It’s every bride’s nightmare — you plan your big day and everything is going well…and then enters the most poorly-behaved wedding guest. What’s a bride to do? Here are the stories of seven enterprising women who warded off weddingdisasters from poorly-behaved wedding guests.

“I knew several of the guests might be a bit – well – difficult. So I appointed two close friends to be ‘wedding bouncers’ and let them know who to keep an eye on. When one of the potential troublemakers showed signs of having had too much bubbly, one of the ‘bouncers’ simply escorted him politely out of the reception and into a cab. This plan worked like a charm!” — Ellen

“My mother was the overbearing guest! I’m an only child. She’s widowed and wasn’t quite ready to let me go. She cried profusely, complained I’d probably never come see her after the honeymoon, half seriously threatened my groom to treat me well or she’d have him taken care of — all within earshot of the other guests. I was ready to blow a gasket but realized mom wanted to feel needed so I gave her some errands to do — checking with the planner to see if the florist had brought the bouquets, getting me some water … I also thanked her profusely for being the best mom in the world and said I’d always want to spend time with her. Lastly, I summoned mom’s brother to keep her busy. Luckily, these ‘interventions’ worked, mom settled down and my glorious day proceeded smoothly.” — Sandy

“My childhood Rabbi was set to marry me, but wasn’t too happy that since my groom is Christian, he’d be performing the service with a minister. During the wedding rehearsal the Rabbi made a snide comment about how important it is to keep the Jewish faith going. I stewed over this and before the ceremony had a private word with him and reassured him that Judaism would always be important to me. However, I’d been praying that this day would be full of love and joy and nothing else and that’s the spirit I wanted everyone involved in my happiness to bring to the ‘chuppa.’ He got the message and the ceremony was so perfect everyone was reduced to tears!” — Rachel

See More: Can You Say #WeddingGoals? Real Brides Reveal Their Big-Day Hopes and Dreams

“One of my new husband’s frat brothers, who I’d only met once before, hit on me when we were dancing! I kicked him in the shins, and told him to exit the premises ASAP. The jerk limped away and exited our lives forever.” — Eve

“My sister in law had a three-year-old who was so spoiled, I feared he was capable of ruining the other guests’ good times. I arranged for childcare during the wedding, so the adults could celebrate unencumbered.” — Martha

“My groom’s father has many wonderful qualities, but is a terrible speechmaker. His toast went on and on and on on. Finally I pretended to myself it was the Oscars and motioned to the DJ to start playing music.” — Lisa

“At the time of the wedding my parents had been divorced for a year. Dad was newly remarried and mom was very bitter about ‘feeling replaced’. I had long talks with both of them, separately of course, emphasizing the wedding was my day. I would do everything possible to limit their exposure to one another — for instance, seating them at opposite ends of the reception hall during dinner. But I told them if either of them acted up during the wedding I would tell his or grandchild years hence that grandma or grandpa had ruined my wedding. Both of them behaved!” — Paula

Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW is a New York City-based marriage therapist and author.

The Chicago Park District has access to some of the city’s best venues. Settings with sweeping views of Lake Michigan? Check. Historic buildings reminiscent of fairytales? Check. Be warned: Booking one comes with a host of added responsibilities — like permits and extended waits to confirm the venue and date of your choice. These five stunning locations more than make up for it and present the perfect places to swap I dos.

Tiffany & Co. Foundation Celebration Garden
Steps from Buckingham Fountain, the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Celebration Garden gives you the chance to wed in the heart of the city. The outdoor space, created thanks to a $1.25-million grant from Tiffany & Co. in 2008, welcomes up to 150 guests with white, pink, purple, and burgundy blossoms. From there, they’ll catch views of the Museum Campus to the south and the city looking north. You and your fiancé will exchange vows with Buckingham Fountain as your backdrop. It doesn’t get more Chicago than this!

Garfield Park Conservatory
Guests will feel like they’ve escaped to a tropical paradise when they step foot in the multi-room greenhouse. Built in 1908, the conservatory hosts rainforest plants, lush moss, and plenty of other greenery. The Horticulture Hall is the room to rent for your reception. Its windowed, domed structure is the one you likely picture when you think of the space. Sixty to 75 weddings take place here each year, so the staff is fully prepared to execute large events. But as with most park district weddings, it requires a little extra planning: Set up and clean up are in your hands. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Trying to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner? Check Out These Beautiful Chicago Venues

Promontory Point
Promontory Point, on the city’s south side, got a makeover in 2013 courtesy of George Lucas. It’s easy to see why the “Star Wars” creator chose this site to wed: The location offers views of the Chicago skyline and lush greenery that makes you feel miles away from the city. The building itself was made for the rustic, elegant bride. Green French doors open to a warm interior, and stone verandas invite you to wander outside and take in the lake breeze.Read real brides’ reviews here!

