Planning a wedding is no small task. In fact, according to Amy Nichols, owner of Amy Nichols Special Events and cofounder of The Poppy Group, many couples spend no less than 200 hours organizing their big days. But in addition to being a huge time commitment, “wedding planning involves budgets, family relations, emotions, etiquette dos and don’ts, not to mention hundreds of decisions,” she points out.

Of course, it all must get done and addressed. But, “while it’s perfectly normal for wedding planning to become a big part of your engaged life, it becomes a problem when it’s all a bride thinks and talks about,” warns Jaclyn Fisher, owner of Two Little Birds Planning in Philadelphia. “Often, brides don’t even realize that they’ve become wedding-obsessed.”

Worried you might have crossed the line into wedding-crazy? Then look for these six signs, our experts say.

1. You can’t stop researching.
According to Nichols, “The internet, plus Instagram and Pinterest, are a blessing and curse for brides, especially when you’re trying to find the best deal, the best vendor, or the perfect dress.” After all, unending inspiration can lead to unending indecision, leading you to research and research and research some more, without making a single selection or booking a vendor. “If you’re agonizing over choices without making any decisions, planning has taken over your life, and you’re going to drive yourself and everyone around you crazy,” warns Fisher, adding it’s time to step away from your computer or smartphone and get to work.

2. The only things you post on social media are updates on your wedding.
You hired a wedding photographer, and everybody knows because you had to post the exciting news on Facebook. Thanks to your social media feeds, they also know your menu items, your RSVP date, and the beef you’ve got with a bridesmaid. “While your friends and family want to share in your engaged excitement, they don’t need the play-by-play of every planning task and emotion you’re feeling along the way,” says Fisher. “It’s OK to post planning updates here and there, but save some surprises for the big day.”

3. Your social media feeds look like a wedding magazine.
We’re the first to admit it: Connecting on social media with wedding brands and vendors is a smart way to snag serious inspiration and even products. We want you to follow @BRIDES on Instagram, after all. “But when your news feeds begin to look like a wedding magazine — one without interesting updates from friends — you’ve probably taken planning a little too far,” Nichols warns.

See More: How to Deal with Wedding Planning Stress

4. There’s nothing on your calendar except wedding-related meetings.
While wedding planning will take up a lot of your time, there should be room on your social schedule for a date night or night out with the girls. “If everything in your calendar is a wedding-related meeting, event, or errand, it’s safe to say that you have become wedding-obsessed,” Fisher says. “Don’t forget who you were before you had a ring on your finger. A bride should take time for her interests, hobbies, and things that she enjoyed doing pre-engagement. Remember that there is more to who you are than a bride-to-be.”

5. You’re losing sleep over wedding plans.
Your long day is over. You should be exhausted. But instead of catching up on much-needed Z’s, you’re lying awake in bed, adding up your wedding budget lines and your last-minute to-do list items. “You’re having dreams about the things you forgot on the wedding day,” Nichols describes. “Even worse, you’re having nightmares about the cake falling over or something terrible happening during the wedding. When you can’t sleep peacefully you know it’s time for a little break from wedding planning.”

6. You talk more about the wedding than your marriage.
Of course you have to talk wedding to your partner. But your wedding lasts one day. Your marriage, on the other hand, will last a lifetime. “Don’t forget why you’re having a wedding in the first place,” encourages Fisher. “It’s not to impress your friends with a gorgeous gown and Pinterest-worthy details. It’s to celebrate your love and the start of your married life together. Make sure your partner doesn’t feel forgotten. Tell him how much you love him and how excited you are to be his wife. Schedule a surprise date night. Be the woman he fell in love with.”

If you fear you’ve become wedding-obsessed, there’s an easy fix, Nichols says. “Preventing major bridal overwhelm is all about moderation,” she says. “Don’t forget about your friends, family, and your partner. Take time to go out with the girls without talking about the wedding. Go for a date night with your fiance and just enjoy each other’s company without making any wedding decisions. Don’t stop your exercise routine or whatever makes you feel fabulous.”

