What Should We Do if Guests Don't Follow Our Venue's Dress Code Restrictions?

No matter how hard you try, wedding guests won’t always follow your instructions. RSVPing by the deadline? Expect some stragglers (or some who never respond!). Asking for meal selections? Be prepared to make a few calls. Guidance on the dress code? Some will follow it, some won’t. But what if it’s more than guidance, and instead the dress code includes requirements from your venue? Here are some tips from our experts to deal with guests who don’t follow the attire rules.

If you’re having your wedding at a venue that has strict dress code requirements, from a place of worship that doesn’t allow bare shoulders to an historic building that prohibits stiletto heels, sharing the information clearly with your guests is the most you can do in advance. But once they’ve arrived, the last thing you want is to turn people away because they aren’t dressed properly!

Instead, be prepared with quick fixes to help out those who chose to ignore the memo. At a house of worship, have a few wraps available to cover shoulders or heads, and offer any headwear like yarmulkes that guests may not know to bring or might not personally own.

See more: From Black Tie to Casual: Wedding Guest Dress Code Explained

Worried about protecting floors? Plastic heel covers quickly convert stilettos into a wider heel. Many have rounded edges, making them extra floor-friendly. You could also offer flip flops or foldable flats for women to don if they’d be more comfortable removing their heels completely.

Are you having your wedding at a venue (such as a private club) that enforces its own dress code? Chances are printing “cocktail attire” on your invitation will prevent any guests from donning jeans, but you may want to include an insert specifying if men must wear a jacket and tie. Pick a dress code that will cover any of your venue’s rules, and have a few extra ties on-hand for those gentlemen who prefer an open collar.

WATCH: This Couple's Pennsylvania Farm Wedding Will Have You Dreaming of Fall

If you’ve been busy crossing tasks off your pre-wedding to-do list, we think you’ve earned a few minutes of relaxation — big day-related relaxation, that is. Take a break from planning and organizing and get some much-needed inspiration from our real weddings video channel. Packed with tons of adorable love stories from across the country and beyond. Each week we’ve been taking you inside one of our favorite new celebrations, and today we can’t get enough of Chris and Joann’s fall wedding on a Pennsylvania farm.

These newlyweds just might be the sweetest, most in love couple we’ve seen to date. Don’t believe us? Just check out the video Tree of Life Films captured of their big day. From pre-wedding portraits and getting ready straight through the ceremony and reception, this pair never stopped smiling and laughing. Their guests fed off that incredible energy, making the entire day a total blast for everyone in attendance.

See More: 17 Ideas for a Harvest-Inspired Wedding Tablescape

There are more than just the couple’s great attitudes to love about this video, though. Chris and Joann tied the knot at one of the prettiest venues we’ve ever seen for a fall wedding. The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm features expansive landscaping, a beautiful interior for the ceremony, and a peaked tent for the reception. With changing foliage and a knockout sunset as their backdrop, their day could not have been more synonymous with autumn.

Although there was some light rain, the bride and groom refused to let the weather put a damper on their day. The party went on with tons of dancing and even some impromptu dance floor shots. When guests finally had to head home for the night, the couple said their goodbyes with a sparkler exit.

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The 4 Running Lists Every Bride Should Maintain at All Times

Continuous Wedding To-Do Lists

Photo: Getty Images

Budgets, guest lists, important dates, to-do lists, and more can flood your mind and make what should be a fun and exciting time feel quite the opposite. Don’t worry — thanks to digital documents and smart phones, you can stay up-to-the-minute organized in an easy way, keep everything you need to know on you at all times — and ultimately save your sanity. Enjoy wedding planning a little bit more, by keeping these four running lists at all times.

Guest List & RSVPs
Once the dreaded initial draft of the guest list has been decided upon, create a Google Doc or something similar that is editable and instantly saved and shared including names, guests, and addresses. You’ll be grateful you’ve done this on a few occasions — once it comes time to assemble and mail invitations, tracking RSVP’s as they come in, and when it becomes time to make the seating arrangements, too.

To-Do
All Type-As out there rejoice — this one’s for you. Every single bride should keep a running list tasks, even if they have enlisted the help of a wedding planner or coordinator. If you think nothing is more satisfying than crossing off your to-do list, it’s 10x better for overwhelmed brides-to-be. Whether you prefer to keep it old school and use a trusty notebook or keep use an app for your planning needs, as long as you have one, you’ll be organized and accomplished daily.

