You agonize over the dress. You fight with your fiancé about the relative merits of suits versus tuxes. And yet, you put about two minutes of thought into your wedding shoes. Keep in mind that choosing the wrong wedding shoes is one of the most painful decisions you can make in planning your big day. Unless you want to hobble around your reception like a broken-down racehorse, heed these warnings and suggestions.

Wedding Shoes for Grooms

First of all, never wear a new pair of shoes for the first time on your actual wedding day. Buy your wedding shoes at least a month in advance and wear them around the house to break them in. If you're planning on renting your shoes, reconsider this decision. Think about the last time you went bowling. As you slid those also-worn shoes on your feet, you probably didn't think to yourself, "these are one comfortable pair of used shoes!" Used shoes, as a rule, are a stop-gap measure. Drop the hundred bucks and find a pair that actually fit your feet.

As you shop for your wedding shoes, consider these three words: width, length, and cushion. Your shoes should be wide enough for your toes to fit comfortably without pinching, even in humid weather when feet tend to swell. The cushion in your shoes should be thick enough that it protects your feet from the trauma of being on the go for eight hours straight.

Wedding Shoes for Brides

The most important factor to consider in choosing a pair of wedding shoes for your big day is matching your shoes to your wedding location. This means skipping stilettos at a garden wedding, where your heels will sink into the grass and avoiding wedges on the beach, where you're likely to break your ankle if you make one move in the wrong direction. Talk with your wedding gown consultant about the right shoes for the environment at your reception location.

The second factor to consider is comfort. Looking hot in a pair of four-inch heels is only possible if you can actually walk while wearing them. Keep in mind that each inch roughly equates to an hour of pain and plan accordingly. Choose a cute, comfortable pair that does the job but doesn't cause you to face plant as you walk up the aisle.

Many women consider their wedding shoes to be their one and only chance to drop a thousand dollars on a pair of designer heels. Rest assured, Christian Louboutins will still be available long after your wedding day, and in colors that are a little more functional than lily white. Keep your cash in your purse and consider choosing a pair of mid-range, affordable heels instead.

After you've chosen a pair that you can afford, take them to your first dress fitting. Your seamstress will want to make sure that the hem of your dress falls perfectly over your wedding shoes. If you choose to buy your shoes after your final fitting, make sure to try them on several days before the actual event in case you need to return the shoes for a smaller or taller heel.

Given that Murphy's Law of Weddings is always in effect, bring a backup pair of shoes to your ceremony and reception. Consider making this pair slightly more comfortable than your A-List heels, in case you need to pull them out halfway through the reception. No matter how comfortable your shoes feel before the wedding, you'll be surprised to find out how uncomfortable they can become after a few hours of dancing.

Ordering Wedding Shoes Online

Avoid ordering your shoes online unless you give yourself an ample window of time for returns and exchanges. If you order your shoes on eBay, make sure you choose sellers that come highly recommended and offer liberal return policies. Hedge your bets by only ordering brands for which you know your exact size and style preference.