3 Tools to Get You Through Writing Wedding Thank-You Notes

Receiving wedding gifts is one of the fun parts of getting married. It’s a time when you score some seriously practical kitchen accessories and of course, cold hard cash to help you start your married life. But after the wedding ends, one wedding task that’s not going out of style anytime soon is the time-consuming task of sending thank-you notes.

Wondering when you’ll have the time and energy to handwrite thank you notes to each and every one of your guests? You can speed up the task with these three tools that’ll help you check this off your to-do list without picking up a pen.

1. Type-Written Notes are Not Taboo
Couples are moving away from sending paper invites and using e-vites instead. It’s no longer taboo to also send a digital thank you card to your guests, post-wedding. You can create a few templates for family and friends and then send out personal thank you notes by just typing them out on your computer.

2. Thank-You Note Websites That Send the Mail For You
Looking for a place that’s just for creating thank-you notes? There are several websites that let you type out authentic thank-you notes to each of your guests, so it feels like you’re still doing the time consuming task (without the hand cramps). Two of our favorites are Thankster and Postable — which actually mail the note for you once it is written.

3. Google Docs
While you can’t write your thank-you notes in a google doc to share with your guests (wishful thinking!), you can keep track of who gave what using google docs. This tool will make it infinitely easier to access your gift list whenever you strike up a mood to do your thank you notes. Keeping it digital avoids the headache of potentially misplacing the list or leaving the list at home during a long weekend when you’re ready to tackle that task.

See More:
How to Send Unique Thank-You Notes for All Your Wedding Gifts

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

Lizzy Caplan is Engaged! See the Mean Girls Actress' Stunning Engagement Ring

Lizzy Caplan

Photo: Getty Images

Two Mean Girls engagement announcements in one week? Now that’s so fetch! Earlier this week, the news hit that Daniel Franzese, a.k.a. the hilarious Damian, is planning to wed his partner, Joseph Bradley Phillips. And now, another star of the 2004 cult classic just announced that they’re tying the knot: Franzese’s on-screen BFF Lizzy Caplan, who played Janis Ian in the hit film. And guys, her engagement ring is gorgeous enough to make even teen queen Regina George majorly jealous.

Caplan, who is currently starring on the Showtime drama Masters of Sex, is officially engaged to her British actor beau Tom Riley. And it turns out that this to-be wedded couple has been keeping their nuptial news a secret since May! The engagement rumors began swirling when Caplan was spotted out and about earlier this month with a new super sparkler on that finger, and on Friday July 22, the actress’ reps finally confirmed the celebratory news to E! Online. Now about that ring…

Lizzy Caplan Engagement Ring

Photo: Getty Images

Riley proposed with a round-cut mega-watt diamond sitting atop of a rose gold band — classic, feminine, and super stunning. But while the ring may be traditional don’t expect this actress to turn into a stay-at-home wife once she becomes a Mrs. “I actually romanticize the idea of a stay-at-home dad,” Caplan previously told Elle Canada.

“Partly because I think that’s a very sexy thing, but also because if there are two working actors and both of them get a job and they have a baby, the woman is going to stay with the baby. I see it all the time. It just seems unfair,” she continued. “I don’t want it to be an assumption that I will be the one to stay home and raise the kids.”

Talking about kids already? But what about those wedding plans? Get in loser, we’re going wedding dress shopping!

See More: Memorable Vows from the Best TV and Movie Weddings

BRIDES Northern California: Unique San Francisco Wedding Venues That Will Wow Your Guests

pier 39 forbes island

Photo: Courtesy of PIER 39 on Instagram

Not every bride dreams of a fairytale wedding. And that’s OK! Your celebration should reflect you and your partner’s style and personalities — and if that means bucking tradition, so be it! Picking a uniquely distinctive venue is the perfect way to set the scene for the non-traditional wedding of your dreams. Whether you and your fiancé are animal lovers or Disney enthusiasts, we’ve found four alternative San Francisco wedding locales that will make you jump for joy.

