How to Cure Your Wedding Hangover Before Your Honeymoon Travels

You booked your flight months in advance for your much desired honeymoon but that was before your big wedding celebration. A few champagne toasts, shots at the bar and before you know it you have had too much to drink. Ugh! Now the idea of getting on a flight with what seems like a rock band playing in your head is all too daunting. Before hitting the friendly skies try the below tips to make the start of your honeymoon less than painful.

Night Cap
To mitigate the damage of the next day start the night before. “Before hitting the sack drink water and pop a painkiller” says Robert Korn, MD, Medical Director at Northwell Health — GoHealth Urgent Care.”If possible avoid Aspirin and Ibuprofen as they may irritate an already delicate stomach.” he says. Make sure you take them with lots and lots of water.

Hydrate
Though we have often heard that drinking something like a Bloody Mary in the morning can help to balance a hangover — hair of the dog and all — experts say that may not be a great idea because it just delays the onset of symptoms. “Hydration is key,” says Patricia Bannan, MS, RD, author of Eat Right When Time is Tight. “My go-to is a pomegranate juice spritzer,” she says. One glass of pomegranate juice has 600mg of potassium, which can provide much needed electrolytes. Bannan combines one part each of POM 100% pomegranate juice and sparkling water, with a twist of lime.

Skip the Espresso
Since your stomach is probably a little wonky try sticking to things that will soothe your system. Though a caffeine kick may seem like a quick picker upper it may do more harm than good. “Coffee can narrow your blood vessels and increase your blood pressure, adding to your symptoms,” says Bannan. Above all avoid acidic and greasy foods. The best choices are fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs and cereals that will help to replace some of the lost nutrients.

See More: A Wedding Favor Your Guests Will Actually Use? Hangover Kits

Hit The Sack
Once you’re en route to your honeymoon destination close your eyes and sleep because chances are you are deprived. “Alcohol impairs delta sleep — the part of sleep that makes you feel rested, says Korn. So, even if you had gotten to bed and had 8 hours of “sleep time,” if you drank too much the night before, you will get too little delta sleep, and you will be tired, says Korn.

Skip It or Sip It
Though these tips can help you feel a little better, prevention is still better than any cure. If you truly want to feel your best for your honeymoon abstinence or moderation is key. So know when to say when to start your new life sans the giant headache and nausea.

A Fall Farm-to-Table Wedding in Sonoma County, California

When Sam Derse first reached out to Alison Hillman on OkCupid in October of 2012, she flat-out ignored him. But he didn’t give up hope — and instead, he got creative. “Sam changed his username, and for some reason I responded the second time,” Alison remembers. The pair planned their first date, but Alison caught a glimpse of Sam a few days early. “I was coincidentally sitting next to him at a bar in San Francisco while he was on a different OkCupid date,” says Alison. “I didn’t eavesdrop or interrupt, but I immediately recognized him.” She sized up his date, determined that the other girl wouldn’t be any competition, and started looking forward to her own date the next week. “When it was actually our date, we had so much to talk about that I made Sam stand in line with me for the bathroom so we didn’t have to pause the conversation,” Alison says. And two years later, after many nights of unending conversation and all sorts of adventures, Sam surprised Alison with a proposal.

“Sam’s vintage sports car breaks down frequently (and the muffler has fallen off on a few occasions!) so when he pulled it over on Highway 1, on our way to a glamping weekend, I thought nothing of it,” Alison says. “He ran to the back of the car and pretended to check the damage, and when I came around to see how bad it was, there he was on one knee with the California coast in the background!” The pair didn’t go far for their wedding, inviting 140 guests to join them on October 10, 2015, at Barndiva in Healdsburg, California. They invited everyone to join them for a three-day celebration that kicked off with a rehearsal dinner at the bride’s parents’ Airbnb, a fall-inspired farm-to-table wedding, and bagels and mimosas on Sunday to cap it all off. The couple tag-teamed on every detail, crafting an autumnal wedding with rich colors and lots of local wine. If you’re searching for relaxed wine country inspiration, look no further than this Healdsburg celebration, photographed by Christina McNeill.

