually.

ETA: Now that I think about it even more, this just sounds so not worth it. How are you supposed to know sizes or mens/womens/kids pairs in advance?

libby2483 · July 2013

This is something that is cutesy and is all over Pinterest, but in reality, I think it is a big waste of money. If you have the budget, you are certainly free to spend your money however you would like, but this just seems like it isn't worth it to me. Ditto PDKH that as a guest, I would rather have a late night snack, upgraded bar, photo booth, or pretty much any other little perk over flip flops. And this is coming from someone who wore flip flops to the dance portion of her own wedding.

itzMS · July 2013

This is much more work than it's worth.

I wear shoes I can wear all evening. Or, bring my own to change into.

Most adults do the same.

daria24 · July 2013

I've seen the flip flop basket at at least 3 weddings, and had one at my wedding. I got tons of compliments, and at the other weddings everyone really enjoyed them. I got mine at Old Navy and Joe Fresh for $2 each. I only got about 20 pairs for about 45 female guests-we had a lot of elderly female guests that I knew would not use them. We had a couple of pairs left over.

QueerFemme · July 2013

We had the flip flop basket. It was actually a big hit in my circle, but there really aren't a lot of weddings in my circle, so it hadn't really been seen by very many people before our wedding.

We had about 130 guests (probably 90 of which were female) and I probably had about 50 pairs of flip flops, give or take. I had maybe 10 left over.

I bought the old navy ones. I think the dollar tree versions really suck, actually. If you can't find decent ones, I would skip it.

QueerFemme · July 2013

FloridaBride27 said:

The idea that you need to have one pair for every guest seems obsurd to me. If I were the "71st guest and I didn't get a pair" I wouldn't be pissed at the host. I'd be pissed that I didn't wear better shoes in the first place. Its not the hosts job to provide me comfortable clothing but if they offer (even in limited quantities) that's cool!

I actually agree with this. There is no way I would provide one for every guest. Probably 1/3 or 1/2 at most.

KDM323 · July 2013

eBay or Amazon might have them. I'd just buy women's...men don't wear uncomfortable heels, kwim?

JoanE2012 · July 2013

itzMS said:

This is much more work than it's worth.

I wear shoes I can wear all evening. Or, bring my own to change into.

Most adults do the same.

This. Your wedding is not the first time I'm wearing heels. If I'm afraid my heels will bother me or they're a newer pair, I'll keep a pair of flats in the car. Not to mention, cheap $1 flip flops aren't comfortable anyway. OP - Save your money.

Xstatic3333 · July 2013

I am doing one. I know they're not popular here (for legitimate reasons) but they are with my friends/circle, I like them, and I don't see it as hurting anybody to have them as an option. I do agree that if you're on a budget it is far from essential.

I got enough for about 40% of my female guests in a variety of sizes from Target. They are $3 regularly but I got them on sale for $2. I'd keep an eye on big box stores; many may be liquidating their summer inventories soon.

RebeccaB88 · July 2013

As far as cheap shower shoes go, I think Target has the most comfy ones.

However, I wouldn't take advantage of the offer for the reasons above. I know how to choose my footwear that's appropriate to the situation (and to my outfit). I also can't dance in flipflops - I'd stick to the floor and fall over and break something.

monkeysip · July 2013

This is one my "i don't get" things. I don't get how people dance in flip flops. Maybe I'm just a klutz or something, but I always have people step on my flip flops or hurt myself in them.

Not that it's a BAD thing to provide them. (Apparently) a lot of people like them and would appreciate them.

If you have time, maybe try ordering online from Old Navy's website. You might be able to catch a good deal, and then they have 20% 30% or even 40% sale codes a lot of times. And pretty cheap shipping.

Jen4948 · July 2013

I can't dance in flip-flops, so I wouldn't take advantage of the basket if I were a guest.

Before you do this, I'd ask around to find out how many of your guests would take advantage of the flip-flops, and then get that many pairs.

AddieCake · July 2013

I never get this, either. When I go to a club, I have never seen a bucket of flip flops at the door. To me, it's the same concept. You know where you're going. Wear comfortable shoes if you want to dance in them.

Dreamergirl8812 · July 2013

I have absolutely no interest in doing this at my wedding but I do see the appeal.

I think the main thing is that it signifies a change in the formality and comfort level of the event. So even if I am the 71st guest and don't get one, I may just kick off my shoes and go barefoot. I won't look silly if dozens of other people are in flip flops.

Maggie0829 · July 2013

I am always confused by people who say that dancing in flip flops is a bad thing or that it is hard to do. I just went to a girls weekend down the beach. We went to two dance clubs/bars and we all wore flip flops. None of us had any issues getting down with our bad selves or hurting our selves.

OP, this is an extra that is competely up to you to do or not do. I contemplated doing one for our wedding but just ran out of time. I also think that the formality of your event should be considered before providing a flip flop basket. If you were having a black tie affair then a flip flop basket would be a bit odd to have but if you are having something more casual and relaxed by all means go for it.

daria24 · July 2013

StageManager14 said:

I in no way mean for this to come off as mean or anything, but do you DANCE or do you shake your ass around like the majority of people do in clubs? I can understand why the bump-n-grind booty shake version of dancing isn't affected by flip flops, but when you're doing any sort of turn, dip, spin, or lockstep, flip flops are satan's asswarts.

