Setting aside the quickie, good sex often requires a little preparation and planning — even honeymoon sex. “If we are planning to have sex on our honeymoon — ahem! — then we should plan for that sex,” says Gloria Brame, Ph.D., sexologist and author of The Truth About Sex: A Sex Primer For The 21st Century. “And because it is honeymoon sex — one of the most memorable and erotic experiences we’ll ever have — a wise bride gives it the same careful, private consideration as she did the other details of the event.”

Luckily, it doesn’t take too much forethought to plan for amazing honeymoon sex. Rather, it takes a purposeful packing list — and our experts are here to tell you just what to bring to make a bang. (Excuse the pun.)

1. Lubricant.
“Packing lubricant will insure that you are prepared regardless of how dehydrated or caught off guard you might be,” says Madeleine Castellanos, M.D., sex expert and author of Wanting to Want: What Kills Your Sex Life and How to Keep It Alive. You won’t need to pack much, as carry-on limits of four ounces will be more than enough to get you through the honeymoon, she says. And sexy tip: “If you are planning a little shower sex, remember to pack both water-based and silicone-based lubricant,” says Castellanos.

2. Mood music.
According to Castellanos, “There are few things like music to help set a mood and get you feeling sexy.” Not only that, she points out, but, “music is also a wonderful way to drown out sounds in a hotel room, helping put you at ease to be your most expressive sexual self.” You can put together your playlists before you leave, assigning songs for cuddle time, dance time, and sexy time.

See More: What Does It Mean if You Don’t Have Honeymoon Sex?

3. Sexy-wear.
What’s sexy for one couple may not work for another. “This can vary so much from person to person because what makes you feel sexy and sensuous is so very unique,” says Castellanos. So pack what you think packs a punch. Brame says this could be anything from what we consider to be traditional lingerie to something more surprising, like a costume or red stilettos. “But don’t stop there,” Brame says. “What about picking up something special for your spouse? You’re not the only one who should look hot, so this is the time to browse adult catalogs to see if there is sexy underwear, fantasy wear, or something else you want your honey to wear for you on your special night.”

4. Your favorite perfume or cologne.
“The deep parts of the brain responsible for sexual arousal and desire respond to smell faster than any other stimulus,” says Castellanos. “For this reason, a little fragrance can go a long way to drive arousal.” If you don’t want to pack your expensive bottle (lest it break in your luggage), you can head to the brand’s department store counter before you leave to snag a sample size.

One thing not to pack? “Do not try to pack handcuffs or other metal toys because airport metal detectors will do more than spoil the surprise — they’ll delay and embarrass you as you try to explain you aren’t a terrorist,” says Brame. “Leave the heavy equipment at home.”

Once the details are picked, the décor is set, and the guests are seated, it’s time to head down the aisle to begin the wedding ceremony! While we’ve covered all the options you have to get the bride down the aisle, the groom has to get there, too — but how? Our experts have the details on the many ways the groom can get down the aisle at his wedding ceremony.

How the groom walks down the aisle (and with whom) often depends on the type of ceremony the couple is having, including both any religious affiliations and the formality.

In a traditional Jewish ceremony, the groom walks down the aisle behind the officiant, escorted by both his mother and his father. He then waits outside of the chuppah to greet his bride, while his parents take their place beneath the chuppah.

For a traditional Catholic wedding, the officiant will lead the groom, followed by the groomsmen. They may enter from the side and simply walk to their places at the altar, or they may walk down the aisle, with the officiant leading the way.

See more: The Ultimate Guide to the Wedding Processional Order

In a Hindu wedding, the groom makes a grand entrance during the baraat, where he arrives on a highly-decorated horse accompanied by his family and they all are welcomed by the bride’s family. Then the bride’s parents escort the groom to the mandap, where the ceremony takes place.

You have a number of other options to consider, too. The groom may opt to escort his mother down the aisle and to her seat in the front row, followed closely behind by the groom’s father. This gives the groom an opportunity to give his parents a hug before taking his place at the altar. The groom’s parents can also walk down the aisle together, followed by the groom as he walks alone. And of course, the bride and groom can create their own tradition and choose to walk down the aisle together, symbolizing the beginning of their journey as a couple!