See More: Control Your Wedding Stress with These 5 Non-Traditional Ways to Relax

In an age where you can have a same-day delivery for life’s essentials thanks to online shopping, it’s becoming increasingly popular to shop for and purchase, wedding décor online, too. While some brides prefer to stick with in-person browsing, many brides are tackling to-do lists with ease thanks to an abundance of digital shopping sites that specifically focus on wedding day essentials. Check out these .com havens for beautiful, stylish items every bride-to-be is certain to love.

BHLDN
If your big day involves mercury glass, warm colors, bohemian essence or vintage glamour, you’re going to fall in love with pretty much all BHLDN has to offer. Aside from gorgeous wedding dresses, bridesmaid gowns and other ready-to-wear bridal essentials, BHLDN (Anthropologie’s bridal outpost) has a décor department too, the cherry on top to a perfect wedding shop. Gilded table signage, Victorian-style cake accessories, and unique centerpieces are just a few of the bridal treasures you’re sure to find.

Koyal Wholesale
With the belief that they were “put on this earth to help you plan your perfect wedding,” what more could you want from a wedding wholesaler? Within this online wedding mega shop, you can peruse ring bearer pillows, wedding signage, guestbooks, bubbles and aisle runners — all in one (beautifully designed) shop. Beginning with silk rose petals for your ceremony, all the way through to sparklers for your grand exit, Koyal Wholesale has been a leader in wedding décor for over 20 years and also offers consistent promos for brides on a budget.

STUMPS Party
This bridal staple has been bringing parties to life since 1926, when it first began with promo decorations nearly 90 years ago. Having since evolved to being a leading online retailer for wedding décor, STUMPS Party now carries everything from backdrops to banners, centerpieces to table settings, and much more. Also organized by theme, you can shop according to your wedding visions whether you’re dreaming of a Fairytale celebration, a rustic rendezvous, or a garden party.

WEDDINGSTAR
Creating Wedding Wonderlands for over 33 years, Wedding Star Inc. has produced its line of wedding accessories available at retailers throughout the country. With the creation of their online shop WEDDINGSTAR, access to wedding supplies and décor has never been easier. Everything you’ll need for your tablescapes, candy bars, ceremony pieces, escort tables and beyond are all in one, easy to navigate space, with printed magazines available for some old school shopping, too!

See More: 15 Same-Sex Wedding Décor Ideas

Guys, there’s still hope we might see a meat wedding dress, after all — or whatever fabulously over-the-top frock Lady Gaga was thinking of wearing for her wedding to Taylor Kinney. After the news of the couple’s split hit the airways yesterday, we were heartbroken to hear that the romantic wedding in Italy the pair had been planning would never come to fruition. But Lady Gaga just broke her silence regarding the split and there’s a silver lining on this dark storm cloud. As it turns out, this breakup might not be for good.

That heart-cut engagement ring… Those loving looks on the red carpet… Their constant gushing over one another’s successes… There were so many reasons to adore this nearly-perfect power couple. Ever since Kinney proposed to the Grammy-winner on Valentine’s Day in 2015, we’ve been imagining their sure-to-be beautiful nuptials. But all of our, ahem, their wedding day dreams were dashed with the news yesterday that their engagement turned into a “Bad Romance” and was subsequently called off. However, our fingers are now crossed for an engagement reconciliation, thanks to Lady Gaga’s newly-released statement on Instagram.

The superstar singer took to social media Tuesday night and posted a now-tearjerking photo (see below) of herself and Kinney with their arms wrapped around one another. “Taylor and I have always believed we are soulmates,” Gaga captioned the sweet snapshot. “Just like all couples we have ups and downs, and we have been taking a break.”

“We are both ambitious artists, hoping to work through long-distance and complicated schedules to continue the simple love we have always shared,” she continued. “Please root us on. We’re just like everybody else and we really love each other.”

