Perhaps it’s not something you can discuss with your mom (or your mother-in-law-to-be for that matter!), but what to wear underneath your wedding gown deserves as much attention as what’s on top. Donning something that makes you feel beautiful will make you shine even brighter on the big day. For San Francisco brides looking for a little lingerie flair, here are some must-see boutiques for that special, sultry something.

Agent Provocateur
The London-based brand Agent Provocateur is known throughout the world as one of the sexiest, most luxurious lingerie houses in existence. Their boutique near Union Square will not disappoint. You’ll walk into a sensual wonderland of exquisite lingerie — from the demure to the adventurous. They also have their own bridal line that offers lingerie, nightwear, and even elaborate garters for the reception toss. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Alla Prima Fine Lingerie
Alla Prima’s two locations in Hayes Valley and North Beach are stocked with luxurious picks from the likes of La Perla and Epure, among others. Here you’ll find that elegant underpinning to make you feel amazing. They also offer bra fittings to makes sure everything is an ideal size.

Eres
Eres has its own freestanding boutique with styles for the bride-to-be with a more streamlined, pared-down aesthetic in mind. The French brand also offers sleek swimwear if you’re inclined to pre-plan for the honeymoon.

Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus is located in a grand atrium-style building near the city’s bustling Union Square. Inside you’ll discover a pleasantly surprising variety of the most luxurious lingerie. It also offers the best mix of sultry lingerie and necessary shapewear from brands like Commando, Spanx, and Wolford. Stay for lunch in the famed (and delectable!) Rotunda restaurant while you’re there. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Still Searching for a Wedding Shutterbug? These San Francisco Photographers Are The Best of The Best

Aricie
Explore Aricie in the Crocker Galleria near downtown San Francisco. The quaint shop is filled with beautiful and luxurious lingerie pieces, including lacy bras, panties, hosiery, and shapewear. They carry hard-to-find brands from all over Europe.

Dark Garden Corsetry & Couture
For the bride who wishes to inject some decadent romance into her bridal lingerie repertoire, she can have all of her needs met at the Hayes Valley boutique, Dark Garden. They specialize in both modern and alternative styles, so every bride can have the perfect corset and accoutrements made to order just for her. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Need more to complete your wedding day (or night!) look? Check out these other Bay Area bridal boutiques!

Margot Robbie and Lily Collins are a study in opposites, and Jessica Alba is glamorous and glowing. Get your wedding beauty inspiration from these red carpet stars.

Margot Robbie at the premiere of ‘The Legend of Tarzan’: If it’s an understated makeup look you’re seeking for your big day, Margot Robbie is the perfect red carpet inspo. Start with a full coverage, matte finish makeup blended into the skin with a wet makeup sponge. Accent your cheekbones with a pink blush, and add a touch of highlighter to the apples of the cheeks and the tip of the nose. Brush your brows up and out, and fill in any sparse places. Tightline the upper lashes with a brown eyeliner and use a rose gold-colored eyeshadow (if you don’t have the perfect shade, you can blend your own using a light brown and pink shadow) from the lashes to the brow. Smudge the same eyeshadow under the lower lashes and swipe on a coat or two of mascara. Line and shade your lips with a mauve lipliner and lipstick (using the liner on your lips before the lipstick ensures a richly pigmented color, as well as provides staying power), and you’re done.

See More: Olivia Palermo, Lupita Nyong’o, and Anna Kendrick Give Major Bridal Beauty Inspiration

Lily Collins at Sony Pictures Television’s screening of Amazon pilots: For a look that is edgy yet apropos for a summer bride, mimic Lily Collins. Perfect your complexion with a full coverage foundation and concealer, and warm up the cheeks with a coral blush. Shape and fill the brows, so that they are well defined and provide a strong ‘anchor’ for the eyes. Tightline the upper lashes and line the lower with a black kohl pencil and create a smokey eye using a dark glittery gray shadow. Make sure you apply a white shadow to the inner corners of the eyes and use several coats of mascara to keep the look feminine. On the lips, swipe a peachy-pearl lip gloss, and you’re done.