Gifts Received
While traditionally your maid of honor or bridesmaid will be tasked with writing down what you receive and from whom at your bridal shower, you will likely receive gifts outside of that occasion too. As a gracious and thankful bride, keep a running list so that writing out thank you cards is a bit less overwhelming. It’s also great to save this list as an upcoming reference for when you’re a wedding guest, too!

“Day Of” List
It will be here before you know it and to keep your wedding morning focused on beauty, mimosas, and excitement you’ll need to make sure you have every single thing you need for the night before, day of, and morning after you say, “I do.” You may be surprised as to how much stuff you will need on hand for your big day, from the more obvious items like your gown and undergarments, to reception décor, toothpaste, and makeup remover — be sure you are prepared. Nothing is worse than a last-minute errand or snafu to throw off your positive pre-wedding vibes.

See More: 50 Things All Brides Should Do The Week of Their Wedding

Adrienne Bailon Just Dished On Her Engagement to Israel Houghton and That Perfect Parisian Proposal

Adrienne Bailon and Israel Houghton

Photo: Getty Images

Two weeks ago, Grammy-winning Christian musician Israel Houghton slayed the romance game when he proposed to Adrienne Bailon during a picture-perfect Parisian getaway. The Real star took to social media to announce her and Houghton’s happy news by posting a trés belle engagement ring selfie, featuring her new supersized sparkler glittering in front of the Eiffel Tower. We haven’t stopped talking about Bailon’s emerald-cut engagement ring ever since. But now, Bailon is the one doing the talking, as the actress is finally dishing on her whirlwind engagement.

Bailon and Houghton had originally jetted to Paris to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the bride-to-be’s parents, making the perfectly planned proposal a complete surprise to the talkshow host. “There was some trickery going on,” Bailon shared during a recent appearance on Hollywood Today Live.

“It honestly was just magical. My parents being there was so special to me. They actually were celebrating 20 years of marriage. I thought originally that we were just celebrating them and then obviously when the surprise happened, I was super excited and super happy. I can’t wait,” she said.

Bailon also revealed that although Houghton slipped that impressive super sparkler on her finger just six months into their romantic relationship, the to-be-wedded pair were actually friends long before. “We were friends for three years before [dating],” Bailon explained. “I think that makes a difference.”

“I knew exactly what I wanted and he is everything I wanted and more. He’s awesome. He is my best friend,” she continued. “We never thought we’d end up together… And then he got to know the real me and I love that.”

Now onto the wedding planning! And in case you were wondering, yes, Bailon’s The Real co-stars Jeannie Mai, Tamera Mowry, and Loni Love will all be playing a part in the big day. We’re envisioning the bridesmaid dresses now…

You. Me. Oui.

A video posted by Adrienne Bailon (@adriennebailon) on Aug 12, 2016 at 6:29pm PDT

See More: Memorable Vows from the Best TV and Movie Weddings

BRIDES Chicago: Where to Shop For Engagement Photoshoot Outfits

clothes on a rack

Photo: Getty Images

Before the wedding planning begins, you have to announce to your friends and family that the question has been popped! A fun way to do so is with engagement photo shoots. Often times the engagement shoot can show a more relaxed and lighthearted side to the bride- and groom-to-be. Whether your shoot will take place in the Lincoln Park on a sunny weekend, around Millennium Park, or in the middle of a quintessential cobblestone street, you should make sure to look and feel amazing and comfortable. Below are some Chicago boutiques to help you dress your best for a casual outdoors engagement shoot.

Steven Alan
Known for laid-back (yet still fashion-conscious) pieces, the Steven Alan boutique in Wicker Park houses both its eponymous label and other minimalist hipster pieces. Think simple cotton dresses, on-trend boyfriend jeans, and preppy-inspired knits. The store offers both men’s and women’s clothes, so you can make sure both you and your honey are coordinated on photo day.

Rocky + Luella
Rocky + Luella is a boutique started by two best friends who aim to offer clothes that exude casual cool with a twist. They also offer clothing for both genders, and recently set up shop in trendy Ukrainian Village. You’ll find Yerse tribal-inspired ponchos, feminine plaids from Bridge + Burn, and easy, breezy dresses from Ilana Kohn.