You don’t have to tell us twice, Gaga! Of course, we’re rooting these two on and we’re totally thrilled that Gaga and Kinney haven’t called it quits for good. Let’s not cancel that Italian venue just yet. After all, a break doesn’t necessarily mean a break-up. (Unless you’re Ross Geller of course, but that’s a whole different story…)

Taylor and I have always believed we are soulmates. Just like all couples we have ups and downs, and we have been taking a break. We are both ambitious artists, hoping to work through long-distance and complicated schedules to continue the simple love we have always shared. Please root us on. We're just like everybody else and we really love each other.

A photo posted by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on Jul 19, 2016 at 9:05pm PDT

See More: Lady Gaga and Fiancé Taylor Kinney Show Off PDA in Matching Western Outfits

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and thanks to the warm weather, your social life has probably gotten a boost. Between weekend barbecues and margarita-filled happy hours, summer is a delicious time to be alive. But if you’re trying to lose weight, it can feel like you either need to become a hermit to avoid all temptation or indulge so much that your weight-loss progress gets way off track. But plenty of foods that are either in season during summer or just feel like they have a summer-y essence taste good and can keep you on the path to weight loss. Here, registered dietitians share 10 of their favorites.

1. Watermelon
Although plain ol’ water is nice, this fruit is a much tastier way to combat summertime thirst. “Watermelon is a great natural hydrator because of its high water content,” Shannon Garcia, M.D.S., R.D., L.D. with KISS In The Kitchen, tells SELF. Plus, it gets its gorgeous color from the antioxidant lycopene. You can dive into watermelon slices all on their own, but you can also make a great faux-margarita by blending the fruit with some ice and a little orange zest, says Garcia.

2. Shrimp
If you don’t eat sufficient amounts of protein, you won’t make it through the day without feeling ravenous. “Shrimp are a great source of protein while also being light and refreshing during hot summer days and nights,” Brigitte Zeitlin, M.P.H., R.D., C.D.N., founder of the New York-based BZ Nutrition, tells SELF. While fried shrimp can be the perfect indulgence, Zeitlin recommends opting for roasted, grilled, or sauteed versions if you’re trying to lose weight.

3. A fancy alcohol-free mocktail
Though you can still lose weight without giving up alcohol, booze doesn’t exactly promote weight loss. So when Garcia’s clients are abstaining, she encourages them to make fun alcohol-free mocktails so they don’t feel like they’re missing out or give into the lure of exciting alcoholic beverages.

I recently combined muddled blackberries, seltzer, and lime juice, with a pretty delicious result. All I was missing was some rosemary or thyme, and I would have basically had a cocktail on my hands. For the nostalgia factor, you could even pour your concoction into popsicle molds and enjoy the frozen version, says Garcia.

4. Tomatoes
Like watermelon, this is another lycopene- and water-rich fruit, says Zeitlin. Tomatoes also contain plenty of potassium, she explains, which helps manage your fluid levels (aka helps you debloat!).

See More: Here’s How Many Calories You Should Be Eating For Weight Loss

5. Gazpacho
This is one of Zeitlin’s summertime favorites. “[Gazpacho] is loaded with veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell peppers, and onions,” she says. “All that fiber will fill you up quickly and keep you full longer, plus it’s so light and refreshing thanks to its cold temperature.”

6. Jicama
This vegetable serves up some filling fiber, and better yet, it’s versatile. “Like tofu, it can take on other flavors, and it also gives a satisfying crunch,” says Garcia. Translation: Jicama sticks make a great substitute for potato chips. Garcia recommends springing for the more expensive pre-cut version if you’re able: “I’m not going to lie, it’s the most annoying thing to peel!”

7. Zucchini
These green and yellow beauties also go by the very apt name “summer squash.” “Zucchini is packed with fiber to help you resist over-snacking between meals,” says Zeitlin. They also contain plenty of water, boosting their filling powers even more. Zeitlin recommends throwing some onto the grill or using them as “pasta” for a low-carb dinner.

