This Groom Ended Up in Jail on His Wedding Day — Yes, Really

Groom Drinking

Photo: Getty Images

Uh-oh! We hate to break it to you, but whether your bridal bun is more Bride of Frankenstein or the wedding party’s limo never arrives, wedding day disasters can — and do — happen. But as the BRIDES October/November 2016 issue proves, brides-to-be can survive any catastrophe. (Trust us!) In our latest issue, real and very brave brides are sharing their wedding nightmares. These major mishaps might have you clutching your pearls, but don’t worry — everyone still had their happily ever after. See? Brides can handle anything! Still don’t believe us? Read one of the catastrophic wedding day tales below.

I met Bob at a friend’s house in Brooklyn. He was the tall one wearing crazy overalls and a chef’s apron. He made shrimp, which I hate but pretended to like because I thought he was cute. He also turned out to be charming and interesting and hilarious, so after dinner we went out with friends, and the rest is history. We moved in together a year later, moved from New York City to Boston together, and got engaged.

And so a scene was set: 100 close family and friends flown in from across the country for our wedding at my parents’ home in rural Virginia. The touching speeches at our rehearsal dinner in a country inn were followed by a “welcome gathering” for out-of-town guests at a pub just up the street from the house. As usually happened with our group of friends, the night devolved into a raucous party, and my brother eventually dragged me home to get some beauty sleep while my fiancé stayed to keep our guests entertained.

I awoke at 6 a.m. on the day of our wedding and bounced down the stairs of my parents’ house to see a grim look on my mom’s face. My dad was on the phone with the best man, who asked if he could please hurry down to the police station to bail out his future son-in-law. While I had slept peacefully in my childhood bedroom, my fiancé had spent the night on a hard metal bench in the local jail with a couple of rough-looking, passed-out cellmates. I don’t remember how exactly my mom broke the news to me, but I do remember falling to the ground in the hall outside my dad’s study. My mother, who has a zero-wallowing policy, gave me about two seconds and then said, “Elisabeth, get up! You’re stronger than that!” There was too much to do and too little time to be angry or cry. My dad (whom Bob called because his own father had passed away and he didn’t want to worry his mother) sped to the courthouse and finally sprung the groom-to-be around noon for our 4:00 wedding service.

Bob had been pulled over right outside the pub for forgetting to turn on the headlights of the sporty navy-blue Mustang we had rented to be our getaway car after the wedding the next day. The police officer opened the door to find the love of my life smelling like a brewery and his best man in the passenger seat, wearing the vintage Pittsburgh Steelers helmet he’d lifted from behind the bar. And thus Bob received a DUI. Driving away from the pub was stupid and dangerous, and he knew it, but the excitement of our big day got the best of him and he made a horrible choice. Considering what could’ve happened — him hurting himself or someone else — he got off easy.

See More: How to Solve the Top Wedding Day Disasters

That said, I never really freaked out on him. I couldn’t let it rip after seeing his stricken face as he walked in the door of my parents’ house to take pictures before the ceremony. He was so clearly nauseous and ashamed of what he’d done, plus terrified about what I would do and what everyone would think. By then, he’d already had a few long hours in a holding cell to beat himself up about it. So, no, there was no “I can’t believe I’m marrying this guy” moment, just many “I can’t believe this is happening” and “What if he doesn’t get out in time?” moments. My main worry was that the friends and family who’d come so far would leave without being able to share our day. He was still my Bob, despite his terrible mistake.

He did make it, of course, and I was able to add a massive sigh of relief to the huge rush of love and excitement that I felt. And now, more than 10 years later, Bob and I can laugh with our wedding party about the whole thing. Sort of.

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5 Tips For Pulling Off a Blind Bachelorette Party

blind bachelorette party

Photo: Getty Images

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just show up to your bachelorette party and it be a complete surprise? Not just for you but for everyone attending too? Wedding planner Claudine M. Winston, M.B.A. of the Winston Wedding Group – The Weddings Genie, can make all your dreams come true. Lately, she’s been working with a ton of brides on blind bashes, where you literally let your planner do everything and simply show up to the airport or other transportation and go with it, girl. Sounds pretty badass, right? But things could definitely go very, very wrong. Here’s how to ensure your blind bachelorette party goes off without a hitch and meets all your expectations and then some too.

