A couple’s favorite kind of wedding guest? One who is prompt or — gasp! — even a little early. RSVP mailed as soon as the invitation arrives? Hotel booked as soon as the room block is reserved? Parked at the church 30 minutes before the ceremony is set to begin? Being ahead of schedule has never been so welcome. That is, of course, unless the venue isn’t quite ready for you yet. So if you’ve shown up to the ceremony early, what should you do? Our experts have a few tips.

If you arrive at the ceremony significantly ahead of schedule, do your best to stay out of the way. Especially in houses of worship, there’s a chance the couple’s wedding planner didn’t have access to the space until an hour or so ago, so they’re probably still putting the finishing touches on the decor. If it’s nice outside, take a quick stroll around the neighborhood. Attending a winter wedding? Find a spot to sit inside that won’t interfere with set up.

There are a few things you definitely shouldn’t do. The first? Don’t go looking for the bride or groom. They have a lot on their minds right now (and are probably trying to squeeze in a few pre-ceremony pictures), so save the hugs and well-wishes for after they’ve said “I do.”

The second? If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, don’t try to sneak into the reception space. Again, it may not be completely decorated yet, and there are probably plenty of vendors hard at work. Even if the escort cards are out and you know where you’ll be sitting, avoid the urge to put down your bag or coat — you wouldn’t want someone’s jacket sticking out like a sore thumb in the pictures of your reception, would you? Instead, let the event flow as the couple intends it to, and wait to enter the reception until after cocktail hour.

While you’re waiting for the ceremony to begin, mingle with other guests as they arrive, then nab the best seat in the house (behind the couple’s families, of course!) once the doors open!

See more: What Should You Do If There is a Gap in Your Wedding Timeline?

JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers were engaged long before we watched The Bachelorette present Rodgers with her final rose on our TV screens. But while waiting for the season finale to air, the reality TV couple were forced to keep their relationship under wraps and hide that Neil Lane engagement ring from the world — or else we wouldn’t be simultaneously squealing at our TV screens in surprise and downing glasses of rosé, would we? Of course, the in-love pair just couldn’t stay away from one another, so they did what any couple does when they try to sneak in some romantic alone time during the early engagement craziness: They donned disguises! (What? You and your fiancé never tried this?) Rodgers just revealed that he and his bride-to-be went incognito for an undercover date before The Bachelorette finale aired. And he even shared a you-gotta-see-to-believe photo for proof!

This isn’t the first time a Bachelor Nation couple resorted to some crafty costumes to see one another before getting the OK from producers. Last year’s Bachelorette duo, Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth, also donned super sneaky wigs and sunglasses for a pre-finale outing. But it’s Rodgers’ and Fletcher’s alter-egos that have us LOL’ing.

The former NFL quarterback recently shared how he and Fletcher snuck past the Bachelorette producers’ watchful eyes thanks to their incognito ensembles. “There was one time, we were in L.A. for a couple days, separate, so I borrowed a buddy’s Halloween costume — a mullet wig and a trucker hat,” Rodgers told Entertainment Tonight. “And took an Uber to her hotel and was kinda sneaking around a little bit.”

See More: JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers’ Engagement Party Was Epic

Then, Fletcher joined her beau in a big blonde wig and a hilarious princess hat for a bit of undercover couple fun. “Our producers don’t know!” she said. “We didn’t get caught! You can’t be mad!”

No one could possibly be mad after seeing the too-funny photo of their disguises that Rodgers just shared on Instagram. “The last time we were in Chico together you might have met our alter egos Goldie and Ricky… Oops #sneaky #sorryABC,” the groom-to-be captioned the sneaky snapshot.

This pic is definitely making the wedding reception slideshow…

The last time we were in Chico together you might have met our alter egos Goldie and Ricky…oops #sneaky #sorryABC

A photo posted by Jordan Rodgers (@jrodgers11) on Aug 29, 2016 at 8:43pm PDT

Every bride-to-be is on the hunt for that radiant wedding day glow. At the same time, facials, peels, harsh chemicals, grainy scrubs, and drying alcohols can definitely take a toll on your skin. Is it still possible to achieve that bridal beauty if you’re going all natural? We’re here to tell you 100% yes! Sometimes putting nature back on your bathroom shelf is the first step in an envy-inducing fairy-like glow. Here, five all-natural beauty products you should add to your routine before the wedding day (doesn’t hurt that they’re so photogenic your Instagram will scream!).