See More: What’s The Healthiest Way To Cut Calories?

8. Lemons and limes
These members of the citrus family can add major flavor without a ton of calories. “In my opinion, fiber, protein, and flavor are the three biggest keys to achieving weight-loss,” says Garcia. “Fiber and protein keep you full, but flavor is what helps you enjoy your food.” Spritzing some lemon or lime onto a salad can make it easier to cut back on sodium- or fat-loaded dressings.

9. Fruit- and herb-infused water
Garcia has a genius 32-oz water bottle that comes complete with a fruit infuser. “A few times a week, I’ll do some combination like strawberry and lemon or blueberry and mint. It’s silly, but I feel kind of fancy when I’m drinking, which is great motivation to stay hydrated,” she says.

10. Grilled peaches, pineapple, and mangoes
While the veggie version is a no-brainer during summer, fruits also have great grilling potential. “Peaches, pineapple, and mangoes are my favorite for grilling,” says Garcia. “They’re so sweet that when you put them on the grill, the natural sugars caramelize and take the flavor to a whole other level. It’s the perfect, summer-y swap for any dessert.”

See More: Here’s How Much Hunger Is Normal When You’re Trying To Lose Weight

This article originally appeared on SELF.

Galleries with soaring ceilings, courtyards with manicured gardens, walls decked in priceless, built-in décor — these are a few of our favorite things. Aside from being bastions of knowledge and academic charm, museums often offer striking spaces for a wedding ceremony or reception. Whether it’s the blank canvas of a stark modern art collection or the ornate details of a historic house, museum settings can make your wedding day stand out either by celebrating a passion you and your fiancé share or just giving your guests an unforgettable wedding locale. Here are a few of our Chicagoland favorites and others nearby:

Adler Planetarium
In addition to giving guests access to some of the museum’s permanent out-of-this-world exhibits, events at the lakefront space offer one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the city through the Skyline Solarium’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Weddings can be held in the Solarium or on the lakeside outdoor terrace if weather permits. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Peoria Riverfront Museum
Weddings at this museum dedicated to art, history, science, and more can make use of the riverside building’s grand lobby, outdoor sculpture garden, Lakeview Room or Dome Planetarium. The only museum in downstate Illinois to be affiliated with the Smithsonian, exhibits here are constantly changing, making each event unique.

Museum of Contemporary Art
Bold, artsy couples will find a lot to love about this downtown space. Not only does the museum have modern, striking interiors, but the outdoor Kern Terrace gives guests panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Create Invitations as Beautiful as Your Museum Wedding With These Local Vendors

Elmhurst Art Museum
Overlooking Wilder Park, this west suburban art museum boasts an airy, light-filled environment that can be expanded with tenting for extra dancing or dining room. Galleries remain open for guests throughout your event so they can take in some culture when their feet need a dance floor break. Read real brides’ reviews here!

DuSable Museum of African American History
Events at this independent Hyde Park museum named for Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, who in 1779 established the trading post and settlement that would become Chicago, are surrounded by historic details and a permanent and rotating collection of engaging art and cultural galleries.

Cantigny Gardens and Museums
It’s no wonder the makers of baseball classic “A League of Their Own” looked to this Wheaton estate to film some of the most scenic parts of their movie 20 years ago. The historic grounds and museums here provide an impressive backdrop of gardens, water features and reception venues, including the Robert R. McCormick Museum and The First Division Museum, which features thousands of Army artifacts. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Still not decided on your venue space? Check out some other great wedding locations on our Local Vendors page!

Actresses may look perfect and poreless in photos, but behind most of those clear complexions is a super squad of skin and makeup gurus. Here, Hollywood’s top pros share their coveted regimens—with no detail spared—to make your skin glow like a red carpet darling‘s for all your wedding events.

1. Pregame with a mask. The night before, apply a mask that gently exfoliates, moisturizes, and brightens, says aesthetician Joanna Vargas, whose clients include Karlie Kloss and Julianne Moore. This creates a smooth canvas—the number-one reason why celebs often look like they’re barely wearing foundation. Vargas likes Eminence Organic Strawberry Rhubarb Masque. (Strawberry rhubarb masque, $37, Eminence Organic Skin Care available on Amazon)

2. Cleanse gently. Wash with a calming cleanser the morning of, says New York dermatologist Jessica Weiser. For dry skin, try Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser. If you have oily skin, you don’t have to be so delicate: A foaming wash like Cetaphil will prevent clogged pores. Have very dry skin? Skip to step three. (Goat milk moisturizing cleanser, $34, Kate Somerville available at Sephora; Dermacontrol Foam Wash, $9 Cetaphil available on Amazon)

3. DIY a toner. Vargas steeps a cup of green tea, adds a few drops of lavender and rose oils, and mists it on the face. If you have sensitive skin, swap out green tea for soothing chamomile; if you’re dry, add a few drops of an antioxidant serum. Vargas uses her own Rejuvenating Serum; Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops A + Jasmine is also hydrating. (Rejuvenating Serum, $100, Joanna Vargas; Custom Infusion Drops, $48, Cover FX available at Sephora)

4. Skip the primer. “Silicone primers can darken foundation after a few hours,” says makeup artist Daniel Martin. “Water-based gel moisturizers set it without interrupting the color.” He uses Tatcha Overnight Memory Serum Concentrate on his clients (Olivia Palermo, Kate Bosworth, and Jessica Alba). Have oily skin? Try Hada Labo Tokyo’s Skin Plumping Gel Cream, a light hyaluronic-acid gel. (Overnight memory serum concentrate, $110, Tatcha; Skin plumping gel cream, $21, Hada Labo Tokyo available at Ulta)

5. Depuff. Martin keeps brightening 24-karat-gold eye masks in his kit for actresses with early call times. One famous client recently turned him on to La Pure Eye Treatment Masks; we also like Peter Thomas Roth 24K Lift and Firm Mask. (24K gold eye treatment masks, $30, La Pure available on Amazon; 24K lift and firm mask, $80, Peter Thomas Roth available at Sephora)

6. Apply under-eye concealer. With a color that’s one shade lighter than your skin, create inverted triangles that end at the bottom of the nostrils, then pat and blend. Martin likes Calypso Magic Concealer, which comes with pink and yellow undertones. “In a photo, instead of giving you raccoon eyes, the light will diffuse at the center of your face so everything looks bright and balanced,” he says. (“Magic” concealer, $15, Calypso available on Amazon)

7. Now comes the foundation. For oily skin, Martin uses Dior Forever Foundation because it’s matte and long lasting and doesn’t cake; for normal and dry skin, he creates a sheer finish with Koh Gen Doh Aqua Foundation. Sweep it on in circular motions with a dome-shaped foundation brush, working your way out from the middle of your face. Martin likes It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush 7. “The rounded shape gives you an airbrushed finish; flat brushes can cause streaking,” he says. (“Dior Forever” foundation, $50, Dior available at Sephora; Aqua foundation, $62, Koh Gen Doh available at Sephora; Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7, $48, IT Cosmetics)

8. Cover blemishes. Reduce swelling with an over-the-counter cortisone gel, then apply a thick concealer like Ben Nye’s Concealer Pot. Dab it on with a thin brush, dust loose powder on top, press it in with a powder puff, and tap a wet sponge on top to eliminate chalkiness. (Tattoo cover concealer pot, $9.50, Ben Nye available at Stage Makeup Online)

9. Highlight. When longevity is key, Martin steers clear of shimmer. “You can’t control how it wears, and I don’t want the girls to look shiny in three hours,” he says. Instead, he uses a clear all-purpose cream like Honest Beauty Magic Balm to emphasize cheekbones. (“Magic Balm” $18, Honest Beauty)