1. Set a budget
This is always the number one tip: Have a clearly defined bachelorette budget and stick to it, advises Winston. Definitely consult all your girls first and make sure everyone is comfortable with the set amount per person before committing to anything.

2. Define your party’s theme
Be crystal clear with what you’re looking to accomplish in the experience, whether that’s adventure, nightlife, luxury spas, etc., says Winston. And, of course, clearly communicate that vision to your planner so she can help execute the blind bachelorette party of your dreams.

3. Remember: Timing is everything
As Winston points out, group travel is a whole lot trickier than going solo, which is why it’s important to plan early, particularly if you (and the rest of your gals) need a payment plan. According to her, the optimal timeframe is mid-May to mid-June. “Avoid holidays and spring break as the cost may significantly limit your options. The middle of the week is best, if at all possible with everyone’s work schedules.”

See More: 7 Things That Secretly Annoy Bridesmaids at Bachelorette Parties

4. Get rid of “the deal” mindset
Step away from Expedia and Groupon and just trust your planner with your budget! “For this experience, a professional will help you maximize your dollars while also planning an exceptional bachelor/bachelorette fete,” assures Winston. After all, isn’t the point of this whole thing to minimize stress and amp up the surprise factor?

5. Find someone in the know
Pick the right planner or travel agent and use a specialist who is extremely familiar with and knows the markets, recommends Winston. “Being able to trust someone with a blind trip requires adept knowledge and ability to bring forth unique experiences that give the biggest bang for your dollar.” And with the right person by your side, you and the rest of your group are in good hands.

5 Reasons Istanbul Makes for a Romantic Honeymoon Locale

Romantic Istanbul Honeymoon Ideas

Photo: Getty Images

The only city in the world spanning two continents, Istanbul blends the best of Eastern and Western cultures. Flanked by Ottoman domes and Greek and Roman palaces, the city’s skyline is a stunning site just begging to be explored. For couples on their honeymoon, romance here can be felt at every turn as you roam through remnants of an empire that endured for over 1,500 years. Don’t think it’s all ancient history, though. Istanbul is embracing modern times with former bank vaults and Neoclassical buildings transforming into contemporary art galleries and boutique hotels. Here’s five other reasons why this cosmopolitan city offers plenty of romance for honeymooners looking for a getaway that’s heavy on culture while still whimsical enough to offer an exotic escape that feels far from your typical European getaway.

Istanbul Honeymoon Ideas

Photo: Getty Images

1. History at Every Turn
Maybe you’re more into museums and he’s more into exploring architecture and history. You won’t have to worry about your first fight as a married couple just yet. Compromising won’t be hard when it comes to sightseeing in Istanbul. In Old Istanbul, or the Sultanahmet district, you’ll be walking in the streets that once held Roman-era chariot races. Soak in the city’s culture touring the sixth century Hagia Sophia museum (formerly a Greek Orthodox basilica and mosque) before heading underground to the fourth century Basilica Cistern, the largest of hundreds of Byzantine cisterns still sitting beneath the city. When you’re ready for a break from sightseeing, get lost in the maze of shops at the Grand Bazaar. One of the oldest covered markets in the world, the bazaar is filled with over 5,000 vendors selling everything from gold to ceramics and spices, and it’s one of the best places to buy your first piece of home décor as a married couple. Turkish rug, anyone?

2. Home of the Turkish Bath
Sure you’ve visited hamams and steam rooms at spas back in the States, but nothing compares to an authentic Turkish bath set in a historic building built by sultans in centuries past. Out of Istanbul’s 237 hamams, 60 are still in use, ranging from the more traditional experience to something spa-like. This is the part where you and the new hubby will go your separate ways indulging in a full scrub-down leaving you cleaner and more refreshed than you’ve ever felt before. If you want something on the more modern side that still sports an ancient feel, book treatments at the recently renovated 16th century Kiliç Ali Pasa, set in one of the harbor’s landmark Ottoman-style buildings.

