Just because you’re having a destination wedding doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself! Nowadays, getting hitched on a tropical island or halfway across the country on a gorgeous mountainside is kind of the norm. And so is taking the reigns on everything related to your big day, from the favors to the decorations to all the logistics and vendor management. But beware, brides, it’s not easy. However, with a lot of hard work and know how, it can be done. Especially if you have a little advice from a seasoned professional.

Destination wedding planner Sandy Malone’s new book, “How to Plan Your Own Destination Wedding: Do-It-Yourself Tips from an Experienced Professional” is a must-read for any modern bride who’s determined to plan her own wedding from afar. Full of valuable — like save you from a DIY disaster-style — advice offered in a humorous but totally down to business storytelling tone. Here are five reasons (and trust us, there are many, many more!) you’ll want to get your hands on this go-to DIY destination wedding planning guide stat.

1. It teaches you the rules of the land…literally
Turns out, getting a marriage license on a Puerto Rican island (or any foreign place for that matter) isn’t always as straightforward as you’d think. Sandy’s book schools brides on how to keep up with the ever-changing rules for not only your marriage license but other critical items, like permits, for instance. She also touches on cultural difference and learning to navigate these without burning a bunch of bridges.

2. It shares insider secrets on how not to get screwed over by destination venues and vendors…and how not to screw yourself over either
When you’re DIYing your destination wedding, this one’s a biggie! Private properties (think beautiful beach houses) can get sold, leaving you venue-less, and new hotels may not be up and running by the time your big day rolls around. Not to mention, vetting vendors from afar is a tough job. Sandy offers her best tips and tricks on how to protect yourself from shady vendors and how to find your dream destination venue without screwing yourself over. She points out why paying people on time will save your butt too.

3. It gives you tons of templates you seriously can’t afford to plan without
One of the best parts of this book? All the example templates and schedules Sandy provides for her own destination brides. And we’re talking detailed examples at that, which is so incredibly helpful when you have no idea what you’re doing and trying to plan a wedding from a thousand miles away. From packing and supplies lists to schedules for your vendors and wedding party, she’s got it all (and a lot of stuff on each list/schedule that you probably haven’t even thought of but is oh so crucial). Seriously, it’s worth buying the book simply for these alone.

See More: These Are the Most Pinned Honeymoon Destinations on Pinterest

4. It will keep you organized, saving your sanity and time
Planning a wedding with a wedding planner is stressful enough, so doing it on your own from afar definitely ain’t easy. However, Sandy’s book is a legit lifesaver with tons of tips on how to save time and stay organized throughout the entire process, including every month leading up to the wedding and the day afterward. Let’s just say, boxes and labels are going to be your best friend for the next year or so. OH, and we also love how she gives it to you straight on the elements of the big day even the best DIY bride shouldn’t try to DIY!

5. It’s the ultimate etiquette guide for DIY destination brides
If you’re a DIY destination bride, you’re going to need some (scratch that, a ton of) help from your family and friends without coming across as, well, rude! Sandy shares her secrets for not only getting people to willingly pitch in with projects like the set up and take down of d&#233cor the day of and afterward but actually getting them to follow through with their promises. There’s also so much etiquette info packed in regarding invitations, welcome bags (how to DIY these, shipping items to your destination, getting stuff while there, etc.) and catering to your guests’ needs on the wedding weekend.

Weddings are a celebration of love, and every once in a while, they’re the birthplace of a new love, too. Chances are you know at least one couple who met at a wedding, whether their romance was lasting or just a short fling. But finding love isn’t the question. The real question is whether you, the bride, are allowed to intentionally play a role in the match-making. Here’s what our experts have to say about whether or not you can set people up at your wedding.

There’s something so fun about playing matchmaker. If you know two people who would be perfect for one another, it’s hard to resist the urge to make an introduction! And on a day that’s all about love, that temptation is even stronger. However, before you go ahead and set up the maid of honor and the best man, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Are They Open to Meeting Someone?
If you’ve ever been set up yourself, you know that sometimes it’s welcome, and sometimes it’s the last thing on your mind. And everyone has been single once, so you know that there are times when you really are focusing more on your career or education than on finding your soulmate. Of course, there are also times when you wish Prince Charming would show up, already! So before you start scheming, check with the friends in question to see if they’re both open to an introduction.