10. All set! Martin mattifies only the T zone with Sana Pore Putty Face Powder. “In pictures, it erases your pores,” he says. “I bought it because I liked the packaging, but when I saw how well it worked, I stocked up.” Keep blotting papers on hand for the rest of your face. “You want to see radiance coming through,” he says. “Powder is great, but if you take the time to do your skin care properly, the makeup’s going to last without it.” (“Pore Putty” face powder, $13, Sana Keana Pate Shokunin available on Amazon)

Three Ingredients to Avoid…

Salicylic acid — It’s an exfoliator, so any makeup applied on top will clump up with your skin cells. Ick.
Benzoyl peroxide — This super-drying acne buster makes makeup flake off. (Parched skin is the enemy of flawless makeup application.)
Retinol — It’s irritating and inflaming—not a good look on camera: “I have one celebrity client who always manages to dig up a crusty old tube of Retin-A from her drawer the day before an event, and she just burns her face,” Vargas says. Consider yourself warned.

The Food Factor
What you eat can make or break your complexion. A few days before the wedding, stick to an anti-inflammatory diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and oily fish high in omega fatty acids. It will give your skin a natural glow, eliminate bloat, and help prevent day-of blemishes. And do your best to lay off the refined sugar, alcohol, and coffee!

See More: Pure Bridal Beauty: The Best All Natural, Wedding-Ready Makeup Products

Subscribe now for the best wedding dresses, advice, and big-day inspiration. Or pick up the BRIDES June/July 2016 issue, on newsstands now and available for download here.

Wedding registries usually start in the kitchen. After all, when else are you going to have a chance to stock your cabinets with beautiful dishes, useful tools, and the gadgets and appliances you’ve always wanted? With all that kitchen gear to work with, you’ll need a few things to cook, too, so don’t forget to add a few cookbooks to your registry alongside those pots and pans. We’ve compiled a list of amazing cookbooks you’ll be happy to have in your collection, whether you’re just learning or have been a whiz at the stove for years. From time-honored classics to new publications garnering all sorts of praise, here are seven books you won’t want to miss.

How to Cook Everything, by Mark Bittman
Making delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. Just ask Mark Bittman, author of How to Cook Everything, who focuses on simple techniques and fresh ingredients to get great results. He breaks down cooking from scratch into a manageable (and fun!) process, proving you don’t need a culinary degree to enjoy being in the kitchen. And there’s no lack of variety — the newest edition features 2,000 recipes to choose from!
(How to Cook Everything, from $18.90, available at Amazon.com)

The Joy of Cooking, by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker
If Julia Child called a cookbook an essential, you know you’ve got to have it! This tome, celebrating its 75th anniversary, helps decode ingredients and explain cooking methods, offers recipes for every occasion, and will teach you everything from how to boil eggs to the finer points of making tamales. The classic recipes are set alongside new methods (like preparing vegetables in the microwave!), and you’ll find answers to all your kitchen questions in its pages.
(The Joy of Cooking, from $21.08, available at Amazon.com)

Mastering the Art of French Cooking, by Julia Child, Simone Beck, and Louisette Bertholle
Speaking of Julia Child, no chef’s collection is complete without the two-volume set of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. From French institutions like boeuf bourguignon to lighter seasonal fare plucked straight from a Parisian market, these books are the perfect way to bring a little bit of France into your kitchen. Traditional techniques are explained in such a way that even an inexperienced cook will feel confident boning a duck with a little practice.
(Mastering the Art of French Cooking 2 Volume Set, from $59.78, available at Amazon.com)

Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking, by Marcella Hazan
Italian cooking is more than just red sauce (though Hazan has a timeless recipe for that, with just three ingredients to boot!). From fresh pasta to succulent fish dishes to the best way to make a soffritto, this collection will take you straight to Italy, all while clarifying techniques and recommending ingredients available outside of the specialty stores.
(Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking, from $20.65, available at Amazon.com)

See more: Save vs. Splurge: All the Registry Picks You Need for Your First Newlywed Dinner Party