There was one very special guest in attendance at the couple’s wedding: Alison’s 93-year-old grandmother! “She was with me when I shopped for my prom dress, and again when I went wedding dress shopping,” says the bride. “She’s effortlessly classy and has a timeless, sophisticated sense of style.”

With a shopping partner like that, it’s no wonder Alison ended up choosing this elegant and effortless fit-and-flare wedding dress from Essense of Australia, with four layers of lace over an organza lining. “My sister and I danced around the salon. I knew it was the one because it was so easy to move in!” says Alison. She paired it with a flowing veil, a beaded belt, and a stunning fall-hued bouquet of dahlias, ranunculus, and garden roses.

Sam’s Theory tuxedo added a layer of formality to the couple’s comfortable, sunny day. “We chose not to have bridesmaids and groomsmen, instead keeping our focus on one another,” Alison explains.

The Jewish ceremony took place in Barndiva’s garden, beneath heritage trees. The gates leading to the space were decorated with fall-inspired arrangements of ranunculus and warm-hued fall leaves. Sam’s mother hand-crafted the couple’s chuppah, sewing delicate white handkerchiefs into a patchwork quilt that let hints of light shine through onto the bride and groom.

Alison walked down the aisle with both of her parents by her side. “It was incredibly touching that my mom wanted to be a part of this moment,” says the bride. Sam and Alison wrote their own ceremony, which was officiated by Alison’s father’s best friend, a retired judge. “We sat across from one another at the kitchen table, with a Google Doc open on our computers and a bottle of wine between us,” she explains. “The ceremony really felt like us, and captured our friendship and deep love and respect for one another.”

After they were pronounced husband and wife, Sam and Alison were showered in rose petals as they came back up the aisle hand-in-hand.

For cocktail hour, guests headed into the Barndiva art gallery, where they snacked on short rib sopes and haricot vert frito misto. Says Alison, “We loved the juxtaposition between the arboretum-like outdoor space and the modern art gallery. It created a dynamic and inviting ambiance and gave us such a great opportunity to celebrate with our guests.”

Beneath wrought-iron arches and soft lighting in the garden, guests were seated at long tables around the perimeter of the space. The newlyweds and their families sat at a bare wooden farm table in the center of it all. In keeping with a rustic, fall vibe, Alison and Sam’s menus were printed on kraft paper, and a sprig of lavender was placed at each setting.

Centerpieces stuck to the same fall theme, with deep red and orange dahlias paired with peach and hot pink roses. The indulgent farm-to-table meal featured baby greens with strawberries and walnuts and a choice between flat iron steak and sea bass.

“Sam coordinated the logistics, from rentals to the seating chart, while I curated the design and organized the details. We took a lot of pride in crafting our weekend, including an ever-evolving playlist of ‘musts’ and ‘do not play’ for our DJ!” says Alison.

“We were raised in different parts of the country, but our upbringings were so similar. Our families spent the week together in Healdsburg, and by the time the wedding arrived, it was hard to tell where one family ended and the other began,” says the bride. “We loved how easily two families became one.”

The party was kicked off with a rousing rendition of the hora. The couple sliced into a red velvet cake (with cream cheese frosting, of course!).

“Seeing the sheer joy and delight on our friends’ and family’s faces as we were introduced as husband and wife was incredibly moving. Making eye contact with our parents and siblings was nothing short of epic!”

The couple escaped to Maui to relax for a few days, then traveled to Vietnam a few weeks later for a newlywed adventure. While splitting the planning tasks definitely helped, Alison’s best advice is to stay as organized as possible. “Using Google Docs helped us seamlessly collaborate — as well as stay on budget!”