Four Seasons Istanbul

Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel

3. Turkish Breakfast
Thought Sunday brunch was lavish? Wait until you sit down for your first Turkish breakfast. One of the most scenic spots to indulge in this spread is along the water at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. Take a seat on the terrace and get ready to dig in to a Turkish tradition with the typical mix of eggs, yogurt, olives, feta cheese and Kaymak clotted cream, served alongside pastries and Turkish tea.

4. Golden Sunsets
The city literally glows gold come sunset and both sides of the Bosphorus — as well as on the strait itself — offer up picture-perfect views. Head up to Bü
yük Çamlica Tepesi, or Big Camalica Hill, on the Asian side, known for some of the most stunning sunset vistas of the city. Sitting almost 900 feet high with panoramic views over the southern part of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, the hill is the tallest of Istanbul’s seven, with charming pavilions to post up under. On the European side in Galata, make your way to the top of the 14th century stone Galata Tower for sunset cocktails and 360-degree views of the city.

See More: 2016 BRIDES Best Honeymoons: The Top Honeymoon Beaches

5. Cruising Between Continents
One of the best ways to admire the city is by cruising between it on the Bosphorus Strait, which divides the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. Set off at sunset toasting to your new union with Champagne as you admire the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks lining either side of the strait. As the sunset seeps away, the scene will be replaced by glowing lights twinkling from buildings and bridges over the water.

Your Jaw Will DROP When You See This Bride Slay a Beyoncé Dance Routine

Move out of the way Beyoncé — it looks like you have some fierce competition on the dance floor. Canadian actress, singer, and dancer Melissa Molinaro just obliterated the wedding dance game when she put on a hell of a show for her new husband — even the Queen Bee herself would totes be proud.

Decked out in lacy, long-sleeved onesies, Molinaro and her incredibly gifted bridesmaids were caught on an Instagram video stepping out onto the white tile dance floor like the confident bosses they are. The bride, looking stunningly radiant in her white leotard and sparkly tights, stole the show when she began flipping her hair back and forth (like Bey herself is oh so famous for) to “4Ever” by Lil Mo. The video, uploaded by one of Molinaro’s best friends, wrote in the caption, “My girl @melissamolinaro giving her new husband SHOWS last night!! You had such a beautiful wedding! So lucky to have you as my best friend.” She of course couldn’t end the caption without #weddinggoals, because DUH.

Another video, now coming from The Shade Room Insta, shows the groom’s reaction to the whole experience, whiiiich as you can guess is pretty priceless. We mean, just LOOK at his bride move… The caption to the photo read, “Okaaay #MelissaMolinaro! Now that’s how you do a wedding dance for your man.” And her man wasn’t the only one majorly wowed by the performance. The guests are all heard hooting and hollering in the background the whole way through.

Unfortunately we may not all have the skills to pull off a routine like this, but we do have to give it to this bride for totally killing it on the dance floor. Needless to say, her husband is probably feeling very lucky right now. Now excuse us while we practice our Single Ladies dance routine in front of the mirror.

See More: Watch This Groom Totally Surprise His Bride With an Epic Wedding Dance

A video posted by Patrick Ta (@patrickta) on Oct 3, 2016 at 3:59pm PDT

A video posted by Patrick Ta (@patrickta) on Oct 4, 2016 at 7:53am PDT

This Couple Planned Their Whimsical Hamptons Wedding in Just Four Months

Everyone needs a great wingman, and Leland found his in his twin brother when he introduced Leland to Anna at a bar in New York City in June of 2005. While it took five years for the friendship that formed that night to turn into a romance (and another five before it led to a proposal!), on May 14, 2015, Leland asked Anna to be his wife. “We were on our way to a benefit, and he was complaining that I wasn’t wearing enough jewelry for the occasion,” Anna remembers. “Though if you ask my dad, the proposal happened the day he asked my father for permission to marry me!”

