Dress too long for flats??

Most dresses require hemming and other adjustments so just budget for the cost. You have time before your first alterations appointment to find shoes that are comfortable. Walking elegantly in a dress that is even 0.5" too long will be difficult if one hand is holding a bouquet and the other is lifting the side of your dress-- not the dramatic reveal you were hoping. For ball gowns, they say you have to kick out your leg with exaggeration while walking so the dress doesn't fall (inelegantly) between your legs. But, even then the dress is hemmed at a suitable length for non-tripping.

Some alterations are usually needed to make sure the dress fits properly, so a seamstress should be able to advise on whether the hemming would be needed. Getting a dress hemmed is a fairly common alteration as well, so it shouldn't be too much of an ask. When your dress arrives in the store for pick-up, ask to try it on and wear shoes similar to what you plan on wearing during the wedding. If you feel you need a few extra inches, then your options are either to get the dress hemmed or to get a pair of heels.

100% hem it to the shoes you plan on wearing. I'm wearing a little over 3 inch heels for the ceremony and first dance, but once the full party starts, I have flats - My dress is being hemmed to the flats. Nothing is worse than having to carry your dress in your hands as you walk down the aisle. You're spending money on a beautiful dress that is made to lay flat, not be held up as you walk.

Absolutely nothing wrong with wearing flats for the whole thing - but you'll tire and become frustrated if every time you move you have to scoop your dress up in your hands.

My dress was far longer than most people have them and honestly, it was completely fine. I wouldn't worry - dress length is a preference and I'm not a big fan of look when there's space between the gown and the floor.

I had a loop to carry the dress when moving from one location to another but didn't use it for walking down the aisle.