Not everyone’s wedding dress shopping experience looks something like a scene from Say Yes to the Dress. Some brides are incredibly low-key — so low-key, in fact, that they found their wedding gowns at thrift stores and even garage sales. We get it: You may not be able to picture buying your big day dress secondhand, so we asked them to tell their stories (spoiler: it’s not as ‘crazy’ as it seems!).

“I bought my wedding dress for $165.00 at a consignment shop in Indianapolis, Indiana. I was a foreign missionary returning from years of work in the Peruvian Amazon jungle, and I did not have a lot of money. Besides that, I had gotten used to such a simplistic lifestyle in a hut in the rainforest that spending tons of money on a dress, however special, seemed utterly outrageous. Before we went shopping, a friend of mine who sewed and who was willing to remake any dress we found, suggested I first draw my dream wedding gown. She explained it was sometimes possible to find an elegant dress on consignment for less money that it would cost to make the dress from start to finish. So, with my amateurish, erasure-laden sketch clutched in hand, we went to the consignment store, and within a minute and a half, I instinctively walked right over to a glorious mound of tulle and poof and pearls, which when grabbed at the shoulders and unwrapped, cascaded into the very image of the dress I had sketched on my paper!” — Sherry

“I always thought of having an antique dress. My now-husband and I are really into the 1950’s and so, it just made sense for me to look for a dress that could have come from another era. But when I found my dress, I wasn’t really looking. In fact, I wasn’t even engaged yet. I was out shopping at a thrift store for antiques with my brother and his children, and I spotted my dress. At $25, I couldn’t pass it up! The dress was tea length and classic. I was not able to try it on, but at the price brought it with me, home to my boyfriend. I didn’t want him to think I was pressuring him into anything. I said, worst case scenario, it could be a Halloween costume. He had me try it on and it was perfect. I don’t remember how many years later he proposed and I was able to wear it, but I did! Oh, and we also bought vintage suits for all the groomsmen.” — Michelle

“I was 22 and in my senior year of college, plus I was already applying to grad schools. Basically, I was on a budget, and shopping for a wedding dress secondhand was the budget-conscious thing to do. Beyond that though, I simply didn’t buy into the bride myth that everything needs to be expensive and pristine to be special. I like vintage looks and trendy bridal dresses look so samey, and some even look silly after a few years. Anyway, my mom was a college librarian and one of her coworkers had a daughter who was getting divorced and had plans to unload her 15-year-old wedding dress at a garage sale. The people selling the dress were really rather snobby about it, even though they were the ones grubbing for $150. They made a point of telling me it originally cost thousands of dollars and that the original groom was a wealthy doctor. Whatever. Here I was in a community college library bathroom trying on a musty dress delivered to me in a paper-handled Trader Joe’s bag. Other than being a teeny bit long, it was a perfect fit. Thankfully, the style was simple and classic, so despite already being 15 years old, it didn’t appear terribly dated. I did end up having the length altered and the seamstress also removed some gratuitous sleeve puff.” — Carolyn

See More: Real Brides Share How They Personalized Their Weddings

Miss America 2016 is on her way to becoming a Mrs! On Sunday, last year’s winner of the Miss America pageant, Betty Cantrell, may have had to hand over her sparkly tiara to the newly-crowned winner, Savvy Shields, but in our opinion Cantrell made off with an even better piece of bling — an engagement ring! The former Miss America just announced her engagement to boyfriend, Spencer Maxwell, and her ring is bound to score a perfect ten from the judges.

This weekend was certainly happily hectic for Cantrell. Not only did she pass on her crown to Miss America 2017 during Sunday night’s pageant, but she also announced her to-be-wedded status the very same night! The beauty queen took to Instagram to share her new sparkler, posting a princess-worthy photo (see below) of herself cuddled up to her hubby-to-be, crown and all.

“And now finally I can say my Fiancé!” Cantrell captioned the sweet snapshot. “To the man who let me be Miss America for a year, to the man who is moving to Nashville with me to help me achieve my dreams as a country music singer, to the man who so selflessly lets me shine, to the man who never gave up on me… to the love of my life. Forever and always, your dreams are my dreams. I love you Spinny.” We’re crying big, Miss America-esque tears over here!

And then because she knows what the people want, Cantrell also posted a close-up shot of her new engagement ring — a megawatt cushion-cut diamond sitting pretty on a simple silver band. “Because I’m OBSESSED!!!!!” the pageant winner wrote beside the perfect pic. Us too, Cantrell!

See More: 70 Amazing Engagement Ring Selfies

According to Hollywood Life, the to-be-wedded twosome met in March of 2015, just six months before Cantrell was crowned Miss America 2016. So what do you think, Cantrell? Is that bridal bling better than that Miss America crown?