How are all these Dancing with the Stars pros finding time for wedding planning between all those rehearsals, pirouettes, and tangos? Wedding bells have been seemingly continuously ringing for the professional dancers of DWTS with all of the engagement bling going around as of late. Sasha Farber made his co-star Emma Slater the show’s latest ballroom bride when he proposed live on-air. But it’s their co-star Mark Ballas who’s in the final countdown till his “I dos” to fiancé singer-songwriter BC Jean. Ballas recently opened up on all those big day details and it sounds like this super involved groom is going for the disco ball trophy of wedding planning!

Ballas popped the question to his sweetheart back in November of last year. “The day before the proposal, I had the house literally turned into Woodstock,” Ballas previously revealed to Access Hollywood, explaining how he lined their driveway with roses and violets and draped the interior with vintage rugs and band posters. She said yes (duh!) and now almost a year later, the pair is finally finishing up planning the last of their big day details. “Planning our wedding is one of the most exciting times of my life — then again our lives,” Ballas told People magazine. “I’m just taking it in stride.”

Wedding planning is stressful enough on its own, but couple in nightly Broadway performances (Ballas is currently starring as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys) and we can’t even imagine how hectic it all must be. But Ballas and his bride seem to have it all under control. “There’s no stress. I’m not worrying about anything. I’m just taking every day as it comes. This is an honor. It’s a blessing,” he said. Busy brides-to-be of the world are currently incredulous over this groom’s zen mindset!

See More: Kym Johnson Reveals Why She Waited to Get Married

“The wedding is going to be beautiful, and I know that. We’re excited!” Ballas teased. “She’s been looking at tablecloths, settings and plates and dishes and the cutlery and what cocktails we’re having. She’s been FaceTiming me in all of it. It’s amazing,” he went on to tell Entertainment Tonight.

But Ballas isn’t the only DWTS pro planning this epic event. His co-star and best man Derek Hough is taking over bachelor party duties! “Derek throws a good party,” shared Ballas. “Man, I don’t know [what he has planned].” Well we certainly can’t wait to find out!

Newsflash, brides-to-be: Gone are the days of just chicken or fish. “A wedding meal should be a narrative of you as a couple and the foods you love,” says Hugh Acheson, the James Beard Award winning chef at Atlanta’s Empire State South. So get hungry, brides, because no idea is off-limits when it comes to your reception food!

Obsessed with brunch? Surprise guests with breakfast for dinner. Was grilled cheese your favorite childhood snack? Serve a gourmet version as an appetizer. Now is the time to experiment. “The beauty of weddings is that guests are happy but hungry, so they’re willing to try something new,” says Acheson. “The reaction you want is ‘Wow, this isn’t typical wedding food.'”

Need a bit(e) of guidance? The first rule in menu planning: It’s about you. “Start by choosing two entrees, using the proteins you and your groom love most,” suggests Chris Huerta, executive chef at North Carolina’s Old Edward’s Inn. “If he wants beef, there’s no reason you can’t choose fish or poultry to accompany it.” And don’t feel like you have to change your entire menu or offer individual dishes to suit a handful of guests with food allergies (like those with gluten intolerance) or dietary restrictions (vegans and vegetarians). Rather, provide a variety of dishes to choose from, which is much easier to handle than many custom plates.

But what are the ultimate dos and don’ts of personalizing your wedding menu? Read on to find out.

DO Offer simply prepared dishes ideal for large groups, like stewed meats with grains and veggies or cured-meat and cheese boards. They can be total wedding budget savers.

DON’T There’s no need to overdo it with labor-intensive (and expensive) entrees like individually temperatured beef tenderloin.

DO Set up interactive stations where dishes are made to order by a chef. Plan on one station for every 50 guests.

DON’T Ditch the fried foods, like french fries, which get soggy quickly. (You can always make a pre-honeymoon pitstop at In-N-Out!)

DO Go for fresh salads chock-full of local, seasonal veggies, like burrata with tomato, corn, and basil in summer.

See More: 3 Things Not to Do at Your Wedding Menu Tasting

DON’T Avoid choosing out-of-season produce. “Research seasonality in your area and ask the caterer to devise a menu using those ingredients,” says Stephany Wilder of the Ace Hotel Palm Springs in California. “You’ll save money and support local businesses.”