Jessica Alba at the premiere of ‘Seoul Searching’: No one does ‘glowing’ quite like Jessica Alba, and to recreate this look, start with the foundation of your choice. Next apply shimmery bronzer in the hollows of the cheeks and then get glowing: Highlight the apples of the cheeks, down the center of the face and around the temples, and don’t be shy! This look requires plenty of shine. Fill in your brows so they look nice and full but still natural. Next, line the eyes with a black eyeliner and apply a strip of false lashes. Use copper eyeshadow on the upper lid and below the lower lash line, and coat the lashes with mascara. Choose the perfect shade of red for your coloring (Jessica’s has blue undertones) and line the lips, followed by a high shine lipstick — a liquid lipstick formula would work well-to finish the high glamour look.

Does the thought of financial planning strikes fear and anxiety into your heart? Feel like you have no idea where to start when it comes to saving, investing or paying down debt? You’re not alone.

When you’re just starting out, it can be difficult to project far into your future and think about what you’ll need to survive on later in life. In Capital One’s most recent Financial Freedom Survey, it was discovered that although 61 percent percent of millennials are confident they’re saving enough, 29 percent of working millennials are saving 5 percent or less for retirement.

We turned to some of the finest financial experts we could find to compile a comprehensive set of things to think about when it comes to your money, all in the hopes of building the most stable financial future possible. They all agree: It’s never too early to start planning.

Know that even if your current finances don’t reflect the framework below, it’s never too late. “Many people will wait to plan their financial futures until they feel comfortable with their month-to-month finances, but by waiting to pay down debt, save or invest until you are in a ‘good place,’ you miss out on opportunities to better optimize your finances in the early stages,” says Jenna Rogers, a certified financial planner in Santa Barbara.

Age 22
By the time you’re 22, aim to have a weekly and monthly budget in place to set yourself up for success. “A good rule of thumb is to allocate 50 percent of your monthly income to fixed costs, like rent, utilities, insurance and standard groceries,” Rogers told us. “Thirty percent can be allocated to discretionary expenses, like dining out and entertainment, while the remaining 20 percent should go into savings.”

She recommends putting your savings account on autopilot and directly transferring funds from every paycheck. If you don’t see it come into your checking account, you won’t miss it. “Aim to pad your savings account with at least three to six times your monthly expenses by contributing monthly to it until you have this size of a cushion set aside,” advises Genti Cici, lead advisor at InvestED. “Although interest rates on standard savings accounts are very low, this safety net can be a lifesaver for the unexpected.”

Looking for the best savings account? “Check bankrate.com for interest comparisons across institutions, and look for no-fee and bonus-awarding accounts,” recommends Rachel Jimenez of TalkRaw.org.

Age 25
By 25, paying down debt from student loans and credit cards should be a priority.

Assess what kinds of debt you’ve accumulated. Good debt is associated with an asset that will grow in value over time. “This includes student loans,” says Genti. “Taken on in moderation, they may provide value in future job prospects. A business loan could also be considered good debt if it’s used to invest in a profitable venture.”

When it comes to paying down student debt, Rogers recommends giving priority to any loan with an interest rate higher than 6 percent. (If your interest rate is lower, you may wish to prioritize saving for retirement over paying down the student loan, but still make sure you make payments on time. Some federal student loans offer forgiveness after 10-25 years as long as you haven’t missed any deadlines.) It can also be worth exploring if your private loans could be refinanced through a bank to secure a more favorable interest rate.

“Bad debt,” on the other hand, includes things like 15 to 20 percent interest rate credit cards used to buy things that don’t have long-term value, Genti says. “The goods you’ve spent money on, like a dinner, disappear, but the debt remains if not paid off.” While credit cards may be necessary to help build your credit, it’s important they be taken seriously — and used only as needed — to avoid damaging your rating, particularly if you’re also starting to think about the possibility of purchasing a home.

Rogers suggests paying these off these balances aggressively. “Making only the minimum payments, on top of paying 10 to 20 percent interest, is a losing game,” she says. “Use any additional income or savings, when available, to tackle credit balances, starting with the highest interest rate cards first.”

With the great credit you maintain, you may start to entertain the idea of home ownership, which is easier with a higher credit score. But do the math before you buy. The monthly costs — including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance and any HOA fees — should be less than 28 percent of your monthly pre-tax gross household income, says Genti. And, he advises, don’t forget the up-front costs of Realtors, closing costs and interest. “Set yourself up for the best interest rates by applying with a down payment of at least 20 percent,” he says. “This will help you avoid the cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is added when your down payment is less than 20 percent.”

Age 28
If you haven’t done so already, start thinking about saving for retirement and exploring investments. “Even just $25 a month, when contributed wisely, can add up,” Rogers says.

If your employer offers a retirement plan, such as a 401(k), it’s wise to contribute up to the employer match. “Think of it this way,” says Genti, “if your employer contributes 3 percent and you contribute 3 percent, that’s a 100 percent return on your contribution. Take advantage of this.”

If you’re not enrolled in a 401(k), or you’re already contributing the maximum, Rogers suggests considering opening an IRA. Although you’ll pay taxes when you withdraw later on, an IRA will allow you to set aside funds for retirement and offer state and federal tax deductions when you deposit into it. ROTH IRAs are also great for anyone earning less than $115,000. They don’t offer tax breaks for contributing, but they’re tax-free when you withdraw in retirement.

If you’re exploring building an investment portfolio, your options may be active investing, where a mutual fund manager handles your investments by selecting where and when to move your money, and passive or index investing, where funds are exchange-traded with less interaction.

“Index funds are lower cost — often 1/10 of the price of active funds — and provide for wider diversification and higher tax efficiency. Research shows that over time, indexing does better than 80-90 percent of fund managers, after fees,” Genti explains. “One of the worst things you can do, especially as a new or independent investor, is to trade and sell too often to try to beat the market. It usually doesn’t end well.”

See more: How to Talk About Finances Before Marriage

Age 30
By 30, you may be at a place to negotiate a raise to help further your financial goals.

Jimenez suggests checking out payscale.com before broaching the topic with your superiors. The site administers a short quiz to estimate your market value based on your job history and industry. Prior to performance reviews, ensure you’ve asked for feedback and have demonstrated significant professional growth to increase the likelihood you’ll get what you ask for.

Now may also be the time to craft a long-term financial plan to help you succeed. Consider hiring a financial planner to help with this next big step.

The most important questions to ask when beginning your search? “Look for someone with the certified financial planner (CFP) mark,” Rogers says. “This means they have taken rigorous courses and exams on financial planning and investment management. If they are a registered investment advisor (RIA), even better, as this means they have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest.”

Genti recommends finding out how your planner is paid: Is it directly by you, the client, or by the funds they recommend? If they are paid by the mutual funds via commissions, the advisor may be influenced by things other than your best interest. Instead, seek out planners who will work on a percentage of your assets, say 1 percent, or a $2,000 flat fee for a financial plan, to ensure they’re putting your interests first.

Finally, ensure their service schedule and method in person, by phone, or email meet your needs. Make sure they have a proactive system in place to ensure your financial goals are regularly updated.

The big takeaway
Planning for your financial future is particularly tricky for generations that have come of age since the Great Depression (yes, even now). “Uncertainty about the world economy makes planning more difficult,” explains Lori Sackler, senior vice president and senior investment management consultant at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and author of The M Word: The Money Talk Every Family Needs to Have About Wealth and Their Financial Future and, most recently, The M Word Journal. “Plans may need to be adjusted to include additional years in the workforce to generate earnings and investing choices may need to be adjusted to account for the need for greater growth.”

Sooner than later, start having conversations with family, your partner and a financial planner if you desire. Discussions about money may be challenging, but avoiding them will only create bigger problems down the road. “Regardless of the level of wealth, size or cultural background, every family struggles with successfully handling money issues and the money talks that are essential to avoid failure,” says Sackler. In other words, a little planning today will go a long way toward all the days to come.

See More: 25 Pieces of the Best Marriage Advice EVER (Collected Over 13 Years)

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Deciding what to do about your wedding vows can be tricky. For those having a more traditionally religious wedding, the vows are already built in. But whether or not you’re having a religious or cultural wedding, these traditional wedding vows below may inspire you to add a variety of faiths into your own wedding ceremony.

Jewish
During a traditional Jewish wedding, the bride and groom may say these words as they exchange rings:

In Hebrew: Ani L’Dodi, v’Dodi Li
In English: I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.

Along with the ring exchange, the seven blessings, or Sheva Berakhot, are typically recited by your rabbi, cantor, or family members, in English or Hebrew.

Hindu
There are 15 specific rituals followed in a traditional a Hindu wedding ceremony, one being the Seven Steps, or Saptha Padhi. In this tradition, the bride and groom walk around a flame (honoring Agni, the fire god). The prayers that are recited during this walk are the promises the couple is making to each other for their future:

Let us take the first step to provide for our household a nourishing and pure diet, avoiding those foods injurious to healthy living.
Let us take the second step to develop physical, mental, and spiritual powers.
Let us take the third step to increase our wealth by righteous means and proper use.
Let us take the fourth step to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony by mutual love and trust.
Let us take the fifth step so that we are blessed with strong, virtuous, and heroic children.
Let us take the sixth step for self-restraint and longevity.
Finally, let us take the seventh step and be true companions and remain lifelong partners by this wedlock.

Muslim
Typically, Muslim couples do not exchange vows during the ceremony. Instead, the imam will ask the bride and groom if they accept each other in terms of their marriage contract, or Nikah, three times. Once the couple answers that they do, all three times, they sign the Nikah. If exchanging vows is important to you and your fiancé, discuss options with your imam for proper wording.

Protestant, Episcopal
Traditional Protestant and Episcopal wedding vows may be the most familiar to you. If you’re nervous about slipping up, ask your cleric to perform the vows in a read-and-repeat style.

In the name of God, I, (groom/bride’s name), take you, (groom/bride’s name), to be my (husband/wife), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

Methodist
These vows are more of a call and response. The only words a bride and groom have to remember to be wedded: “I do.”

Officiant: “Will you have this (woman/man) to be your (wife/husband), to live together in holy marriage? Will you love (her/him), comfort (her/him), honor, and keep (her/him) in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to (her/him) as long as you both shall live?”

Bride/Groom: “I do”

Lutheran
Similar to other Christian religions, Lutheran vows can be read by your officiant and repeated if you are worried about missing your lines.

I, ______, take you, ______, to be my (wife/husband), and these things I promise you: I will be faithful to you and honest with you; I will respect, trust, help, and care for you; I will share my life with you; I will forgive you as we have been forgiven; and I will try with you better to understand ourselves, the world, and God; through the best and worst of what is to come, and as long as we live.

Baptist
There are two options for traditional Baptist vows. The first is a call and response from your officiant:

Officiant: “Will you, ______ have ______ to be your (wife/husband)? Will you love her/him, comfort and keep her/him, and forsaking all others remain true to her/him, as long as you both shall live?”
Bride/Groom: “I will.”
Your other option is a shorter version of vows—one line said by both bride and groom:
I, ______, take thee, ______, to be my (wife/husband), and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true (husband/wife).

Catholic
Before you get to your vows, Catholic brides and grooms usually have to answer three questions from the priest:

“(Name) and (name), have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?”
“Will you honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?”
“Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?”
You will respond with either “I will” or “yes,” then continue onto the vows themselves:

I, (name), take you, (name), to be my (husband/wife). I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

Buddhist
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the bride and groom answer the first set of vows read by the officiant together. The vows are longer than in many other religions, but create a sense of companionship as the couple respond in unison.

Officiant: (Bride’s first name) and (groom’s first name) do you pledge to help each other to develop your hearts and minds, cultivating compassion, generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, concentration and wisdom as you age and undergo the various ups and downs of life and to transform them into the path of love, compassion, joy and equanimity?
Bride/Groom: “We do”
Officiant: Recognizing that the external conditions in life will not always be smooth and that internally your own minds and emotions will sometimes get stuck in negativity, do you pledge to see all these circumstances as a challenge to help you grow, to open your hearts, to accept yourselves, and each other; and to generate compassion for others who are suffering?
Bride/Groom: “We do”
Officiant: Understanding that just as we are a mystery to ourselves, each other person is also a mystery to us, do you pledge to seek to understand yourselves, each other, and all living beings, to examine your own minds continually and to regard all the mysteries of life with curiosity and joy?
Bride/Groom: “We do”
Officiant: Do you pledge to preserve and enrich your affection for each other, and to share it with all beings? To take the loving feelings you have for one another and your vision of each other’s potential and inner beauty as an example and rather than spiraling inwards and becoming self absorbed, to radiate this love outwards to all beings?
Bride/Groom: “We do”
Officiant: When it comes time to part, do you pledge to look back at your time together with joy- joy that you met and shared what you have-and acceptance that we cannot hold on to anything forever?
Bride/Groom: “We do”
Officiant: Do you pledge to remember the disadvantages of ignorance, anger and clinging attachment, to apply antidotes when these arise in your minds, and to remember the kindness of all other beings and your connection to them? Do you pledge to work for the welfare of others, with all of your compassion, wisdom and skill?
Bride/Groom: “We do”
Officiant: Do you pledge day to day, to be patient with yourselves and others, knowing that change comes slowly and gradually, and to seek inspiration from your teachers not to become discouraged?
Bride/Groom: “We do”

Then the bride and groom may be asked to make their separate vows.

Officiant: Do you, (groom/bride’s name) promise to love, cherish and work day and night to bring total happiness to (groom/bride’s name)? Do you promise to practice generosity, morality, patience, and joy in all you do; mindfulness and wisdom to treat (groom/bride’s name) and all others with loving kindness and compassion, for all the time you are together, knowing that this marriage can only be as good as the two of you make it.
Bride/Groom: I do.”

Native American (Apache)
In Apache tradition, there may not be exchanging of vows. However, a wedding blessing is read to the couple:

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.

Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at one time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives — remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

Native American (Cherokee)
In another Native American tradition, Cherokee also read a beautiful wedding blessing to their brides and grooms:

God in heaven above please protect the ones we love. We honor all you created as we pledge our hearts and lives together. We honor Mother Earth and ask for our marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the seasons. We honor fire and ask that our union be warm and glowing with love in our hearts. We honor wind and ask that we sail through life safe and calm as in our father’s arms. We honor water to clean and soothe our relationship — that it may never thirst for love. With all the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony as we grow forever young together. Amen.

See More: Nonreligious Wedding Ceremony Reading Ideas

In honor of the 4th of July, we put together a roundup of some of our favorite red, white, and blue wedding ideas to show you just how fun and festive it is to put a patriotic spin on your wedding day. Happy Independence Day!

Red, White, and Blue Bridal Bouquet (above): This fresh and whimsical bouquet features blooms like hydrangeas, ranunculuses, and anemones in an Americana-themed color palette.

Patriotic Socks: For a subtle nod to the occasion, have your groom and his groomsmen don socks in red, white, and blue.

Confetti Poppers: Instead of rice, have guests shower you with confetti in bright shades of red, white, and blue.

Ceremony Exit: Depart from the ceremony amid a sea of waving American flags.

Drink Stirrers: Garnish your wedding cocktails with these fun watercolor-flag drink stirrers. Get the DIY tutorial here.

Cornhole: During cocktail hour, invite guests to play a few rounds of cornhole (painted with stars and stripes, natch!).

Streamers: If you’re hosting an alfresco reception, create a pretty overhead canopy using strands of globe lights and red, white, and blue streamers.

For a honeymoon that’s equal parts scenic cruising, New England charm, and delicious eats, look no further than Maine, whose rugged coasts and maritime ports of call are home to more than 60 lighthouses — the most of any New England state — and where the fresh catch of the day always includes local Maine lobster.

The best way to divvy up a week-long honeymoon so that you and your new hubby have time to see the sights (without needing to be on the move every day) is to spend two nights in three different locales along the coast, plus one or more nights in downtown Portland, an eclectic mix of Maine past and present.

The road trip follows Maine’s picturesque Route 1, beginning with two nights along the state’s southern coast in the historic Kennebunkport area, which is home to some of the state’s best beaches and numerous lighthouses. Two must-see sights: The Nubble Lighthouse in York and the Portland Head Lighthouse, the state’s oldest lighthouse (built 1787-1790), which stands at the entrance to Portland Harbor.

From here, head north towards the Rockland-Camden area, two quintessentially Maine towns. Home to the Maine Lighthouse Museum and the new Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockland is the Maine coast’s cultural and creative hub, while Camden is known for its boutique shopping, luxe lodging, and world-class dining. Note that to see the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, time your visit accordingly — the mile-long breakwater path is only accessible during low tide.

No Maine road trip would be complete without a stop in Bar Harbor, the picturesque gateway to Maine’s Acadia National Park, which happens to be celebrating its centennial this year. One of the nation’s oldest national parks, Acadia embodies Maine’s rugged, natural beauty in all its splendor: rocky bluffs, untamed wilderness, and the smell of fresh sea air. After driving the park’s 27-mile Loop Road, get out and explore by foot; the park features more than 130 miles of hiking trails.

Where to stay? From historic inns, to B&Bs, to boutique hotels, Maine’s coastal towns offer an array of lodging options. The New England Inns & Resorts Association has an easy-to-use search feature that’s integrated with Google Maps, and Maine’s official visitor website, VisitMaine.com, is another a great resource. Recent openings include boutique hotel 16 Bayview in downtown Camden and the Press Hotel in downtown Portland; the Cliff House, a Destination Hotel, is a luxe new property slated to open this summer along Maine’s southern coast.

Don’t have time to plan a honeymoon on top of all the wedding planning? Inns Along the Coast, a collection of eight historic inns, offers a 6-night package where the only decision that you’ll have to make is at which property to stay. The site also has a “Plan Your Trip” section with itineraries geared towards adventure, the arts and culinary interests — a helpful resource for any bride thinking about a Maine honeymoon. Add the Lobsters, Lighthouses & Luxury Along the Coast package to part or all of your honeymoon for a truly memorable experience, and why not? It is your honeymoon, after all!

See More: The 10 Most Unexpectedly Romantic Cities

If there’s one woman who isn’t afraid to get real about weight loss, it’s Jillian Michaels. She’s known for her badass, no-holds-barred approach to transforming lives on TV shows like The Biggest Loser and Sweat Inc., and she’s made a name for herself as America’s toughest trainer — with good reason. There’s no doubt about it: The woman gets results.

I chatted with Michaels at an event for KRAVE Jerky, and, to be honest, I was a little nervous going in. Was she going to make me do 10 burpees on the spot? Would she grill me about what I ate for lunch? Neither of those things happened, but let’s be clear, there’s no on-screen persona to speak of: She’s just as authentic, unapologetic, and passionate IRL, but in the loveliest way. I couldn’t decide if I wanted her to be my trainer or my best friend.

Either way, though, Michaels has seen it all when it comes to weight loss: What works, what doesn’t, and everything in between. And even if weight loss isn’t your goal, these are the seven rules Michaels swears by:

1. Don’t overeat (that means healthy foods, too).
“Weight maintenance and weight loss are about how much you’re taking in,” says Michaels. “I don’t care how healthy the food is. Don’t overeat!” she stresses. Granted, healthier foods will do a better job of fueling your body, but at the end of the day, a calorie is a calorie. If you are looking to lose weight, here’s how to determine how many calories you should be eating each day.

