The key to staying ageless? We’re not totally sure, but from the looks of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, it may be making people laugh — and being in a happy marriage! The former Seinfeld star celebrated her 29th wedding anniversary with husband Brad Hall in typical 2016 style by posting a throwback photo of her wedding on Instagram — lucky us.

The 55-year-old actress shared a black and white photo of her 1987 nuptials (see the picn below), in which she is decked out in a puffy-sleeved ball gown with lace ruffles along the neckline and sleeves, channeling a total ’80s vibe (not that we’re complaining). She captioned the photo, “29 years ago today. A good choice. #remain,” the hashtag being a subtle dig at the British “Brexit” decision from last week. Her hair was pulled back in a low chignon, and she donned a cathedral-length veil, holding a bouquet of loose white blooms. Just a short while later, the native New Yorker posted a present-day selfie of her and her hubs, proving that she, literally, doesn’t age.

The Veep star has been happily married to Hall for 29 years, after they met while attending Northwestern University, according to People, and she notes that it really was love at first sight. “There were a couple of moments, some of which I will not share,” the comedian joked, “But I would say that I knew almost immediately [that he was the one]. It’s really the truth.” The couple met when the Louis-Dreyfus was trying out for one of Hall’s plays on campus.

Fast-forward to the present, and the two have two children together and almost 30 years of marriage under their belts. Unless her real-life dance moves resemble that of her character Elaine’s on Seinfeld (which to most would be a total deal breaker), it appears that the two are definitely in it for long haul.

The comedian says that her secret to staying young is partly due to her happy marriage, but we’re thinking it may also have to do with some magic elixir or potion she’s drinking, too. Or maybe eating cake? Spill your anti-aging secrets, girl!

See More: How to Get Gorgeous Skin Overnight (Just In Time for Your Wedding)

29 years ago today. A good choice. #remain

A photo posted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@officialjld) on Jun 25, 2016 at 12:45pm PDT

Trying not to get birthday cake on my dress. Although it would be worth it. @susiecakesbakery #veep

A photo posted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@officialjld) on Jan 16, 2016 at 6:10pm PST

Tonight's lovely episode of @veephbo is entitled #cuntgate & is directed by this lovely man who is married to this lovely cunt.

A photo posted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@officialjld) on May 29, 2016 at 5:05pm PDT

Getting my Amtrack drunk on. Headed to DC for @veephbo #veep

A photo posted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@officialjld) on Feb 26, 2016 at 5:00pm PST

Home again home again jiggity jig. #goldenglobes #veep

A photo posted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@officialjld) on Jan 10, 2016 at 11:10pm PST

An engagement is a huge milestone in and of itself. But before you hit it, our experts say, there are a few big moments you must experience. Here are six of them.

1. You’re comfortable with one another’s friends and families.
Before you get engaged, you should reach a place where you’re comfortable in each other’s social circles, says Jane Greer, Ph.D., relationship expert and author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruing Your Relationship. “You want to be able to bring your partner to family events and happenings with friends, and you want to feel like they’re becoming a part of your network,” she explains. “It’s important that they not only meet these people in your life, but that they begin to demonstrate their compatibility.”

2. You’ve taken a trip together.
A little getaway is not only good for your relationship, but “traveling together is a great way to get to know each other outside of your safe bubble,” says April Masini, a New York-based relationship and etiquette expert. “When you run up against the unexpected — whether it’s lost reservations, missed planes, facing danger on a zip line or swimming with sharks or sting rays, or some other more banal surprise like a food poisoning or simply bargaining with street vendors — you learn a lot about your partner.”

3. You’ve hit a financial groove that works for you both.
You don’t have to (and probably shouldn’t) join your bank accounts before you get engaged. But, says Geer, “you should be able to establish a working financial plan that makes room for your individual as well as joint needs. If you’re not living together, you can still have this in place. For example, perhaps one person pays for dinners out while the other pays for weekend entertainment.” The important thing is, she says, “it feels balanced for the both of you.”

See More: Things No One Tells You About Getting Engaged

4. You feel secure sharing a living space.
You don’t have to live together before you get engaged. But it’s important to hit the milestone of being comfortable in one another’s living spaces before you talk about combining your households, says Greer. “If you’re visiting each other’s homes, then you should see each other helping out with responsibilities, like making the coffee in the morning, making the bed, and more,” she says. “Get a sense of how well you’re able to be considerate of each other’s needs, like if someone needs privacy to talk on the phone.”