See More: Make Your Engagement Photos Perfect With a Make Over By One of Our Favorite Makeup Artists

Eskell
With its slightly boho, slightly Coachella vibe, women’s boutique Eskell is the perfect place to score eclectic pieces for a fun outdoor shoot. You’ll find darling frocks and witty separates, as well as edgy outerwear and day-perfect jewelry that you can wear long after the camera’s last shot.

Vince
No outdoor engagement shoot is complete without spot-on outerwear. Thankfully, Vince is the king of the sleek, refined jacket (leather especially!). Browse their Oak Street location for subdued — but still impactful — designs that will make you shine in a sophisticated and modern way.

Milk Handmade
If you’re looking to support local designers who specialize in funky casual separates, head over to Milk Handmade in Andersonville. There, you’ll discover edgy hoodies by Chicago-based designer Anna Hovet, quirky knits from ShiliConfetti, and artsy scarves from Argaman & Defiance. Perfect for an engagement shoot you’ll remember forever.

Already thinking about your wedding gown? Check out our favorite Chicago dress boutiques on our Local Vendors page!

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BRIDES' 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up Challenge: Day 27, Limit The Libations

Wedding Workout Limit Alcohol Intake

Photo: Getty Images

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 27: Limit The Libations

The days leading up to your wedding are guaranteed to be filled with family, friends and festivities. Which means lots and lots of toasts — making it all too easy to overdo the booze.

“Limiting alcohol is one of the first things I recommend to brides-to-be because it’s just added, empty calories and it’s going to wreak havoc on your weight loss goals,” says says New York City nutritionist Keri Gans, R.D., author of The Small Change Diet.

See More: 4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Crash Diet Before Your Wedding

sodastream wedding workout

Photo: BRIDES Staff

Cut back to a glass or two a night, and stick to wine, champagne, or something simple like vodka with club soda and lime, versus sugary cocktails which can be huge calorie bombs. Make your own bubbly at home with a SodaStream (a registry must-have you’ll thank us for later), and mix with muddled fresh limes and mint for a health conscious — not to mention seriously refreshing — Mojito.

If you don’t want to be without a glass in your hand, alternate your alcohol of choice with water. It will help keep you hydrated, clear-headed and ensure those scale digits don’t start moving in the wrong direction.

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

The Best Bridal Salons of 2016 in the South

Best Southern Bridal Salons

Photo: Maddison Row Bridal Chic; Virgil Bunao Photography

Finding the right wedding dress may be trial-and-error, but finding a bridal salon shouldn’t be. Our editors polled more than 1,500 brides to discover the places with the prettiest dresses (from the designers like Carolina Herrera, Mira Zwillinger, and Houghton, just to name a few!), nicest consultants, and chicest spaces from coast to coast. Every single shop on this list is a true standout in style, service, and atmosphere whether it’s the white dress mecca in your state or a gem in the middle of nowhere (we didn’t judge!). Get ready for our curated, tested, and fully endorsed list of The Best Bridal Salons in America. Here, our editors narrow down the best bridal salons in the South. Happy shopping!

Ivory & White Bridal Boutique, Birmingham, Ala.
The consultants at this Mountain Brook mainstay are “thoughtful, detail oriented, and stylish,” reported one southern belle. “They were able to expertly tie my vision to the beautiful dresses available in the salon,” raves another.

Hitched Bridal Couture, Washington, D.C.
The above-and-beyond staff at this Georgetown staple got perfect reviews. Take it from one same-sex couple: “They celebrated us and guided us to dresses that would complement each another. They even pulled my wife’s pick from the rack so I wouldn’t be tempted to try it.”

Chernaya Bridal House, Miami
No need to hit Drybar before your appointment: Priscilla, whom one bride called “the sweetest person ever,” is handy with a bobby pin and happy to give a quick updo before she guides you to your dream Elie Saab or Angel Sanchez.

Ever After Miami, Miami
International and local brides agree that this dress mecca is worth the trip because of its seriously chic owner, killer gown selection, and in-house alterations shop/atelier, where “there’s no limit to what you can do to customize your dress.”

The Collection Bridal, Winter Park, Florida
With some of the best couture gowns around (Vera Wang, Inbal Dror), this light-filled store on Park Avenue wowed reviewers and passersby alike. “When I stepped in the front window during my final fitting, people came in from the street to tell me how beautiful I looked,” says a satisfied bride.