Manuka Honey
Hear us out: putting honey on your skin is the secret to a clear, healthy, and glowing complexion. While shopping at NYC natural beauty haven CAP Beauty we came across a woman with the most beautiful skin we’ve ever seen. She suggested applying a daily mask of 100% raw organic Manuka honey (Wedderspoon Raw Manuka Active 16+ Honey, $46) to problem skin — 15 minutes does the trick. After a week we were sold on this all natural miracle skin cure. Trust us, try it for two days and just sit back and enjoy the compliments. After all, Cleopatra made this miracle product a part of her daily beauty routine by bathing in it. If it’s good enough for Cleo!

A Powerful Serum
Benshen founder Desiree Pais knows a thing or two about healing from the inside out. Her skin care offerings are meant to “tap into the wisdom to root down into our bodies to heal ourselves and to strengthen our minds.” After adding her Serum No. 1 ($70) to our morning and evening routine we noticed visibly balanced skin tone, diminished appearance of finer lines, faded sun mark and scars, and the perfect balance of dewy and matte. A combination of miracle oils like sweet almond (heavenly for scars), olive, jojoba, sea buckthron, blue chamomile, lavender, evening primrose, rose hips, and carrot seed, unearth your most radiant self. Pais also promotes meditation as a beauty essential — tried and tested, there’s a reason yogis glow like they do! Follow her on Instagram for serious natural beauty inspiration.

An Oil-Based Cleanser
Washing your face with oil? We know, it seems crazy, but the oil cleansing method is an essential part of balancing your skin’s natural oils. The secret is finding the right oil that will strip the bad stuff away and keep the good oils, you know the ones that make you look dewy. Seabuckthorn is one such miracle oil and Living Libation’s cult-followed Best Skin Ever ($30) is a cleanser, moisturizer, and exfoliant all in one! Use it as a makeup remover and facial cleanser to see radiant skin with just the right amount of glow in mere days. After all, “best skin ever” is right in the name.

A Soothing Toner
While most toners are heavy on the alcohols, if you’re looking to keep your skin care natural look into a toner free of synthetics and drying agents like alcohol. Billed to match to the pH of healthy skin, Brit transplant Pai’s Lotus & Orange Blossom BioAffinity Tonic ($56) is nutrient heavy to soothe and calm red skin — ideal for that flushed nervous wedding day skin. Hydrating and soothing, it’s perfect for all day application and refreshing your skin before, during, and after the vows — talk about honeymoon must have!

A Gentle Face Polish
Exfoliating is the key to unveiling that bridal glow resides below surfaces of dull, and dry skin. Develop a weekly (at least!) exfoliating habit using a product that is antioxidant rich to remove impurities and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Root Science’s Rejuvenating Facial Exfoliant ($60) — rejuvenating, hello! — is filled with “superfood” skin treatments, including soothing and brightening turmeric, Vitamin C and clays, to unearth the healthiest skin. It doesn’t hurt that the bottle is absolutely Instagram-ready photogenic for your big day “shelfie.”

She is enjoying that newly-engaged glow — with the help of her hubby’s Snapchat filters! Miranda Kerr flashed her gorg engagement ring from Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel on the social media app on Sunday, showing off her beautiful sparkler with a selfie in the car.

In her smize-worthy selfie, the 33-year-old model rocked the Snapchat filter that makes pretty much every user feel like a flawless model with bronzed, sparkly skin and a butterfly crown glittering atop your head (so basically, it’s not fair that Kerr is a model and gets to use the filter…just saying). Of course, her gigantic diamond ring didn’t hurt the cause; the model rested her left hand strategically on her shoulder for all to see.

Back in July, founder and CEO of Snapchat popped the question to the former Victoria’s Secret model after a year of dating, People reported — with a classic round-cut center stone and two tapered baguette diamonds sitting on either side. When she announced her engagement, the bride-to-be shared a ring selfie with a Bitmoji overlay of the couple’s proposal moment (so 2016), which is quite fitting as her soon-to-be hubs is now the owner of the personalized emoji app under the Snapchat umbrella. (To be honest, we expected a little more — is a Snapchat live proposal too much to ask!?)

As far as her groom is concerned, when it comes to wedding planning, we hear that the social media mogul (worth a casual $2.1 billion dollars) is looking to have quite the over-the-top wedding. (Side note: Can you blame him? He’s a billionaire and may have just a liiiittle money to blow). A source shared with US Weekly that he is the one looking to have an “extravagant wedding, in true Evan style.” Spiegel also reportedly just bought a $12 million dollar mansion in Los Angeles, which he will share with his fiancée.