63rd Street Beach House
The beach house dates back to 1919 and sits on Jackson Park, which was designed by two famed landscape architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. With access to one of the city’s largest beaches, the open-air structure delivers a whimsical outdoor wedding setting you wouldn’t expect in Chicago. The fountain courtyard and covered promenade give guests plenty of space to spread out with views of Lake Michigan at every turn.Read real brides’ reviews here!

Columbus Park Refectory
Just off the highway that leads to the western suburbs, Columbus Park features a goldmine of natural beauty with waterfalls and greenery covering its 135 acres. The building is a sight to be seen on its own. You’ll find dramatic arched entryways, painted murals, a wood-beam ceiling, and several chandeliers. Best of all, the dance hall overlooks the park’s lagoon. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Click here to see even more gorgeous venues in Chicago.

When it comes time to say “yes” to a wedding dress, a bride-to-be‘s first instinct may be to head to a local bridal boutique. Unbeknownst to many, some of your favorite retailers also have bridal departments that can also be the perfect place to find your dream gown and accessories. Look beyond the racks at some of our favorite stores for dynamic bridal departments perfect for your quest for THE dress.

Macy’s
The retail giant has an entire I Do Wedding Shop devoted to all things bridal. Additionally, at eleven Macy’s full line stores throughout the country, Macy’s Bridal Salon by Demetrios is a boutique-like set up nestled in the traditional department store. Featured bridal designers include Demetrios, Tara Keely by Lazaro, Watters and Watters Too, and more — and these specialty set-ups also offer bridesmaid and flower girl attire.

Nordstrom
Nordstrom features Wedding Suite locations in 18 of their stores throughout the U.S. Equipped with stylists to assist you in finding the perfect look, you can find dream designer dresses by Haley Paige, Katie May, Carolina Herrera, and tons more. Once you’ve selected your gown, explore Nordstrom’s wedding-specific accessory department for jewelry, veils, belts and lingerie to complete your bridal ensemble. They also feature in-store Bridesmaid Bars to help you pick your dream gown as well as your bridesmaids looks all in one spot!

J.Crew
Reflective of their traditionally classic and preppy style, J.Crew’s bridal designs are ideal for the sleek, modern bride. Options range from chic bridal white jumpsuits to more traditional gowns with modest necklines and flowing skirts. Gorgeous veil and headpiece options enable engaged J.Crew enthusiasts to complete their bridal wardrobe with just a few clicks.

BHLDN
Anthropologie devotees, you’re in luck. The retailer’s sister store, BHLDN, housed within select retail boutiques as well as available online, is all of your wedding dress dreams come true. Oozing ethereal, bohemian vibes, BHLDN offers an abundance of jewelry, accessories, bridal gowns, and bridesmaid dresses. Vintage glamour meets Bohemia with their offerings of unique gowns by their in-house design team. With a carefully curated accessories department to perfectly compliment your ensemble, BHLDN is a haven for free spirited, hip brides-to-be.

Bloomingdales
The Wedding Shop by Bloomingdales is a one-stop online shop ready to outfit brides, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride for their pending celebrations. While you won’t find extravagant trains or princess inspired ball gowns, you will find sleek fitted silhouettes, modern embellishments and more. Bagdley Mischka, Sue Wong and BCBGMAXAZRIA are just a few of the trendy designers you’ll come across as you peruse the impressive bridal selections.

See More: 4 Wedding Dress-Shopping Etiquette Rules Every Bride Should Follow

Thank your right-hand man, as well as the rest of your groomsmen, for always having your back with a thoughtful gift they’ll actually use and appreciate. Check out seven of our favorite ideas for groomsmen gifts:

Booze and Personalized Luggage Tags (above): Gift your best man and groomsmen with bottles of their favorite whiskey paired with luxe leather luggage tags stamped with their initials.

His Favorite Things: Fill a cigar box with your best man’s favorite things: a favorite book, his favorite bourbon, a cigar, slim notebooks, and wedding-day accessories like his tie and socks.