Joan Pillow Bridal Salon, Atlanta and Houston
In the South, this salon (with two locations) is the spot to score in-demand designers, like Oscar de la Renta, but don’t mistake sophisticated for stuffy. “They didn’t bat an eyelash when my young daughter and stepdaughter touched every dress in the store,” says one bride.

The Sentimentalist, Atlanta
Down-to-earth brides heart this whimsical shop in Midtown’s Berkeley Park, citing the cozy cottage location, two cool chicks who own it, and “unique inventory of modern and antique-feeling” gowns.

Blanc Bridal Couture, New Orleans
It may be the new kid on Magazine Street, but this glam salon is gaining traction, thanks to its bend-over-backward consultants, including one a reviewer was legit girl-crushing on.

Garnish Boutique, Baltimore
Self-proclaimed “Garnish girls” gushed about the “one-on-one experience” and gorge decor at this newly renovated shop a short drive from D.C. “It looks like it came right from my Pinterest board,” says a fan.

Hayden Olivia Bridal, Charlotte, N.C.
If you like transparency, this is the place to visit. “Everything is laid out for you” — the dresses, the prices, and the alteration fees — so go ahead and let your squad take a seat while you twirl around in a Hayley Paige or Jim Hjelm gown.

Maddison Row Bridal Chic, Charleston
This salon’s high marks come courtesy of the kick-ass seamstresses. “I lost 40 pounds after ordering my dress, and they made what could’ve been a stressful process seamless, pun intended,” says a bride.

Maggie Louise, Collierville, Tenn.
Molly Farrell is the Memphis bride’s BFF for good reason: She asks each client to fill out a questionnaire and chat on the phone before she even arrives in the shop. “I love that Molly was able to focus on my individual needs, taste, and style from the get-go,” says a fan.

White Dresses, Nashville
It’s all about the atmosphere at this year-old salon, which nails it on dressing-room lighting (“insanely flattering”) and big-reveal moments. (“The vintage mirror is perfection.”)

Warren Barrón Bridal, Dallas
The ladies here always deliver, but especially when a gown is designed by Dallas’s own Lela Rose, whom nearly all of our reviewers chose. One says, “My consultant tracked down a dress I had seen at her runway show and had it shipped to the store for me to try on in person.”

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

See More: 50 Things to Know About Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress

How to Get Your Bridesmaids to Do What You Want (and Not Hate You For It)

It’s your big day, but that doesn’t mean you can demand that friends and family bend to your will — even the ones who’ve agreed to be your faithful bridesmaids. But what if you need your gals to step up to the plate? Here’s how to make those requests without coming across as a controlling bridezilla.

Start a Group Chat ASAP
To start off on the right foot, consider launching a group chat via GroupMe or Facebook messenger so you can communicate important details to your maids in a concise but effective way, says Alana Futcher, a Chancey Charm Richmond wedding planner. “Your bridesmaids will get frustrated if they aren’t told about times and places of events ahead of time but are still expected to be there with last-minute notice,” she warns. So be sure to lay out expectations early on to make the commitments easier for them to plan around. This goes for anything from accompanying you while dress shopping to attending multiple bridal showers. Don’t assume that your friends are always at your beck and call.

Keep Communication to a Minimum
At the same time, don’t flood everyone’s inboxes with wedding requests, says relationship and etiquette expert April Masini. “If you’re creating a text tsunami you’re going to irritate your bridesmaids and alienate them,” she adds. One or two emails or texts a day is fine, but keep it to a minimum until it’s crunch time the week of the wedding.

Opt for a Phone Call Instead of a Text
And, for the most sensitive asks, call rather than text or email, advises Rachel Jo Silver of Love Stories TV. “These are your best friends — pick up the phone and give them a ring. You’re much more likely to avoid miscommunications and misinterpretations that way,” she says. Being direct and polite throughout the planning process will get you far with your friends, and it’s usually a good idea to meet them halfway. If, for instance, you chose a bridesmaids’ dress that nobody likes, acknowledge how they feel and offer to split the cost of it. Or if you’re having four bridal showers and two are out of town, ask if they wouldn’t mind attending the two that are local.

Up the Fun Factor
Once you’ve let everyone know exactly what you need from them, find a way to make the commitments more fun. Katie Werkin, a Chancey Charm NYC wedding planner, suggests planning a pre-event brunch or post-event dinner to make for more of a social occasion and less of an obligation. And if you’re the recipient of multiple showers, make sure your bridesmaids know that they aren’t expected to bring gifts to each gathering.

