When the big day arrives and you’re ready to take on your betrothed as your lawfully wedded spouse, you don’t need to be distracted by foot pain. From the ceremony to the reception, you’ll spend a significant amount of time standing, walking, marching and even dancing. While your feet may not be the star of the show, it’s important that you prepare for their care on the day of your nuptials. Here are some things to think about.

Choose Comfort Over Style

Because of the celebration, you may be tempted to prioritize fashion when deciding on shoes. After all, you’ve put in time and effort on your appearance, from finding the right outfit to making sure that hair or makeup is on point. Plus, there are official wedding photos to be taken. Fashion must rule above all, right? Consider not being able to fully enjoy the reception because your feet are in pain. That’s not a good look, so you should go with footwear that is comfortable. If you absolutely have to have those pointy shoes with the stiletto heels or those stiff leather wingtips, consider wearing those for the photos and bringing a comfier pair to slip into throughout the day.

Go for a Test Run

It’s not a good idea to wear your shoes for the first time on your special day. Everyday footwear needs a break-in period, and your wedding pair is no different. Consider wearing your shoes for an hour each day in the days leading up to your wedding. Practice walking and dancing in them to get used to how they feel in various activities. You wouldn’t want to discover that they’re fine for walking but terrible for dancing during the reception. This break-in period helps soften and stretch your shoes. Remember, you should be tying the knot, not putting your feet in knots.

Add Some Cushioning

Sometimes a little cushioning can make all the difference on your feet after a long day. While some dress shoes include some cushioning, consider adding inserts that improve support and softness. Recognize that just as not all feet are the same, not all footwear inserts are either. Look for products that provide support where you need it most. For example, you might benefit from an insert that provides support to the ball or the arch. These products come in a variety of materials such as gel and foam to give you the comfort and secure fit that you’ll need.

Let Your Feet Breathe

Go with shoes that are breathable. The airflow helps keep your feet cool, dry and comfortable, especially for a long day. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony during the warmer months, consider going for more casual attire that calls for sandals or flip-flops. These summery styles tend to be easy on your feet. Choose footwear that are high-quality and offer support for the balls or arches of your feet. You shouldn’t sacrifice support and stability for ventilation. Consider going barefooted, especially if the ceremony is held somewhere like a beach.

Protect Your Skin

One of the factors for foot pain comes from blisters and bruises on your skin. The constant rubbing of your shoes against your feet can cause chafing that leads to painful blisters, especially after a day of keeping up with the physical demands of a marriage ceremony and reception. There are specific products designed for this use, but you may also benefit from rubbing something like deodorant on both your skin and your shoes’ interior surfaces to reduce friction that leads to skin irritation.

When you’re preparing to say “I do,” there are many things to account for, from ceremony details to your attire and that of other members of the wedding party. Don’t neglect your feet as you consider sartorial choices for the big day. You’ll be on your feet for much of the day, and it’s important to make sure that your footwear is comfortable, cushioning and supportive.