And now finally I can say my Fiancé! To the man who let me be Miss America for a year, to the man who is moving to Nashville with me to help me achieve my dreams as a country music singer, to the man who so selflessly lets me shine, to the man who never gave up on me…to the love of my life. Forever and always, your dreams are my dreams. I love you Spinny. #tonewdreams #truelove #fiance? #engaged #finally

A photo posted by Betty Cantrell (@bettycantrellmusic) on Sep 11, 2016 at 9:01pm PDT

Because I'm OBSESSED!!!!! @spinnymoose knows how to pick a ring. ?? #engaged #fiance? #finally #rock #cushioncut

A photo posted by Betty Cantrell (@bettycantrellmusic) on Sep 11, 2016 at 9:33pm PDT

A bevy of things can affect your relationship — and one of them is your birth order. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. “Our experience growing up shapes our adult selves, and the relationships in the early family form patterns we tend to follow in adult life — unless we take steps to change them,” explains Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D., psychotherapist and author of How to be Happy Partners: Working it out Together. “Birth order has been found to influence character and personality in definable ways, and of course our character and personality traits affect how we act in relationships.”

So how does your specific birth order influence your romantic relationships? Read on to find out.

Firstborns
The eldest child is the most cautious child, according to Cora Hietpas, MA, LMFT. And, “in a romantic relationship, this can mean being more guarded,” she says, whether that’s about his or her finances or future plans. Not only that, but firstborns are natural leaders. “They’re used to being the one to make decisions because they took on a leadership role for their younger siblings,” Hietpas says. That can mean the eldest child will want to be the leader in his or her romantic relationship, so to speak. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “Firstborn children are also likely to be reliable in their romantic relationships,” Hietpas explains. “When younger siblings and parents expect the oldest child to be a role model, a dependable attribute tends to shine through.”

Middle children
According to Tessina, “The second child tends to take the road not taken by the first, so if the first is rebellious, the second is more amenable. If the eldest shines in academics, the second tends toward sports or artistic pursuits. If the older child is cooperative, the second tends to be more rebellious.” That can make for a wild card partner in relationships, but there are some standby characteristics you can count on. “In an adult relationship, this person may not be clear what he or she wants, and may store up resentment,” Tessina warns. But middle children may also be used to playing peacemaker between their older and younger siblings, which can make them adept at navigating disagreements with a significant other.

See More: Real Brides’ Stories of How They Decided to Have Children

Youngest children
The youngest child is used to seeking attention, Hietpas says. “In a romantic relationship, this can mean needing more attention than other birth order places,” she explains. “The youngest child tends to respond well to positive affirmations and compliments from their partner.” The baby of the family is also often a free spirit, and that can affect his or her romantic relationships because “this person will feel comfortable with being spontaneous with things like spending money and date ideas,” Hietpas explains. “They want to keep things new and alive in their romantic relationships.” But, additionally, “the youngest child has been used to other people making decisions and taking the lead. This can mean they will expect their partners to make some decisions, such as where to eat or what movie to see.”

Only children
Only children make for independent adults. “This can mean not wanting to have to depend on their partner for things,” says Hietpas. “An only child will like his or her own space in a relationship. It would be a good idea for the partner of an only child to help nurture separate interests.” Not only that, but an only child tends to be diligent. “When arguing with a partner, this can mean likeliness to be stubborn in a certain viewpoint and an unwillingness to compromise,” Hietpas warns. But he or she also leans towards being sensitive. “They feel uncomfortable with criticism,” she says. “If their romantic partners verbalize a complaint, they may take it as a personal attack.”

When it comes to wedding entertainment, Miami’s “anything goes” spirit reigns strong. We’ve polled local planners and experts to discover some of the more extravagant entertainment orders requested by Miami brides — that bring a bit of the city’s spirited flair for an over-the-top party.

1. Champagne-Pouring Aerial Silk Dancers
It’s your wedding day so why shouldn’t people be swinging from the chandeliers celebrating? Bring in the experts for this one, with aerial silk dancers swinging from trapeze-like chandeliers (lined with champagne instead of lights, of course). These skilled servers head toward the ground — only to skillfully pour a glass of bubbly for your guests.

Mandarin Oriental Miami‘s Social Catering Director Victoria Chase has also seen brides take this one step further, kicking off customary toasts with a classic Champagne sabering — a French tradition during the times of Napoléon — performed by a sommelier or the groom himself. Read real brides’ reviews here!