Don’t Forget to Properly Thank Them
Finally, remember that your bridesmaids are probably making some sacrifices — both time and money — to be there for you, and while they may be honored to be included in your wedding they should be recognized for standing by your side on one of the most important days of your life. Werkin suggests something as simple as a thank-you note or taking them out for coffee individually. A little can go a long way when it comes to showing your appreciation. To make a bigger gesture, Brittany Collier a Chancey Charm Washington, DC wedding planner suggests a bridesmaid brunch as a nice way to treat your girls with some quality time and a good meal. And mani-pedis following the feast can never hurt!

See More: How to Handle Bridesmaids with Clashing Personalities

Exactly What to Do When You Break Off Your Engagement

How to Break Off Engagement

Photo: Getty Images

Lady Gaga made the news earlier this summer when she called off her engagement to Taylor Kinney. But cancelling a wedding is not just a Hollywood thing. Research from The Wedding Report estimates about 13 percent of engaged couples never make it down the aisle. So, what exactly are you supposed to do when you decide he’s actually not the one? Coming to that heartbreaking conclusion is difficult enough, but then there’s the un-planning of the wedding you may have already spent months working on. Here’s how to handle the logistical side of breaking off your engagement.

1. Make a game plan with your ex-fiancé.
Put a pause on the emotional rollercoaster you’ve both likely been on and sit down ready to make decisions. Outline everything that needs to be done, starting with the ideas listed below. Divvy up the duties between the two of you so the overwhelming number of to-dos doesn’t fall on one person.

2. Notify guests.
You will want to notify guests as soon as possible so they can cancel travel plans and halt gift buying. Dedicate one spokesperson from your family — maybe your sister or your dad — and one from his. Ask each spokesperson to reach out to guests on their side and let them know the wedding has been cancelled. Whether you share more details is up to you, but having another family member shield the questions of “why?” will be a giant weight off of your shoulders.

3. Alert vendors.
Next, reach out to all of the vendors who have signed on for the big day — the caterer, venue, photographer, videographer, florist, band, makeup artist, and whoever else. If you have a wedding planner, ask him or her to help you spread the news. The sooner vendors are notified, the more likely it is that you will be able to recover some money. You’ll likely already have forked over thousands of dollars in deposits, but you may be able to avoid making final payments.

See More: Need to Postpone Your Wedding? Here’s How to Do It

4. Consider selling your wedding and honeymoon.
If you’re too close to the wedding date to recover any funds from your vendors, you might consider putting your already-planned wedding or honeymoon on CanceledWeddings.com. You send them your wedding date, costs you’ve invested so far, a list of vendors you’re working with, and the number of guests you were expecting. They then offer the honeymoon or prepackaged wedding to flexible engaged couples that are looking for a great deal. The new couple can then take over any bills that are left to be paid, though the site won’t reimburse all of the payments you’ve already made.

5. Pack up and return gifts.
First, cancel your wedding registry, and then look back at a log of what you received for your engagement, wedding shower, and any early wedding gifts. Ideally, the gifts will still be in their original packaging. Ship them back to the family or friend who sent them, along with a brief note thanking them for the gift and for their support.

6. Decide who keeps the ring.
Who ends up with the bling will vary from couple to couple. If it was an heirloom from your or his family, it should go back to that person, and if you were the one who broke it off, it may make the most sense to give the ring back to him. Outside of those situations, there’s a lot of wriggle room, so it’s up to you and your ex to determine the best course of action.

How to Have an Unforgettable Honeymoon in Portugal's Picturesque Algarve

Algarve Portugal Honeymoon

Photo: Getty Images

There are a few places in Europe known for their beaches, and then there are those whose sandy shorelines are a little more unexpected. Portugal, though obviously a coastal country, is for some reason not the first destination that comes to mind for a beach honeymoon. The French Riviera, Ibiza, Positano and Barcelona can move on over, however. The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is home to dozens of jaw-dropping beaches, and with its sun-drenched Mediterranean climate, clifftop fishing villages, surf breaks and cute cafés it’s an intimate and slightly off-the-beaten-path place to honeymoon.