Venue, Catering & Cake: Barndiva || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia || Shoes: Badgley Mischka || Jewelry: Kenneth Jay Lane || Hair & Makeup: Skyla Arts || Groom’s Attire: Theory || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: XIV Karats || Florist: Dragonfly Floral || Invitations: Minted || Music: Gaucho Jazz; Dart Collective || Photographer: Christina McNeill Photography

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

When Should I Exchange Gifts With My Fiancé On Our Wedding Day?

Exchanging gifts with your soon-to-be spouse before the wedding is a sweet tradition that marks the momentous occasion. While not all couples choose to do so, it’s a growing trend that brings with it it’s own question: When’s the best time to swap presents? Whether you’ve gone the extravagant route, are only sharing love notes, or grabbed a fun pair of socks to ward off “cold feet,” our experts have a few ideas for the best time to swap presents on your wedding day.

The most traditional option is to have someone deliver your gifts so you can open them while you’re getting ready. This is often done by the best man, but you could also ask your photographer’s assistant, your wedding planner, or a staff member at the venue to make the delivery. Keep timing in mind, though! You’ll want your photographer to be present to capture the moment as you open the gift, as well as your makeup artist to do any touchups you might need!

Some couples also opt to exchange gifts during their first look, so they can open the presents or notes together. You’ll have the bonus of having your photographer on-hand, as well as the opportunity to thank one another immediately. If the gift is anything other than something you’d wear on your wedding day (or if you need to take off some of your jewelry to put on the necklace or earrings your fiancé got you), assign someone to return any items to the bridal suite so things don’t get lost.

Of course, you could also trade gifts in private. This could be the night before the wedding, in anticipation of your big day, or, if you’re staying together, first thing in the morning before you part ways to get ready. Sure, you won’t have photos of the swap, but you’ll be able to share the intimate moment without an audience — as well as have a little clarity of mind to really appreciate the gesture.

See more: The Most Romantic Wedding Day Gifts That Don’t Cost a Thing

How This Bride Lost Over 100 Pounds Between Her Engagement and Wedding

Bride Loses 100 Pounds for Wedding

Photo: Haley Smith via Instagram

Sure, you’re marrying someone who is bound to be struck starry-eyed even if you were walking down the aisle in a burlap sack. But still, countless brides spend the months before their “I dos” getting in shape for the big day. Although no one should ever feel pressured to get shredding for the wedding, some brides want to drop the pounds in order feel the most confident they’ve ever felt when they zip up their curve-hugging wedding dress. Others just want to enter the next chapter of their lives in health and obviously not in sickness. But bride Haley Smith not only wanted to change her wedding day bod — she wanted to change her life. And that’s just what she did, walking down the aisle 110 pounds lighter than the day her sweetheart popped the question.

In July 2015, Smith’s fiancé proposed when the bride-to-be was at her heaviest at 277 pounds, according to Us Weekly. “I didn’t even recognize myself,” Smith said of the photos taken on that oh-so-special day. “I had no idea I had let myself go so much. I couldn’t believe Matt would want to be with someone like me. I was so ashamed.” But this always-beautiful bride was determined not to feel the same way on her wedding day. In the year leading up to her big day, Smith embarked on not just a wedding workout plan, but a total lifestyle makeover.

“I made slow adjustments over the course of the year, starting with not eating after 8 p.m. and only ordering takeout twice a week,” Smith said, explaining her plan of making small changes that eventually led to BIG results. “I started jogging three times a week at just 30-second intervals for about a half hour, and then I added strength training.” She even started working out with her new hubby, who ended up dropping an impressive 30 pounds! Couple goals, much?

See More: A Real Couple’s Story of How Taking Fitness Classes Together Made Their Marriage Hotter

15 months later and over 100 pounds lighter, Smith said her “I dos” on October 8, walking down the aisle in the wedding dress of her wildest dreams — a lovely, form-fitting lace bridal gown by Maggie Sottero. “I thought for sure I would get married in a long-sleeve ball gown dress to hide my whole body, but I ended up picking a strapless mermaid dress,” Smith told People magazine. “I felt so beautiful in it! Instead of being self-conscious and hiding or sweating the whole time, I was able to feel confident, relax, enjoy my family and friends.” And at the end of the day, isn’t that what every bride deserves?