<a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-vendors/detail/venue/35b98b19115df9e2?reviews_sort_by=rating_highest&reviews_page=1"Forbes Island
If you’ve ever fantasized about hosting your wedding on a private island but don’t want to drop major bucks for such a lavish affair, we’ve got good news for you! Forbes Island (shown above) is a one-of-a-kind floating man-made island restaurant situated just a short boat ride away from Pier 39. The moment you step out onto the nautical piece of paradise you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation complete — complete with towering palm trees and a white sand patio. The restaurant’s charming underwater dining room (seats 68) is appointed with portholes to watch sea creatures swim by. Read real brides’ reviews here!

sf zoo

Photo: San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Zoo
If you and your groom-to-be have a soft spot for animals, then look no further than the San Francisco Zoo. The wildlife park offers a variety of event spaces to fit celebrations of all sizes. For an intimate party of 40, go with the Giraffe Lodge and you’ll have the opportunity to feed the towering majestic creatures during the reception. For the ultimate exotic nuptials with a worlds-away feel, book the African Savanna (seats 170) and exchange rings outdoors while zebras and ostriches roam freely in the background. Regardless of where you host your ceremony, be sure to sneak away from the party and take a romantic ride on the Dentzel Carousel with your new spouse. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Decorate Your Unique Venue With One Of Our Favorite Local Florists

Presidio log cabin

Photo: Courtesy of The Presidio

Presidio Log Cabin
Romance is in the air at this historic Log Cabin which was built in 1937. The venue’s large grassy lawn is the perfect place to host a ceremony. You simply can’t beat the panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline in the backdrop. A covered patio offers a cozy space for your guests to enjoy a post-ceremony cocktail hour before heading inside for the reception. With its hardwood dance floors and massive fireplace, the Log Cabin’s interior (seats 150) oozes with rustic splendor. The food will be just as amazing as the venue itself. Lauded Bay Area chef Traci Des Jardins masterminds the catering menu so it will without a doubt be delicious. Read real brides’ reviews here!

walt disney wedding

Photo: Joseph Kohn, IQphoto

Walt Disney Family Museum
Situated on the picturesque Presidio of San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge in the backdrop, the Walt Disney Family Museum is the perfect setting for a magical wedding with a happily ever after. The Fantasia-inspired digital theatre, replete with plush rainbow-colored seats and dramatic lighting, is the ideal whimsical space for Disney-loving couples to exchange vows. Afterwards, move the party into the lobby for an intimate dinner (seats 60) and then explore the interactive galleries that tell the life story of the legendary animator—from his move to Hollywood to the birth of Mickey Mouse to realizing his dream of opening Disneyland.

Still searching for your dream location? We’ve got more options for you on our Local Vendors page!

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3 Wedding Weekends in 2017 That Will Save You Some Cash

Wedding Date Calednar

Photo: Getty Images

One of the very first things you’ll do after getting engaged is pick the date of your wedding. A couple of different factors will influence your decision, including if your venue has availability that date and if the date is affordable. But not all wedding dates are created equal! Some will cost you more because they are more popular, whether that’s because it’s during wedding season or because the location you’re looking to get married at is in-season and the weather is extra phenomenal.

If you’re planning your wedding on a tight budget and looking to pick a date that wont break your bank here are three different date options that’ll save you some cash.

1. Any Friday the 13th
Since the bride and groom are hoping their wedding goes on without any interruptions or problems, they definitely want to eliminate any omen of bad luck, even if they are not normally very superstitious. That’s why picking Friday, the 13th as a wedding date, might save you a lot of money. Just ignore the bad luck part and go on with your wedding day.

2. The First Weekend of January

This is a great option for a wedding for two main reasons. First, it’s after the holiday season so travel prices are less expensive. Also, in most places, it’s cold and cold months, when there aren’t major holidays, will cost you less money.

