On any other day of your life, shoes are just shoes. Something to keep your feet comfortable, warm and dry. But when taken in the context of your wedding day, shoes take on an entirely new meaning. Don't even try to fight it; simply surrender to the fact that wedding shoes have a long, interesting history and you might as well learn it right now.

Since the first cave woman tied reeds around her ankles and promised to love her darling Neil Anderthal forevermore, wedding shoes have been a vital part of what will be fondly remembered as one of the most important day in any girl's life. In the days of ye olde cobbler shopped, it might take two weeks to have a pair of custom footwear made. These days it doesn't nearly as long but still, a good deal of though should go into your entire ensemble, and that includes shoes.

Some traditions have the bride slipping a bit of money into her shoe, to ensure a long and profitable marriage. Even if you leave that dime out of your slipper, think about that post-vows moment when your brand-new husband kneels down to pull your garter off with his teeth. Not just any old pair of pumps will do. This may well be the one time in your life when comfort is NOT the prime focus of your footwear. You can suffer an hour or two, especially when you know it's making you look fabulous. Splurge on pair of white satin Manolos if you must; just be sure that whatever you wear is foxy. Bah to blisters-- strut down that aisle with your head held high and your feet encased in the prettiest shoes you ever imagined.