2. Swinging Mermaids
Take a cue out of the “Moulin Rouge” playbook with dancers dressed in your theme of choice hanging from the ceiling on swings. Some brides have taken their South Florida locale to heart, transforming their reception at spots like Temple House into a Little Mermaid-themed seascape with real-life versions of Disney’s Ariel swinging gracefully from above. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Get All Of Your Guests On The Dance Floor With One Of Our Favorite Local DJs

3. Video Mapping
Temple House is also South Florida’s first venue with permanent 360-degree video mapping projections, meaning your wedding day wish is the audio visual team’s command. The venue’s four white walls and 6,000-square-foot ceiling can instantly transform into your dream destination, whether you’d like to dance in the streets of Paris or be transported to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Read real brides’ reviews here!

4. Strolling Table
Instead of a bar cart, serve your guests champagne flutes tableside for a toast from a strolling table — one of TOCA Social’s more popular requests — with a bartender dressed Burlesque-style in a very Cinderella-inspired skirt that flows down in tiers. Hold your glasses perfectly in place as she pours the bubbly and hands it off to guests. Read real brides’ reviews here!

5. Cigar and Cognac Pairing Station
Turn wedding flavors into an interactive experience with on-site cigar “baristas” showing off their craft while also providing the perfect after-dinner drink pairing with cognac. You’ll be bringing a taste of Miami’s quintessential Latin American flair to the wedding reception, all while impressing your guests.

Looking for something even more out-of-the-box to really wow your guests? Check out our Local Vendors page or even more great entertainment options!

You’re probably aware of all the benefits that working out on the regular has on your overall health and well being, from reduced stress to a healthier immune system. But are there any pros of working out with your romantic partner? Well, besides getting to see them all sweaty and glistening?

While it doesn’t necessarily replace couples therapy, psychologists agree that working out with your significant other acts as a great supplement. “Exercising together is a good place to start to rebuild a connection and have fun together, which is often times why I suggest it in my work with couples who are having conflict,” explains psychotherapist Kelley Kitley.

Even if you’re relationship is happy and healthy, there are still benefits to be gained from working out as a couple. Here are five reasons to start working out with your S.O.

It inspires camaraderie.
“When you start working out together as a couple, you’re viewed as a go-to person for other outdoor, strenuous activities,” explains relationship expert Rhonda Milrad. “When you’re sweating it out at the gym together, your partner is experiencing you as being strong and fit. Consequently, when they may want to try rock climbing or go paragliding, they naturally think of you. You two now find yourselves creating lots of meaningful memories, bonding over common passions and setting the tone for a fun, spicy relationship.”

You’ll feel more connected to each other.
“Tossing a medicine ball to each other, lifting weights in time together, or matching your running pace with each other is called nonverbal matching,” explains professional counselor Crystal Bradshaw. “This helps people feel emotionally connected with their partner, and thus they feel they have bonded with each other, because doing these activities requires a couple to create a context in which they must be present with each other mentally to coordinate the necessary moves. They have to be attuned to each other. Doing this helps people feel connected with each other, and when people experience that connection, they tend to report increased feelings of bonding. Exercising provides this opportunity.”

It enhances your sex life.
“Nothing gets the sexual juices flowing then seeing your partner pushing themselves in a strenuous workout,” says Milrad. “Our primitive need for safety gets reinforced when we observe our alpha male/female demonstrating power, strength and stamina, with sexy sweat pouring down their back. Feeling that your partner has the strength of a ‘protector’ results in an increase in your sexual attraction and desire towards them. And as you are marveling, you are experiencing all the the symptoms of physiological arousal — sweaty hands, a racing pulse, shortness of breath from your own workout.”

You’ll both feel more supported.
Not only are you more likely to stick to your workout regimen if you have a partner to motivate you, but psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert says that working out as a couple creates an layer of support that’ll help you both reach your fitness goals. “Working out as a couple provides an opportunity to bond over a common goal,” he explains, “which is getting and staying in shape. To that end, couples can serve as a source of support and motivation to each other.”

You’ll feel more confident (and less jealous).
“Working out releases certain hormones that can be invigorating, and lead to a feeling of confidence, and even sexiness,” Alpert explains. “Endorphins are produced in the brain and released during exercise, and exercise also stimulates the production of dopamine, which can lead to increased feelings of pleasure. A high, almost. This plays a major role in mood. Feeling confident can help to safeguard someone from feelings of jealousy that can often exist in a relationship. When feeling good about oneself, it will help to limit comparing yourself to others and any feelings of inadequacy.”

This post was originally published on ClassPass’s blog, The Warm Up by Danielle Page. ClassPass is a monthly membership that connects you to more than 8,500 of the best fitness studios worldwide. Learn more here.

