Since the dawn of time, brides-to-be and their bridesmaids have struggled to find the right shoe for the Big Day. Some were too expensive, some too uncomfortable, some just downright ugly. Many unspoken little prayers were thus answered when, in 2003, Melissa Pins Bergetz decided to do something about this shoe conundrum by launching Blue Tux shoes, a line of superchic heels at (gasp!) affordable prices. Below, the saintly Melissa offers some much needed shoe-wisdom for brides and bridesmaids alike.

When choosing a shoe on their wedding day, what is one thing a bride or bridesmaid should keep in mind?
You don’t need to sacrifice style or heel height for comfort.  One of my goals with Blue Tux was to make shoes that a bride and her bridesmaids could wear comfortably all day–and night!–long. We don’t want to see any bare feet or flip-flops on the dance floor!

How should a bride go about approaching her bridesmaids’ shoes?
One word: Metallics. There is a metallic color to compliment every bridesmaid dress out there – and your bridesmaids will love you because they can wear them again and again.

Wedding season is officially in full gear. Is there one fool-proof shoe style that a girl could buy and wear to any sort of wedding?
A wedge is definitely the best all-around option for any surface: sand, grass, concrete – you name it. Blue Tux actually offers a wedge that’s available in both dyeable satin and metallic colors. (Ed. note: Done and done.)

Any advice for lasting in a pair of heels for the duration of a wedding, from arriving to the church to downing the last glass of champagne?
Make sure your shoes are comfortable from the moment you try them on.  You shouldn’t need to “break in” your wedding shoes – or any shoes for that matter.  If they are uncomfortable when you try them on, the pain is going to be unbearable several hours later.

Got a bonus tip for us?
Tips for sling-backs: Position a “halter pad” on each shoe under the ball of your foot.  This will stop your foot from sliding forward and making the strap loose in back.

(Above photo: Melissa and her husband on their wedding day. For more information on Blue Tux, visit the website or email info@shopbluetux.com.)