And before you ask, yes, this bride is still killing it on her honeymoon! Now that’s what we call dedication…

#tbt to my proposal size vs two days before the wedding. It's been a long 15 months of some hard work. There's about 110lbs difference in these two pictures. Sometimes I can't believe the picture on the left was actually me. And sometimes I can't believe that the picture on the right is me. It's a weird feeling, but I'm proud of how far I've come. I'm not at goal weight or goal size, but I'm going to keep pushing! Don't quit just because you are starting to feel comfortable with your body! Keep pushing, there's always room for improvement and always new goals to crush! #throwbackthursday #transformationtuesday #transformation #weightlosstransformation #beforeandafterweightloss #beforeandafter #weightloss #sweatingforthewedding #fitbride

A photo posted by Haley Smith (@haley_j_smith) on Oct 6, 2016 at 6:46am PDT

Get Ready to Hit the Wedding Dance Floor in These Stylish Stack Heels

Stilettos may be the most stylish and sexy wedding shoe idea, but they are not exactly known for being comfortable. If you’re ever found yourself leaning on your wedding date to adjust your heels or throwing your shoes in the corner before you hit the dance floor, you’re not alone.

Good news — for your and your feet — this season the stacked heel is in! Whether you call it blocked, chunky or stacked, this style is sure to be your new go-to for every fall wedding on your calendar. Here, we’re sharing some stylish and sublimely comfortable options, so you can stay up on your feet (and the dance floor) all night long! Believe us, your feet will thank you.

Schutz Stacked Heels

Photo: Courtesy of Schutz

These classic stack sandals are a must-have. Not only do they make your legs look super long and lean, the stack heel is ultra comfortable. Pair them with a sleek slip dress (“Enida” stacked heels, $170, Schutz)

Raye x Tularosa Stacked Heels

Photo: Courtesy of Revolve

For more bohemian brides (bridesmaids and wedding guests), these free-spirited fringe sandals are finished with lace-up front with wrap tie closure and fringed tassel accents (“Luna” heel, $225, Raye x Tularosa available at Revolve)

Loeffler Randall Stacked Heels

Photo: Courtesy of Loeffler Randall

Why should your dress have all the fun? These round toe pumps are rendered in black suede and finished with floral embroidery. The thick heel makes them totally wearable, all season long. (“Sydnee” thick heel pump, $395, Loeffler Randall)

Maje Stacked Heels

Photo: Courtesy of Maje

These high heeled velvet stunners are the perfect complement to an evening look. From the criss-cross front, to the baroque metal buckle decorated with pearls and rhinestones, every inch is absolute elegance. (“Falbe” stacked heels, $525, Maje)

See More: Wedding Shoe Shopping Tips Direct from a Bridal Stylist

Aquatalia Stacked Heels

Photo: Courtesy of Aquatalia

The biggest challenge for brides and guests, often isn’t what to wear to the wedding but the — seemingly more ambiguous — rehearsal dinner. We’ve got you covered with these python Mary Janes. These beauties are a totally unique take on a classic that will enhance any outfit. (“Eliza” stacked heels, $750, Aquatalia)

Aquazzura Stacked Heels

Photo: Courtesy of Aquazzura

A chic d’orsay pump never goes out of style. This stylish interpretation is finished with luxe mink pompoms, adjustable ankle strap and comfortable block heel. (“Wild Russian Pump 105” heels, $895, Aquazzura)

This Woman Wore a Wedding Dress on Her First Dates

woman wears wedding dress on first date

Photo: Getty Images

We’ve heard of wearing your wedding dress on your anniversary every year, but this one may just take the wedding cake! 26-year-old YouTube comedian Laura Bubble pranked several unsuspecting men when she showed up to their first date in a wedding dress.