A New Clothing Staple: If your best guy is the kind of cool, athletic dude known to pair margaritas with a strip steak, then he’ll love a gift from Johnnie-O. One of our favorite groomsmen gifts from the west coast prep clothing company is this topper (above) — it’s guaranteed to be your best man’s go-to cap for a round of golf, an afternoon ball game, or paired with shades and a Bloody Mary for those post-bachelor party mornings.

See more: 6 Sneaky Ways to Add Your Favorite Comfort Foods to Your Wedding Menu

Leather Dopp Kit: Another gift your right-hand man will put to good use after the wedding: a monogrammed leather dopp kit for his future trips. Fill it with mini bottles of booze, a flask, and items he’ll use on the wedding day, like a lint roller and colorful socks.

Beer-Brewing Kit: For something more fun and unexpected, give your best man and groomsmen an oak-barrel beer-brewing kit so they can create their own brews at home.

Booze and Bar Accessories: Your groom’s best pal will certainly appreciate a full-size bottle of his favorite whiskey, paired with bar accessories he can use at home.

Personalized Suspenders: A luxe pair of leather suspenders — custom-made with his monogram — is a gift your best man will actually use after the wedding.

Let’s face it — most bridal showers are alike. A group of your favorite women, tasty treats, a fun game, and gift opening. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Incorporating a group DIY into your wedding shower can be a fun way to bond with guests and — in many cases — have those guests make their own party favors. Here are a few ideas to add a creative spirit into your shower:

Make-Your-Own Terrarium
This one will take the bride and her friends back to their sand art days. You can buy DIY kits for everyone to use, or just a collection of various shaped vases, colorful sand, succulents, and fun props like toy dinosaurs, and let your guests go at it! They don’t need a green thumb to make this terrarium come to life.

Wine Glasses
If your bride is having a vineyard wedding, consider theming the shower in the same vein. Along with healthy pours of wine throughout the party, set up a wine glass painting station. All the supplies you need are standard wine glasses and glass paint. If you want to go the extra mile, include some wine charms that guests can incorporate into their artistic designs. Pro tip: Have everyone finish painting their glasses before gift opening — by the time the bride’s done unwrapping, their glasses will be dry and ready to go home!

Perfume or Candle Bar
This one might require hiring a professional or going to a storefront that hosts classes, but it’s a must-do for anyone with a bride that loves a good scent. Bridal shower guests will walk through bottles of oils and create their own signature scent, and either pour the blend into a beautiful perfume bottle, or add some soy wax to the mix for a candle. Watch out — the bride might fall in love with your scent and want it for her big day!

Jewelry Bar
We get it — this one may feel like a kid’s sleepover party, but hear us out. Instead of some string and beads pulled together into DIY charm bracelet, consider leather wrap bracelets instead. Along with the bracelets, which you can buy in various colors, you can purchase leather stampers and wood mallets, that each guest can emboss their own design into. Think initials, fun symbols, or a certain special date for the bride.

Picture Frames
Don’t whip out the popsicle sticks just yet! Instead, buy white or black picture frames — any size will do — some colorful paint, and a collection of flat-backed metal charms. Guests can paint their frames or add their medallions (use a hot glue gun to really make them stick) to their own tastes. Then give them something to fill the frame with: Set up a selfie station where each guest can snap a pic for their frame with the bride!

And one just for the bride… A Wedding Quilt
You’ve probably been to a baby shower or two that included puffy paint, fabric markers, and a blank onesie to decorate. Take the same idea, but throw it onto a quilt. Hand out patches of fabric to each guest at the shower, along with the above tools — and maybe beads, or string. Have each member of the party create their own patch in honor of the happy couple. After the shower, collect all of the patches (send ones ahead of time to guests who can’t make it!) and sew them together into a newlywed quilt.

See More: Do All Bridal Showers Need a Theme?

While a dainty silver pendant or pearl studs are a no-fail classic and elegant option for bridal accessories, we do love a good piece of statement jewelry on the big day. After all, rocking something a little different can show off the bride’s style. Some brides shy away from glamorous and bold jewelry, and we don’t blame them — it can certainly be intimidating to pick a piece that’s complementary to your look and not overpowering. But it doesn’t have to be, as long as you take a few things into consideration to guide your selection process.