3. Weekends in the Month of March

The month of March is a great month to get married because It’s not quite wedding season, so venues and vendors will be less expensive and it’s right after the Valentine’s Day rush of weddings so it is likely you’ll get a good price on a venue and that you’ll snag your ideal date.

See More: 6 Wedding Dates to Avoid in 2016 and 2017

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

The Ultimate Guide to Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette

rehearsal dinner table

Photo: JWstudio

Just when you think you’ve finished having to tread carefully to avoid any etiquette faux pas throughout wedding planning, it’s time to plan the rehearsal dinner. While certainly not as time consuming or stressful to plan as your wedding itself, the rehearsal dinner is an important part of your wedding weekend (should you choose to have one) and there are some questions that are bound to pop up. Check out our rehearsal dinner etiquette guide to help navigate your planning for the best possible celebration before the big celebration.

Who Pays?
Traditionally speaking, general etiquette suggests that the groom’s side organizes and pays for the rehearsal dinner, under the traditional assumption that the bride’s family is fronting the wedding. We all know that modern times, finances, etiquette and tradition have expanded and changed, but for super traditional couples — this is the general rule of thumb. For all couples, a general rule is to have an open and honest discussion, similar to that of who’s footing the wedding bill, about your plans, budget, and hopes with both families to ensure a drama and stress-free rehearsal dinner.

How To Properly Invite Guests
All invited guests need to be formally invited, whether it be via a traditional invitation, e-vite or phone call. Formal, sit down dinners at fancy banquet facilities or catering halls typically warrant a formal invitation via snail mail, whereas emails or phone calls will do for more casual, laid back gatherings.

As with any organize event, invited guests should be informed 6-8 weeks prior to the rehearsal dinner date, for planning purposes. Rehearsal dinner guest lists cannot be assumed, as some couples opt for immediate family only, and others invite nearly half their wedding guest list. Let your guests know in a timely and considerate fashion. As far as who to invite, check out our guest-by-guest guide here.

When Should It Be?
For traditional Saturday weddings, rehearsal dinners are most often hosted on the wedding’s eve, directly after rehearsing the wedding ceremony (couples that don’t have an actual rehearsal often opt to still celebrate with a dinner or gathering). For the increasingly popular Sunday or Friday weddings dinners can be hosted the Thursday, Friday or Saturday prior. In regards to timing, plan so that all guests (and the soon-to-be bride and groom, of course) don’t have too late of an evening. After all, the main event is yet to come!

Where Should it Be?
Proximity is key. Aim to have your rehearsal dinner celebration within 20 or so miles of the hotel where you’re guests are staying, and/or nearby the actual rehearsal venue where your ceremony is taking place. Keep in mind that your guests are traveling to celebrate your weekend, so they shouldn’t be expected to travel much more than 45 minutes to your rehearsal dinner. Wherever possible, it’s always appreciated to provide clear directions, or even transportation.

See More: Plan the Perfect Rehearsal Dinner in 9 Simple Steps

Not Your Average Porta-Potty: The Best Portable Restrooms for Your Wedding

portable wedding restrooms

Photo: Getty Images

The amenities included in your wedding venue can be the details that turn it from a beautiful room to a dream location. Stunning views? Award-winning caterer? House-made wines? It’s hard to turn down anything that sounds that good. But one detail that’s often overlooked — and doesn’t necessarily seem like an amenity during your site tour — is the restroom situation. While most built-out venues include enough facilities to accommodate a crowd (have you ever seen a hotel that didn’t have enough restrooms?), it’s the locations that have a different kind of charm where you need to really think about where your guests will, well, go. Whether it’s a remote vineyard, a sprawling farm, or your parents’ backyard, having the necessary restrooms will do wonders for increasing your guests’ comfort at your wedding, though they might know that was the detail that changed their experience for the better. But fear not, standard porta-potties aren’t your only option! Because no bride should have to use a restroom that was dropped off after a stint at a construction site, luxury portable restroom companies are here to save the day.

