Today we’re welcoming a new wedding industry insider to our panel of guest bloggers: Jeanne Bowyer! Jeanne shares her tips plus some helpful pros and cons for picking out your bridal shoes in a pinch.

You know when and where you’re getting married and you’ve picked a dress. The groom and groomsmen have been fitted for tuxedos and the bridesmaids are all set to look stunning in beautiful matching gowns. Your young flower girl is prepped and ready, and your little ring bearer is confident in his ability to do his job. The cake is ordered and the reception is booked. Your honeymoon is just around the corner.

But wait. You somehow feel you’ve forgotten something – but what could it be? Your shoes! They seem like such an obvious thing but in the rush to get everything prepared, your poor feet may have slipped through the wedding prep net. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation with little time to spare, let us present you with five different choices, plus pros and cons.

Some seriously high heels! E26066 by Giuseppe Zanotti

High heels: These are great if you’re used to wearing heels and want a striking look – or if you want to be a little taller on your wedding day. There are some utterly fabulous choices out there, from simply chic to bedazzling. The choice is yours. High heels will make a stunning impact. However, if you’re not used to heels, beware: You don’t want to fall over, get a blister or be uncomfortable on your wedding day. We don’t recommend you have a champagne breakfast before walking down the aisle to meet your future spouse – well, not unless you’re seriously “well heeled” in the heels department!

A cute (and sensible) mid-heel: Sharlene by Kate Spade

Medium or low heels: These can be a good in-between choice: You still have a little extra height but can potentially avoid tottering down the aisle. Many brides choose this as the perfect compromise; there are many styles available and they really do look beautiful with any style gown. Go for a sleek satin look for understated elegance or a jeweled shoe to add a little more bling to your outfit.

Style and comfort in glamorous flat shoes: Renee by Benjamin Adams

Flats: If you’re tall – or simply uncomfortable in heels – flats are the shoe for you. You could go for a sandal or a closed toe style depending on what you’re comfortable in; flats are really versatile and very much in style at the moment, too. You can get a flat style to match literally any wedding gown you choose, too. All in all, flats are an extremely comfortable choice for a day in which you’ll be likely to spend a lot of time on your feet!

Boots, sneakers or other shoes: The ultimate in comfort, alternative shoes won’t go with just any wedding outfit! But for the more unconventional bride they could be just the answer. A Western theme wedding would naturally involve cowboy boots and if you’re getting married somewhere unusual, sneakers might fit the bill. You’re also unlikely to wear expensive high heels if you’re getting married mid-skydive or underwater…

Barefoot jewelry: The absolute perfect choice for a beach wedding, barefoot jewelry is a beautiful alternative to shoes. Feel the sand between your toes as you sparkle down the shore toward your sweetheart. Some styles are simply packed with rhinestones and crystal – they’re bound to make an incredible impression on your guests and your sweetheart alike.

Whichever shoes you decide upon, the most important factor will probably be comfort, even in high heeled styles. The last thing you’ll want at the end of your perfect day is a blister, after all.

Jeanne Bowyer writes about Westchester wedding venues  and shares wedding business marketing tips for the bridal business.