The neckline of your wedding dress will often dictate the necklace style you choose. A strapless gown, high neckline with a canvas of fabric as a backdrop, and a wide neckline such as a boatneck are all great options for a statement necklace as opposed to a one-shouldered dress, which is already a bold statement in itself. Does your neckline call for a large piece of jewelry? That’s when a pair of grand statement earrings comes in!

Also think about your hairstyle — if you’re donning an updo, it’s the perfect opportunity to show off a pair of statement earrings. Hair down? It might hide your lobes, so consider a statement necklace instead. If you think a statement necklace doesn’t look good with your dress’s neckline and you’re wearing your hair down, wear a pair of longer earrings so they can shimmer through your tresses. Either way, statement jewelry can be pulled off with almost any hairstyle.

Most of all, try to stick with just one big bauble — necklace or earrings. Wear both and they’ll overwhelm each other and overshadow your dress. That said, remember that your dress is the star of your bridal look — make sure whatever jewelry you do choose only enhances it. Go with your instinct! These brides did.

An elegant v-neck elegantly frames this bride’s vintage-inspired sparkle and shine from J.Crew.

Dusty rose pendants are classy and chic.

This fun and playful statement necklace is more complementary than overwhelming with its ivory color.

Elaborate sparkling silver earrings like these add a strikingly romantic touch.

Another J.Crew beauty, this dazzling necklace instantly glams up this bride’s look.

See More: Get Ready to Sparkle! BaubleBar’s Latest Wedding Jewelry Collection Is Here

In April of 2012, Eric made a last-minute decision that would change his life forever. “I headed to a friend’s apartment for a pre-game. While I was there, a girl I’d never met before walked in the door, and I was immediately drawn to her,” he remembers. That girl was Casie. He made a plan to play it cool and make a move at the big party later, but Casie ended up leaving early. “I thought I’d missed my chance, but luckily we ran into each other at another party few weeks later. I asked her out, and I was ecstatic that she said yes!” he says. They clicked immediately, moving in together a year after they first met and getting engaged less than a year after that. “Eric took me to one of our favorite brunch spots and, when we were done eating, he asked to see the dessert menu,” says Casie. “I thought it was strange because he doesn’t love dessert, but when the waitress brought the menu out, it was actually a timeline of our relationship!” He pushed the table aside and got on one knee, and Casie said yes once again.

On a quest for a unique New York-area venue that would fit their understated vision, the pair stumbled upon The Green Building in Brooklyn. “I loved how unassuming it is. From the exterior, it’s a no-frills building on an ordinary block. But inside, it’s charming, rustic, and so warm,” the bride says. They combined industrial elegance with a rustic vibe, and skipped the formal timeline in favor of a cocktail-style reception with amazing food, eclectic seating and tables, and a relaxed atmosphere where guests could experience the wedding the way they wanted to. On October 10, 2015, 170 watched as the bride and groom fell in love with New York all over again, beautifully photographed by Alison Conklin.

The bride sparkled in a beaded Eve of Milady wedding dress — but it wasn’t the first one she picked! “I went to Kleinfeld with my family, and the happiness of knowing I’d be finding my wedding dress led me to pick the gown I was wearing at the time. I saw it on Say Yes to the Dress almost six months later, and realized it wasn’t what I remembered it to be, and that I wasn’t in love with it. So my mom, sister, and I went back.” After trying the dress on again, she realized she had to start the process over, this time falling for a fit-and-flare lace gown that was romantic, sexy, and exactly what she’d dreamed of.

Casie’s twin cousins served as honorary flower girls. “They were too young to make it down the aisle, so we had a little party of our own before the ceremony, with dancing and tons of kisses!” she says.

“It was important to Eric and me that we spend part of the day in Soho, the neighborhood we live in and where our relationship has bloomed,” says Eric. “We had our first look on the corner of Greene and Spring streets, then walked through the neighborhood and into Washington Square Park.”

The groom donned a classic tuxedo with a plum calla lily boutonniere to match the bride’s moody bouquet.

“We loved walking through the streets we know all dressed up — people were shouting ‘Congratulations!’ and taking pictures of us,” Eric says. The pair even stopped at a food truck for a quick pre-wedding empanada!

As the bride and groom passed a barbershop quartet, the musicians began to play “When We Get Married” by Larry Graham. “We stopped right there and had our first dance on Spring Street,” says Casie.