After such a long courtship, the couple wasted no time planning their wedding. The date? October 3, 2015 — only four and a half months after Leland popped the question! With planner and designer Claire Bean Events on board, they celebrated with a rustic, whimsical wedding at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, New York in the Hamptons. Deep merlot and warm gold put a moody twist on the creamy pink color scheme. Whyman Studios perfectly captured Anna and Leland’s celebration, which will have you dreaming of a wedding at the height of fall!

It only took three tries for Anna to find her Monique Lhuillier wedding dress. “I couldn’t sleep the night after I tried it on, and I went back the next day with my maid of honor to seal the deal!” she says of the organza ball gown with a Chantilly lace bodice. The plunging neckline, paired with delicate beading and three-quarter length sleeves, was subtly sexy and totally elegant. And boy, does this bride know how to accessorize! Between her cushion-cut engagement ring and two pairs of shoes (by Sergio Rossi and Monique Lhuillier), her ensemble was a dream.

The sleeves and simple skirt of Anna’s wedding dress gave her an opportunity to show off some very special accessories, including a diamond heart pin on her beaded belt (a gift from her father to her mother when they first started dating) and a Cartier love bracelet (a gift from Leland to his bride on the morning of their wedding).

Anna’s two flower girls looked angelic in their full tulle skirts, while the couple’s pup stood out in a white bow. The invitation suite featured soft pink paper, accented with flowing calligraphy.

The pair combined their Christian and Jewish faiths during the ceremony, which took place beneath a chuppah of vines, green hydrangeas, and amaranth. The aisle was edged with rustic lanterns, and guests were seated on simple cross-back chairs.

Anna’s godson walked the couple’s dog, Remy, down the aisle as ring bearer, followed by the flower girls. The ceremony combined traditional Jewish and Christian vows, with a jazz trio playing in the background.

“One of our favorite memories was of getting to see the dinner space for the first time,” says Anna. “I couldn’t have dreamed that it would look better.”

The mix of colors and textures in Anna’s bouquet is totally breathtaking: It combined calla lilies, dahlias, and roses, wrapped in white satin ribbon.

Guests were seated at long tables beneath strands of café lights. Small trees set along the tables and hung with candles created an enchanted forest feel. Low centerpieces, interspersed with smaller vessels, combined garden roses, dahlias, and scabiosa pods, which perfectly matched the floral chargers at each guest’s seat.

“Leland and I didn’t want a typical wedding menu, but instead something that spoke to our tastes and his love of wine,” says Anna. The pairing menu was entirely gluten-free and included a shrimp and lobster stack with apples and celery root, asparagus risotto with a Parmesan crisp, and a choice of seared sea bass or braised short rib.

After cutting into their chocolate and raspberry wedding cake, the newlyweds headed to the dance floor. Rubix Kube, an ’80s cover band, performed and gave guests what Anna calls a “proper party”!

“During the Hora, all the boys rushed over to lift my chair and completely forgot about Leland. I was having the time of my life, while he was petrified because his chair tilted so much he almost fell out!” the bride remembers.

Though the pair planned to honeymoon in South Africa in the spring of 2016, they had to reschedule, and for good reason: Their baby girl arrived in July! “Our mini-moon in Barbados will have to suffice for now,” says Anna.

With such a short time to plan, the couple got good at making decisions quickly, which helped make the planning process more enjoyable in the long run. “Don’t stress!” she advises. “We had so much fun planning our wedding that Leland and I often say we want to do it again.”

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Parrish Art Museum || Wedding Planner & Flowers: Claire Bean Events || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier || Shoes: Monique Lhuillier; Sergio Rossi || Jewelry: Cartier || Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Tom Ford || Invitations & Paper Goods: Fat Cat Paperie || Music: 45 Riots; Rubix Kube || Catering & Cake: Sterling Affair || Videographer: Unique Visions Studio || Photographer: Whyman Studios

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Want more fall wedding ideas? Then watch another couple say “I do” with an autumnal backdrop in the video below.