Across the country, rental companies are providing trailers that are unassuming, clean, and stink-free. From basic models that mimic airline restroom set-ups to multi-stall units with flushable toilets to luxury outfits you would swear are in a brick-and-mortar bathroom, there’s an option to fit any need and any budget.

Located in Chicago, Portable John has been providing services for over 30 years, from standard porta-potties to their highest-end model, the Porta Lisa. Boasting brass hardware, hardwood floors, granite countertops, and solar power — which means your guests will be comfortable no matter how remote your venue.

Throwing a fête in Colorado? The Lavish Loo features a variety of sizes that all include flushing toilets and urinals, sinks with heated running water, soap dispensers, hand towels, and even flowers and mints. An on-site attendant will keep everything fresh throughout your event.

With locations across the country, Royal Restrooms provides all the amenities of an actual restroom, but on wheels. AC and heat? You’ve probably never seen that in a portable restroom before!

When you’re booking a portable restroom for your event, keep a few things in mind. First, will you need a unit that is ADA-accessible? Most major rental companies also offer handicap-accessible options, so be sure to mention your needs when you book. Second, consider hiring an attendant for the duration of the evening (if it’s not offered by your rental company, of course!). You’ll have peace of mind knowing someone is restocking the toilet paper, keeping an eye on the trashcan, and generally keeping everything tidy. And of course, be aware of what your venue’s restroom availability is so that you can choose the correct size to complement what you already have and accommodate your guest list!

See more: The 8 Things That Are Guaranteed to Make Wedding Guests Happy

5 Jaw-Dropping Honeymoon Spots in South Africa &mdash; From Beach to Bush

Karongwe River Lodge South Africa

Photo: Courtesy of Karongwe River Lodge via Facebook

Getting off the grid never looked so good than with a picture-perfect South African honeymoon. Bungalows, beachside villas, beamed tents in the middle of the bush, there’s a reason why this destination continues to top honeymooners’ dream list. Whether you’re looking for city, sea or safari, these five gorgeous spots in South Africa are sure to offer just the right mix of exoticism and excitement for your romantic getaway.

Karongwe River Lodge (Above)
It’s one thing to visit the African bush, but it’s a whole other experience to stay in the heart of it. Head 45 minutes outside one of the most famous parks of them all — Kruger — for a boutique experience on the river at Karongwe. The lodge is the definition of rustic chic: mosquito nets draping delicately around the bed, standing claw-foot tubs in the bathroom, and showers with views right out onto the bush itself, where you’re almost guaranteed to spot one of the Big 5 stomping by.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Photo: Courtesy of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Sitting where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean collide, Grootbos is the kind of mystical place where if you weren’t already in love, it would provide all the right elements to make you fall head over heels at first site. Three times more floral species than the Amazon; twisted, gnarled forests of thousand-year-old Milkwood trees; and the marine big 5 (which includes penguins!) are just the start. Days can be spent on safari: whether that’s hunting for flora before catching the sunset on the beach or setting off to spot Great White sharks (since the capital of these marine kings is right nearby). Once you’ve taken a sundowner, snuggle up in your version of paradise — lodges surrounded by either forest or garden, or better yet, go all-out with a private butler at the 6-suite villa.

12 Apostles South Africa Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of 12 Apostles

12 Apostles
Named after the 12 Apostles mountain range sitting in the distance, this 70-room boutique hotel is tucked away on Cape Town’s most scenic route, known for its stunning sunsets. From the terrace of the Leopard Bar, couples can whale watch without ever having to leave shore, but if they do want to hit the water, the infamous surfer beaches of Camps Bay are just 10 minutes down the road. If you really want the ultimate room with a view, book a spa experience for two at sunset in one of the outdoor gazebos where it’s just you, the hubby and the Atlantic sparkling below.