See More: 6 Poolside Snacks That Won’t Make You Bloat

Finding a unity ritual to include in your wedding ceremony can feel like a tall order, especially if you’re having a secular ceremony instead of a religious one. Many, like unity candles, have their roots in religious traditions and might not feel like the right fit. But if you and your spouse-to-be love wine (bonus points if you’re marrying on a vineyard!), you’re in luck: A wine box ceremony is a beautiful non-religious ritual that will celebrate your love — and your love of wine — on your wedding day and on a future anniversary. Not sure what a wine box ceremony is? We’ll break it down for you.

A wine box ceremony is a wedding ritual in which, during the proceedings of the wedding ceremony, a bottle of wine is enclosed into a box. Some couples opt to add an extra layer of meaning within the ceremony by including love letters to one another alongside the wine, or by designating a specific occasion (such as a future anniversary) when the box will be opened and the wine will be drank.

The first step is to find a bottle of wine that you’ll want to preserve. Talk to someone at your local wine store about a bottle that will age well. It’s a great idea to pick a specific date upon which you’ll open the wine — say, your 10th wedding anniversary — so you can select a bottle that will more likely be even better then than it is now. Also look into where and how the bottle should be stored. Most bottles of wine fare better when stored horizontally, so the cork stays moist, and in a cool, dark place, so think about where you’ll be displaying the wine box, too!

See more: Two West Coasters’ Wine-Themed Bash in Newport, Rhode Island

Next, pick a box. There are a plethora of options available online, from ones engraved with your wedding date to velvet-lined options that come with two wine glasses for you to save and use when the box and bottle are opened. You could also opt to DIY the box in some way, whether that means building it yourself or adding an inscription on the lid.

Lastly, incorporate the box into your ceremony. Have the wine and the box on display on a table near the altar, along with anything you wish to include in the box (such as letters to one another). When the time comes, have your officiant explain the significance of the wine box. Make sure he or she mentions the wine you’ve chosen and how long you plan to save the wine (or if you’re going to open it to help you get through a tough time or on another occasion). Then, the two of you will place the wine and any accompanying items into the box and close the lid. Your officiant should explain that you will be sealing the box, but save the hammering for once you’re back home, as a long pause in the ceremony for you to hammer the box shut could take a while! You could also choose a box with a latch and a lock, which you could more quickly close with a key mid-ceremony.

Then, when the time comes, pull out your wedding album, open the box, and pour some wine as you reminisce about your wedding day!

Opa! You’re engaged! And you’re already envisioning your seaside honeymoon — suntanned skin, deep blue waters, salty kisses, and all. But why wait for after the “I do’s” to go all coastal cool? This month, we’re going Greek and stealing wedding inspiration from Santorini — one of Greek’s most idyllic islands sitting in the jewel-toned Aegean sea.

This gorgeous geological gem is ripe with cool blue and punchy pink hues for a wedding color palette fit for a golden goddess of a bride. The vibe? Laid-back island cool. So exchange that updo for beachy waves and start channeling Aphrodite (the goddess of love — it is your wedding day, after all!). It’s time to get planning! (You’re not really on island time, you know!)

A gorgeous Grecian-inspired wedding starts with a wedding invitation that’ll get your guests checking Opa! on that RSVP card as soon as it arrives in the mailbox. We’re loving this suite from Bright Room Studio that couples a bold ocean blue with a clean ivory hue, as white as the sand of Santorini’s famous shores. Calligraphic script completes the decidedly inviting luxe look.

Dress your gaggle of gorgeous goddesses (your bridesmaids, that is!) in floor-sweeping styles and easy breezy silhouettes that cooly complement the wedding vibe. A vivid print, like the one featured on this straight-off-the-runway Tory Burch frock, helps heat up the Santorini-esque style.

As for your own bridal ensemble, shoulder grazing earrings with geometric sun-burst detailing and a cool blue hue are just the striking-yet-feminine accessory you need for an impactful pop peeking out from your loosely curled locks or beachy braid. And for a fresh spin on the expected open-toe footwear, ditch the sandals for a chic pair of woven white heels, like this terrifically tasseled pair by Imagine Vince Camuto.

Come the reception, serve a traditional Mediterranean meal (three cheers for feta!) on Grecian-inspired blue and white chargers. Then end your beautiful bash with a traditionally tiered white wedding cake crawling with a vine of sugar flowers to channel the punchy pink blooms that grow along Santorini’s stunning landscape. What do you say? One more Opa! for the road?

