“Dress is a navy blue. Not sure what color shoes.”
Nude* patent or silver shoes look great with navy.
*light beige, cream, etc. which would not be “nude” at all for a black lady - I know.
What about a chunky heel in grass?
Oldfort- I saw those. It looks like wearing a plastic cup on your shoe
If it actually does turn out to be wet and muddy, delicate flats or wedge heels aren’t going to be much better than heels. In that case, I’d be inclined to wear tights and some sleek galoshes / rain boots, even though they technically wouldn’t go with the cocktail dress. It would be better than mud squishing through your stockings!
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/cl+by+laundry+nicole+wedge+pump?prodId=347368
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/cl+by+laundry+nichelle+wedge+pump?prodId=320685
I have the 2nd pair and get tons of compliments. They are comfy and sexy looking on. You can get the hose where your toes show. This brand also makes this is non peep toe.
I’d wear a higher wedge.
Oldfort- those heel protectors look like they’d cause more harm than good - they come off and now your ankle’s twisted!
I faced this dilemma last year and in the end, opted for a chunky-ish heel. Not even all that chunky, just thicker than a stiletto. I had no trouble walking on the grass. Mud may be another story and I would probably bring a pair of flats to change into, if necessary.
I would be more concerned about gravel-covered areas than grass… that abrasive stuff can damage leather-covered heels.
Some shoes are just not meant for walking (on grass or gravel). We call them Tai-Tai shoes.
http://www.zappos.com/sofft-vantrice-peacoat-navy-king-suede
http://www.zappos.com/geox-wcarey14-navy
http://www.zappos.com/dirty-laundry-dl-marching-navy
Those also come in nude
http://www.zappos.com/product/8610789/color/587926
Those are above what I want to spend but they are cute.
Reviewing the invitation- stated clearly do not attempt high heels or high wedges.
Semi formal attire and no heels just don’t go well together.
I’m starting to wonder if the thin beaded dress may be out of place (even though they specified semi-formal). It does seem like a sleek knit dress with tights and boots would fit the setting and time of year better – but apparently not the intended dress code.
A chunkier heel would likely work on the grass, but would it work with the dress?
It is a dilemma!
Dilemma, indeed! It really depends on the dress. Some chunky heels (e.g., Ferragamo) could work with beaded sheaths well as long as the beading is not overwhelming.
We are having a very cold winter in California right now. Central California will be cold at sunset and the evening in winter. Please make sure that you have something very warm to go with the thin beaded dress!
http://www.amazon.com/Taryn-Rose-Womens-Santah-Dress/dp/B00KAP71JI#customerReviews
It is a dilemma. the bride and groom want elegant. While it is an outdoor venue the place will be transformed. The beaded dress was a great buy and it is the attire the bride and groom are looking for… It wasn’t what I set out looking for but it looks great on me. I can always shop more.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adrianna-papell-embellished-mesh-tank-dress/4261273?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Black&resultback=1006
That is the dress but in navy.
Coralbrook- I’m local for the wedding.
I have a shrug. The tent will also be heated.
I can stick my Uggs in the back of my car
Love the dress!!
Lovely dress!!! If you go with a block heel, definitely nude. 
http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/calvin-klein-cimi-block-heel-sandal-women/4203427
^I like the look of this, but it does not work with hose.
I really love those SJP shoes! Too bad they are so expensive. The Geox and the other patent/suede combo are not dressy enough for the dress, IMHO. I think those elastic bands across the front of the Taryn Rose are a little strange.
Bunsenburner-I like those Calvin Klein shoes. I’m still at the same dilemma of what looks good with the dress versus what makes sense for the venue and time of year.
Consolation- agree on my links. The only one I like is the SJP shoe and I’m not spending that much on a pair of shoes.
I am going to put the dress on for a friend and go through the different types of shoes I have in my closet.
Here is a take on Miu Miu’s crystal-covered heels - but not as much $$$… maybe for your D?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dune-london-harah-block-heel-sandal-women/3970164
Is SJP shoe fabric? I think you should avoid suede and fabrics, because mud can easily ruin them.