5. You’ve babysat together.
If you want children one day, it’s a good idea to gauge whether you can take on this important task with your partner, Masini says. “Babysitting a neighbor’s child or a niece or nephew is a great way to see how you each are with kids,” she says. “If you want to have a family one day, this experience will give you insight into his feelings and his way with kids, and it also gives him the opportunity to see you in a new light. Many times couples have no idea how their partner will be with kids, but this experience hedges against that unknown.”

6. You’ve had one big fight — and pulled through.
No one likes to fight. But having a serious disagreement and proving to one another you can pull through is an important milestone before marriage, Greer says. “Have at least one, if not more, big disagreement where you had a hard time seeing your partner’s point of view, but you were able to accept your differences and move forward,” she describes. “Be in a problem-solving mode with your partner so you know you can resolve each other’s differences without it being an ever-present area of contention.”

It can be tough to remember that weddings aren’t just about the couple, says Jaclyn Fisher, owner of Philadelphia-based Two Little Birds Planning. But your wedding guests matter big time, too. “While a wedding is about celebrating their love, it’s important for couples to remember that they are hosting their guests, and as good hosts, their guests’ comfort and happiness should be top-of-mind,” Fisher says.

But luckily, says Viva Max Kaley, New York-based wedding planner and creator of Viva Max Weddings, “happiness for guests can be pretty straightforward. They want to know what they’re doing, where they’re going, and what’s expected of them.” So here, according to our experts, is how to give them what they need and keep them happy as clams on your big day.

1. A comprehensive wedding website.
Everyone seems to have a wedding website these days. But the ones that stand out to guests, says Fisher, are those that include all the details about the big day. Think: the dates, times, and addresses of all wedding-related events; the hotel room block information with the hotel’s phone number, address, and a link to the booking site; transportation details if applicable; and recommendations of restaurants, shopping, and area attractions. “The unknown can be stressful,” explains Fisher, “so communicating the details to your guests will make it easier for them to book their travel, plan their weekend, and enjoy their time with you.”

2. Well-stocked welcome bags.
Says Fisher, “Nothing is nicer than getting a gift bag of goodies at hotel check in.” But even better, she says, is when that goody bag is stuffed to the brim with useful items such as snacks, water, location information, and hangover helpers. “Don’t forget to include a welcome letter reiterating the shuttle information and wedding details,” Fisher adds. “And be sure to include the venue address for those driving themselves.”

3. Seeing the happy couple.
The easiest way to make your guests very happy? Be happy yourselves, Kaley says. “People are watching you,” she explains. “They spent time and energy to celebrate your new love and this new chapter in your life. And if you’re negative, the mood of the event will feel negative.” So if you’re feeling stressed or facing a wedding day disaster, “try to take a moment to feel out a way to be with your guests in a positive and gracious way,” Kaley suggests. “If you’re smiling, appreciating, and being joyous with your friends and family, that’s what will make your guests the happiest.”

4. Clearly marked wedding signage.
Wedding signs are the way you’ll communicate the details of the day, such as shuttle departure times, what signature drink you’re serving at the bar, and which direction they’ll want to head in order to find the outdoor lounge. “Good signage is especially important if your venue is spread out or if you have activities such as a photo booth or lawn games,” says Fisher. “You worked hard to plan these details and signage will make sure your guests can find and enjoy everything.”

See More: What to Tell Wedding Guests Before the Ceremony

5. Passed drinks at cocktail hour.
Says Fisher, “Nobody likes waiting in line to get a drink — your wedding guests included.” By having servers at-the-ready to greet your guests with beer, wine, water, and even a signature cocktail, “you will eliminate a long line at the start of your reception,” says Fisher. Bonus drink tip: “Offering guests wine service with dinner lets guests sit, relax, and enjoy their meal without worrying about constant trips to the bar,” Fisher says.

6. A variety of food.
Not everyone is a meat eater, nor can everyone stomach tofu. “Be prepared for different palettes with a variety of food options for your guests,” says Fisher. “Guests will remember bad food or being hungry because there weren’t options that were appealing to them.” When you plan your menu, cover all the bases. “Have an assortment of passed hors d’oeuvres at cocktail hour, including one that features chicken, another that is fish, a steak option, and at least one vegetarian item,” Fisher says.