See More: 70 Amazing Engagement Ring Selfies

Since this is Kerr’s second marriage, we can totally understand why her groom would be more outspoken about his plans for the upcoming nuptials. The model and skincare line creator was formerly married to Orlando Bloom from 2010 to 2013, and the two have a son together, a 5-year-old named Flynn. Since their divorce, they both appear to have happily moved on, as her ex-husband has been dating Katy Perry (whom Kerr seems to have a great relationship with — she was quoted saying she is “happy” for her ex-husband, reports E! News). Kerr describes Perry as “a really cool woman and a talented singer.” On Papa Bloom’s hand, Kerr told The Edit, “Orlando thinks he’s great. We’re just a modern family now!”

Since then it’s been nothing but Instagram selfies (but no Insta stories, we’d assume!) and snaps of the happily engaged couple — with Snapchat selfie filters, obviously. Enjoy that fresh engagement (and Snapchat) glow, girl.

A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Aug 28, 2016 at 10:10pm PDT

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A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Aug 24, 2016 at 1:01pm PDT

I said yes!!! **********

A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Jul 20, 2016 at 8:39am PDT

Taking over @vogueaustralia Snapchat today while I'm shooting the new @koraorganics campaign. Find me at MISSVOGUEAUS on snapchat **

A video posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Jun 24, 2016 at 5:41pm PDT

Happy Birthday to my love!!! ****** I feel so incredibly blessed to have you as my partner ********

A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Jun 4, 2016 at 12:48pm PDT

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A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on May 14, 2016 at 3:35am PDT

The greatest and most heart-wrenching moment of watching a season of The Bachelor is, without a doubt, the proposal. There’s something so dreamy about the whole set up of the situation. It’s usually somewhere exotic, where waves are crashing in the background and the suspense of it all is enough to make your heart race for a good thirty minutes. So if you’re about to propose to someone who watches The Bachelor religiously, here are 5 ways you too can plan a television series-worthy moment that you and your fiancéee will never forget.

1. Pick an Exotic Location
When you’re brainstorming spots to pop the question — think big. Your local park or beach won’t do the trick. Instead, find an exotic locale that is remote and romantic. Make sure there’s a lot of greenery behind you, and that the spot is totally picturesque.

2. Make it Suspenseful
A true proposal on The Bachelor isn’t one that happens quickly (there are at least 5-10 commercial breaks, let’s be serious). The building of suspense is a key factor in this situation, so plan to arrive at the location an hour or so before it all goes down to build up your nerves and emotion. Give your partner instructions as to where to meet you and how to get there.

3. Rose Petals — EVERYWHERE
It’s not romance without red rose petals all over the place. Roses — or any flowers for that matter — set the mood.

4. Give a Long, Heartfelt Speech
With all the nerves, you may have the urge to jump down onto one knee. Instead, wait until they arrive and give them a long, 3-5 minute speech about how you can’t imagine your life without them, building up perfectly to the main event.

5. Have a Camera Crew Filming It
If it’s not on film and the whole world can’t watch it later, then did it really happen? A camera crew will definitely elevate the proposal to a new level — and once you add some edits and include a tear-jerking music score, it will be a memory you can rewatch over and over for years to come.

See More: These Real Life Proposal Stories (and Photos!) Are Giving Us ALL the Feels

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.

You only get one shot at this whole wedding thing so might as well make the most of it and learn from your fellow brides’ mistakes, right? Take it from these ladies, and don’t do these seven things on the day of your big day.

Don’t drink too much (or eat too little).
“Trust me, you’ll regret it, especially if you combine the two. Make sure you munch on food getting ready and don’t down too many glasses of champagne before the ceremony. A good balance of food, booze and water during the reception should get you through the night.” — Anna

Stop trying to control everything.
“That’s what the whole year of wedding planning was for! You’ll only drive yourself crazy trying to take control on the day of. And who wants memories of stress instead of sheer bliss getting ready? Allow your wedding planner, day of coordinator or literally anyone else to worry about the day-of details for you.” — Liz

Don’t let the little mishaps get you down.
“I promise you, things are going to go wrong. Chances are, you’ll be the only one who notices those little mishaps though. So seriously, don’t sweat it and just enjoy yourself.” — Jodi

Don’t underestimate how long you need to get ready.
“However long you think you need, add a few hours to that! I thought I’d have a full face of makeup, my hair done and plenty of time to eat something by the time the photographer got there for getting ready pics but we were all running behind schedule since we didn’t allow for enough time. The more time, the merrier and the less stressed you’ll be.” — Kacie

See More: Wedding Planners Reveal the Most Jaw-Dropping Bride/Groomzilla Moments They’ve Ever Seen