Are They Up to the Scrutiny?
Even if you keep it a secret, there’s a really good chance that other friends and guests will notice that Adam and Olivia are talking to each other a lot more than most new acquaintances usually do, and word will spread that there might be a romance blooming. Make sure that both parties involved are both open to having their first date at your wedding and also having every single other person around them know what’s happening.

Will You Care if it Doesn’t Work Out?
Think about how many first dates you had before your last first date with your hubby-to-be. Not every date turns into a lifelong romance, and your wedding is no exception. If you really want your best friend and his best friend to meet, and think they might really have a chance, consider setting them up on a non-wedding blind date. Sure, some of the pressure is still there, but without an audience, they can have a real date instead of wondering when the cake will be cut. And if you’re going to be upset that it wasn’t true love after all, it won’t mar your wedding memories. Though if you’re setting them up just for the sake of it, but don’t think there’s a real chance, you should probably scrap the whole plan.

Autumn will be here before you know it, and although cooler temps and gorgeous scenery are among the things we love most about the season, what we’re really looking forward to is a beautiful fall wedding. And, with September and October as two of the most popular months to say “I do,” we’re willing to bet you’re also ready for fall-inspired nuptials. So if you’re looking for ideas for your own autumnal celebration, look no further than our real weddings video channel, which is broke down season by season and showcases some of the best ideas to steal for your own big day.

Dive into your own fall wedding planning adventure with Jess and Rob’s September wedding at Liberty Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York. Fiore Films captured every moment of their sunset ceremony and seasonally minded reception. Although their day certainly celebrated classic New York City style (ahem, did you see that vintage taxi?), this twosome made sure the wedding spoke of autumn.

See More: 25 Wedding Bouquets Full of Fresh and Fragrant Herbs

Their breezy outdoor vows were held in front of a structure of seasonal greenery and plenty of flowers. Guests were able to take in the remarkable September sunset as they watched this pair become husband and wife. Bridesmaids even carried bouquets of darker pink and white flowers, hinting at the cooler weather soon to come.

The reception was a total party, and the fall-inspired color palette of burgundy and gold totally fit the bill. With lots of string lights — and tons of dancing — we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that no one left this fun wedding until the very last minute.

Bridal showers are the perfect pre-wedding celebration that’ll bring together the women who cherish and support you the most in this world. But, sometimes these pre-wedding festivities aren’t for everyone. Whether you find that planning a bridal shower is eating up too much of your (or your MOH’s) time and money or that most of the people you’d like to invite live too far away, it’s OK to skip having a bridal shower. Here are five reasons to not have a bridal shower (that are totally legitimate).

1. Guests Live Far Away
If your family and close friends live in a different state, country or just somewhere that’ll be tough for them to drive in for the weekend, you may want to skip a bridal shower just out of sheer logistics. Instead, do a spa day or lunch with your girls the day before the wedding when everyone is in town.

2. Time is of the Essence
If your wedding is a few months away and you haven’t had a chance to think about a shower or can’t find a single free weekend or weekday to have one, you may want to just cross this off your list. Save your free time and brain power to focus on your wedding and to try and relax before the big day arrives and your guests shower you there.

3. Planning Makes You Crazed
Sometimes planning a bridal shower can feel like you are planning a second wedding, especially if you don’t have any family members or friends to pitch in and help. If you find yourself in charge of planning the shower and it’s making you extra stressed, you may start to see that it’s not worth it to throw another party.

4. You’d Rather Do Something Else
If you roll your eyes at the idea of getting all the women in your life together to open presents, eat lunch, and play some games, that’s okay. Instead, plan an event that’s more your style, whether it’s an afternoon of bowling or an outdoor potluck.

5. Not Looking for Gifts
One of the main reasons brides have a shower is to score some gifts from their registry. If you decided to not have a registry or feel like you don’t want your guests to bring gifts, you can ask them to make a donation to a charity instead — or just do away with a traditional 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.

See More: What Should You Do if No One Has Planned Your Bridal Shower Yet?

When it comes to taking your engagement photos in Miami, the beach is probably the first location that comes to mind. In classic Florida style, engaged couples flock to the shore for picturesque shots at sunrise, sunset, and every time in between. But if you’re looking for somewhere quirkier, more colorful, and less sandy — look no further than Miami’s Wynwood Art District.

Located on 2nd Avenue between 25th and 26th Streets are the Wynwood Walls, a series of large warehouses covered in stunning graffiti. The Wynwood Walls were opened to the public as a free art attraction in 2009 to display pieces by some of the world’s greatest street artists. The walls are the perfect spot for engaged couples looking to think outside the box. From when to go to what to wear, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to taking engagement pictures at the Wynwood Walls.

