We’ve all been there. Your best friend asks you to be in her wedding, a joyous moment sealed with hugs and tears, soon followed by having your bridesmaid dress tailored and, last but not least, trying not to let your jaw drop when you see the hideous shoes your lovely friend has chosen for you to wear. Or perhaps you're the one getting married. You're in a blissful state of happiness and planning your upcoming day-of-a-lifetime every second you have, but the shoes are an afterthought and you've been putting the decision off (which can lead to the aforementioned nightmare, or worse). With wedding season in view, we ask future brides and bridesmaids to take note if you wish to avoid conundrums such as these.

There are four factors to consider when choosing wedding shoes—color, comfort, fabric and style. Choosing a color may sound simple enough, and it can be, but it can also be somewhat of a challenge considering brides are now veering off the stark white path. For the bride, neutral shoes are an obvious choice so the dress is the center of attention (Note: wearing blue heels was only OK when SJP did it nearly two years ago). In order to ensure the bride’s shoes match her dress exactly, she should bring a swatch from her dress to find the right color. The shoes should match the gown. It’s that simple. I have actually seen a bride wear blood-red shoes that matched her bridesmaids’ dresses. This is not a trend, ladies. Save the color for the flower arrangements. There is, however, more freedom in choosing a color for the bridesmaids’ shoes. For the most part, the bridesmaids wear dresses that are one color accented with a sash of another color. If the sash is a slightly lighter or darker tone than the dress, shoes that match the sash are acceptable. Otherwise, the shoes will look best if they match the dress.

Now we come to the comfort. Wouldn’t it be nice to attend a wedding reception where the bridesmaids aren’t running around barefoot because their feet hurt? Thank goodness platforms are in style. Having some height under the ball of your foot provides support in a tall heel. Jimmy Choo makes a silk satin platform sandal called Clue that does just this. If, however, you are not wearing platforms, consider shoe pads from a brand like Foot Petals who even has styles specifically made for brides' shoes. The correct shoe pad placed under the ball of the foot will prevent too much sliding and will remain unseen.

Choosing a shoe fabric depends on the dress. You don’t want too much of a good thing. If the dress is shiny, a satin shoe would be best. If the dress is simple and matte, a shiny embellished shoe or crepe satin shoe would work. Just remember that clear plastic heels, aka “stripper shoes,” are not even remotely classy and no, the old “they match anything” line is not an excuse.  They don’t match anything except a stripper pole.

There is one simple rule to remember when choosing a shoe style—don't overdo it. For a simple wedding gown, accent it with an embellished, detailed shoe. But for a beaded, lace or embellished gown, wear a simple shoe. If you choose to have embellishments on the shoes and dress, make sure they match! Wearing a shiny sequined gown would be too big of a contrast with big satin bows on the shoes and leave you at risk of looking clownish. Fashion statements and 'outside-of-the-box' thinking rarely work on wedding days…no one wants to be embarrassed to show their children pictures years down the road.

A perfect illustration of sophisticated flare can be found in the Senorita from Paris Hilton’s new line of wedding shoes which is accented by a large satin bow (the irony that it's her brand is not lost on us), and Badgley Mischka’s Eavan with its rhinestone-encrusted brooch. Just keep in mind that either the dress or the shoe should be the star of the show. Don’t force them to compete.

Overall, being in a wedding should be a good time not overshadowed by shoe problems. If the bride fails to share the same fashion taste as her bridesmaids, the ladies should grin and bear it…and bring along some Band-Aids.