Also, something else I don't get, but I guess it depends on your crowd. Do those who use flip flops go to the bathroom and take off their hosiery in order to wear the flip flops? Not gonna lie, I might steal a pair of flip flops to take home with me because I love love love flip flops. But I'm not going to dance in them and I'm not going to remove my undergarments in order to wear them.

Speaking for myself, I've never worn panty hose to a wedding, since they have been in the warmer months, so that's not an issue.

And I've never had a problem dancing in flip flops, but I'm not doing the Lindy Hop or Line Dancing. I'm doing the White Girl with Minimal Rhythm Shuffle.

cmiles89 · July 2013

It's a cute idea, but I think unless you can really control the cost then it isn't worth it. Maybe provide a pair to each bridesmaid in a morning-of care basket? I think that's a considerate idea since they'll be on their feet all day for you and may forget flats or not know if it's ok to change into them otherwise.

Wedding guests won't be on their feet nearly as long as you and your WP, and those that are traveling will likely think to bring something more comfy for later. Plus, what's the big deal about dancing barefoot? I much prefer that to flip-flops. Then again, I'm not so graceful.

So, unless you can get them super duper cheap, I'd say skip it and buy something pretty for the guestbook table or what have you.

QueerFemme · July 2013

StageManager14 said:

Maggie0829 said:

I am always confused by people who say that dancing in flip flops is a bad thing or that it is hard to do. I just went to a girls weekend down the beach. We went to two dance clubs/bars and we all wore flip flops. None of us had any issues getting down with our bad selves or hurting our selves.

OP, this is an extra that is competely up to you to do or not do. I contemplated doing one for our wedding but just ran out of time. I also think that the formality of your event should be considered before providing a flip flop basket. If you were having a black tie affair then a flip flop basket would be a bit odd to have but if you are having something more casual and relaxed by all means go for it.
I in no way mean for this to come off as mean or anything, but do you DANCE or do you shake your ass around like the majority of people do in clubs? I can understand why the bump-n-grind booty shake version of dancing isn't affected by flip flops, but when you're doing any sort of turn, dip, spin, or lockstep, flip flops are satan's asswarts.

Also, something else I don't get, but I guess it depends on your crowd. Do those who use flip flops go to the bathroom and take off their hosiery in order to wear the flip flops? Not gonna lie, I might steal a pair of flip flops to take home with me because I love love love flip flops. But I'm not going to dance in them and I'm not going to remove my undergarments in order to wear them.

I have danced salsa in flip flops. And, in California... I haven't seen a pair of panty hose since I was about 9 years old. Maybe tights in the winter months, but no one under the age of 50-60 years old wears hose.

Kate McCay · July 2013

We are doing this for our wedding. I got them at Michael's. They are normally $3 but they are always having sales and great coupons. I got mine for $1.20 a piece.

You don't need them for ever guest. For one thing, I don't think any guy would use them and maybe about half of your female guests would take advantage of it.

kellymiron · July 2013

I think it really depends on your crowd and how much dancing they will be doing. I went to my cousins wedding and halfway through the night, all of her friends were barefoot. If you have that type of crowd, I think flip flops are a good idea.

Maggie0829 · July 2013

StageManager14 said:

Maggie0829 said:

I am always confused by people who say that dancing in flip flops is a bad thing or that it is hard to do. I just went to a girls weekend down the beach. We went to two dance clubs/bars and we all wore flip flops. None of us had any issues getting down with our bad selves or hurting our selves.

OP, this is an extra that is competely up to you to do or not do. I contemplated doing one for our wedding but just ran out of time. I also think that the formality of your event should be considered before providing a flip flop basket. If you were having a black tie affair then a flip flop basket would be a bit odd to have but if you are having something more casual and relaxed by all means go for it.
I in no way mean for this to come off as mean or anything, but do you DANCE or do you shake your ass around like the majority of people do in clubs? I can understand why the bump-n-grind booty shake version of dancing isn't affected by flip flops, but when you're doing any sort of turn, dip, spin, or lockstep, flip flops are satan's asswarts.

Also, something else I don't get, but I guess it depends on your crowd. Do those who use flip flops go to the bathroom and take off their hosiery in order to wear the flip flops? Not gonna lie, I might steal a pair of flip flops to take home with me because I love love love flip flops. But I'm not going to dance in them and I'm not going to remove my undergarments in order to wear them.

I certainly have done my fair share of line dancing complete with turns and spins and jumping and sliding and what not and have never had a problem.

I also haven't worn a pair of panty hose or tights since my first communion so yeah I can't really speak to that.

I mean I guess wearing flip flops for swing dancing or some crazy ballroom dancing stuff is probably a dumb idea but for me and my area you generally don't see that kind of dancing at a wedding.

ashleyep · July 2013

I suck at wearing heels, I don't last in them long, so I probably wouldn't mind having the option. But I also don't really have a problem running around a wedding reception barefoot. I wouldn't do it in a club or bar, but if it's a ballroom type room, I usually end up without shoes at the end of the night.

Flip flops! Put on your dancing shoes!

Re: Flip flops! Put on your dancing shoes!

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