The least crowded days of the week
As you’d expect, the Wynwood Walls tend to be busiest on the weekend. Luckily, the walls are open seven days a week. For the best chance at having the place (almost) to yourselves, schedule your photographer between Monday and Thursday. If you do choose to shoot on the weekend, avoid the second Saturday of each month, when organized tour groups gather for the monthly Wynwood Art Walk.

The least crowded time of day
The walls open every day at 10:30 a.m., and the earlier you arrive, the less crowds you’ll face. But it’s also important to consider lighting. Ask your photographer what the best time of day is for ideal lighting at the walls, then weigh both factors when choosing your time slot.

What to wear
Street art is all about artistic expression through vivid colors and images, and the Wynwood Walls are no exception. If you’re planning to snap photos at more than one wall, keep your outfits simple to avoid competing — or worse, clashing — with your backdrop. A simple white blouse with jeans or a summer dress in a solid color will keep the focus on you and your partner, not the art in the background. And a simple, crisp button down paired with jeans or neutral slacks will work wonders for your fiancé.

See More: Get Dolled Up For Your Engagement Photos With One of Our Favorite Local Makeup Artists

The best Wynwood Wall for every type of bride
Since 2009, the Wynwood Walls have featured work by over 50 artists from all across the world. So it’s no surprise each installation is as unique as it is beautiful. Below you’ll find the spots that best align with your bridal style.

• Ultra-Feminine Brides: Ladylike brides will love French artist Fafi’s flower wall, a romantic mural adorned in an array of colorful blooms. The backdrop may even provide some bouquet inspiration!

• Modern Brides: Brides with an eye for design will gravitate toward Maya Hayuk’s bright, geometric backdrop. The colors and symmetry look great on camera, which means your shots will be perfect for Instagram later on.

• Quirky Brides: Lady Pink’s eccentric mural of an abstract body against a city skyline almost has an Alice in Wonderland-type feel. Quirky, unconventional brides will appreciate a backdrop that seems to tell its own story.

• Boho Brides: Boho brides will love the sense of peace showcased in this mural by artists Cryptik and DALeast. Swirling ribbon designs and calligraphy coupled with enlightening imagery are sure to leave an impact on friends and family.

Where to grab lunch after your session
After a long day of smiling and posing, treat yourselves to a delicious meal together at Wynwood Kitchen and Bar. The eclectic restaurant serves authentic latin-inspired tapas full of Miami flare. And with panoramic canvases covering the walls, you and your fiancé are sure to enjoy reflecting on the day (over a serving of WKB’s signature chocolate flan, of course).

Need a photographer for your Miami engagement photos? Check out some of our favorites on our Local Vendors page!

This is it… The final countdown to your big day. And along with settling those last few details — figuring out where to seat your eccentric Uncle Carl, firming up the flowers — you’re likely also making one last push to make sure the body that will be wearing that gorgeous white gown looks as good as it possibly can. You and nearly every other woman with an engagement ring on her finger. In fact, research shows that an overwhelming 91 percent of brides-to-be are anxious about their weight. But from here on out, you won’t have to be!

Whether you want to drop those last few pounds or look more toned — or both — we’ve got a month’s worth of daily tips (none of which require starving yourself or working out nonstop!) that will help you feel stunning and confident when you walk down that aisle. You know where to send the thank-you card. Let’s get started!

Day 20: Exercise First Thing in The Morning

As hard as it may be to drag yourself out of a warm, cozy bed at 6 A.M. to workout, it could do amazing things for your body. (#Worthit!) Research shows that exercising first thing in a “fasted state” — meaning, before you eat anything — can jack up your workout’s fat-burning effects.

“There are a couple of reasons why this works. First, levels of cortisol — a hormone that promotes fat metabolism for energy — are higher in the morning, so if you work out with no food in your system, it leads to higher amounts of fat burning,” says Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist and personal trainer in San Diego.

“Also, because your body burns calories even when you’re sleeping, by the time you get up in the morning there are lower levels of carbohydrates in your system that are available for fuel — so your body has to rely on fat stores as its main source of energy.”

See More: 12 Workout Myths That Just Need to Die

To maximize the effect, he recommends keeping your workout to 30 to 40 minutes — no matter what kind of exercise you do in the A.M. And yes, it’s okay to have coffee with a splash of milk first. A girl has to wake up, after all!