DO Consider a vegetable gratin. “They can be pre-assembled, are cooked at the last minute, and are cheesy and beautiful,” says Acheson. Don’t offer risotto, which is hard to execute and tastes gummy if it sits too long.

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From food to entertainment, from clothing to flowers, there’s much preparation and anticipation that revolves around a couple’s wedding day. In Hindu culture, however, some couples put just as much effort into their engagement and pre-wedding ceremonies as they do for the wedding itself.

Note that not all Hindu couples participate in the same traditions — it’s a matter of personal beliefs and preferences. For those that do, however, it’s an elaborate, ritual-rich celebration that takes place before the wedding itself. Sometimes it’s a large celebration with family and friends, while other times it is a small and intimate gathering.

Wagdaan & Lagna Patrika
After the groom’s father gets permission from the bride’s father to go forward with the wedding, the “Wagdaan” ritual may be performed. The couple also participates in “Lagna Patrika,” which is a written vow to each other that the wedding will take place at a later date. These two are considered a formal announcement of the wedding, which will typically take place months later.

Graha Shanti
Days before the wedding, the couple will participate in a pre-wedding ceremony called the “Graha Shanti.” This ceremony begins with “Haladi,” a purification ritual that involves massaging the bride and groom with fragrant oils and halad. Next is the “Muhurtamedha” a ritual in which the upcoming wedding day is formally declared, and “Sankalpa,” which involves praying for blessings.

Puja
“Most auspicious Hindu ceremonies involves a ‘puja,’ which is a ritual performed in praise of deities,” explains Thusali Kashyap, who’s from South India and was married in 2015. “Both families are present and there is usually an exchange of various items and gifts, such as outfits and accessories.”

There are numerous pujas completed, and each have their own meaning and purpose. After the pujas, the couple is officially pronounced bride and groom, though they will not be married until several days later.

See More: 5 Real Bride Saris and Lehengas We Love

Minnukettu
On the actual wedding day, the “Minnukettu” or “tying the knot,” ritual occurs. This is the Hindu equivalent of a Western ring exchange.

“The ‘tying of the knot’ in a Hindu wedding is literally the groom tying several knots on a necklace tied around the bride’s neck,” explains Kashyap. “The necklace is then worn all the time and symbolizes a married woman. Married women also wear toe rings — on the second toes of each foot — that the groom places during the wedding. These two things are considered typical for a married woman.”

Again, like Western weddings, each Hindu couple and their families celebrate their own way, so they may not do everything — or anything, for that matter — listed above. What can be said for certain, though, is that whatever the exchanges and rituals, it is a beautiful display of love.

Nowadays, finding some of New York’s most delicious and one-of-a-kind dishes is often found on the rolling wheels of a Manhattan food truck. Whether you’re sticking to strictly desserts or looking for a gourmet alternative for NYC catering, these unique food trucks will add a fun way to enjoy some food during your wedding reception.

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream (Above)
Recognized by its buttery yellow exterior, this artisanal ice cream truck has set out to restore the classic American tradition of ice cream making using only all natural ingredients. Using a handful of elements, the creators behind this sustainable ice cream company credit each flavor as a celebration to some of the worlds best artisan farmers. With over 8 years of experience and 100 vegan and classic flavors, this scooped sensation is the perfect substitute to the classic wedding sweet treat.

Food Truck Catering
This online resource for all things food trucks is the perfect place to compare cuisines, convenience, and variety through the endless selection of some of New York’s most popular food truck caterers. Made-to-order dishes created fresh from local ingredients provide the foundation for this extensive selection of unforgettable food experiences. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your Asian fusion, fish and chips, falafel, or pie cravings, this mecca of food truck varieties is the perfect one-stop-shop for all of your gourmet needs.

Flavor Please
From Kimchi Taco to Melt Bakery, this extensive variety of one-of-a-kind food trucks is the perfect location to find your next catering venture. Whether your taste buds find interest in Italian cuisine, Mexican delicacies, or authentic desserts, there’s no limit to the creativity used to make some of New York’s most delectable dishes. The ability to book online makes finding a food truck ensured with a triple threat of quality ingredients, excellent service, and bold flavor accessible to any Manhattan bride.