Baking: From My Home to Yours, by Dorie Greenspan
This culinary guru has written cookbooks for the likes of Pierre Hermé and Julia Child, but it’s her own book of recipes that can’t be missed. From homey muffins to elegant cakes and pies, look no further for inspiration to whip out your flour and whisk. Ever wonder why it’s called a bundt pan, or if you really need to buy cake flour? Greenspan has your answers, and much more.
(Baking: From My Home to Yours, from $26.14, available at Amazon.com)

Food52 Genius Recipes: 100 Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook, by Kristen Miglore
This collection of 100 recipes, tirelessly tested by the Food52 staff, includes contributions from the likes of Marcella Hazan and Jim Leahy, and each is guaranteed to be almost foolproof. Some of the tips and tricks might surprise you, but you’ll love having a go-to source for everything from roast turkey to chocolate cake — without wondering if the recipe will work.
(Food52 Genius Recipes, from $21.08, available at Amazon.com)

Plenty: Vibrant Vegetable Recipes from London’s Ottolenghi, by Yotam Ottolenghi
The best way to get your vegetables? By discovering new and exciting ways to cook them. Yotam Ottolenghi draws inspiration from his Mediterranean background, combining spices and flavors in ways that will make what used to be just a side dish into the star of your meal. It’s a reminder that food can be bright, exciting, and complex — even without meat on the plate.
(Plenty: Vibrant Vegetable Recipes from London’s Ottolenghi, from $21.08, available at Amazon.com)

Throwing a beach wedding this summer? Have your wedding cake complement the seaside setting by drawing design inspiration from the ocean. The treasures of sea life — shells, sea stars, coral, pearls — are all motifs that translate beautifully on wedding cake, as these six stunning examples illustrate.

Starfish (above): For a chic take on a summer wedding cake, combine sand-colored tiers and nautical rope details (fashioned from braided fondant) with a sculptural sugar starfish.

Mussel Shells: This romantic, watercolor-painted cake is inspired by the colors of the sea; a pair of mussel shells make for an ocean-inspired cake topper.

Coral A simple all-white wedding cake is crowned with a topper fashioned from royal icing to resemble a piece of coral.

Oysters & Pearls: Love the simplicity of the oyster shells and sugar pearls.

Shells and Nautical Rope: This stunning confection is perfect for a beach wedding and features edible shells, twisted fondant rope, and a different pattern on each tier.

More Starfish: Decorate a crisp, white wedding cake with sugar sea stars in different ocean-inspired hues.

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Having a bridal shower is a great excuse to gather together the key women in a bride’s life for a pre-wedding celebration. If you’re hosting a bridal shower for your daughter, BFF or other engaged lady in your life — or just a bride helping out with the shower itinerary — you might be wondering how much “tradition” you have to stick to with this party of yours. What do you absolutely have to have at this bridal shower?

The answer: Nothing. Nowadays, a bridal shower can truly be whatever the bride and her host want it to be. Perhaps you’re keen on having a classic fête with tea and sandwiches served on silver trays, or you’re more into a ruckus bottomless mimosa brunch full of good food and tons of laughs, or you want to do something active, like an afternoon of bowling or a paint night. If you’re wondering what rules you can forget about, to make the shower less formal, here are six old fashioned guidelines that you can totes throw out the window.

1. Opening Gifts
One of the main events at any bridal shower is when the bride-to-be opens up her gifts. But this can be such a long process and, sometimes, even make guests feel weird, since they may not have spent as much as the person next to them. If you want to leave this classic activity off the agenda, go for it — just let guests know that the bride will open the gifts with her fiancé at home.

2. Playing Games
You (or the bride) might not want to have a bridal shower where guests play games like guessing facts about the bride and her fiancé. We get it. Opt for a fun alternative to those worn out shower games, or just skip the games all together. Just make sure you have some other activity to entertain guests — otherwise you might end up with some impromptu requests for bridal shower bingo.