You can also have a low-glycemic snack — like an apple, or half of a whole wheat English muffin with a little peanut butter — if your stomach is really rumbling pre-workout. But nothing too sugary, or your insulin levels will rise — which has the opposite effect of helping to promote fat storage.

Just getting started on our 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up? Kick off your journey from Day One, here.

It may seem like just yesterday that you said, “I do,” but a whole year has passed — and now the time has come to celebrate your first wedding anniversary! Traditionally, your one year anniversary is the “paper” anniversary, suggesting paper based gifts. While we love this notion, we also think there’s nothing wrong with breaking with tradition a bit and getting creative. Check out these six unique ways to celebrate 365 days of wedded bliss.

Go Back In Time
Ever wish you could re-live your wedding day? (Only every day, right?) You can! Sort of. Go back in time and revisit the place where you said your vows. If you got married at a hotel, book a room for the evening — you can even ask if they have the bridal suite available if it’s a weeknight or weekend and there are no other weddings booked. If you got married at a restaurant, go back for dinner and possibly even order items served at your wedding. Indulge in dessert too, or head back home to have the top tier of your wedding cake if you’ve saved it.

Get Dolled Up
Chances are the last time you had your hair or makeup professionally done was your wedding day. (If not, we’re jealous!) So, treat yourself and glam it up for the night. Make reservations at a fancy restaurant or buy tickets for a show for the perfect excuse (not that you need one) to look your best for a night on the town. Have fun shopping for outfits together, or surprise each other separately. There’s something so special and fun about getting dressed up for an occasion dedicated to celebrating you.

Be Traditional… with a Twist
You can be unique and different while still sticking to the paper concept. Rewrite your vows together on gorgeous stationary (frame it after) and re-read them to one another, just keep the tissues handy! Or, opt for event or show tickets (hey, they’re on paper!) in the spirit of tradition and shared experience. Money is paper too, so get a bunch of singles and head to the casino, or arcade for some games of chance, since you’re lucky in love.

The Ultimate Night In
We’re not talking the usual Friday night in with popcorn and wine. Think more along the lines of a luxurious and relaxing in-home massage treatment (services like Zeel will bring the spa to you), sexy lingerie, candles, music and more. Ditch your usual takeout options and cook up your favorite meal together, or order in from your favorite upscale restaurant. Pop in your wedding DVD for some added nostalgia. You won’t need to leave the house (or the bedroom) for an anniversary to remember.

Splurge
Once your wallets have recovered from all the costs associated with wedding planning, treat yourselves to something special to help commemorate your anniversary. Whether it’s a right hand ring for you and the latest tech gadget for him, or something you can purchase together that will last forever like a piece of art, an antique, or — for the uber-adventurous — a tattoo, it just might be the first time since you got married that you treat yourselves.

Second Honeymoon
Time flies when you’re having fun. But if the rest, relaxation and bliss of your honeymoon feels oh-so far away get out of town. Literally. It doesn’t have to be as grandiose as your honeymoon (but it totally can be) it just has to be time spent together, and away, making memories as you kick off your second year of marriage, and the rest of your lives together.

See More: How Your Wedding Date Can Impact Your Future

If the worst part of planning a wedding is the actual planning part (kidding, well, kind of!), then the second worst part definitely has to be writing the thank you notes, especially if your big day wasn’t exactly on the small side. Ugh, kill us now! It’s like the work never ends even after the wedding is over and done with. So of course, like any other bride, you want to get those thank you notes over and done with as quick as possible. But procrastination sounds so much better right now. We know, we know; it’s tough! Fortunately, we’ve rounded up five helpful hacks that will encourage you to get those thank you notes out in a jiffy and lift a weight off your shoulders at the same time. So yeah, it’s a win-win!

1. Address your thank you notes with the invitations
Kill two birds with one stone…or uh, something like that. Chancey Charm Atlanta wedding planner Brie Owens recommends investing time beforehand and addressing your thank you envelopes at the same time as your invitations. “Bring the bridesmaids over to help and take a photo at your reception or engagement session with a thank you sign that you can send with a brief thanks!”

2. Buy a return address stamp
Just trust us on this one; it’s crucial! Chancey Charm Charlotte wedding planner Miranda Tassi agrees. In addition to pre-labeling your envelopes and return address ahead of time, to be super speedy, she suggests ordering a fun return address stamp with your new name on it. That way you can avoid having to handwrite your address. Plus, you can use it on invitations and RSVPs too! Etsy is a great place to get these on the cheap.