Clockwise from top left: Seating tags, starting at $12 each, Ellen Weldon Design LLC; “Olivia Suite” wedding invitation, price upon request, Bright Room Studio; “Greek Key” plates, $52-$68 for two, The Blush Label; Cake, $16.50 per slice, Earth and Sugar; Earrings, $136, Noir; Shoes, $195, Imagine Vince Camuto; “Haute to Trot” gel nail polish, $12, Essie

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Everybody knows that weddings are expensive. The price tag associated is pretty hefty for the couple and their families. In fact, the cost of a wedding can be more than a down payment on a house. While you may think that it’s only pricey for the married couple-to-be — another person the wedding is often quite expensive for is the guest. The average wedding attendee will spend over $700 on a wedding. If you’re wondering how this could possibly be, we’ve compiled the five reasons that weddings are getting pricier for guests.

1. More Events, More Gifts
Not only are guests giving a gift on the wedding day, but they are also giving gifts for pre-wedding festivities. Think: the bachelorette party, the bridal shower, and perhaps even the engagement party, too.

2. Traveling Expenses
More and more, couples are opting for destination weddings or venue locales that aren’t near their families and friends. Travel expenses can be exorbitant, especially if the nuptials are planned for a holiday weekend.

3. Two-Night Minimums
These days wedding celebrations aren’t only taking place on one evening. Often the couple of honor will make a weekend out of it — creating events for the night before and the morning after — and guests are expected to make a mini-vacation out of the weekend. Multiple events equals multiple hotel night payments required.

4. Social Media
With social media taking center stage at weddings and other pre-wedding events, some guests don’t want to be caught wearing the same outfit twice. Spending money on original ensembles for the rehearsal, bridal shower, and bachelorette festivities — let alone the wedding — can easily cost several hundred dollars per event.

5. Plus-One Payments
Since some couples are getting more flexible with their plus one attendee allowances, guests are often feeling obligated to give a gift that covers the cost of the reception plate for both themselves and their plus-one.

See More: 50 Ways to Slash Your Wedding Budget

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

Talk about a Pitch Perfect wedding! Stars of the musical-comedy hit Pitch Perfect, Anna Camp and Skylar Astin, are officially married after tying the knot in an über-romantic outdoor wedding. And with another one of their co-stars serving as bridesmaid, there’s no denying that this wedding was aca-awesome! (Sorry, we had to…)

After meeting on the set of the 2013 film, the couple began an off-set romance, making fans sing over the too-cute match-up. Then, while the couple was ringing in the New Year on vacation this year, Astin popped the question with a champagne-hued cushion-cut diamond (please excuse us while we swoon…). “He asked. I said YES!!!!” Camp captioned her engagement ring selfie, revealing her lovely new sparkler. And just like with that bridal bling, these two hit all the right notes with their recent California nupitals. Don’t believe us? Checkout the below photos for proof!

Camp and Astin said their “I do’s” on the central California coast on Saturday September 10, according to People magazine. “It’s the day of the show, y’all,” Camp posted to Instagram before slipping into her Reem Acra wedding dress for her walk down the alfresco aisle. The frock featured a sweetheart neckline and a ball gown style tulle skirt, accented with lace appliqué. She accessorized the wedding-worthy look with Vince Camuto heels, Neil Lane bridal jewelry, and — once she and her sweetheart said their vows — a Lorraine Schwartz wedding band. Meanwhile, the groom looked dashing in a traditional black tux from Ermenegildo Zegna. And the bridal party — featuring none other than Pitch Perfect star Brittany Snow! — wore mismatched pale pink bridesmaid dresses by Theia. So trendy!

And Snow wasn’t the only Pitch Perfect star in attendance! Elizabeth Banks and Rebel Wilson were also there to show their support for the newlyweds. Told you these nupitals were aca-awesome!

A photo posted by Anna Camp (@therealannacamp) on Sep 10, 2016 at 9:07am PDT

Pretty excited to watch @therealannacamp and @skylarastin get �🎩￿￿￿Y

A photo posted by Elizabeth Banks (@elizabethbanks) on Sep 10, 2016 at 4:37pm PDT

A photo posted by @fluent_in_movie_quotes on Sep 11, 2016 at 12:36am PDT

A photo posted by @fluent_in_movie_quotes on Sep 11, 2016 at 12:38am PDT

A photo posted by Sam Sam 🌈�💋 (@mutisnowdrick) on Sep 10, 2016 at 8:17pm PDT

A photo posted by �BECHLOE� (@brittsnowheh) on Sep 11, 2016 at 3:08am PDT

A photo posted by Sam Sam 🌈�💋 (@mutisnowdrick) on Sep 10, 2016 at 8:15pm PDT

A photo posted by �BECHLOE� (@brittsnowheh) on Sep 11, 2016 at 3:05am PDT

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