7. Amenities in the restrooms.
Your guests might not slip into the reception restroom just to go to the bathroom. And by offering bathroom amenities or baskets, you could be helping them out in a time of minor crisis, like a wardrobe malfunction. “It’s a wedding detail that makes guests feel well taken care of,” she explains. “The baskets should include items such as Band-Aids, for those who forgot to break in their shoes; a sewing kit and pins, for unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions; and mints, to keep everyone feeling minty fresh.”

8. Heartfelt thank you notes.
Your guests may have spent good money on your gift, and sending them a thank you card “ensures they’re confident that you received their gift,” says Kaley. “Mailing something from a registry can feel like a removed process, with guests often wondering if it ever arrived. Putting an envelope in a box at the wedding is also a bit mysterious for some guests, who wonder if you saw their gift. Writing a thank you note eases their concerns and lets them know their gift was received.”

Monique Lhuillier is no stranger to the red carpet. The designer’s dresses have walked down the famous crimson carpets at the Oscars, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and more. But there’s another important walk where Monique Lhuillier has become a celebrity staple: the walk down the wedding aisle! And if her shopping spree yesterday is any indication, Julianne Hough will join the ranks of Reese Witherspoon, Lauren Conrad and more celebrity brides, by wearing a Monique Lhuillier wedding dress on her big day.

Dancing With the Stars alum Julianne Hough — who’s been engaged to hockey player Brooks Laich since August 2015 — has wedding dress shopping on the brain! The fabulously fit star looks to finally be getting her wedding plans together, and as we know, it all starts with the dress. According to the Daily Mail, Hough was spotted in Los Angeles, shopping at Monique Lhuillier’s West Hollywood boutique. Hough browsed the racks of beautiful lace wedding dresses, and took the time to look at some bridesmaid dresses and ready-to-wear options as well.

Is it too soon to say she’s found the one? Not if Ms. Lhuillier’s former clientele has anything to do with it. We imagine Hough would proudly join the ranks of fashion-forward celebrity brides who donned Monique Lhuillier on their big day. Remember the awe-inspiring blush gown Reese Witherspoon chose to wed Jim Toth in 2011? Monique! Lauren Conrad‘s fit-and-flare number from her 2014 wedding to William Tell was another classic Monique Lhuillier gown. Ashley Tisdale’s boho-inspired look, another nod to Monique Lhuillier. Naya Rivera, Stacy Keibler, Savanna Guthrie, Alicia Silverstone, Vanessa Minnillo, Kristin Cavallari, Carrie Underwood — the list of Monique Lhuillier’s celebrity brides goes on and on. Even Britney Spears slipped into a Monique wedding dress for her infamous wedding to Kevin Federline!

See More: Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2017 Wedding Dress Collection

So, does this shopping trip mean Hough is saying yes to a Monique Lhuillier dress? Only time will tell. Either way, we’re glad to see Hough’s wedding plans are finally shaping up after the Grease star joked with Entertainment Tonight last week, saying, “We might get married in 10 years. Who knows?” Dress shopping is a sign that we’ll be singing “Here comes the bride” before we know it! Phew.

Russell Brand has a new leading lady in his life! The actor, who was previously married to Katy Perry, is rumored to be engaged to Laura Gallacher. But the rumor mill doesn’t stop there for this cute couple — the pair is said to be expecting their first child together, too!

The 41-year-old comedian and his 27-year-old love reportedly told friends and family about the exciting news during an engagement party at his riversie home in Oxfordshire over the weekend, the Daily Mail reports. The “hippie-style” engagement party included a few famous attendees such as Laura’s sister, Kirsty Gallacher, who is an English television presenter, as well as Susie Amy, one of the stars of the British TV show Footballers’ Wives — these two even shared some Instagrams of the event, so we can get a glimpse of the festivities.

Kirsty Gallacher captioned one pic of her and Susie Amy: “Gorgeous day with @susieamy et al Brand/Gallacher family day!”

On a photo of her and her sister Laura, Kirsty wrote: “Congratulations to my gorgeous sister @daisypoppets.”

One other detail we can’t get over? During the engagement party, guests reportedly mingled with the couple’s animals, which includes a giant tortoise named Turbo.