Is There a General Wedding Ceremony Outline That We Should Follow?

Writing your own ceremony? Great idea! There’s no better way to really personalize your exchange of vows than to choose a series of elements that really speak to who you are as a couple. But figuring out where to start can be daunting! To help you narrow down what you’re going to include in your ceremony, our experts have put together a general wedding ceremony outline that you can use to build your wedding from the ground up.

No matter the religion, rituals, or readings you choose, most wedding ceremonies follow the same basic outline. Here’s how it goes:

The Welcome
Once all the guests are seated and you’ve both arrived at the altar, your officiant will welcome your guests and thank them for joining you. This could be brief, or could lead into a longer excerpt that tells the story of your relationship and describes how you ended up standing at the altar together.

The Readings
Either grouped together or interspersed between your officiant’s address (which might take a moment to explain the meaning of each reading), your wedding ceremony readings are pages from a favorite book, song lyrics, religious passages, or any other text that you choose to have shared. Look for readings that help support what marriage means to the two of you, or reflect something valuable about your relationship. Need help deciding on yours? Here are some nonreligious wedding ceremony reading ideas.

The Vows
If there’s one part of the ceremony that should hold the most meaning, this is it. Whether you write your own vows together, use traditional phrases, or choose to surprise one another at the altar, these are the promises you make to one another that you intend to keep for your lifetime.

The Rings
Wedding bands are a symbol of the vows you’ve just shared. They are often exchanged as you say something along the lines of “I take you to be my husband/wife…”, and can be seen as the final lines and acceptance of your vows.

See more: How to Write a Ceremony Program in 3 Easy Steps

The Pronouncement
Your officiant might follow up your vows with closing remarks, or you might go straight from the ring exchange to being formally pronounced a married couple.

The Kiss!
The moment you’ve been waiting for! Seal those vows with a kiss, then it’s time to head back up the aisle and get the party started.

OITNB Star Samira Wiley is Engaged! And We Are Loving Her Engagement Ring

Samira Wiley is Engaged

Photo: Getty Images

She’s exchanging her orange jumpsuit for wedding white! Orange Is the New Black star Samira Wiley is engaged, so break out the hooch — it’s time to celebrate! The actress’ girlfriend, Netflix series writer Lauren Morelli, just popped the question and Wiley revealed the news via an Instagram engagement ring selfie so cute it should be illegal.

Poussey has officially checked out of Litchfield (it’s not a spoiler if it’s been months, y’all…), but Wiley is still quite married to OITNB — literally! — with the news that she’s set to wed the series’ writer. The pair first met on the set of the hit show, back when Morelli was still married to her ex-husband. Then in May 2014, Morelli penned an emotional essay where she stated that writing for the series helped her come to terms with her sexuality, openly admitting that she was in fact gay. Soon after her divorce from her husband, Wiley and Morelli went public with their relationship, bestowing upon us their sheer adorableness and showing the world what love is.

Orange is the New Black

Photo: Giphy

Since then, the pair has been posting cutesy couple photos all over the ‘Gram, but it’s their latest pic that’s got us squealing with delight — mainly for the new special sparkler on Wiley’s finger! The actress revealed her nuptial news on social media today with a picture that features the couple with mile-wide smiles and Wiley showing off her diamond engagement ring. “Yes,” the actress captioned the too-sweet snapshot.

See More: 9 Gorgeous Ways to Debut Your Engagement Ring on Instagram

The chicly simple engagement ring totes a princess-cut diamond, uniquely sitting vertically on the band. And despite tons of squinting, we can’t quite make out whether the band is gold or if it has teeny tiny baguettes, but obvi we’re hoping for more bling. Could one ever have too much?

Poussey

Photo: Giphy

Wiley isn’t the only OITNB star planning to tie the knot. Lea DeLaria (a.k.a. Big Boo) is engaged to fiancé Chelsea Fairless with the big day set for January 8, 2017. Their co-star Uzo Aduba has already signed up to play wedding singer at DeLaria’s nuptials, but we’re already dreaming up a million other ways to bring Litchfield to Wiley’s wedding venue. Toilet paper veil, anyone?

