When it comes to Europe’s great honeymoon destinations, places like France, Spain, Italy, and Greece might be the first that spring to mind. But Germany, with its romantic castles, quaint small towns, beautiful vineyards, and dynamic cities is an option that shouldn’t be overlooked. Here are three great reasons to honeymoon in Germany.

Beautiful historic cities and towns
Hamburg, Stuttgart, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne… You know the names of Germany’s biggest cities from the history books but each one is still worth visiting today and has its own distinctive culture, and personality. Drink in the traditional Bavarian charm of Munich, cruise the canals of Hamburg or trace the early history of the Beatles in the city’s St. Pauli district (where the band lived and played in the early 60s).

Visit the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart to see Germany’s contribution to the automative industry, marvel at the grand Cologne cathedral, and explore the enigma that is Berlin — a spirited city where history surrounds modern life, from the decommissioned airport that’s now a public park to the section of the Berlin wall that’s now an open-air art gallery.

Add in charming small towns like Baiersbronn in the Black Forest, Rudesheim along the Rhine, and gorgeous Heidelberg with its castle ruins, and you have an impossibly long list of places to see and explore.

Romantic roads and rivers
One of the most popular driving routes in Germany is the Romantic Road, an aptly named route for a honeymoon road trip. The road runs for 350 kilometers (220 miles) between Würzburg and Füssen in southern Germany, linking some of the country’s most beautiful castles and picturesque towns, such as quintessential Bavarian town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Germany’s most photographed castle, the iconic mountain-top Neuschwanstein castle, the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty‘s castle.

If you’d rather not drive, hop aboard a river cruise along the beautiful Rhine or Moselle rivers, which bypass dozens of castles and glide past miles of vineyards along the river banks. With stops in places like Heidelberg, Cologne, and Mainz, river cruises offer a great combo of big cities and small towns, culture and outdoors, with a dash of luxury on board the ship.

Delicious food and wine
German food may not get as much acclaim as its French or Italian counterparts, but German cuisine is hearty, delicious, and worthy of room on any traveler’s plate.

Indulge in pretzels and beer in Bavaria, check out Michelin-starred restaurants in the Black Forest (which boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars, per capita, in the world), try currywurst or Turkish food in Berlin (home to the highest number of Turkish people outside of Turkey), drink apfelwein (applewine) with strudel in Frankfurt, sip wine from one of Germany’s 13 wine regions, or try a beer from one of the country’s 1,300 breweries.

Germany is a delight for foodies and if you want to eat well on your honeymoon, the country offers delicious opportunities at every turn.

See More: Secluded Spots for a Romantic Tuscany Honeymoon

If it’s been said once, it’s been said a thousand times: “I’m growing out my hair for the wedding.” Whether you’re after an elaborate updo, or jonesing for some long, boho waves, long hair is often the key to the perfect bridal hairstyle. So what’s a girl to do? Does brushing your hair every night à la Marcia Brady really help? What about biotin supplements? We tapped Shawn Warner, Color Director for Vis a Vis Salon in Atlanta, to get the rundown on the real ways to get your hair to grow fast. “On average, everyone’s hair grows about a half an inch per month,” he shares. Here are his tips for maximizing that stat.

Take Supplements
A biotin or hair, skin, and nail supplement is a must, but it’s also important to take it along with a multi-vitamin, says Warner. “It’s about boosting your vitamin load, and you need to give yourself two to three months to let it get into the body and really see the results.” He also says you’ll see the greatest results if the supplements are taken with your evening meal (so your body can process them while you sleep).

Deep Condition
Once a week, take your favorite hair mask or even coconut oil and apply it to your hair while it’s dry, so it will soak it up like a sponge. Then, wrap your head in a warm towel (you can also add a plastic shower cap or bag over the towel) to insulate the heat and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. Then hop in the shower and shampoo and condition it out.

Brush Your Hair
“The best conditioner is made by your own body,” says Warner. “So while it may be an old wives’ tale, it makes great sense!” And brushing your hair does more than move that natural oil down into your hair to nourish it and make it shiny: It also stimulates the scalp and helps slough off dry skin, which can hinder hair growth.

Shampoo Less
Shampooing your hair less will help your hair become healthier over time, and healthier hair equals longer hair! If you think your hair is too oily to wash less, start by skipping one day; your scalp will start to balance itself out over time and stop producing so much sebum, so you can then start skipping even more days between shampooing. If you absolutely must wash, Warner suggests getting in the shower and just wetting and rinsing your hair. Then condition it from mid shaft to the ends, but stay off the scalp.

Sleep Smart
Silk pillowcases pamper your hair and help avoid breakage, so ditch your cotton case for the silk variety, and also, don’t sleep in a ponytail. “If you feel like you have to pull your hair back at night, a loose braid is the only thing that won’t cause breakage overnight, and be careful how tight the tie is,” warns Warner.

Eat Smart
You are what you eat, and that means that everything you take internally is going to come out in your hair, skin and nails. So drink more water (even more!), and eat lots of leafy green vegetables.

Ultimately, Warner says there is no one miracle for growing out your hair, but the key is to both plan ahead and baby your hair at every turn. “Even watch how much you are heat styling it,” he says. “Maybe air dry it more often leading up to the wedding.” Because pampered hair doesn’t break as much, and less breakage equals more length.

See More: 50 Wedding Ready Braids

We can all tell by looking at Kym Johnson and Robert Herjavec’s wedding photos from their Sunday nuptials that these two are a couple built to last, but Johnson revealed that it took her a while to find “the one.” She even admitted that she wasn’t quite sure if she would ever get married.

The new Mrs. Herjavec, who turns 40 today, told People that she imagined herself getting married in her 30’s after getting engaged in her 20’s and calling it off because it didn’t feel right. Though Dancing With the Stars is what skyrocketed her to fame, she admits that it did but a damper on her love life.

“I was nonstop working,” Johnson told People. “It was difficult to be in a relationship. I thought marriage just wasn’t for me.”

“I think there’s a stigma,” Johnson continued. “People look at you if you’re not married and they think, poor you, but that wasn’t the case. I was really happy with my life. Of course I wanted to share my life with someone but I wasn’t ready to settle and be with someone just for the sake of being with someone.”

She may have had a rocky love life in the past, but Johnson has no doubt that her romance with Herjavec is “the real thing.”

“He’s the most incredible person,” Johnson gushed. “I feel so lucky to go through life with someone who loves me so much. And I’m glad I waited for Mr. Right!“

Johnson and Herjavec met on the set of Dancing With the Stars and were married at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills last Sunday after about a year of dating. The bride walked down the aisle in a custom Monique Lhuillier ball gown to the tune of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and the newlyweds performed two dance numbers for their guests. First, they had a traditional first dance to Etta James’ “At Last,” followed by a group dance with the bridal party to LunchMoney Lewis’ “Bills.” It was certainly a night to remember!

See More: You Won’t Believe How Kym Johnson and Robert Herjavec Spent the Day After Their Wedding

Congratulations to @kymjohnson5678 and @robert_herjavec …It was a pleasure being part of your fairy tale wedding ..It was beautifully executed by wedding coordinator @mikierusso .. Photo credit @anthonyvazquezphotography #kymjohnson #robertherjavec #weddingday #bride #ladyinwaiting #seamstress #stressfreepackage #bridalgown #celebrityseamstress #fotb #focusonthebride #groom #sharktank #peoplemagazine

A photo posted by Mercal Naber-Sweiss (@celebrityseamstress) on Aug 1, 2016 at 3:08am PDT

When Rachel Satterfield and Jay Hirsh first planned to meet, they were simply pleasing their parents, who work together and sensed that sparks would fly between their respective children. Sometimes Mom and Dad really do know best — the duo hit it off immediately.

In 2014, the pair spent the Fourth of July holiday at Jay’s family farm, Stoney Creek Farm, in Gransville, Ohio. Jay invited Rachel a romantic walk through the woods before getting down on one knee while surrounded by sunflowers, Rachel’s favorite flower. Family members were ready to celebrate their engagement back at the farm with champagne and balloons.

In the spirit of their engagement, Rachel and Jay went back to Stoney Creek Farm on September 19, 2015, this time with 250 guests for a rustic-chic wedding. Adam Lowe Photography captured all of the gorgeous details.

It took Rachel a couple of shopping trips before she found the ivory silk Nicole Miller wedding dress she wore down the aisle. How did she know it was time to commit? This was the only gown that checked all of her boxes. “I felt comfortable, knew Jay would like it, was sure it wouldn’t go out of style, and loved that it showed off my body,” Rachel says. With the addition of a pair of diamond earrings, Jay’s grandmother’s diamond bracelet, and other gold embellished rings and bracelets, Rachel made for a classically beautiful bride.

To add a personal touch to her bouquet, Rachel embellished her bundle of ivory and blue flowers with her grandmother’s broach. She finished her bridal look with a bloom-embellished braided up-do.

Jay wore a Bonobos tuxedo paired with American flag cufflinks and an antique Rolex watch. His wax flower boutonniere was perfect for the relaxed, outdoor setting.

Rachel’s bridesmaids wore Lily Pulitzer shift dresses with gold detailing that they accessorized with strappy gold heels and Kate Spade stud earrings. It was important to the bride that her ‘maids could wear their dresses for future occasions. The couple’s twin flower girls wore matching long-sleeved ivory lace dresses paired with satin ivory flats and a cohesive headband.

Jay’s groomsmen wore black tuxedos and added showed off their personal style with different patterned socks.

During the ceremony, musicians on the cello and piano played songs like “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri and “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles. Rachel had her dad by her side as she made her way down the aisle towards the handmade wooden arch, that was created from materials found around the property. For a romantic touch, the couple’s florist draped the ceremony focal point with a mix of pale blue and white flowers. Guests sat in Chiavari chairs as they watched Rachel and Jay exchange traditional vows before being officially announced husband and wife.

To celebrate their newly-minted marital status, friends and family showered the bride and groom with white flower petals as they made their exit.

Cocktail hour and the reception were all about entertainment. Guests enjoyed live music and sipped on signature cocktails — Jack and Coke and blueberry mojitos. To keep things exciting, the couple hired a live painter to capture the reception and created a “Selfie Station” where guests could tap into their playful side and pose for photos with cutouts of Rachel and Jay.

But there was some additional entertainment that even the bride and groom hadn’t know about: The couple’s parents surprised Rachel and Jay with a firework show, a nod to their Fourth of July engagement.

Once everyone settled down for dinner, guests found their seats at round tables covered in white linens and blue runners. They kept the décor sweet and simple, with a mix of different centerpieces including lanterns paired with Lily of the Valley and silver stands with a mix of different blooms in bud vases. At each place setting, Rachel and Jay’s guests also found a gift from the bride and groom: Bottles of local honey from the farm.

Dinner was a choice of chicken with mushroom champagne sauce or prime rib. For dessert, guests enjoyed slices of cinnamon wedding cake.

Rachel has this advice for future brides: “The day goes by fast so try to take time to enjoy it and celebrate together. Lean on your family. They are your biggest supporters and helpers!”

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Residence || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Lilly Pulitzer || Groom’s Attire: Bonobos || Florist: Posy Floral Design || Invitations: Ink & Ivory || Music: Fermata Music || Catering: Bosc & Brie || Cake: McClain Creations || Videographer: Jonah Epps Videography || Photographer: Adam Lowe Photography

Can’t get enough of this beautiful wedding? Then check out another couple’s barn bash in the video below.

So much happens during those first few months of wedding planning, from choosing a venue to putting together the guest list to designing invitations. And especially when a couple is on a shorter planning timeline, it can feel like decisions need to be made IMMEDIATELY. When it comes to guest lists, there can be a lot more politics and emotions involved than you would expect, making deciding who to send invitations to a drawn out conversation. Can you cut yourself a break by sending a smaller number of save the dates, then finalizing who gets an invitation later? Our experts weigh in.

The great answer is, yes! You can definitely add guests to your invitation list after you’ve sent out save the dates. This is great if you’re still finalizing your guest count, or are trying to figure out if you’ll invite second cousins as well as your college soccer team. Simply make a list of guests you 100% know you’ll invite (most likely your families and closest friends) and send them a save the date so they can start reserving hotel rooms and booking flights, then spend that extra month or so deciding who else will be getting an invitation.

Worried that guests who didn’t get a save the date will think they weren’t invited at all? The best way to field questions about your guest list is to respond by saying that you’re still finalizing the details. If it’s someone who you’ve decided will definitely, without question be receiving an invitation, you can let them know that they’ll be in the mail soon.

The big no-no? Doing the opposite and sending a save the date and not following up with an invitation. If you ask someone to save the date for your wedding, you must send this person an invitation to your wedding, whether you’re not as close as you used to be or you are wishing you’d cut the guest list down further.

See more: 5 Things to Remember to Include on Your Save the Date

Ahhh, the Olympic games… The place where gold medals are won, athletic records are broken, and where the royals find love. Umm, what was that last one again? As it turns out, the man next in line to snag the Denmark throne, Crown Prince Frederick, met his non-royal wife, Mary, at the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, Australia. Guess all kinds of fairytales come true at the Olympics!

Before their magical Copenhagen wedding ceremony back in 2004, the prince and princess of Denmark, first crossed paths at the Slip Inn, a modest Australian bar during the Olympic games, People reports. Crown Princess Mary (then known as Mary Donaldson) was an advertising executive, while the Danish prince played the part of just another guy in a bar, introducing himself to Donaldson simply as “Fred.”

“The first time we met, we shook hands,” the now-princess remembers of that first modest meeting. “I didn’t know he was the prince of Denmark. Half an hour later, someone came up to me and said, ‘Do you know who these people are?'” Hey, give the girl a break! Can you really blame an Aussie for not being totally up-to-date on Danish royalty? We bet she’s read up those history books by now!

For the next three years, the long-distance couple jetted back and forth between their two countries. Eventually Donaldson renounced her Australian citizenship and learned Danish, and the regal pair became engaged, with Frederick presenting his bride with an emerald-cut diamond flanked by two ruby baguettes. They tied the knot on May 14, 2004 at the Copenhagen Cathedral, and in a lace veil and satin grown, commoner Mary Donaldson became Crown Princess Mary. Since then, the royal couple has had four children and have attended almost every summer Olympic Games ever since!

Now, is Prince Harry due to appear at the Olympics this summer in Rio de Janeiro? Time to line up, ladies! Maybe this time next year we’ll be planning for another royal wedding…

See More: Kate Middleton Just Re-Wore Something from Her Wedding Day — And Totally Rocked It

What a happy weekend for Glee star Lauren Potter — she’s going to marry her childhood friend! The actress’ boyfriend, Timothy Spear, gave her a promise ring during a picnic the two of them enjoyed in the park on Saturday.

With the ocean as the backdrop, the 26-year-old TV star picnicked in the park in Laguna with her beau, also 26. Once they finished eating, Spear asked her the question that would change both of their lives. “He picked out the ring, made payments on it, and then planned the picnic and the moment to get down on one knee to ask her to promise to be his one-and-only and marry him when they are ready,” Potter’s mom shared with People. “Then they watched the sunset together.” So romantic and sweet; it looks as if Potter was very surprised.

The two have been dating ever since Potter broke up with her last boyfriend — but have known each other since they were infants — both in the same infant stimulation classes at the Children’s Center in Riverside, CA. “We’ve kept in touch over the years, but it wasn’t until the kids were reunited while they were both living in Laguna Beach,” her mom shared. “When Lauren ended a relationship, Timothy immediately asked her out and they have been together since.”

Both Spear and Potter were born with Down Syndrome, and the actress has been a huge advocate for those with special needs. Since she became cheerleader “Becky Jackson” in 2009, she has committed to many philanthropic and charitable activities — including participating on President Obama’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. “Because ofGlee I have been given a chance to pursue another dream of mine — to make the world a more welcoming place for people who are different — especially for people like me who have always been told ‘you can’t’ instead of ‘you can.’ I want to live in a world where everyone can live, go to school and go to work without having to be afraid,” she wrote in an essay on Huffington Post. Isn’t that the truth.

While Glee is her most well-known role, Potter has also been a guest star in various award shows, movies, and TV series — including Leader of the Pack, Guest Room, and Teens Wanna Know. She’s a true inspiration to anyone who wants to follow their dreams — that’s for sure. “When I was young, my dream was to be an actress. Sure people told me I’d never be able to do it, but I replied, ‘Just watch me!’ Now they are watching me, but this time on the big screen!”

See More: The Best TV Weddings of All Time

Congrats to the happy couple — Sue Sylvester would be so proud! See below for their adorable photos.

'Glee's' Lauren Potter receives a promise ring and see her proposal photos: https://t.co/EIJhOEmfzI pic.twitter.com/h2QQgIfLvb

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) August 4, 2016

A photo posted by Darren.Criss.Love* (@rico.criss_japan) on Mar 3, 2016 at 10:16pm PST

Congratulations! You’re married — now what? While you’re still basking in the newlywed glow, many people will begin, almost instantaneously, to ask you what’s next. While most of the time these questions are lighthearted and good natured, they can still seem overwhelming. So here’s a little bit of guidance on how to respond to help navigate those post-wedding interviews.

“So, how does it feel?”
Amazing? The same? Dream-like? Status quo? The responses are endless. This question is typically harmless and you will be asked it a ton. It’s everyone’s way of showing they are interested in your newlywed experiences during such an exciting time. It’s always a great time to gush over your happiness, or reflect on how not too much has changed (except for the new sparkler on your hand and maybe a new last name!) When people ask this, it’s typically from a great place so have fun with your response. It only means they care.

“Are you changing your name?”
Whether you want to say, “Yep! Already done, and my Gmail, too!” or “Hell no, my last name is mine forever,” there’s no harm, no foul for your response here either. As with many questions honesty is the best policy — unless you feel the person is being too intrusive or interrogative. Should you feel this way, a simple “I’m not sure yet,” or “We’ll see!” suffices. If they keep pressing, politely explain that it’s a personal decision between you and your new husband.

“So when are the babies coming?”
This is perhaps the most deeply personal, intrusive question that you’ll undoubtedly be asked at some point after saying “I do.” It can be an exciting and welcome question for those who are open books, or an uncomfortable, invasive experience for those who are more private — and you’re entitled to feeling either way. Just keep in mind that 99 percent of the time most people are asking about your future plans for children out of excited curiosity, without harmful intentions. But for many, that doesn’t take out some of the sting. If you want to be honest, its perfectly okay to say, “not yet” or “in the future, we hope!” Or if it applies to you, “no way, Jose!” If you want to avoid the baby question altogether (which is well within your new Mrs. rights) remind the asker that you JUST tied the knot and your only focus is on enjoying every second being a newlywed.

See More: The 15 Best U.S. Cities for Newlyweds

“Are you going to buy a house now?”
This question can be viewed as 50 percent interest based and 50 percent being a little too nosy for many peoples liking. Traditionally couples wed, then buy a home, then have little ones, usually all in the course of a year — right? Not so much anymore. Every single couple is different, and enjoys a different timeline. It’s okay to temper your response based on your relationship with the person that’s asking. If it’s close family and friends, be open about your situation (they probably already know, anyway). Co-worker or acquaintance? Proceed similarly. Just avoid divulging too much about finances or other personal information, as it’s just that — personal.

There are five stages of grief when mourning the loss of one of your favorite celebrity couples: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. It’s been a year since we lost the adorableness that was Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck and we’re still not willing to accept that the pair has split after almost a decade of marriage. In fact, Garner herself seems way more adjusted to her new relationship with her former husband than we are. (Good for her, but what does that say about us right?) The Nine Lives actress opened up the Today show Thursday morning about her marriage and new life with Affleck and her children, and it sounds like Bennifer is just as strong as ever — but not in the way you’d might expect.

When Affleck and Garner announced their separation last year, the world was waiting with bated breath to see if these two crazy kids would be able to work things out. But despite all the reconciliation rumors floating around since the pair was spotted vacationing in Europe this summer with their three children, Garner just cleared the air on the NBC morning show, stating that, no, her and her former beau are not back together romantically, but are still united when it comes to raising their kids. “We are definitely a modern family,” Garner explained to Today‘s Natalie Morales, stating that her and Affleck are now “great friends.”

But what about that Euro trip? No, it was not in any way a second honeymoon or an attempt to rekindle their romance, according to Garner. “Ben was working in London on Justice League and I felt like, ‘Well, the kids should have that experience,'” the actress shared. “He and I are great friends and we just all went en masse… The kids and I had an amazing time, and he worked hard and got to join us for some.”

So while the romantic relationship between Affleck and Garner is still toting a R.I.P. status, Bennifer — as a co-parenting team — is still alive and well for the sake of their little ones. “I want them to see everything’s okay,” said Garner. “We’re doing really well,” she confirmed.

That’s all we could ask for, right?

See More: Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings

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, deciding on your first dance song — 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 4: Perfect Your Posture

Standing up straighter may not be high on your list of priorities right now, but here’s why it should be: Good posture instantly makes you look up to 10 pounds thinner, and research shows it also boosts your mood, confidence and even your attractiveness. What bride wouldn’t want all of those things as she walks down the aisle?

This simple move, from Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist and personal trainer in San Diego, will have you standing taller in no time. And it does wonders for your abs, too. Here’s what to do…

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and reach your arms straight up overhead. Keep your spine long and tall and push your hips forward as you extend your arms behind your head (but don’t arch your back). Do this 12 to 15 times in a slow, rhythmic movement, then rest for 30 seconds and repeat. Do three to four sets.

See More: Athletic Wear That Will Make You Stick to Your Wedding Workout

“This subtle exercise lengthens your abdominal muscles and is an extremely effective way to strengthen your core muscles and transform your posture,” says McCall. You’ll look even more statuesque in those killer four-inch heels.