The rumored bride-to-be is also rumored to be five (or six, reports are mixed) months pregnant with Brand’s first child. “Russell didn’t want a big fuss this time after his very public relationship with Katy,” a source revealed to The Sun. “Laura is also keen to keep their romance low-key, so the small, intimate party was very much in keeping with their ‘homebods’ image.”

“As they are becoming parents, Russell wanted to do the right thing and make Laura his wife,” the source continued. “She’s delighted he asked.”

Russell Brand is getting married again! https://t.co/kF5M97GLBE pic.twitter.com/MJJrIlBTkJ

— Metro Entertainment (@Metro_Ents) June 28, 2016

Sounds like the couple, who are old friends and previously dated in 2007 and 2009, might make it down the aisle before Brand’s ex-wife, who has been making headlines recently for her steamy relationship with Orlando Bloom.

Relationship rumors between Bloom and Perry first started swirling when the duo was spotted flirting at January’s Golden Globes after-parties, and then in March it was finally confirmed that that pair was officially an item. “Katy likes how down to earth Orlando is,” the insider told E! News. “They seem to be getting serious and are an official couple. She calls him her boyfriend.” Since then, the actor and pop star have been packing on the PDA during tropical vacays (Perry even posted a little peek into their Cannes vacay! Social media official, y’all!), award shows, even lunch dates! Consider these two basically our “Teenage Dream!” But now things are apparently getting even more serious and a new special and sparkly piece of jewelry just might be in Perry’s future.

While many people would happily campaign for something on behalf of a friend or loved one, they may have a hard time asking for things for themselves. We’re taught when we’re little that asking for too much is a surefire way to lose friends and damage our reputation. The nagging partner, the annoying employee—they’re almost like fairytale characters warning us not to be too demanding of those around us. No wonder we find ourselves adrift in adulthood with intense anxiety surrounding asking for change.

Standing up for what you need can be challenging. Even the thought of asking can be nerve wracking, most often because we immediately jump to the “what if” consequences of such a request.

“If I ask for a raise, I might just get fired.”

“If I ask to take our relationship to the next level, he’ll freak out and break up with me.”

“If I ask her to be less self-interested when we hang out, it’ll end our friendship.”

So we don’t ask. The situation continues and worsens. We grow more and more frustrated and find ourselves steeped in resentment, feelings of being undervalued or taken advantage of, and worried our relationships could fall apart at any moment. We get into arguments. We create grudges. We explosively quit our jobs.

It would be so much easier to preemptively address these issues, or at least address them before they blow up, by bringing them to the attention of the other interested parties in a way that is productive, respectful and positive. That is to say, more likely to elicit the response we desire.

Here’s how to ask for what you want and need without burning bridges.

Acknowledge you will need to communicate
At the heart of most interpersonal frustration is a lack of clear communication, particularly in instances where one party feels unheard or unvalued by the other. We can’t assume our bosses, partners or friends know what we’re thinking, and if we don’t get the message across succinctly, we can’t expect them to change their behavior or provide us with something we need. You will need to say something—and yes, face-to-face is probably going to yield better results than a text or a haphazard email.

Plan a specific time to make your request
Casually yelling after your boss as they get off the elevator isn’t an effective way to communicate what you need. Ask for a meeting at their convenience, or set up a walk-and-talk with a friend by introducing the idea broadly: “I’d love to chat about the projects coming up” or “I would love to take you for coffee to chat about what happened last week.” Putting it on the books gives you time to prepare and increases the likelihood the other person will be in a receptive headspace.

Figure out why you’re asking before you ask
Deep down, what are you asking for? Chances are, it’s not something outrageous. If you’re hoping to be looped into more project planning conversations at work, perhaps you’re looking to feel more utilized and valued within your team. If you’re hoping your partner will spend more time talking to you than looking at their iPhone in the evening, perhaps you’re looking to feel more connected with that person. As with any goal, having a clear motivation is essential to seeing it play out as you wish.

Be specific when asking for what you want
Bad news: Passive aggressive hints don’t work. Get clear on why you want the thing you’re asking for, then formulate a list of outcomes that will allow you to know your desired result has happened.

What does the result look like? Is it being cc’ed on emails concerning a certain project? Is it having a friend show up on time for plans? Is it having a daily technology blackout from 8 p.m. onwards?

Refer back to your motivation for asking for these things and use it to justify your ask.

“It feels to me like we spend a lot of time in the same room ignoring each other while we’re on Facebook. I would love to feel more connected when we spend time together. What would you think of implementing an iPhone-free policy after 8 p.m.?”