Her 11 bridesmaids all wore navy, choosing convertible gowns by TwoBirds. Eric’s groomsmen wore black suits with silvery gray ties. We can only imagine how fun it must have been to wander the streets of Soho with this crowd!

To complement Casie’s structural bouquet, her bridesmaids carried softer posies of garden roses, ranunculus, and anemones in blush, ivory, and lavender.

The ceremony took place beneath a chuppah draped in greenery and white roses. A curtain of café lights lit the space, with pillar candles and blush rose petals lining the aisle. The couple’s laser-cut ketubah was on display throughout the ceremony.

“I was so nervous just before our ceremony,” Casie remembers. “I was standing outside of the building with my parents, just about to head inside, when a group of little girls came around the corner and asked their moms if I was a princess. It was so sweet!”

The pair wrote their own vows to incorporate into the Jewish ceremony. “We weren’t sure if we were going to do it, but it turned into one of the most special parts of our celebration. We had a calligrapher hand-write them so we could hang them in our apartment!”

At the reception, metal chairs were arranged around reclaimed wood tables with wrought-iron trim. Clusters of votive candles surrounded bud vases filled with anemones, quicksand roses, white O’hara garden roses, and ranunculus.

“We worked really hard on the menu,” says Eric, who chose playful passed hors d’oeuvres and a variety of food stations. “We had my personal favorite, pigs in a blanket, as well as a carving station where guests could make their own steak sandwiches.”

For dessert, the pair cut into a four-tiered funfetti cake with Tahitian vanilla frosting. The textured finish was complemented by fresh blooms that matched the centerpieces.

Of course the cocktail-style reception included a dessert bar! Guests satisfied a craving for sweets with miniature red velvet cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, crispy rice treats, and homemade Twix bars. On the venue’s patio, Casie and Eric set up a cigar and whiskey bar.

“We had an incredible band play during the reception,” says the bride. Adds her groom, “I’ll never forget tearing up the dance floor with my 93-year-old grandfather!” Later on, a DJ took over for the after party, where guests danced and ate grilled cheese and mini pizza bagels.

“We took a few moments to stop and reflect on our wedding,” says Casie. “Make sure to take the time to really appreciate all the work you did, everyone who came out to celebrate with you, and how special this moment in time is!”

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Green Building || Wedding Coordinator: Alison Szleifer of Naturally Delicious || Day-Of Coordinator: Modern Kicks || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Eve of Milady || Shoes: Jimmy Choo || Hair & Makeup: Keri Berman & Co. || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: TwoBirds Bridesmaid || Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren || Florist: Mimosa Floral Design Studio || Invitations & Paper Goods: Suite Paperie || Music: Kenny Ford Band || Catering & Cake: Naturally Delicious || Rentals: Broadway Party Rentals; Patina Rentals || Videographer: Cord 3 Films || Photographer: Alison Conklin Photography

Considering this venue for your own big day? Then see how another couple transformed the Green Building for their wedding in the video below.

After the months of planning every little detail, making it to your wedding reception means you’ve gotten to the really fun part and can hit the dance floor with your family and friends! Before you let loose, though, many couples opt to do those traditional dances to kick off the party. While they’re definitely traditions, are the first, mother-son and father-daughter dances required? Here’s what our experts think.

Sure, it’s a tradition that most people choose to follow, but these three dances are by no means required for a successful wedding. Whether the two of you don’t love being in the spotlight or one of your parents has passed away, it is completely up to you whether you have a first, mother-son and father-daughter dance during your reception.

If one of your parents has passed away, won’t be present at the wedding, or you don’t have a close enough relationship that you’d like to honor, you always have the option of sharing the dance with someone else, from a stepparent or grandparent to an aunt, uncle, sibling or other relative or mentor. Is your uncle walking you down the aisle? He could be the perfect person to have a special dance with, if you’d like. And there’s nothing you from having a mother-daughter or father-son dance, too!

If you’ve got a few people you’d like to honor, you could have them take turns cutting in to share the dance with you, then all joining you on the dance floor for the last chorus of the song. You may want to let them know which order you’d like them to be in and when you’d like them to cut in — this will help the transition run smoothly as well as get everyone an equal amount of time in the spotlight.

Planning to skip these dances altogether? Have your DJ or band leader invite everyone onto the dance floor for the first song, then keep the music going all night!

See more: Wedding Pros Weigh In: 18 First-Dance Songs That Haven’t Been Done to Death