3. Making It Girls Only
Gone are the days of “no boys allowed” bridal showers. If the bride isn’t too thrilled at the prospect of a pre-wedding event without her future hubby, extend an invite to relatives or even your best friends that just so happen to be males.

4. It’s for Wedding Guests Only
There are a slew of reasons why this rule can be thrown out the window. The bride might have some friends she wasn’t able to invite to the wedding because of a small budget or venue, or she and her fiancé made a blanket rule like “no coworkers” that prevented her from inviting some of her nearest and dearest. Regardless of the reason for their lack of wedding invite, feel free to loop these folks in on the bridal shower guest list — they’ll likely be thrilled to have been included, and the bride will still get a chance to celebrate her wedding with them.

See More: Sick of the Silly Games? How to Throw a Sophisticated Bridal Shower

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.

Burgundy is among France’s most revered wine regions. With gently rolling hills covered in vines, charming towns lined with stone houses, famed local cuisine and more wineries than you could visit in a month, it’s a great choice for an idyllic French honeymoon.

Where to stay:
Surrounded by medieval walls that are, in turn, surrounded by vineyards, the town of Beaune is the de defacto “wine capital” of Burgundy. It has everything you could want from a French wine country village: quiet cobblestone streets, easy access to the vineyards, plenty of food and drink options (including several wineries and wine shops), and dozen of romantic hotels, bed and breakfasts, and apartments to choose from. Nearby towns such as Volnay and Pommard are equally charming, but barely the size of a postage stamp and with few options for dining. County villas and b&bs also abound, but will require a short drive into town for any entertainment.

What to see and do:
In Beaune, check out the 1443 Hospices de Beaune, an architectural gem of Flemish design. Audio guide tours are available daily so you can get the full scoop on its history while admiring its glazed tile roof, gothic ironwork, exposed frame ceiling, and intricate woodwork. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, be sure to stop by Beaune’s central square for the farmers’ markets, where you can buy farmhouse sausages, local cheeses, natural honey, and other seasonal goodies. For more tasty delights, head to the Beaune outpost of famous mustard producer Edmond Fallot where you can take a tour and learn about mustard production, or simply sample from dozens of varieties of mustard such as peppercorn, basil, truffle, or curry.

Beaune is small enough that you can cover most of it on foot; to explore outside of town, hop on a bike and cycle the route of the Grand Crus, which runs 37 miles from north to south (60 kms), mostly through the vineyards. From Beaune, you can easily spend a day biking from town to town. It’s only three miles to Pommard, which is known for high-quality red wine. For those with strong legs, starting at Mersault (9 miles from Beaune) and working your way back through Volnay and Pommard, stopping for lunch and a few tastings, is a great way to spend the day.

What to eat and drink:
Burgundian cuisine has all the heavy hitters of French cuisine; some you’ve heard of and some you haven’t. Of course wine figures prominently, in dishes like beef bourguignon, a stew of beef and veggies braised in red wine, and oeufs meurette, eggs poached in red wine with bacon, onions, and shallots. Escargots (snails cooked in garlic, butter, and parsley) are a signature local dish, as is Époisses de Bourgogne, a wonderfully pungent, soft cheese. The most famous restaurant in town (make reservations early) is Ma Cuisine which offers a few entree choices complemented by a wine list several dozen pages long.

If you plan to visit several wineries, it’s worth investing in a guided tour (you can book a group or private tour) so you don’t have to worry about driving—or trying to translate at wineries where the proprietor doesn’t speak English. Beaune is surrounded by vineyards, but you don’t actually have to leave town to visit several wineries. Caves Patriarche Père et Files and Joseph Drouhin offer wine tasting for a fee and the Marché aux Vins offers self-serve tastings from multiple local producers in the ancient cellars of a former Franciscan church. Several wine shops in town also offer tastings so you can try before you buy. The Sensation Vin wine shop offers comprehensive wine seminars that last about two hours and cost €35 per person. The sessions include tastings of four red and four white wines, including some of the region’s best Premier Crus and Grand Crus.

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