Orange is the New Black Gif

Photo: Giphy

Yes.

A photo posted by Samira Wiley (@whododatlikedat) on Oct 4, 2016 at 9:08am PDT

#wcw @lomorelli all day.

A video posted by Samira Wiley (@whododatlikedat) on Jul 6, 2016 at 7:19pm PDT

Kanye West's Latest Move Following Kim Kardashian's Robbery Earns Him a Husband Award

kanye west postpones concert dates

Photo: Instagram via Kim Kardashian West

By now, you’ve probably heard about Kim Kardashian’s horrific ordeal — the reality star was robbed by masked gunmen and held hostage at gunpoint in France while visiting for Paris Fashion Week. Thankfully, the reality star was left uninjured by the incident after a frightening night spent in her hotel room while the robbers took over $10 million in jewelry, including her engagement ring, and tied her up in the bathroom. But the real hero in this situation? Her husband, Kanye West.

Before you say that we’re totally crazy, give us a minute to explain. When this whole horrific heist went down, West, 39, was in the middle of a show. Upon hearing the news of his wife’s hostage situation, he immediately stopped the show mid-song due to a “family emergency” and went to be by her side, according to E! News. And just because she is now back in NYC with her man doesn’t mean that all is back to normal. Because of the trauma she experienced, her hubs has decided to postpone his Saint Pablo tour for a few days.

According to a statement from Live Nation, the rapper has rescheduled two upcoming shows for his ongoing Saint Pablo Tour that were scheduled for early October. “Due to family concerns, this week’s Philadelphia and Detroit dates on the Saint Pablo Tour have been rescheduled,” his company shared with Rolling Stone, noting that they were rescheduled for December. The rest of the tour will resume October 7.

kanye west gif

Anyway, back to Kanye being a good hubs: Given the rappers penchant for being slightly egomaniacal (think: a 20-minute speech at his own wedding and lengthy Twitter rants on the reg), it was a surprising situation in that once he heard about his wife’s ordeal, he stopped his tour mid-concert and postponed several shows. On October 3, Kardashian West reunited with her concerned hubby after being picked up by a 15-car motorcade at Teterboro Airport, a source shared with Us Weekly.

This isn’t the first time the rapper has rolled out the red carpet for his leading lady. When he proposed, he led the reality star blindfolded to AT&T Park in San Francisco, while an orchestra played — and got down on one knee to pop the question. When he did so, the giant scoreboard in the baseball field lit up with the words, “PLEASE MARRY MEEE!!!” and a live string orchestra began to play romantically while her family watched from the baseball pits. The only thing to top that jaw-dropping mayhem was their actual wedding — a stunning celebration in Italy that cost over $2.8 million and included a rehearsal dinner at the Versailles palace in France. Casual.

See More: Kim and Kanye’s Epic Wedding, in Photos

So even though he may not be the most modest guy around, if there’s one thing Kanye is doing well (besides rapping — we’ll leave his clothing line alone for now), it’s being a husband. Kudos, Mr. Famous, for showing a good example to husbands all over the world.

I ** my family

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Aug 31, 2016 at 5:48pm PDT

Yep we were really taking selfies the whole time and they are all up on my app! Link is in my bio. KimKardashianWest.com

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Aug 2, 2016 at 9:01am PDT

Thank you @nabildo for capturing these special moments for us! #TBT to our engagement!

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Oct 22, 2015 at 8:27pm PDT

4 Expert-Approved Rules for Deciding on Your Wedding Budget

Wedding Budget Planning Advice

Photo: Getty Images

There is a great debate when it comes to figuring out how much money you should withdraw from your savings account and spend on your wedding celebration. Your friends might tell you to spend as much as you want — and your family may tell you to be conservative (and then spend the cash on something more practical, like a down payment on a house). But if you are wondering what financial professionals would tell you to do, we’re sharing advice on how much you should spend according to four financial planners.

1. Spend an amount that doesn’t stress you out.
“There are many wedding expenses that you could look at cutting back on, such as the number of guests, food or alcohol. Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event, but that doesn’t mean you should spend money that you don’t have. Remember this is supposed to be a fun time. So don’t let the money aspect take over and create added stress!” Rachel Cruze, a personal finance expert and #1 New York Times best-selling author.

2. Think about what comes after the wedding.
“Before they wed, couples should start their marriage off on the right foot by budgeting for their wedding and honeymoon. As a couple, it’s likely that you have already talked about where you’d like to live, if and when to start a family, dream vacations you hope to take and when you might like to retire. By thinking it through and establishing a plan, you may be able successfully pursue your goals after your wedding.” —Anna Colton, Merrill Edge Executive

3. Figure out how to break even.
“Determine the maximum amount of debt you can have by your wedding date to break even after the wedding. To do this, use a conservative estimate of what value gift you can expect to receive from a guest (varies depending on venue, location, relationship but let’s assume $75/person). Knowing that some guests give much more, and some give none, it generally tends to average out. Take your total guest list and decrease it by 10 percent (e.g., 200 invited total, use 180), and multiply that number by the conservative gift estimate to get a sense of how much you can expect to receive from the wedding ($75*180=$13,500). Hypothetically, if you end up with a debt balance of $13,500 on the day of your wedding, you would be able to pay off the balance with gifts and be wedding-debt free!” —Stephanie James CFP, a senior financial advisor at Wescott Financial

See More: 4 Ways You and Your Fiancé Can Tackle Your Debt Before Marriage

4. Only spend what you have.
“Only spend money you actually have on your wedding, regardless of who is paying (bride/groom or parent’s of the bride). If you need to finance the wedding via credit card or by withdrawing the money from your retirement account, you are spending too much.” David Rae, a Los Angeles Financial Planner with Trilogy Financial.

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.

Zosia Mamet is Married! And You're Going to Want to Steal the Girls Star's Wedding Hairstyle

Zosia Mamet and Evan Jonigkeit

Photo: Getty Images

This girl is all grown up and has tied the knot! Fresh off of filming the final episode of her HBO series, Girls star Zosia Mamet has just married her longtime love Evan Jonigkeit in a low-key and intimate wedding ceremony this past weekend. And while we’re still awaiting a glimpse at her sure-to-be lovely wedding dress, Mamet’s wedding hairstyle is the stuff bridal beauty goals are made out of — and it’s so Shoshanna…

On Sunday, October 2, the couple headed to upstate New York, according to Us Weekly. There, the HBO star and the X-Men: Days of Future Past actor tied the knot at Cedar Lakes Estate in Port Jervis. And to match her rustic-chic wedding venue, Mamet opted for a blooming bohemian wedding hairstyle that we seriously want to steal.

For the big day, Zosia’s hair stylist, Tommy Buckett, arranged her blonde locks in a half-up braided style, adorned with cascading deep burgundy-hued flowers, pale pink roses, and greenery, leaving the bride more woodland fairy princess than Hollywood actress. The style reportedly only took a mere 10 to 15 minutes to do, so rejoice, brides-to-be, because this is one look you can definitely manage to pull off yourself!

“Sometimes you just don’t need a veil,” Buckett captioned an Instagram snapshot of the style, that shows that Mamet paired the look with stud earrings and several strings of stones around her neck. “Congrats @zosiamamet to being the girl that has never been traditional.” Cheers to that!

See More: 13 Wedding Hairstyles with Flowers

While Mamet has remained mum on the wedding day details, she did take to the ‘Gram to post a photo of a pair of bride and groom rubber ducks with an “E + Z” banner hanging in the background. “@evanj550 my best friend, my soulmate, my HUSBAND, I love you,” she wrote. “Here’s to forever and a day.”

@evanj550 my best friend, my soulmate, my HUSBAND, I love you. Here's to forever and a day

A photo posted by @zosiamamet on Oct 2, 2016 at 9:08am PDT