“This year’s theme for Stand Up to Cancer is rebellion, so with the help of a microphone, a dating app, and some creepy phrases, I’m going on first dates in a wedding dress,” she shared on YouTube. The 26-year-old wore a white wedding dress, full makeup and hair, and a bouquet and set off to enjoy some awkward first-date conversation. The ruse was part of a “Stand Up to Cancer with YouTube,” a four hour live-streamed event which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for vital cancer research in England, per Daily Mail.

For her prank, the comedian arranged several dates using a dating app and wore her wedding dress to all of them. While some men were polite and engaged in casual conversation with Bubble (shoutout to Rhys who sat at a table with her for more than five minutes and drank some tea — just looking slightly nervous), others saw her from far away and booked it before she could say a word. In her convo with Rhys, their relationship was taken to the next level in just one word, ” So I was thinking I should add you on Facebook and then we can make it, like, ‘official.'”

When asked about her festive appearance, she noted she was “dressing for the occasion,” which seemed to spook the potential daters even more. One guy saw her from across the way in the mall and hightailed it outta there (can’t say we blame him!), while another made excuses to leave by saying he had to go get drinks with a friend.

Even though it’s a bit of a relief to see that it’s a hoax, it did get us thinking about new locations and events to wear wedding dresses to — hey, if Queen Bey can do it, why can’t the rest of us? See below for the full video.

See More: This Bride Wears Her Wedding Dress Every Year on Her Anniversary

7 Things a Maid of Honor Should NEVER Do at a Wedding

When you’ve said “I do” to taking on the maid-of-honor duties for one of your closest friends in the world, it’s likely you’ll also take on a long list of things you’ll be eager to get done to help out the bride before it’s time to walk down the aisle. But along with your list of ‘dos’ you should also make a list of ‘don’ts’ you should completely avoid doing at the wedding too. Here are 7 things the maid of honor should NEVER do at a wedding.

1. Give a Long Toast
You may have an urge to chat about every single memory you have with the bride and run through a list of inside jokes between the two of you, but in order to keep the room full of guests happy and awake, keep your toast under 3 minutes.

2. Have Too Many Drinks
Just because the bar is open and you’re ready to kick back and celebrate your maid-of-honor duties coming to an end, remember that all eyes are on you as the bride’s go-to gal pal for the night, so avoid getting too drunk to function.

3. Change Into Your Own Dress
Even if the MOH dress the bride picked out for you to wear isn’t flattering or something you’d usually wear, stick with the dress for the wedding night. Changing into another dress any time before the afterparty is a major faux-pas.

4. Leave The Wedding Early
The wedding day is a very long day, and even if you’d like to sneak out early to hit the pillow, stay as long as you can to help the bride keep the party going — and to be there in case she needs any last minute help.

See More: Bridesmaid Duties When You’re Not the Maid of Honor

5. Make The Day About You
Check your drama at the door and leave your complaints for the day after. Remember, the wedding day isn’t about you, so if something is bugging you, try to take a deep breath and carry on.

6. Complain to the Bride
If it’s too hot out or you don’t like the way your hair came out, complain to anyone and everyone else but the bride. She’ll be dealing with enough stressful moments, so avoid overwhelming her with any extra ones.

7. Show Off All Her Dance Moves
It’s okay to be the life of the party at the wedding, but try not to overshadow all the other guest and the main focus of the night: the couple getting married.

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.

7 Things Recent Brides ALWAYS Say to Newly Engaged Girls

engagement ring selfie

Photo: F. Silverman Jeweler via Twitter

Congrats, you’re engaged! But are you prepared for the onslaught of wedding advice that’s about to come your way? All well intentioned, of course, albeit somewhat overwhelming and annoying at times (go ahead and get used to it now though). Turns out, recent brides are the worst offenders — trust us, we know. Here are the seven things they’re bound to tell you — and you’ll get totally sick of hearing — once he puts a ring on it.