Unless you want to be stuck in one town, the best course of action is to rent a car in Lisbon — making sure to spend a few days in the gorgeous city — and take a road trip south and east (none of the distances are staggering). While parts, such as Lagos and the main hub of Portimão, are quite developed and touristic, the western coast can still feel undiscovered and rugged. Although it’s technically in the Alentejo region north of the Algarve, Vila Nova de Milfontes is worth a pause en route from the capital. A charming small-town vibe and protected beaches make it appropriate for family outings, but it is home to one of the most romantic spots on the coast: Restaurante A Choupana, where you’ll have a front-row seat to the drawn-out neon sunset over rolling green waves, while enjoying a bottle of vinho verde (Portugal’s signature white wine varietal) and grilled freshly caught fish. The point beach below is particularly magical: Visitors have stacked up the many smooth stones into hundreds of fairy-like towers that create an enchanting, one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Odeceixe Portugal Beach

Photo: Getty Images

Driving near the coast is a less trafficked route than the direct road to Portimão, and allows a stop at Odeceixe, the northernmost beach of the Algarve and a truly breathtaking one at that. The dramatic approach is from above, like with most of Portugal’s beaches, and goes alongside a turquoise river that bends gracefully around a spit of white sand into the Atlantic. Grab a hot sandwich, just-reeled-in seafood and vodka with maracuya (like passionfruit) at Kiosk Agapito, overlooking the wide praia (beach in Portuguese).

Further down the way, Arrifana is a surfer’s paradise. It’s also an incredible place to learn, since the consistent jade-hued waves come in like clockwork and there are plenty of lessons to join. At the top of the cliff, in town, there are several surf camps and simple but tasty local restaurants along with the Neapolitan-style pie joint Arte Bianca Pizzeria Italiana and trendy Hello Sailor, where you can enjoy live jazz music alongside your sangria and tacos or pasta.

Bela Vista Portugal Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of Bela Vista

The challenge with driving down Portugal’s coast is that each beach will have you gasping more than the last. Praia Bordeira’s rugged limestone cliffs, extensive sand dunes and gorgeous waves are among the most picturesque in the world. Keep in mind it’s just a day stop as there aren’t restaurants or hotels here. Continue onto Sagres, which at the southwestern corner of Europe feels like the end of the earth. There, Memmo Baleeira is the must-stay, with its bright white interiors and pristine sea views. Indulge in a marine-themed massage at the spa, and dishes like roasted local octopus or wood-fired pizza at the restaurant. If you sign up for surf lessons here, you might end up at Praia Cordoama, another picturesque spot that will have you wondering if heaven is actually in the Algarve. You won’t be alone at the lighthouse for the nightly sunset scene, but it’s breathtaking — and windy. By night, Dromedario is one of the lively bars where mixology and DJs take things up a notch.

For more excitement, head east along the coast to Lagos, the not-so-sleepy-anymore surf town that’s much larger and features more hotels, all types of cuisine and plentiful bars where you can hear reggae, live bands or even an Aussie singing American hits. East of there the Algarve becomes even more delightful, and the food improves drastically from bustling tourist towns like Lagos and Portimão (if you do stay in the hub, opt for a Moorish-style room at Bela Vista, the Algarve’s very first hotel, opened in 1934). O Barradas is a standout restaurant near Silves, housed in a converted country farmhouse — sit outside in the gardens in warm weather, or inside by the cozy fireplace when it’s cold — with its very own wine and innovative spins on Portuguese cuisine, using primo local and homemade ingredients like fig chutney.

Cacela Velha Portugal Honeymoon

Photo: Getty Images

As you drive east, venture a bit inland to Vila Monte Farm House, where bougainvillea and citrus trees create a lovely setting for whitewashed finca-style accommodations. The boutique-y property is beautifully designed, and features two tempting pools and a rustic-chic restaurant serving Portuguese and Mediterranean flavors. Just 15 minutes east is Tavira, a can’t-miss town that will charm your pants off with castle ruins, a Roman bridge, historic churches, and cobblestone streets. Stay in the converted convent-turned-hotel Pousada Convento de Tavira, where plush four-poster beds will take you both back in time. There’s also a market, fishing port and fantastic powdery white beaches within easy reach. Beyond that, even closer to the Spanish border, is the adorable small town of Cacela Velha, where bright white cottages have vividly colored trim, and cobbled paths lead past gardens and orange and olive groves to a long beach. The spectacular sands unite the whole area, but the character of each town is what makes an Algarve road trip so memorable and romantic.

See More: 2016 BRIDES Best Honeymoons: The Most Romantic Honeymoon Cities