Preparing these points in advance can help guide the conversation so that you’re able to clearly articulate what you need, why you need it and steps you’d like to take to get there. Having a timeline, such as “in the next two weeks” or “before Christmas,” can also provide some structure for the other party to work within and helps create a realistic delivery everyone can understand.

Similarly, when asking for a raise, do your research. Come prepared with points that have real weight behind them: your successes at work to date, the compensation for your job industry-wide, your future potential and big ideas that would make a raise seem not only logical, but deserved.

Avoid complaining
Nothing will shut down your request more quickly than a bad attitude or an it’s-not-fair approach. Let’s compare the following:

“Nancy, I think it’s complete BS that Rachel is being bumped up to director. She barely does any work and she always leaves early. It was a huge mistake to promote her. It should have been me.”

“Nancy, I’ve heard Rachel will be made a director next month. I wonder if you might be open to discussing my path in the company. Directorship is definitely an avenue I’m interested in, and I’d love to know more about how my skill set—and my successes here to date—could put me on a path to that level.”

Your request will be more respected if it comes from a place of positive forward movement, rather than throwing someone else under the bus. Show that you have the drive and the proven results to justify a promotion. After all, asking in itself is a demonstration of your professionalism.

Confidence is key
You’re unlikely to get more than what you ask for, so be bold and aim high. You don’t need to be rude or aggressive$just confident. If you can convey to the other party that you are worthy of that promotion or not being stood up, they’ll be more likely to agree.

You’ll be more likely to get at least a portion of what you need, especially if you go big. Maybe your partner won’t be ready to move in together if you ask to take things to the next level (and there could be many reasons for that), but perhaps they’d be willing to share keys or have more overnight visits each week. If you’re open to a little compromise, you might find you’re still better off than having not asked at all. The key, though, is still to ask as though you’re worthy of the outcome you want.

Recognize that having your needs met is key to meeting others’ needs
A wise woman I know likes to say, “When mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy,” and it’s true. You will most definitely need to consider your own happiness, particularly if you’re the kind of person who strives to make others’ lives easier by meeting their needs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or under-appreciated, your capacity to give is diminished. Asking for what you need, especially if it’s some support, will only help you to serve others better.

ClassPass is a monthly membership that connects you to more than 8,000 of the best fitness studios worldwide. Have you been thinking about trying it? Start now on the Base Plan and get five classes for your first month for only $19.

For your big day, you have to look and feel like the best version of yourself — and that includes rocking perfectly polished fingers and toes. Get your nails wedding day-ready with a mani and pedi at one of these six San Francisco nail havens.

Lux SF
A manicure and pedicure at this luxurious nail boutique kicks off with an aromatherapy footbath followed by an exfoliating scrub, both of which will leave your hands and feet feeling super soft. Next, let all your wedding planning worries melt away during your arm and leg massage. The relaxing session culminates with a few coats of your favorite polish.

Nob Hill Spa at the Scarlet Huntington
As soon as you throw on your eye mask and aromatherapy neck warmer and sink into the plush recliners at this serene spa, you’ll experience 80 minutes of uninterrupted bliss while their nail technicians skillfully shape, buff, and polish your nails to perfection.

Milk +
Sip complimentary tea while your hands and feet get pampered at this airy salon. You can’t go wrong with the signature organic milk mani and pedi soak, which will infuse your skin with nourishing vitamins and minerals and deliver baby-soft results for your wedding day.

Silk
Ideal for the bride on a budget, this charming nail spot offers major pampering for reasonable prices. Essential oils, heated towels, warm hand lotion, indulgent soymilk and honey footbaths, and designer polishes by the likes of Chanel, Christian Dior, Estee Lauder, make this nail sanctuary an all around winner.

See More: Now Adorn Those Freshly-Polished Fingers with Some Dazzling Pieces from these Local Wedding Jewelers!

Zaza Nail Spa
Your hands and feet are in for a treat at Zaza Nail Spa. The signature manicure is the perfect mix of results and relaxation thanks to a decadent mango scrub and butter mango cream massage. For your feet, opt for the Refresh-Mint pedicure and dip your feet into a soothing mint tea bath and enjoy a peppermint sugar soufflé scrub, followed by and a paraffin-dip finale.

Mizu Spa
Find respite amid all your wedding day preparations at this sleek minimalistic nail spa. For fresh nails that will last through the ceremony and the honeymoon, ask for a gel mani and pedi. To boot, this spot’s groom-friendly gentlemen’s mani and pedi services will ensure that both you and your boo have fine looking fingers and toes when you tie the knot.

Your nails may be on fleek, but what about your wedding day hair and makeup? Find the best local bridal beauty experts on our San Francisco Beauty page!

Oh, baby! Have we’ve got an issue for you! The August/September 2016 issue of BRIDES is extra adorable thanks to our cover stars, Australian super model Nicole Trunfio and her little one, Zion, who clearly inherited some serious modeling chops from his famous mama. But does double the cover stars mean double the insanely gorgeous wedding inspiration? You bet! Let’s dive right in, shall we?

Hippie-chic brides, rejoice! We’re taking you behind-the-scenes at Nicole Trunfio’s Coachella-inspired wedding to Gary Clark Jr., full of A-list reception performers (duh.), flower crowns (obviously.), and envy-worthy designer duds by Steven Khalil and YolanCris (swoon…).

Still with us or do you need a moment to collect yourselves, because we’re about to hit wedding inspiration overload! We’ve got 22 full pages of Real Weddings, chock full of so many dreamy big day details, it’s like your wedding Pinterest board has come to life! One couple even used 60,000 flowers throughout their nuptials. Just let that sink in for a moment. Sixty. Thousand. R.I.P our big day blooms budget — this is our now #WeddingFlowerGoals!

We’ve also rounded up the industry’s best of the best — including Carolina Herrera, Kelly Wearstler, Hannah Bronfman, and Sarah Jessica Parker (have y’all seen her new bridal shoe line?!) — to answer all of your burning bridal questions. And if you’re on the hunt for that elusive perfect dress, we’ve got you covered with our list of the top bridal salons in America. Saunter into any of these luxe tulle wonderlands and you’re pretty much guaranteed to be walking out with the wedding dress of your dreams — and one less thing on your to-do list!

Also on the agenda for August/September are 439 (you can count them if you don’t believe us!) ideas for a breathtakingly beautiful celebration &mash; from easy-peasy wedding décor tips, to sleek and sophisticated color palettes, and the prettiest wedding dresses fresh off the bridal runways. And if that’s not enough to make you swoon, we’re even showing you how to plan your entire big day from your phone. Didn’t think it was possible, huh? Trust us — anything is possible when you’re a bride-to-be!

See More: The Top 23 Wedding Trends for Summer 2016

Subscribe to BRIDES now for the best wedding dresses, advice, and big-day inspiration.

The seating arrangements are complete, your bags almost packed… it’s time to jet off to your fabulous destination wedding! You’ve been carefully stitching the details of your wedding together over the last year and read every blog on how to masterfully organize this special occasion, but there may be some items left off of those check lists you’ve downloaded.

Here are a few last-minute tricks and tips that will earn you that “best bride” badge and ensure your wedding will be smooth sailing and a rocking good time.

1. Send a token of appreciation (a simple thank you note does the trick!) to your wedding planner and photographer BEFORE you arrive for your wedding — they are the two who will be on their feet working all weekend. A sweet note will set a positive tone and let them know you acknowledge their hard work and dedication, and get them excited to go above and beyond for you on your wedding.

2. Sometimes luggage gets lost. It’s an extremely unfortunate situation. To avoid a full blown panic in the event yours does get lost, pack your wedding shoes and rehearsal dinner dress in your carry-on as a safety measure. This goes for your fiancé and bridal party, too! Ask them to pack their custom wedding threads in their carry-on so there’s no chance of a last minute fashion emergency.

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Air travel is extremely dehydrating — not only for your insides, but your outside too. Add moisturizing facial masks to your purse for use in-flight, lather your arms and legs in lotion once you reach altitude, and swap the complimentary champagne for good old H2O. Your bridal portraits will thank you.

4. Keeping your vendors hydrated is important as well! Your valued wedding team will be working in the hot sun all weekend, make sure they have plenty of refreshments throughout the set up days.

5. Make sure your guests are aware of any travel restrictions prior to departure, and that they’re greeted with a guide of local things to do, the wedding activities schedule, and transportation details, etc. The more they’re informed, the less they will look to you for help throughout the weekend. Don’t fret if you haven’t arranged for this, a modern day email to your guests before they hit the airport will be greatly appreciated.