The Oyster Box South Africa Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of The Oyster Box

The Oyster Box
If the romantic version of Africa Hemingway waxed so poetically about in his novels is what helped fuel this honeymoon decision, keep in theme with a stay at the colonial-style Oyster Box sitting on one of the most picturesque beaches in Durban. In fact, this hotel has drawn local brides for generations tying the knot in its historic, mirror-lined Pearl Room. Start your own tradition with the Heavenly Honeymoon package, getting to know your new hubby in the comfort of your Indian Ocean-facing room over chilled Champagne and locally harvested oysters, staring out at the stars and lighthouse in the backdrop. The sole reason you’ll need an excuse to escape is to indulge in the lavish brunch buffet or a couples’ Hammam ceremony at the only traditional Turkish bath in the country.

Abalone House South Africa

Photo: Courtesy of Abalone House via Facebook

Abalone House
Half the appeal of a honeymoon in Africa is feeling like you’ve jetted off somewhere far-flung. At Abalone House, you’re about as far from city life as you could imagine while still being only a two-hour drive from cosmopolitan Cape Town. The 10-suite boutique beauty sits on the westernmost-point of southern Africa in a tiny fishing town called Paternoster, where the only other tourists in sight are the seals and whales that stop by during season. Inspired by the work of artist Vladimir Tretchikoff, the 10-suite hotel is a bazaar of antique birdcages and Persian rugs swept across stone floors and garden courtyards. Book the best suite in the house, the superior sea view, and you’ll have just that — sweeping views of the water from your rooftop patio, complete with a Jacuzzi for a dip any time of the day (or night).

See More: 20 Honeymoon Destinations for Adventurous Couples

Bachelor Winner Whitney Bischoff is Engaged! Check Out Her Mega-Watt Engagement Ring

Whitney Bischoff is Engaged

Photo: Getty Images

Looks like there’s another wedding on the way within Bachelor nation! Make sure Chris Harrison is on the guest list and grab a bouquet of roses, because there’s no wedding like a Bachelor wedding! This time, it’s previous Bachelor winner Whitney Bischoff who is tying the knot. But sadly, no, it’s not to her Bachelor beau. So who is the lucky guy?

Whitney Bischoff just announced her engagement to Ricky Angel, a Chicago regional sales manager, according to People magazine. Back in March 2015, Chris Soules — the season 15 Bachelor — got down on one knee and choose Bischoff as the winner and his fiancé. Just seven months later however, the reality TV pair had called it quits. But this Midwestern blonde beauty was not one to give up on love. And that sure paid off for this hopeless romantic — in the form of a mega-watt engagement ring!

Bischoff and her new beau told the world that they’re tying the knot through — what else — an Instagram post. The black-and-white snapshot shows the to-be bride and groom smiling on a rooftop with the Chicago skyline in the background. “Whitney Angel has a nice ring to it, y’all!” Bischoff captioned the photo, adding a diamond ring emoji for good measure. Now about her diamond ring…

In the too-cute engagement photo, Bischoff rests her hand on her fiancé’s chest, giving us an oh-so-causal peek at her new sparkler. From the looks of it, the former reality star’s ring appears to feature a round or cushion-cut diamond and sparkle like that just screams a pavé halo or encrusted band. Want to give us a close-up, Bischoff?

Is it too soon to start wedding planning? Who are we kidding? It’s never too soon to start wedding planning! Just make you have a chat with Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell first, Bischoff… Imagine two Bachelor ladies getting married in the same wedding dress!

Whitney Angel has a nice ring to it, yall! ????@rickyrange16

A photo posted by Whitney Bischoff (@whitb624) on Jul 22, 2016 at 7:25am PDT

See More: Watch Bachelor Ben Higgins and Fiancé Lauren Bushnell Play the Pre-Newlywed Game

One Couple Left New York Behind for a Destination Wedding in Charming Savannah, Georgia

The saying goes go big or go home. But when Raul Smith proposed to Dara Rice, he went big and went home, popping the question — along with some champagne — in the couple’s shared apartment. To make the evening even more memorable, the groom-to-be filled the space with pink rose petals and treated Dara to a delicious home-cooked dinner before asking her to be his wife.