3. Use a template
That can be easily customized, of course, says Chancey Charm Houston wedding planner Skylar Caitlin. “Simply swap out the name, the specific gift and how you plan to use their gift.” Done and done.

See More: 9 Fabulous (and Free!) Wedding D&#233cor Items to Bring From Home

4. Get your partner involved
Ah, now this one’s definitely our favorite hack! Cut the number of thank you notes you personally have to pen in half by assigning your hubby a bunch to do on his own. He might grumble at first, but just remind him that you pretty much planned the entire wedding so it’s really the least he could do. Normally, the way it works is he would write the thank you notes to his friends and family and you to yours. You can split up cards for mutual friends to make it fair.

5. Do a bunch in one sitting
If you’re one of those people who, once you’re in your flow, you can’t stop won’t stop then we suggest plopping down at your kitchen table on a Sunday (perhaps with a bottle of wine or some mimosas) and getting busy writing thank you notes. Chances are, once you get started you’ll get in your groove fast and the mood to write, and crank those cards out in no time flat. Do this for one Sunday or a few Sundays and you’ll be done in no time flat.

Planning the wedding may have seemed stressful enough, but when it comes to steamy honeymoon spots, where do you even begin? Island hopping in the Mediterranean? The beaches of Hawaii? Wine tasting your way around Bordeaux? Why not enter the realm of cruising? (And we don’t mean the Spring Break variety.) Step on board some of the most luxurious and intimate ships on the market for the idyllic stress-free honeymoon you couldn’t even imagine planning on your own. Whether you and the hubby are up for outdoor adventures or basking on European beaches, these five destinations are sure to fit the bill, serving up just the right blend of relaxation and romance for a honeymoon that will be the definition of Instagram-worthy.

Saint Petersburg
Been trying to snag a reservation at The French Laundry for years now? Three Michelin star chef Thomas Keller brings his culinary skills to sea on Seabourn Quest with the new onboard eatery, The Grill by Thomas Keller. Haute cuisine is one of the draws on the luxury liner, but another is the destination — St. Petersburg. Take in the best of the romantic Russian city strolling through Baroque cathedrals and 18th century palaces, ending evenings in style with a trip to the Russian ballet.

Greek Islands
If visions of a white-washed hotel sitting on Santorini’s seaside slopes have been on your Pinterest board for years but your honeymoon budget doesn’t quite match, don’t cross off this spot just yet. Instead of worrying about the logistics of island hopping in Greece, set sail on a Greek-based liner like Celestyal that acts as both a ferry and floating hotel. On a week-long cruise, you can crisscross through the islands hitting 11 ports from the big ones like Mykonos and Santorini to more tucked-away spots like Samos and Ios.

Antarctica
Willing to go to the edge of the Earth for your new hubby? With an Antarctic Expedition cruise, that’s completely possible. Visit one of the most untouched regions of the globe on board Silversea’s Silver Explorer, taking in views of the pristine landscape from panoramic windows in the luxe suites. It’ll be hard to tell what takes your breath away more here-Antarctica’s iceberg sculptures or sumptuous breakfasts together in bed (with champagne, of course) before setting off for your first adventure as husband and wife.

Mediterranean
Palaces aren’t only on land in the Mediterranean. On board Regent Seven Seas’ new Explorer ship, you and the hubby will be living like royalty (Princess Charlene of Monaco is the ship’s godmother, after all). Nicknamed “The World’s Most Luxurious Ship,” no expense was spared on this $450 million haute hotel at sea. With only 750 passengers, it’ll still feel like an intimate honeymoon with your other half with plenty of space to spread out in the all-suite ship, which is also home to the largest balconies on the water. Cruise the Med heading from Monte-Carlo to Venice, stopping to explore some of the most romantic cities in the region in between onboard indulgences like Canyon Ranch spa treatments and fine dining at French eatery Chartreuse.

Cuba
Cuba seems to be the hot ticket island on everyone’s travel bucket list this year. Close enough to the U.S. but still as exotic as a trip to Asia, the one-time forbidden spot is slowly being added as a destination on itineraries by cruise ships both big and small. Couples that aren’t traditional cruisers but still want to get an experience on the water will fall head-over-heels for the 64-passenger French yacht Le Ponant, which recently received approval to sail Americans to Cuba starting next spring.

See More: 2016 BRIDES Best Honeymoons — The Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts