6 Super-Easy DIY Summer Detox Teas

iced tea

Photo: Getty Images

With endorsements from celebrities like the Kardashians and fitness models with six-pack abs, it’s easy to see why social media is abuzz over packaged detox teas right now. On its own, tea boasts a number of natural detoxing properties. But the packaged kind — the teas you see splattered all over Instagram and Pinterest — promises gulpers those same results (just on steroids).

However, recent studies have shown that many of the most popular packaged teas aren’t necessarily healthier than the real thing. In fact, they can even be associated with a slew of unintended health consequences.

Of course, that’s not to say that all detox teas are bad. You just need to be in charge of what ingredients go in them. Here are six healthy, all-natural detoxing tea recipes you can whip up in your own blender by tomorrow morning.

Apple cider vinegar detox tea
Despite apple cider vinegar’s sharp-smelling aftermath, many beauty bloggers rave about it as an all-natural alternative to conditioner. And the benefits don’t just stop there — it can be used as relief for constipation, itchy skin and even as an energy booster. But if gulping down the acidic stuff straight from the bottle isn’t your thing (we feel ya), this easy-to-drink detox recipe should do the trick.

What you’ll need:
30-60 oz. of water (roughly two glasses), 4 Tbsp Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar (make sure there are chunks floating in the jar), 4 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) and 4 Tbsp honey (raw if possible).
Recipe: Bembu

Green detox tea
From helping to lower blood pressure to (possibly) preventing cancer, it’s no wonder that Chinese medicine has tapped into green tea’s detoxifying properties for thousands of years. And really, who are we to mess with a good thing? All you’ll need for this blend is some old-fashioned green tea, a few additional fruits and a splash of lemon and sweetener (if you prefer).

What you’ll need:
1 green tea bag, 1 slice of lemon, 1 tsp honey or stevia (for sweetening), 2 strawberries (sliced) and 2 slices of cucumber.
Recipe: Skinny Mom

Matcha detox tea latte
Although you’re probably best off not trying to pronounce its name out loud (it’s mah-cha, by the way), matcha tea — or green tea’s leafier Japanese cousin — has been trending in health food shops and restaurants across the country. Made from the young leaves of Camellia sinensis plants, it’s stored away from light and oxygen to preserve its antioxidant properties and is sad to contain calming, memory-boosting effects.

What you’ll need:
This one’s simple: 1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk and half tsp matcha powder (available in most health food shops).
Recipe: Prevention.com

Ginger detox tea
Not just your favorite carbonated hangover cure, ginger boasts a number of detoxifying properties in tea form, too. It’s primarily a digestive aid, speeding up the removal of toxins in your gut and improving overall circulation. And did you know it can enhance your complexion, too? Ginger is high in Vitamin C, one of the key ingredients in fighting aging effects.

What you’ll need:
Half inch of raw, organic ginger, boiled water (enough to submerge the ginger in a boiling pot, and 1 lemon.
Recipe: Living Pretty Naturally

Watermelon/cucumber or lemon/lime basic DIY detox tea
Detox teas are meant to cleanse the body’s circulatory and digestive systems with a purified, all-natural concoction. So it would make sense that a tea without a long list of complicated ingredients might boast the best effects, right? Not to mention, this tasty, refreshing no-frills recipe is perfect to sip on a warm summer’s day.

What you’ll need:
1-2 liters of water, part of 1 watermelon or one cucumber, 1 lemon or lime, a handful of fresh mint leaves (approximately 10-13) and ice cubes.
Recipe: EverydayRoots.com

The ultimate detox tea

If you’re serious about detoxification and sipping tasty, refreshing drinks really isn’t your goal, you might want to consider a detox tea that runs on all cylinders. This 15-ingredient mega-tea might not taste so stellar going down, but you’re sure to feel superhuman afterword.

What you’ll need:
1 and a half cups of spring or distilled water, 4 Tbsp dandelion leaf, 3 Tbsp dandelion root, 2Tbsp burdock root, 3 Tbsp milkthistle seed (crushed), 3 Tbsp cleavers, 4 Tbsp lemon balm, 4 Tbsp pau d’arco, 4 Tbsp horsetail, 5 Tbsp red clover, 2 Tbsp chickweed, 2 Tbsp angelica root, 3 Tbsp yarrow herb, 5 Tbsp nettle leaf and 4 tbsp plaintain. (Phew!)
Recipe: MyNewRoots.com

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See More: 7 Signature Cocktails for Summer Weddings

The 3 Kinds of Songs to Keep Off Your Wedding Playlist

songs to avoid at wedding

Photo: Getty Images

I’m a huge advocate of brides and grooms choosing and using the music they like for the wedding and wedding and reception, regardless of what anybody else’s opinion might be. It’s your wedding day and nobody else can tell you what you should, or should not, listen to while you’re celebrating.

I certainly followed my own advice for my wedding, choosing songs that were significant to us, and to our loved ones, with little regard for the lyrics, and a zero care-factor about whether anybody was offended. There was some teasing when Shaggy’s “Wasn’t Me” started playing, but the dance floor was totally full.

With that said, despite the fact it’s your wedding, you may want to think twice before choosing music that could actually offend some of your wedding guests. There are a LOT of obscene lyrics in some of the most popular hits today. And while it’s so common that you might not even notice them anymore, odds are your grandmother and her friends will be shaking their heads. You have to be especially careful if you’ve invited a lot of children to the wedding because you don’t want to make their parents angry.

See More: The Perfect Wedding Playlist … According to a Groom

As a general rule, there are three themes to be avoided. Unless, of course, they’re your favorite songs and you don’t care what your guests think.

1. Songs About Anger or Revenge
Think Alanis Morisette, Papa Roach, Avril Lavigne… unless it’s really danceable, you’re just creating an awkward moment where it didn’t exist. Pretty much everything by Pink has something in it about Carey Hart, most of it not very nice.

2. Depressing Ballads
Love songs are one thing, but songs about loves lost are entirely different. If you’re a Clapton fan, go with “Wonderful Tonight” in lieu of “Tears in Heaven.” George Straight lovers are better off using “I Cross my Heart” than “All My Exes Live in Texas.” Unless, of course, you’re actually from Texas and your guests will find it hilarious.

3. Bitter Jams
“You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Tainted Love,” “I Will Survive,” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” may actually draw your friends to the dance floor, but they don’t convey the loving vibe you want your day to have. There are just as many happy dance tunes to work into your playlist.

Remember, it’s your wedding and even if your favorite music isn’t popular or necessarily appropriate, you can still use it. Just remember to ask the DJ to sandwich anything potentially controversial between typical wedding standbys, like a Michael Jackson mix, or the Grease mash-up.

If you like line dances, you should do them no matter how much flack you get from your less coordinated friends. Ignore anybody who doesn’t like country music if that’s your fave. At the end of the day, the wedding music you choose should reflect the taste and personality of the wedding couple, even if that taste isn’t the current trend.

Sandy Malone is the owner of Sandy Malone Weddings & Events and author of How to Plan Your Own Destination Wedding: Do-It-Yourself Tips from an Experienced Professional. Sandy is the star of TLC’s reality show Wedding Island, about her destination wedding planning company, Weddings in Vieques.

A Foodie's Honeymoon Guide Through the Italian Dolomites

Gardena Grodnerhof Italy Honeymoon Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof

Skiing the sky-high peaks of the Italian Dolomites is one of the main draws of the a honeymoon in the slopes sitting next to the Austrian border. But the region has earned a reputation for more than just world-class winter sports. Chefs are playing with local cuisine here adding international flair to fine dining restaurants that offer award-winning fare and views that are just as jaw-dropping. Book a room and pull up a seat at one of these tables honeymooning in the finest of foodie fashion.

Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof (Above)
The first five-star hotel in Ortisei, 54-room Gardena was converted from a private home into one of the valley’s top resorts over 90 years ago. If you’re planning a winter honeymoon, the ski slopes sit right next door with a cableway leading up to the renowned Val Gardena. After a day of hiking around the surrounding trails, linger over a lavish dinner at the one Michelin-starred Anna Stuben restaurant, where chef Reimund Brunner and the sommelier will map out the perfect dinner for two prepared with the finest local ingredients and vino. Think Italian pastas like tagliatelle and tortelloni filled with ricotta, shrimp and pecorino.

Ciasa Salares Italy Honeymoon Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of Ciasa Salares

Ciasa Salares
Let Italy’s youngest Michelin-starred chef woo you and your new hubby during one of the most picturesque picnic set-ups possible. You’ll be treated to a white table clothed-meal overlooking the pastures and woods of the surrounding Fanes Park. Chef Matteo Metullio will present the perfect spread of local delicacies to top off your honeymoon feast, from suckling pig to smoked guinea fowl, plus the most delicious of Italian desserts like white chocolate-filled sesame cannoli. If this wasn’t lavish enough, make your way through a guided tasting of 40 chocolates paired with fine wines and spirits at the restaurant’s Chocolate Room for a sweet way to end the evening.

Alpina Dolomites Italy Honeymoon Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of Alpina Dolomites Lodge

Alpina Dolomites Lodge
Set on Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau, the Alpe di Siusi, you’ll feel like you’re literally sitting on top of the world here with sweeping views across the mountains from the panoramic pool. The lodge’s philosophy revolves around relaxation, so all you and your other half have to worry about is which couples’ treatment you’re going to indulge in next. After a spa day, continue the theme with a meal that centers around going local and green with a blend of Mediterranean, regional and international flavors served up with some of the most stunning views of the cragged peaks.

Rosa Alpina Italy Honeymoon Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa

Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa
Serious foodies after a gourmet fix will be in for a treat at the two Michelin star Restaurant St. Hubertus nestled in the Rosa Alpina Hotel. Once upon a time a tiny pizzeria, starred chef Norbert Niederkofler has over the last 20 years transformed the spot into one of the top restaurants in the region. Make yourself at home in one of the eatery’s lodge-style rooms that are a modern play on rustic chic with a menu that’s just as eclectic. Work your way through a Dolomite-themed meal of eel and chamomile from Venosta Valley, lamb from the Isarco Valley and pigeon from Moncucco farmstead. You can even take dinner al fresco to a private mountain hut for two picnicking at an altitude of 6,500 feet.

La Perla Italy Honeymoon Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of La Perla

La Perla
Think of La Perla as an antique-inspired Alpine escape, where rooms as swathed in sumptuous fabrics and balconies look right out to the slopes. The restaurant is just as romantic with its Old World vibes, from the rustic wood-paneled walls to the candle-lit tables spread throughout six intimate dining rooms. Curl up at one of the tables and prepare for a meal of South Tyrolean cuisine at the Michelin-starred La Stüa de Michil, paired with one of the wine cellar’s 30,000 bottles.

See More: Italian Honeymoon Idea: 3 Days in Venice

These New Yorkers Headed to Atlanta for Their Elegant, Southern Wedding

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Bride and Groom Portrait

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

It’s pretty surprising that Kayla and Jeff didn’t formally meet earlier. “We crossed paths so many times while living in New York City, and even lived in the same apartment building during summer internships in 2007,” she says. But it wasn’t until June of 2011, when they were both invited to visit a friend’s summer home in the Hamptons, that the pair was introduced. After a few days of beach volleyball and nights out dancing, they made a plan for their first date, and have been together ever since. “So have five other couples who met at the house that same summer!” Kayla reveals. Two years later, Jeff was planning a Labor Day proposal when Kayla suggested a road trip back to the Hamptons for Memorial Day. He quickly put his plan into action, then during a hike in Montauk, Jeff proposed on a cliff overlooking the island.

Though Kayla and her parents moved to Atlanta 25 years ago, she and Jeff didn’t consider the southern city as a spot for their destination wedding until, after scouring dozens of other locations, Jeff said, “You know what? I love Atlanta.” With a beautiful backdrop, low-key vibe, and the gorgeous Swan House at the Atlanta History Center as their venue, Kayla and Jeff were perfectly prepared for a garden- turned dinner-party, with Southern sensibility and a little European flair. They invited 240 guests to Georgia on April 11, 2015 — including photographer Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love, who captured every detail!

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Bride's Wedding Accessories
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Gold Christian Louboutin Hells

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

Kayla didn’t find her wedding shoes until days before her last fitting — when her seamstress said she needed to bring the shoes or her dress wouldn’t be ready in time. “I bought strappy gold Christian Louboutin heels on impulse, and never looked back,” says the bride. She paired the sandals with vintage Chanel earrings and a gold-accented clutch.

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Bride Getting Ready
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Bride in Customized Amsale Wedding Dress
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Romantic Bouquet

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

An anchor and reporter for CNBC, Kayla is no stranger to dressing for the camera, but finding her wedding attire was a little different. “I tried on dozens of dresses to see what was out there,” she says. But one Amsale gown she’d seen on the runway was stuck in her mind, and was the first dress she tried at the designer’s boutique in New York City. “I chose the ‘Lenox’ wedding dress, but didn’t love having so many embellishments for an outdoor wedding. We kept the ‘Lenox’ neckline, added straps from the ‘Magnolia’ and the body and detachable train from ‘Jane.’ I wore the straps and train for the ceremony, then slimmed down to the strapless column for the party,” she says.

Kayla’s textured bouquet combined garden roses, ranunculus, and a hint of Lily of the Valley for fragrance.

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Bride with Bridesmaids in Jenny Yoo Gowns
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Bridesmaids' Bouquets
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Groom Getting Ready
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Groom and Groomsmen Portrait

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

The bridesmaids wore navy blue Jenny Yoo dresses with fluttering sleeves. “I’ve been in enough weddings to know the dress probably won’t get worn again, so instead I focused on something that would be comfortable to wear all day and a style that could transition from day to night,” says the bride. Their bouquets mixed antique blue hydrangeas with ranunculus and garden roses.

Jeff and his groomsmen all wore classic tuxedos, paired with monogrammed suspenders that were a gift from the groom. “Jeff wanted the groomsmen to all look simple and classic, in a look that would stand the test of time instead of looking overly fashion-forward,” says Kayla.

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Groom in Classic Tuxedo

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

The groom rocked a custom notch-lapel tuxedo by Louis Purple, with cap-toe oxfords and a classic tuxedo shirt. He wore studs and cufflinks from his bride, and his wedding band was a family heirloom: It was the one his father wore on his wedding day in 1983!

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Ceremony Program
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Bride Walking Down the Aisle
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Church Ceremony with Cherry Blossom Decor
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Indoor Church Ceremony
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Wedding Party Portrait

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

Kayla attended the Cathedral of Christ the King on special occasions growing up, and knew there was no place more majestic to have their ceremony. “They have an incredibly talented guild that coordinates the holiday floral arrangements. Our wedding was the week after Easter, so the altar was flanked with cherry blossoms, daffodils, and orchids. The church’s stunning architecture took care of the rest!” says Kayla.

Even though she’s on television every day, Kayla was nervous before she walked down the aisle. “My dad made a joke about filing taxes with my new married status, and he and I were laughing by the time the doors opened!” she remembers.

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Bride and Groom Portrait at Swan House
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Couple
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Bride and Groom

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

“So few couples have had an outdoor reception at the Swan House, so we didn’t have many pictures as our inspiration,” says Kayla. “We had a tent built to the exact specifications of the lawn, and everything from tables to restrooms were brought in for our guests.” The pair took advantage of the stunning grounds, encouraging guests to wander during cocktail hour.

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Invitation Suite with Bride's Handwritting
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Cocktail Hour on the Patio
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Table with Family Photos

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

All of the calligraphy (including the font on the invitations!) was Kayla’s own handwriting. “Since we were using my handwriting on the invitations, I decided to complete the look by taking a calligraphy class and addressing all of our envelopes and escort cards,” she says. “Jeff was a huge help in keeping me on track, organizing my work station, and erasing all of the faint pencil lines. That’s love!”

Included in the invitation was an illustration of Swan House, created by the bride’s father. “My dad is a graphic designer and artist, so I turned to him for help with the color scheme and our invitation design. It was a wonderful labor of love, but I don’t think he’ll ever take me on as a pro bono client again.”

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Greenery Covered Tent
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Tent Draped with Garlands of Greenery

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

Beneath the tent, greenery-covered lanterns hug over the dance floor and a huge garland was draped over the head table. Dark cross-back chairs popped against the subtly patterned linens.

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Patterned Table Linens and Low Floral Centerpieces
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Clear Chargers with Gold Details
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Square Tables

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

Neutral-hued patterned linens in shades of ivory and blue-gray topped a mix of round and square tables. The florist combined blue and white porcelain and gold accents for an elegant garden party vibe, and filled the vessels with white hydrangeas, peach garden roses, ranunculus, and fresh peaches.

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Tented Reception Set Up
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Vintage Vases with Single Stem Arrangements
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Single Stem Arrangements Stacked on Coffee Table Books
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Trays Lined with Custom Watercolor Paper by Cheree Berry

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

“Our florist, Jackson Durham, used a combination of single-stem vases and stacks of books to give the tables an interior design-like feel,” says the bride. “We worked with Cheree Berry to create a watercolor pattern inspired by a Christian Lacroix ikat fabric. We used it on our invitation liners, appetizer trays, and the welcome boxes.”

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Peaches with Rings
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Signature Cocktail with Custom Flag

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

Each guest’s place card was tucked into a fresh peach — with gilded leaves, of course! The peach theme was carried through to the signature cocktail, Midnight Train to Georgia. “Jeff and I love Old Fashioneds, so we put a southern twist on it with muddled peaches and peach bitters alongside the bourbon,” says the bride. Even the stirrer boasted a miniature version of Kayla’s father’s illustration of Swan House.

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, First Dance
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Tall Wedding Cake

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

“Though we live in New York City, Jeff and I love Southern cuisine,” says Kayla. The menu included fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese, baked brie and fig jam crepes, and a surf-and-turf entrée with filet and shrimp.

After their first dance, to “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra, Jeff and Kayla cut into their five-tier cake, simply frosted with white icing and separated by tiers of fresh hydrangeas. “Jeff has quite a sweet tooth, so we had tiers of chocolate and peanut butter for him,” says Kayla. “The other flavor was salted caramel. I’ve had a chocolate allergy since I was a kid, so having each tier separated by flowers meant there wasn’t a risk of the ingredients mingling.”

Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Bride and Groom During Dinner
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Reception xit
Elegant Tented Wedding at the Swan House in Atlanta, Bride and Groom Exit

Photo: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

The couple knew they wanted a crazy dance party, and Atlanta Showstoppers brought it. “They learned songs like ‘Blank Space’ by Taylor Swift and ‘Edge of Glory’ by Lady Gaga for us, as well as all of our parents’ must-hear tunes. We made a Spotify playlist of every song they played and listen to it all the time!” The dance party felt more like a concert than a wedding reception, and Kayla and Jeff had the time of their lives.

“The day before our wedding, a massive thunderstorm rolled in, and a hail storm knocked out the power in our church,” says Jeff. “But the day of our wedding was absolutely gorgeous. We had a number of friends say they wanted to move to Atlanta because the weather was so great. And then our wedding was followed by eight days of rain, the longest streak in Atlanta since 1935!” It just goes to show that, no matter how well you plan, you can’t plan for everything — but you just might get lucky!

Ceremony Venue: Cathedral of Christ the King || Reception Venue: Swan House || Wedding Planner: Lindsay Sims of TOAST Events || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Amsale || Shoes: Christian Louboutin || Jewelry: Chanel; Tiffany & Co. || Makeup: The Moore Agency || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo || Groom’s Attire: Louis Purple || Engagement Ring & Bride’s Wedding Band: Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Ltd. || Floral Design: Jackson Durham || Invitations & Paper Goods: Tausche, Inc.; Intima Press; Cheree Berry Paper; Paper Daisies Stationery || Music: The Atlanta Showstoppers || Catering: Bold American Events || Cake: Lush Cakery || Rentals: Peachtree Tents & Events; Jackson Durham; Magnum Lighting; Bold American Events; Event Drapery || Favors: Momofuku Milk Bar || Videographer: The Reason || Photographer: Julia Robbs for Our Labor of Love

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Did you love this beautiful wedding? Then check out another couple’s colorful Atlanta wedding in the video below.

Can We Bring Leftover Wedding Cake to Our Morning-After Brunch?

Cake is always a good idea, especially at a wedding. But if you’re passing wedding cake during dancing instead of serving slices at the end of dinner, there’s a good chance some guests will leave the reception before the cake is available, or won’t realize there’s dessert to be had. If your caterer opts to slice cake as needed (instead of cutting the entire thing as soon as it’s brought into the kitchen), you may wake up the next morning with nearly a full tier waiting to be sliced. So here’s the question: Can you wrap it up and bring the cake to your morning-after brunch as an extra sweet treat? Our experts weigh in.

Before you pack up your wedding cake to go, make a plan in advance. Ask your caterers to cut the cake as needed, increasing your chance of having a wedge of a tier left over instead of a pile of slices. See if your baker can provide you with a box you could use to transport the cake, and ask your caterer to wrap up any remaining cake at the end of the evening. Additionally, check in with your brunch venue. Some restaurants and venues may charge a fee to bring in outside food, even if you’re buying out the entire space, so familiarize yourself with their policies before showing up with cake in tow.

If everyone is on-board, by all means bring the cake to your brunch! Let guests know that there will be extra dessert available, though it may be on a first come, first serve basis. Ask your brunch venue to slice the cake and set it out for guests to grab as they mingle, or place the cake on the buffet line so guests can serve themselves. Be sure to let your brunch venue know what you’d like them to do if there are still slices left over by the time the last guest has gone home. The cake probably won’t be very fresh, so at this point it probably isn’t worth saving any longer.

A quick note: Your brunch venue may not be familiar with wedding cakes. If your cake is covered in fondant that hasn’t already been removed by your caterer, ask them to peel of the fondant layer before slicing into your cake so guests get cake and frosting without the gummy coating.

See more: The Wedding Cake Superstition Almost Every Couple Abides By

Tim McGraw Crashes a Philadelphia Fan's Wedding

Tim McGraw Sings at Wedding

Photo: Getty Images

Our favorite type of wedding crashers are those of the celebrity set. On second thought, celebrity wedding crashers are the only kind of uninvited guests we’d willing offer a slice of wedding cake to. The latest celeb to surprise a pair of newlyweds? Tim McGraw, who recently crashed a Philadelphia wedding, where he made the entire wedding party — and us, of course! — tear up with a super sweet performance.

The country crooner is far from the first celebrity to play wedding crasher. By now, Taylor Swift is a fully-fledged expert at sneaking into a strangers’ nuptials. Back in 2014, Swift crashed a fan’s bridal shower and even brought a KitchenAid mixer for the bride-to-be! And earlier this summer, she performed as a surprise wedding singer at another unsuspecting fan’s wedding. Meanwhile, last September, Robert Pattinson showed up at a wedding celebration within the hotel he was staying in. Of course, the bridal party was more than happy to invite the Twilight hunk into the festivities! Even President Obama got in on the wedding crashing fun, after showing up at a golf course where “I do’s” were being said. But Tim McGraw’s go at wedding crashing is the one that’s got us all misty-eyed.

At Lisa White and Paul Getz’s Philadelphia wedding on Saturday, the bride’s father David White pulled out all the stops when it came to the father/daughter dance, recruiting the one and only Tim McGraw to help make the moment truly magical.

As a surprise to the newlyweds and all of the wedding guests, the Grammy-winning singer stopped by the reception to perform his song “My Little Girl” for the bride’s dance with her dear old dad. “Mr. White was the only person who knew it was happening,” the groom’s sister later explained to CBS Philly. “Tim was there for two hours backstage beforehand and that’s when him and Mr. White planned how the surprise would go down.”

And what went down was this: As father and daughter took to the dance floor and the guitarist began strumming the first few chords of the song, McGraw emerged from behind the stage. Cue the surprise cheers from the crowd and the bride’s mini freak-out, all captured on a guest’s video posted to Facebook. Lisa and her father completed their tear-jerking spin around the dance floor, and then if that wasn’t enough to make you jealous of this bride’s A-list wedding singer, McGraw stuck around to get the party really going, performing his hit “Live Like You Were Dying.”

BRB… Crying over not scoring an invite to this reception.

A video posted by C Star (@chs135) on Aug 27, 2016 at 6:59pm PDT

See More: How to Calm Your Dad’s Nerves About the Father-Daughter Dance

Beyoncé Proves (AGAIN!) That You Can Totally Wear a Wedding Dress When It's Not Your Wedding

beyonce wears wedding dress to vmas

Photo: Beyonce via Instagram

We’re starting to see a pattern! Beyoncé stunned in a white sheer dress as one of her 2016 VMA ensembles — proving that her wedding dress outfit choices aren’t just a one-time thing (Grammys, we’re looking at you).

While there were a lot of wild and crazy outfits gracing the red carpet at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards this year, the 34-year-old singer showed her fashion-forward ways with a total of four looks for the show — with two being absolute show-stoppers. Upon arrival, Beyoncé and daughter Blue Ivy paraded around in bedazzled Francesco Scognamiglio numbers, according to Daily Mail both wearing dresses that complimented each other. Queen Bey was rocking a mint-bejeweled gown with a feathered neckline that resembled angel wings (you know, just because), and her 4-year-old princess rocked a gold tutu and jeweled head band — complete with golden high tops. Flower girls are jealous all around the world from the cuteness that is Blue Ivy, you can count on that.

On to the main event: even though we wouldn’t say that Mrs. Carter was looking subdued in outfits two and three (a sequined gold jumpsuit and several costumes while performing her hit singles “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and “Sorry”), we will say that number four was the one that truly caught our eye. The sheer Elie Saab number left little to the imagination, which included a nude bodysuit, rouged cap long sleeves, a plunging ruffled neckline, and lace detail throughout. Wearing her hair back in a half-up, half-down style with dazzling statement earrings, the pop star was truly channeling bridal vibes.

See More: The 2017 Bridal Trends We’re Obsessing Over

After the award show performance and award acceptances (seven thank-you speeches are a LOT of work, let’s be serious), she and her hubs retreated to an after party with the crew: a noteworthy squad including P Diddy, Kanye and Kim, Cassie, and Alicia Keys. And what was B wearing, might you ask? None other than outfit #4, her white wedding-dress stunner — showing us that wedding gowns to award shows (and afterparties) are always on trend.

See below for the photos of her gorg dresses — and, of course, the squad.

A photo posted by Beyonc?? (@beyonce) on Aug 28, 2016 at 10:25pm PDT

A photo posted by Beyonc?? (@beyonce) on Aug 28, 2016 at 5:39pm PDT

A photo posted by Beyonc?? (@beyonce) on Aug 28, 2016 at 5:52pm PDT

A photo posted by Beyonc?? (@beyonce) on Aug 28, 2016 at 5:39pm PDT

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10 Small Things You Shouldn't Sweat on Your Wedding Day

bride and groom kissing at alter

Photo: Getty Images

You spent months or even years planning out the perfect day. So when a single, solitary detail goes awry, your gut instinct is to sweat it — or worse. As Jaclyn Fisher, owner of Two Little Birds Planning in Philadelphia explains, “couples expect for the wedding day to go exactly as planned, so therefore even small things that may not bother them any other time will seem huge on the big day.” But that being said, our experts promise these 10 things are nothing to sweat on the big day. After all, you’ve got enough to worry about.

1. You’re running a little late.
So your family portraits were supposed to start at 3 p.m. on the dot, but it’s 3:05 p.m. and you haven’t yet made your way through the church door. You can stop checking your watch, however. “Your planner padded your timeline to account for some things running a little behind,” explains Fisher, “so don’t panic if you’re starting photos 10 minutes after you were supposed to.”

2. Your vendor is running late.
It’s not exactly an ideal situation when your cake is stuck in traffic. “But it happens,” says Aviva Samuels, owner of Kiss the Planner in Palm Beach, Fla. “If they can hustle to make up for lost time, and they’re smiling, and in the groove by the time that your guests first interact with them, then there’s no real damage done. Unless you want to freak out and cause yourself unnecessary stress, the only damage you would be doing is the damage you’d be doing to yourself over it.”

3. You know you blinked for that last photo.
You want to look perfect on your wedding day, but “couples should not worry about looking perfect in every photo,” says Fisher. “Thousands of shots will be taken by your photographer, and he or she will only deliver a few hundred edited photos. That means you’re getting the best photos that were taken, and you’ll never even see the ones with your eyes closed.”

4. Your centerpieces look nothing like what’s on your Pinterest board.
If your centerpieces miss the Pinterest mark, take a deep breath and remember that while you know what they were supposed to look like, your guests have no clue. “As a general rule of thumb, fresh flowers in any color, shape, or style are beautiful,” says Samuels. And while you have a right to be upset that what was promised wasn’t delivered, she says, “is it really worth getting aggravated over?”

5. You fear your friend is about to give an embarrassing toast.
Try as you might, you can’t control what comes out of another person’s mouth. “You can ask them to keep it positive, but you can’t control whether or not they respect your wishes,” points out Fisher. “So if a toast takes a bad turn, shake it off, move on, and get back to enjoying your day.”

6. Your DJ goes rogue.
Let’s say he plays the wrong song for your first dance. Or, “when everyone is up, dancing, and having fun, he threw a curve ball, played a song that bombed, and it cleared out the dance floor,” describes Samuels. “Sure, he may have made a big faux pas. And it might have been a real doozy. But it’s done. And it’s still not the end of the world. It’s still a wonderful wedding and the mistake will long forgotten by everyone there, and hopefully even you.”

7. You checked the weather forecast — and it’s not good.
You’ve made a rain plan and checked it twice. Just make sure you love Plan B — and Plan C and Plan D — as much as you love Plan A, says Fisher. Because if you do, “you won’t need to worry about what Mother Nature brings on your wedding day,” she explains.

8. Your ceremony music is off.
So your pianist is supposed to hit the high notes just as you walk down the aisle, but she starts the crescendo long before you’ve taken your first step. “That’s not how it was supposed to go,” admits Samuels, “but does anyone really know that, and does it really matter? I bet all they were thinking is how beautiful the melody was, how happy your loved ones seemed, and how stunning you looked.”

9. You haven’t had time to talk to every guest.
Whether you’re making the rounds at dinner or mingling during cocktail hour, realize you may unintentionally miss some people — and that’s OK. “Your friends and family will understand,” assures Fisher. “Just do your best and don’t let it take the focus away from having fun.”

10. You tasted the chicken, and it’s dry.
Or maybe the rice was cold. Whatever the problem, “you tasted it just the month before and it was perfect, and now it isn’t,” describes Samuels. “But your guests are surrounding you, having a wonderful time and feeling your joy as they see and feel your wedded bliss. They aren’t nearly as critical as you are. They didn’t come for the food, they came for you. That part of course was perfect, and happily, they got what they wanted.”

See More: 6 Ways to Calm a Bride’s Nerves On the Big Day

Model Agyness Deyn's Unconventional Wedding Day Look is a Must See

Agyness Deyn

Photo: Getty Images

Instead of radiant in white, this bride was pretty in pink! Model Agyness Deyn just got married to hedge fund manager Joel McAndrew and went totally untraditional with her bridal style. Seriously, everything from the bride’s bouquet to her cotton candy hued wedding dress was unexpected — and totally cool. Would you expect anything less from this mega model?

In recent years, the British beauty has stepped away from the fashion world in exchange for Hollywood. She has since appeared in Hail, Caesar! and The White King. But just because she’s no longer slaying the couture runways, doesn’t mean that she’s left her fashionista status behind. Case in point: Deyn’s unconventional wedding day look.

For her weekend wedding to her sweetheart, Deyn donned a pale pink gown by Molly Goddard, complete with voluminous organza sleeves, sheer neckline, and an ankle-length hem. Teal bejeweled flats peeked out from beneath the anything-but-traditional frock and the bride completed the look with a totally unique bouquet of white orchids and an armful of wheat. (Anyone else predicting wheat bouquets as the new fall wedding trend?) Meanwhile, the groom wore a cream-colored suit, accessorized with a blue tie, teal pocket square, and bright pink boutonniere.