1. “You better book your venue NOW!”
And your photographer and your caterer and your DJ and your videographer and like every other major vendor before they all get booked up. For someone that has never been married before, this type of advice is actually helpful and extremely eye opening. Because who knew all the Saturdays a year from now at the venue you’re obsessed with would already be reserved? Like WTF is that.

2. “Oh don’t worry, you can expect half the people you invite to RSVP no.”
Err, will this one really depends girls. For brides that had big weddings (think 300 plus), chances are half the people they originally invited did in fact decline. If you’re keeping it small though (think 100 peeps or less), you can’t really count on half your guest list RSVP’ing no, more like 20% if not less. Our rule of thumb is to never invite more people than your venue can hold or that you can realistically afford.

3. “OMG you have to register for…”
Insert their personal must-haves here. It’s like thanks for the advice, but more often than not, no thanks. What you add to your registry is completely dependent on your own unique needs as a couple, which can be the polar opposite of your friends. So while it’s nice of her to want to dish out registry advice, just smile and nod and say you’ll definitely check it out.

4. “Get yourself a wedding planner stat.”
This one is especially true for destination brides and, let’s be honest, any bride with a budget to spare. Wedding planners are worth their weight in gold solely for the vendor recommendations alone, not to mention all the little details they take care of and reminders they send you to get shiz paid for. Veteran brides are well aware of this so oftentimes it’s their first piece of advice.

See More: How to Ace Your Engagement Photos

5. “Oh, just wait.” Or “Get ready for…”
Unfortunately, the aforementioned phrases are usually in reference to all the stress and drama that’s bound to come when you’re planning a wedding. So yeah, just wait (as annoying as it is to hear that LOL).

6. “You have to hire a videographer!”
It’s one of those things you’ll hear practically every bride say: a videographer is an absolute must. There’s simply something about capturing those precious marriage moments on film that photos don’t do justice to. So our advice? Take their advice and get yourselves a videographer girls. After all, not hiring one is a lot of brides’ biggest regret!

7. “Savor every moment because it goes by SO fast!”
Totally clich&#233, but once you get married we can almost guarantee you’ll be telling recently engaged girls the same exact thing because, well, it’s true. The wedding really does go by in a flash and is like one big blur of awesomeness that you’ll want to soak in every single second of. So be present, live in the moment and savor all the memories and good times.

Donald Trump Just Crashed a Wedding and Here's What Went Down

Donald Trump Wedding Crasher

Photo: Getty Images

What’s a surefire way to keep wedding crashers from spontaneously adding themselves to the guest list come your big day? Build a wall around your wedding venue, duh… But we don’t think that would’ve stopped Donald Trump from descending upon his country club this past weekend — in the middle of a couple’s wedding! Although it’s not the moniker he’s hoping to win this November, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump just effectively earned himself the title of bonafide wedding crasher after surprising guests at his Bedminster, New Jersey Trump National Golf Club. Umm, is he trying to making weddings great again or just wanted to hone in on the free champagne?

When guests descended upon the Trump National Golf Club, they had no idea the wedding would feature a surprise cameo by the Republican presidential nominee himself. After all, he must be busy preparing for tonight’s presidential debate, right? But it looks like the man still made time for wedding cake this weekend, according to Esquire where a guest at the aforementioned wedding told the Trump tale.

“We heard from one of the bridesmaids that Ivanka had been spotted hanging around the club earlier in the day,” said writer Colin St. John. “And then, as the dance floor filled to the sounds of a DJ and live drummer duo, two friends of mine spied a steady stream of SUVs coming up the driveway. It couldn’t be, could it?” Oh, but it was. “We dashed through a door from the main wedding hall and, boom!, I found myself in a small reading room with around six people, one of whom was Donald Trump.”