6. Ignoring a rain plan in hopes the weather won’t act up is not recommended. Outline a backup rain plan BEFORE you take off for your wedding — if you leave it to the day before or even the morning of, you risk unavailability of rental tents as well as increased pre-marital stress levels. When you are certain of your plan B, you’ll be able to concentrate on other important wedding activities, like spending quality time with your guests.

7. Tropical and lake locales mean… mosquitos. Have your venue fog the property the day before and the morning of your wedding to keep those pesky insects at bay. For an added layer of protection, ask the catering staff to spray the bottom of your dining table linens with a Deet insect repellent so guests’ feet can remain bite-free and on the dance floor where they belong!

8. Provide a basket of amenities at each of your wedding events. Include items your guests may have forgotten at home or can’t easily buy locally, such as: sunscreen, Advil, Tums, allergy medication, bug spray, hand fans, feminine products, mints, kids coloring books and crayons, etc. It’s a nice gesture that goes a long way in making your guests feel comfortable.

9. Hire a golf cart for the weekend to escort your elderly guests to and from each wedding activity on the grounds. They are your most precious guests, and giving them a little hand during the weekend after traveling great distances will let them enjoy your wedding events for a longer timeframe.

See More: 10 Things to Know Before Planning a Destination Wedding

Alexis Eskenazi is the founder of AE&Co., a full-service event design & production company based in Los Angeles, California. She has over 10 years of experience producing elite weddings and celebrations around the globe under notable celebrity wedding planners, and now brings her own unique and fresh perspective to the wedding scene.

I’ll be the first to admit that bridal privilege has gotten a little out of hand in recent years. Yes, it’s your big day. Yes, in theory, the bride should get whatever she wants. But some Bridezilla-esque requests are, in my professional opinion, downright unreasonable.

You know you’ve read stories about crazy brides who drag all their girlfriends to a fitness bootcamp so they look better in their dresses, and brides who intentionally choose unflattering bridesmaid dresses to ensure they’ll be the prettiest girl up front. Or that one bride who asked her bridesmaids to pay for her $10,500 wedding dress. It’s horrible.

With that said, there are three things you cannot do, even if you’re the bride:

1. You can’t force your bridesmaids to spend money that they do not have.
This seems obvious, right? Unfortunately, too many brides forget how the expenses add up in the enthusiasm of planning their weddings. Not only do the members of the bridal party have to buy their dresses, shoes and any other accoutrement you’re requiring, but they may also have to pay for travel, accommodations, and take time off from work to be there for all of your wedding events. Adding on a destination bachelorette trip to the Dominican Republic a month before your wedding may just be the expense that breaks the piggy bank’s back. Even if your girls have room on their credit cards, they may feel a little bitter resentment about taking on the additional debt.

2. You cannot tell your bridesmaids to change their shape to fit into a dress of your choosing if it doesn’t work for the way they are built now.
No one chooses their friends based on their shape (I hope), and that means you have to be accommodating to your wedding party when you start shopping for bridesmaid dresses. If even one member of your wedding party would look really bad in the dress you’ve chosen, find another dress that you like. You’ve asked them to do you the honor of being a bridesmaid, you don’t have the right to ask them to lose weight, work out, or wear something that makes them feel uncomfortable and unattractive. Most friends will suck it up (and suck it in) to make the bride happy, but they will likely be miserable for the entire event, knowing they not only look terrible, but they’re being photographed from every angle in the offending dress.

3. You cannot ask a member of your wedding party to change their appearance in a way that they can’t undo after your reception is finished.
Recently, BRIDES covered the bridezilla who asked a bridesmaid to dye her hair to match the rest of the wedding party. The bridesmaid, a natural red head, was horrified, and rightly so. That’s a completely unfair and unreasonable request. You knew what your friends looked like when you asked them to be in your wedding party. If you’re crazy enough to want something as drastic as a change to hair color, the bridesmaid should have been told before she accepted the invitation to be in your wedding.

See More: The 49 Mistakes Bridesmaids Always Make

Sandy Malone is the owner of Sandy Malone Weddings & Events and author of How to Plan Your Own Destination Wedding: Do-It-Yourself Tips from an Experienced Professional. Sandy is the star of TLC’s reality show Wedding Island, about her destination wedding planning company, Weddings in Vieques.