Don’t neglect any of your guests.
“On our wedding day I wanted to spend a lot of time with my friends who traveled from afar and who I don’t see often. In hindsight, I didn’t hang out nearly enough with everyone else, my family especially. I wish I had more party photos with them instead of just formal shots.” — Ashton

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
“If you’re lucky enough to have supportive friends and family, don’t be afraid to lean on them the day of and ask for help. Even if it’s just as simple as fixing you a plate to eat while you get your hair done or running a love note down to your fianc&#233. They are there for you and happy to help!” — Tiara

Don’t forget to take pictures with non-bridal party members.
“I have a ton of photos with my bridesmaids and family members, but not really any great ones (other than dance floor shots) of me and my other friends. I wish I had asked our photographer to get some cute friend group shots during our reception!” — Alison

Is it strange that we’re jealous of a 4-year-old? Whatever. We’re admitting it: We’re officially super envious of Blue Ivy Carter. Not only does she have a pair of bonafide superstars as parents, but she’s a mini celeb in her own right, slaying the red carpet just like Mama Beyoncé. Take this past weekend’s MTV’s Video Music Awards for instance, where little Blue commanded attention in her metallic tulle gown. Heck, that dress nearly outdid Beyoncé’s beaded and feathered frock. And it should with its über-hefty price tag… In fact, Blue Ivy’s VMAs dress probably cost more than your wedding dress. (Yes, really.) Sure she might be just four-years-old, but with a dress in her closet costing as much as a bride’s, flower girls of the world ain’t got nothing on this tiny tot.

So just how much did Blue Ivy’s pint-sized red carpet gown cost? Hold onto your hats and clutch your pearls, because the floor-length frock cost a whopping $10,950. Yep. According to E! News, the gorgeous gown was crafted by couture kiddie designer Mischka Aoki. Dubbed the “Grande Royalle” dress, the frock features a laser-cut rose gold bodice, an extravagant tulle skirt, and 3D metallic appliqués. The mini fashtionista completed the look with a tiara by Lorraine Schwartz and pretty-in-pink Giuseppe Zanotti sneakers.”Oh, this old thing?” — Blue Ivy, probably…

See More: Believe It! 41 Wedding Dresses That Cost Under $1,500

Considering that most brides on average shell out less than $1,500 for their wedding dress (excluding those pricey alterations, of course), you could’ve bought a closet full of wedding day wear for the cost of Blue Ivy’s VMAs gown. Le sigh. Back to the wedding dress sample sale…

But, hey, if you happen to be in the market for a five-figure flower girl dress for your mini-me, you can pick up Blue Ivy’s VMAs dress at Bergdorf Goodman (and pray she doesn’t spill anything on it…)

Uh-oh! We hate to break it ya, but no matter how meticulously you plan all those wedding day details, sometimes something can still manage to go wrong. Whether that one groomsman takes too many pre-ceremony shots or the wedding cake takes a dive, big day disasters can — and do — happen. But as the BRIDES October/November 2016 issue proves, brides-to-be can survive any catastrophe. (Trust us!) In our latest issue, real brides are sharing their wedding nightmares — from a groom landing in jail the night before the “I do’s” to a big day E.R. visit. But don’t worry, everyone still had their happily ever after. See? Brides can handle anything!

Our advice? Try not to stress about potential big day mishaps. After all, all that stress could seriously impede your gorgeous bridal glow. An easy fix? Heading to the detox havens in our latest issue. These posh wellness retreats are filled with workout classes, healthy meals, and luxe spa treatments that’ll get your pre-wedding beauty regimen in check for the big day. Why not bring your bridesmaids along for the healthiest and most relaxing bachelorette party, like, ever?

Sound expensive? Well, you’ll definitely have some cash to spare after following our seven tips for getting the wedding you want for less — including how real brides sealed the deal and negotiated for the best price with their wedding vendors.

And that’s not all you’ll find in our October/November 2016 issue. We’re showing you how to freshen up the classics, from gorgeous gowns, beautiful blooms, blinged-out engagement rings, and modern bridal updos that are anything but your grandma’s beehive.

See More: 30 Ways to Style Your Wedding Party

And if that’s not enough to get you popping the bubbly, we’re serving up a whopping 298 ways to wow your guests and the ultimate guide to planning the biggest dinner party of your life — including personalized menus, expert wine pairings, and dazzling desserts — according to culinary insiders. Something even yummier?