Trump had in fact stopped by the estate, crashing the couple’s wedding for selfies and snaps. As guests gathered around him, the presidential nominee offered up photo ops and then requested to meet the bride. At one point, one of his handlers asked me to go find the bride,” reported St. John. “I couldn’t locate her and, also, couldn’t figure out why he wouldn’t want a picture with the groom as well.”

See More: Your Fiancé Is Voting for Donald Trump, You’re Not: How to Handle Political Differences Together

Eventually, the bride (who just might have had the most fitting wedding hashtag ever in #itsgonnabeyugheswas) was found and got to snap a pic with the Donald. “While she was taking a photo with him, she asked if she rated ‘better than a 4’ on his looks scale. He didn’t seem to hear,” noted the wedding guest.

So why the impromptu wedding crashing? Maybe the Donald heard about how President Obama accidentally crashed a couple’s country club big day while playing a round of golf? After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…

Real life, apparently #itsgonnabeyughes

A photo posted by Colin St John (@weneedthedude) on Oct 15, 2016 at 3:32pm PDT

Helped shoot a wedding today at trump national and saw both TRUMP and Ivanka lolllll

A photo posted by Russell Pershing (@general_pershing51) on Oct 15, 2016 at 7:57pm PDT

5 Reasons You Shouldn't Worry About the Bachelor (Or Bachelorette) Party

why you shouldn't worry about the bachelor party

Photo: Getty Images

Let’s be honest: “Stories about wild encounters and inappropriate behavior on the night of the bachelor and bachelorette party are as old — and cliched — as time,” says Amy Nichols, owner of Amy Nichols Special Events and cofounder of The Poppy Group. And as such, “every couple has some concerns about what might happen on these nights out.” But that doesn’t mean you have a reason to worry. In fact, here are five reasons you should sit back and relax when it comes to your partner’s party.

1. You’re marrying the guy (or gal) because you trust him.
Before you agreed to marry one another, you established a foundation of trust — a foundation that Nichols says you shouldn’t question now that these parties are nigh. “If your partner has a good head on his or shoulders and loves you to pieces, his or her feelings won’t go out the window just because it’s a bachelor or bachelorette party,” she says. Relationship expert April Masini adds that if you haven’t had problems with broken trust — a big red flag — in the past, it’s unlikely you will now.

2. You’ve set boundaries.
Before the big parties, it’s a good idea to set boundaries about what’s acceptable and what’s not, Masini says, so that neither partner will be surprised the next day. “Most problems occur when fears are not discussed or when there is a don’t ask, don’t tell policy,” she says. “But if you have an intimate relationship — and this is one way to gain intimacy — you can talk to your partner about what concerns you both, and make a pact to behave within certain boundaries.”

See More: What to Wear to a Bachelorette Party

3. The bachelor and bachelorette parties are a rite of passage — nothing more.
According to Nichols, these big nights (or weekends) out often mark the last crazy-fun friends-time you’ll have before you tie the knot. As such, “most partners have no intention of ever experiencing a night like this again,” she says, which means that whatever happens that night likely won’t become a regular Friday night occurrence. “They know it’s a one night only event and don’t plan to repeat it.”

4. You’ve planned laid-back events.
“If you and your partner are having chill bachelor and bachelorette parties where there’s a weekend at a spa with sea salt scrubs, or an evening at a Broadway show, you can relax,” says Masini. “This type of celebration isn’t about drinking, pole dancing, or strip clubs — and those are the events that tend to make people worry.”

5. Your partner didn’t plan it.
Not everyone is in on their own bachelor or bachelorette party plans. If you’ve allowed your friends to plan these big nights out, you and your partner could potentially be going in blind, says Nichols. And if so, you’re giving in to the evening your friends have planned. “That means that your partner is going to feel some pressure from his or her friends to relax and enjoy themselves,” explains Nichols. “But that does not mean he will do something he will regret.”