So it was only fitting that this couple went big for their day, too! Idyllic Savannah, Georgia, where they couple once escaped for a romantic getaway, was their number one pick for their wedding, with the Southern town’s moss-covered trees, cobblestone streets, and stunning old homes as the main draws. They decided on vows in Forsyth Park followed by a reception at the Mansion at Forsyth Park, meaning they could treat their friends and family to breathtaking scenery and plenty of Southern hospitality. With the help of Posh Petals & Pearls, the couple created a destination wedding that melded Savannah style with both Dara and Raul’s family backgrounds, and Hopkins Studios was there to document the day.

Dara admits that she tried on hundreds of wedding dresses before she slipped on the Kelly Faetanini style she wore on the big day. “For me, it was one of the more stressful parts of wedding planning,” she says. “Everything was nice, but I didn’t really have that a ha moment that everyone talks about. Even when I found my dress, I wasn’t totally convinced until my last fitting when it was finished and altered to fit my body.”

Then, it was clear to Dara she’d made the right choice in selecting the beautiful silk organza fit-to-flare wedding dress, complete with with a raw-edged layered bodice. “I could tell instantly that there was not another dress I was going to buy that would look better on me,” she says.

The couple’s bridesmaids wore a variety of different floor-length chiffon gowns in a gray-purple hue. “My bridesmaids all had very different body types so I wanted them to be able to pick out the dresses that suit them best, while still complementing the color palette,” Dara says. “And I chose that color because I wanted something neutral that would not wash out their skin like a nude or a taupe.”

The bride carried a hand-tied bouquet of peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, and lisianthus in shades of champagne, cream, and peach and finished with with touches of succulents, sprigs of jasmine vines, and maiden hair fern.

Raul and the groomsmen all wore matching tuxedos, but personalized their looks with different cufflinks — gifts from the couple that were engraved with a unique design.

Once the couple decided to host their wedding in Savannah, Dara and Raul knew they wanted to exchange vows outdoors. Forsyth Park offered gorgeous grounds that would be perfect for the ceremony and the property’s towering fountain ended up being their favorite spot. Although the backdrop was already as pretty as could be, the couple added a chuppah that was anchored with ferns and covered in ivory and peach blooms. “I grew up in a reform Jewish family so it was important to me to have a traditional Jewish wedding, including a chuppah and hora dance,” Dara says.

Before the bride walked the petal-strewn aisle, the couple’s flower girl toddled down the pavement. “She was 15-months-old at the wedding and we were really nervous she wouldn’t make it down the aisle,” Dara says “Her father brought a monkey to hold at the chuppah to entice her to walk. She was so excited to see her dad and the monkey that she marched right down the aisle.”

After the bride and groom exchanged traditional vows, they recessed to “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles.

The couple hosted a cocktail hour beneath a white tent in the park’s courtyard. Guests could order the bride and groom’s two signature cocktails (a peach Bellini Mrs. Smitty or a Southern bourbon Mr. Smitty) at an ivy-covered double bar, complete with D and R marquee letters. Cocktail tables were covered in petal-like linens and a lounge area was created using vintage-inspired furniture, a perfect space for guests to relax before they hit the dance floor. “We placed moss-covered books on every coffee table and bar in the courtyard, along with topiary balls and Georgia peaches,” Dara says.

The couple’s reception was held inside Forsyth Mansion, which is located conveniently across the park. “I loved the ballroom because it was so beautiful, glamorous, and unique,” Dara says. “It was different from every other ballroom I’ve seen.” Even so, the bride wanted to make the space feel even more unique to her and Raul, so each table was decorated to have it’s own look and feel. The pair also added a mix of different tables, décor, and even chose three kinds of chairs.

Farm tables were topped with moss runners and low floral arrangements, while round tables were decorated with stone contour linens and towering floral arrangements and curly willow branches. Dara and Raul sat at a sweetheart table marked with “his” and “hers” chair signs.

The couple’s four-tier wedding cake was frosted in vanilla buttercream and included layers of yellow cake with dark chocolate ganache and pecan praline caje with a salted caramel icing.

Music was also important to Dara and Raul, who wanted to give a nod to their respective Jewish and Cuban cultures on the dance floor. “After dinner and some more old fashioned music, we curated the playlist to reflect our heritages and interests,” Dara says. “We kicked off the party with the hora for my family, 30 minutes of Latin music for Raul’s, an hour of hip hop, an electronic dance party, and a finale with Frank Sinatra’s ‘New York, New York.'”

Looking back on their fantastic day, Dara says she’s glad they didn’t take too much on. “Don’t be a hero,” she tells future couples. “DIY is great, but at a certain point, you need to delegate. There’s just too much on your plate to give 100 percent to every single detail.”

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Forsyth Park || Wedding Planner: Posh Petals & Pearls || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Kelly Faetanini || Veil & Jewelry: J. Del Olmo || Shoes: Toms || Hair: Salon Aqua || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo || Groom’s, Groomsmen’s & Ring Bearer Attire: Men’s Wearhouse || Flower Girl Attire: US Angels || Florist: Harvey Designs || Invitations: Dani & Olive || Music: New Arts Ensembles; All About You Entertainment || Cake: Lowcountry Confections || Rentals: Beachview Event Rentals || Videographer: Caleb Suttles || Photographer: Hopkins Studios

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Can’t get enough of this couple’s pretty backdrop? Then check out another Georgia celebration in the video below.

4 Things Grooms Can't Forget When Planning the Bachelor Party

bachelor party planning tips

Photo: Getty Images

While guys may take a lot less planning and way less time to get ready (have you seen a groom’s wedding day schedule?), there are still details they’ll need to address, whether they like it or not. And a lot of those details come up when they’re planning the bachelor party. From Las Vegas to the lake house, here are four things grooms (and their groomsmen) can’t forget when they’re planning their last hurrah as a single man.

Timing
The first big thing to consider is timing. Sure, it might be easier to have a guys’ night out a day or two before the wedding, but why risk a hangover at the ceremony? Instead, take this as an opportunity to see your groomsmen more than once before you head down the aisle.

Cost
You’ll also want to be sensitive of how much money your bros are shelling out for your wedding. Sure, being a bridesmaid is expensive, but groomsmen often spend a lot more in the long run. Why? It turns out tuxedo rentals often cost more than buying a bridesmaid’s dress (that she gets to keep at the end of the night!), and guys tend to spend more on the bachelor party, from drinks to food to entertainment (of both the PG and R variety). So when you’re planning, consider what your groomsmen will be able to afford. Don’t plan a week in Cancun if it’s going to make it hard for your friends to afford to fly to your wedding a few months later. Instead, pick something local that everyone will still love, without overdrawing their checking account.

The Guest List
Of course all the groomsmen are invited, but if you’re planning to add other people to the festivities, think about who will get along with everyone else — as well as who will be fun to have around. Sure, you really should invite your fiancée’s brother, but if he’s under-age you might want to save your in-law bonding for another time.

Keep the Stories on the DL
And of course, no matter what you’ve planned, remember that some of your stories and jokes are best left to the bachelor party, and shouldn’t be rehashed at the rehearsal dinner (or even worse, during the best man’s toast). Know where to draw the line as far as your behavior, as well as where stories go from “fun to share” to “better left for just the guys.”

See more: The 9 Emotions Every Bride Feels When She Thinks About His Bachelor Party