Our covergirl this issue is Victoria’s Secret model Bridget Malcolm, who recently tied the knot with her musician sweetheart in a rustic and light alfresco affair. She looked just so darn beautiful in her body-hugging lace wedding dress, we just had to see her in a few more!

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get inspired!

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

Having an intimate elopement in a big city can often seem like a daunting task, but D.C. brides will be pleased to know that there are plenty of options for spectacular, personal elopements in the city. Whether it’s a local pizza chain, trendy Mexican restaurant, or Virginia museum, the options for small weddings are many. With the backdrop of the exquisite city and its many diverse neighborhoods and communities, D.C. elopements are truly enchanting. Here are five unique elopement ideas for the D.C. bride.

&pizza
This popular eatery is more than just a regular pizza joint. On Pi Day in 2015, a local couple married at &pizza, creating the perfect elopement trend for pizza-loving couples to have a fun, stress-free wedding day. The trend caught on, and on March 14th of this year, the Columbia Heights &pizza location transformed into a Vegas-style wedding chapel, offering weddings for interested couples looking to elope. For couples who want to tie the knot at other times of the year, the expenses are on you — but it makes for a delicious afterparty!

Mission Dupont Circle
If an elopement featuring tacos and margaritas sounds like an ideal wedding, Mission Dupont Circle is the place for you. For fun-loving couples, the 20th Street Mexican restaurant will provide the couple with a Mariachi band and a bottle of Don Julio tequila — engraved with the couple’s names and their wedding date, of course. With its overstuffed burritos, spicy nachos, and spicy margs, Mission Dupont Circle is sure to make for an exciting elopement. Couples can have their elopement celebration in any space at the restaurant, including its upstairs loft, the bar (complete with stained glass windows), and an outdoor patio. For those asking their families to join post-nuptials, there’s a spacious downstairs, complete with four dining areas and a giant 60-foot bar.

See More: Pick Your Perfect Ceremony Song With One of These Local Vendors

Athenaeum
The museum in Alexandria, Virginia is an elegant venue for an intimate elopement with close friends and family. Architecture buffs in the wedding party will be pleased to know that the art museum is one of the few remaining examples of neo-classical Greek Revival architecture in the D.C. area. The brick-enclosed courtyard is perfect for private, romantic elopement ceremonies, and as an art museum, the Athenaeum’s exhibits change frequently, which is sure to be a unique backdrop for your wedding photos. Read real brides’ reviews here!

The Newseum
If being in the presence of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs and other American news-related memorabilia is your thing, the Newseum offers wedding packages — including small elopements. Intimate ceremonies can be held on the rooftop, complete with stunning views of the Capitol building. Wolfgang Puck catering provides food, making for a culinary experience that guests won’t soon forget — whether it’s a cake and champagne reception or a larger dinner. The Newseum’s location on Pennsylvania Avenue makes it the perfect place to have a cozy wedding amidst the backdrop of Washington, D.C.

Use Pop! Wed Co.
Steven and Maggie Gaudaen shot their first wedding together when they were 16 — and haven’t looked back since. To make a long story short: when Maggie went to work at a digital agency in D.C., she wasn’t able to spend as much time photographing elopements and weddings as she wanted. After talking with Steven, the two agreed to provide pop-up weddings in a fun way — and Pop! Wed Co. was born. Steven serves as officiant, Maggie plans and shoots, and an additional photographer helps out at weekday elopements. Some noteworthy recent pop-up weddings include the Renwick Gallery, Apothecary Museum in Alexandria, and the National Building Museum’s 2015 “Beach” exhibit. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Is your wedding planning to-do list looking a bit overwhelming? Get help from one of our favorite local vendors!

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 30: Do Push-Ups Right Before Putting On Your Wedding Gown

Today’s the day! And we’re thrilled for you! Savor every moment of this special event. Wondering why we’re suggesting a mini workout moment before you walk down the aisle?

“It’s actually an old trick bodybuilders use before a competition. It directs blood flow to your muscles and makes them pop a little bit,” notes Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist and personal trainer in San Diego. He recommends doing two sets of 10 to 15 push-ups and chair dips to enhance all that great shoulder and back definition you’ve been working on.

See More: 4 Ways to Keep the Pounds Off and Your Confidence Up Post-Wedding

This “pop” doesn’t last very long, so take two minutes before you get dressed to bang out these moves. (Don’t worry, you won’t even get close to breaking a sweat.) That little bit of exercise might also help keep butterflies at bay — physical activity is a well-known stress buster.

Then slip on that killer gown, sip a glass of bubbly, and get ready to slay them down the aisle. We wish you joy-filled “I do’s” that go off flawlessly.

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