See More: Still Need a Wedding Cake? Browse NYC Cakeries to Find Your Dream Wedding Cake!

Wafels & Dinges
What started as homage to a Brussels tradition of selling waffles from a horse-drawn carriage has quickly turned into one of New York City’s most popular food truck attractions. After being crowned ZAGAT’s “Best Food Truck” in NYC, it was no surprise that Manhattan locals started transitioning this kitchen on wheels into a full-blown catering service. Offering guests an immense choice list of delectable toppings such as fresh blueberries, walnut crumble, and Belgian chocolate fudge, it’s no doubt that your guests will have a limitless number of creations to enjoy.

Carpe Donut
Credited for making some of the Big Apple’s best hot and fresh made-to-order doughnuts, this high quality, organic food truck staple uses only locally-sourced ingredients to produce their sweet treats. Whether it’s one of their famous fall “Apple Cider” doughnuts or their latest summer creation, the “FroDo,” there’s always a uniquely delicious flavor catered for any taste buds.

Looking for a different type of caterer? Find the right bites for your wedding on our New York City catering page!

He popped the question, and you’re officially engaged. Now, regardless of how long you plan on enjoying your engagement, you’ll be walking down the aisle some day soon —obviously looking like the gorgeous bride-to-be that you are. But why wait until the panic sets in to begin your pre-wedding beauty routine? Check out what you can begin doing right now, to be wedding-ready later.

Set Up a Skin Care Routine
If you want glowing wedding skin and you don’t currently have a healthy skin care routine — now is the time to start. Properly cleansing, toning, hydrating and treating your skin is a process that becomes increasingly important as you get older, and even more important as you approach your walk down the aisle. Consult with a dermatologist on which products are the best for you, and stick to the regimen each morning and night — regardless of that pre-wedding exhaustion and craziness. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Hydrate
Does your daily recommended water intake seem completely unattainable? We promise you — it’s not. A properly hydrated body is a healthy body, and it’s essential to meet your hydration goals daily in order to look and feel your best. Once engaged, wedding planning whirlwind is about to hit hard, and by consuming the right amount of healthy liquids daily you’ll be able to sleep easier, and feel better every step of the way.

See More: A Wedding Beauty Timeline For Prepping Your Face For the Big Day

Give Your Hair Some TLC
As much as you might want to grow out your hair to rock long, flowing locks on your big day — you may be surprised to know that regular trims are essential for healthy wedding hair. Once you know exactly how you’d like to wear your hair for the big day, ask your stylist the proper maintenance and products to use routinely from the moment you’ve said “yes” to when you’ve said “I do.”

Step Up your Brow Game
Perfect brows don’t happen over night. (But we sure wish they did!) Properly maintained brows are the best brows no matter the occasion, but for your wedding? They’re a given. We recommend tweezing, waxing, or threading your arches around every three weeks, and when in doubt — consult a professional for the perfect shape, thickness, arch and color you have in mind. The earlier you start training them, the better they’ll be on the big day!

Take your Vitamins
You were probably forced to take them as a kid, but now they can be as important as ever to help you reach your beauty and wellness goals before your big day. Want healthy, strong nails and hair? Give Biotin a whirl, or try adding iron into your supplement routine for shinier, thicker locks. For gorgeous skin, Vitamin A can be used topically to help fight wrinkles, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help your skin retain moisture and possibly help prevent wrinkles. (Just be sure to always consult a doctor before you begin any supplement routine.)

We love time-honored wedding traditions, and giving gifts to your parents on your wedding day is one of them. Whether it’s a sweet memento, a frame, or a more substantial gift to thank them for their contribution, they’ve done so much to get you this far, so it’s important to honor them in some way! But, with a tight timeline on the wedding day and the very real chance that you’ll have Bride Brain and totally forget, it’s hard to find just the right time to give them their gifts. Thankfully, our experts have a few ideas on how to time the gifting so you can enjoy that moment together.