According to People magazine, the pair was wed in Brooklyn Heights, New York, with the bride just itching to say her “I do’s.”

“I get to marry my best friend today,” Deyn wrote on her Instagram page, captioning a photo of herself and her new hubby in a lip-lock. The couple’s fashion designer friend, Henry Holland, posted a few wedding snapshots himself, including a close-up of the beautiful bride, the newlyweds outside of the stained glass adorned church, and one of the intimate wedding party. “Going to the chapel and we’re…,” Holland captioned the too-cute pic, adding the chapel emoji for good measure. That they most certainly did!

So much ?????? @aggy_deyn @joelmcandrew

A photo posted by Henry Hollands (@henryholland) on Aug 28, 2016 at 3:15pm PDT

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A photo posted by Henry Hollands (@henryholland) on Aug 28, 2016 at 3:07pm PDT

I get to marry my best friend today ????

A photo posted by Agyness Deyn (@aggy_deyn) on Aug 28, 2016 at 12:33pm PDT

Going to the chapel and we're… ????

A photo posted by Henry Hollands (@henryholland) on Aug 28, 2016 at 1:28pm PDT

See More: 12 Celebrities Who Didn’t Wear White Down the Aisle

30 Questions That Help You Know This REALLY Is 'The One' To Marry

couple riding bikes

Photo: Getty Images

In today’s dating world, we find ourselves sifting through a variety of people and experiencing all sorts of relationships with the goal of finding the person we can’t live without.

But when searching for a life partner, it’s important to ask yourself the following questions FIRST. Then, as you screen potential loves and move through the selection process, your answers to these questions will help you get to know your dates.

You can then make a wise choice based on true love and real friendship:

1. How important is it for your spouse to be your best friend? (And, what does being a good friend look like to you?

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2. What does “love” mean to you?

3. What are the top five items on your bucket list?

4. Is it important to have a balance between giving and taking in the marriage?

5. How important is it for you to be able to express your true feelings to your partner?

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6. When is it OK (and not OK) to express sadness, anger or fear to one another?

7. How important is it to you to feel affirmed (supported, valued, accepted, challenged) within the relationship?

8. How important is it to share honestly and openly? (Where does truthfulness rank in your relationship values?)

9. Is it OK to feel jealous or resentful if one of you becomes close with other people? (How would you prefer you and your partner express those feelings?)

10. What does “quality time” mean to you and how much of it do you need to feel happy in the marriage?

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11. What is the greatest gift you’ve ever received? And what is the best gift you have to give?

12. When are electronic devices prohibited and how much social media sharing about you and your relationship is OK?

See More:
50 Love Quotes That Express Exactly What ‘I Love You’ Really Means

13. How important is trust and privacy? (What happens if your trust is betrayed?)

14. What’s the role of emotional intimacy? How much sharing is enough? How much is too much?

15. What does monogamy mean to you? Commitment? Fidelity?

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16. What role does “adventure” play in the relationship? Spontaneity? Surprises?

17. What interests or activities do you wish to share with your spouse?

18. How important is it for you to be able to rely on your partner?

See More: I Refuse to Let My Wife’s Depression Ruin My Marriage

19. How important is affection and non-sexual touch i.e., cuddling, kissing, holding hands, hugs, back rubs?

20. How important is romance? What are expressions of love and romance for you?

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21. If one of you acquires more money or a higher status than the other, how would that affect your relationship?

22. How important is it to agree about spiritual matters and religion? (What spiritual practices do you wish to share with your spouse?)

23. How important is it for you to agree about politics?

24. How important is it for you to have the same philosophy of family life or parenting?

25. How many children would you like? What values do you want to instill in them?

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26. What hopes and dreams would you like your spouse to fulfill for you?

27. What life goals would you like your spouse to support you in?

See More: These 20 Quotes Explain Why We Need Unconditional Love So DAMN Much

28. How important is it to agree on the same philosophy of money management? Life-style?

29. How important is sexual intimacy and how often do you wish to engage sexually in order to be happy?

30. How important is it to forge intellectual, spiritual and emotional connections before engaging sexually? (Do you wish to wait for a commitment or marriage?)

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Jianny Adamo, LMHC, founder of Fearless Love Coaching and Counseling supports singles and couples breaking through fears and limitations to create safe and intimate marriages and relationships. Skype and phone consultations available. Jianny is currently writing her book Love Trauma: Recovering from Psychopathic, Narcissistic and Sexual Abuse. 561-450-5580. www.fearlesslove.net. @Facebook.

This article originally appeared on YourTango.