Many couples choose to give their parents gifts during the rehearsal dinner, and with good reason. You’re with a smaller group, so you can focus a little more on one another, and your parents will be heading back to their room shortly thereafter, so they can make sure their gifts make it back safely. If you’re also planning to give gifts to your bridesmaids and groomsmen at this time, bring the gifts for your parents along and present them all at once.

Did you pick out something special for each of your parents? You could also choose to present these gifts the morning of your wedding. Give Mom her gift before she’s gotten her makeup done (to avoid runny mascara!) — you’ll be able to step away for a few moments before the madness begins if you time it to take place during everyone’s beauty appointments. Doing a first look with Dad? Bring your gift for him along so the two of you can have a little time in private. This can, however, be a little bit of a challenge for the groom, especially if his mom is getting ready with you and your bridesmaids. He may opt to give the gifts the day before, or bring them with him to family photos. Just make sure someone knows that their gifts need to be sent back to his parents’ room so they don’t get lost!

Caught up in the whirlwind? Don’t worry about it. Similar to the rehearsal dinner plan, you could also choose to wait and distribute presents at the morning-after brunch. A smaller crowd and a more relaxed atmosphere make this a great time to pull your parents aside. Remind them to leave a little extra room in their suitcases!

See more: How to Honor Your Parents at Your Wedding

Looking for some major inspiration for your wedding ceremony and reception? Then be sure to check out our real weddings video channel, packed with tons of beautiful celebrations and countless ideas to steal for your own big day. Each week we take a deeper look at one of our favorite new love stories, and today we’re taking you inside Emily and Todd’s charming fall wedding in Princeton, New Jersey.

With Saltwater Studios on hand to document every moment of their autumnal wedding, Emily and Todd invited friends and family to join them for a beautiful day in Princeton, New Jersey. Jasna Polana, a private golf club, served as the romantic backdrop for their incredible day. You can see, without a doubt, that this couple embraced the changing season while planning their celebration. Just take a look at the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets, which were loaded with burgundy and orange blooms.

See More: 32 Knockout Dahlia Wedding Bouquets

With a fall wedding date, it should come as no surprise that this pair spent plenty of time outside, soaking up every moment of their near-perfect fall weather. And even though they headed inside after photos for an indoor reception, they still made sure to bring in hints of the season. Their floral ceremony structure was decked out with even more seasonally colored blooms.

As for their reception, it was as cozy as can be. They packed the space with light-wrapped trees and lots of low flower arrangements. But what we loved even more about this party isn’t the décor — it’s the guest list! How adorable were all the young children that packed the dance floor and partied with the bride and groom?

Okay so it goes without saying that Kanye West and the Kardashian clan have a bit of a reputation for being, well, a tad materialistic. Alright, perhaps more than a tad… But we’re not above oohing and aahing over the elaborate gifts West frequently bestows upon his wife, Kim Kardashian. Remember that private concert by a string orchestra the rapper arranged to surprise his bride with on Mother’s Day? Or that pregnancy party he threw for her birthday last year, complete with fake baby bumps for all of their guests and a preview screening of the then-unreleased Steve Jobs flick? But the latest present West gave Kardashian might just be his greatest gift yet. And surprisingly, it didn’t cost a single cent!

Kardashian celebrated her 36th birthday on Friday in uncharacteristically quite fashion, after stepping out of the spotlight following her recent robbery in Paris. But West still celebrated the momentous occasion in the sweetest of ways.

West took to social media to share a touching tribute to Kardashian via a video (see below), featuring a collection of never-before-seen moments from throughout the star’s life. “Happy Birthday babe,” the rapper captioned the video montage, which opened with a shot of little Kim and Kourtney, as their late father Robert Kardashian filmed their first day of school. Aaannddd we’re crying already…

See More: 7 Undeniable, No-Doubt-About-It Signs He Loves You, Girl

The video, set to Yeezy’s hit “Only One,” is over five minutes long and shows the Kardashian family living and loving before they became a household name. “Kimberly, follow your honest beliefs and stay strong,” the late Robert Kardashian tells his daughter at one point in the video. At the end of the montage, a 12-year-old Kim is now the one filming her father who tells her “I love you” as those same three little words appear onscreen.

Told ya this was his greatest gift yet…

Happy Birthday babe pic.twitter.com/Ee38e4LVFj

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) October 21, 2016