2. Count your calories — but not forever.
While counting calories has a bad rap in some nutritional circles, Michaels considers it to be absolutely essential if you’re trying to lose weight — and she doesn’t budge on that opinion. “You must know the calories,” says Michaels. “I can’t tell you how many times people come to me and they’re like, ‘I can’t lose weight.’ Or ‘I’ve plateaued.’ And then I look at the simple math and I’m like, dude!” While calorie requirements for weight loss are different for every person, Michaels urges people to get an app to do the work for you — and once you get the hang of it, you can be conscious of the calories in your food without the technology.

“I know it by heart now. For example, I tend to eat the same 20 things, and I’m betting most other people do, too. The same three to five breakfasts, the same three to five lunches, the same three to five snacks — Look them up! You’ll know every meal. For example, if I have two eggs for breakfast, and each egg is 80 calories, plus a piece of whole grain toast, which is about 80 calories, the whole breakfast is 240 calories, and now I know. Eventually, you can eyeball things. Two weeks of work and you’ll know it forever.”

3. Read labels and make eating quality, nutritious food your number one priority.
Even though calories are an important factor in weight loss, it’s about quality, too. “Forget the special diets, like, ‘I’m paleo!’ ‘I’m vegan!’ The bottom line is, it’s about the quality of your food. Get rid of the chemicals,” she says. “Read the label. You have to be proactive about your own health in every possible way. And if you don’t know what the hell it is, you probably shouldn’t be eating it.”

Obviously I'm celebrating #EarthDay by eating! Thanks to my friends at @greensburymrkt for making it so easy (and delicious!). I’m thawing out my salmon filets for dinner tonight! What’s on your plate today? Tag #EarthDayEats and my lucky winner will be sent a box of the very best organic meat and sustainable seafood from my go-to source #whygreensbury #Organicliving #Grassfed #Healthy #Earthdayiseveryday #Loveourplanet #Greensbury #Organicmeat

A photo posted by Jillian Michaels (@jillianmichaels) on Apr 22, 2016 at 12:42pm PDT

That doesn’t mean all packaged foods are off-limits: For example, Michaels likes to snack on Sunbiotics almonds and KRAVE Jerky (who she’s a spokesperson for). “I found KRAVE — they didn’t come to me. I invested in the company,” she adds. “No corn syrup, no MSG, no nitrates, it tastes great, it’s protein, and it’s low in calories.” (She even read me the ingredients label to me to prove it.)

When it comes to eating for weight loss, she swears it’s more simple than you think: “If you don’t overeat and you’re removing chemicals as often as you possibly can, that’s all you need to worry about when it comes to your food.”

See More: How Many Calories Women Should Eat For Weight Loss

4. Be consistent with exercise.
Eating right is only part of the equation when it comes to losing weight. That’s where fitness comes in. Her number one rule for exercise is to be consistent. “Try to go at least four times a week, and try to get in at least four half-hour routines,” she says. “Consistency is critical.” So, no, you don’t have to bust your butt in the gym five times a week for an hour each session to see results, according to Michaels. Ultimately you want to set up a regular and consistent habit that you can turn into a lifelong routine.

Who is ready for June?! Summertime is coming! ?????????? #June #Summer

A photo posted by Jillian Michaels (@jillianmichaels) on Jun 1, 2016 at 10:37am PDT

5. Do a variety of workouts you actually like.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what the “best” workout for weight loss is, says Michaels. “I could tell you exactly what to do, but if you don’t like it, you’re not going to do it,” she says. “Find a few things that you enjoy, and then mix it up.” Variety is key, Michaels explains. Keeping your workout routine varied (and constantly progressing), will help prevent injuries, boredom, and plateaus.

See More: Ab Exercises That You Can Do Anywhere

6. Up your workout intensity every two weeks.
“Make sure that you’re constantly upping the ante. If it’s a push-up you’ve been doing on your knees, go to your hands and feet. If you’ve been doing 10 reps, do 12. If you’ve been lifting 20 pounds, lift 25. Every two weeks, up the intensity a little bit.” You can do that by picking up the pace, resting less between reps, increasing the weight, or trying more challenging modifications of your go-to exercises, she explains.

Aim for the sky, and then reach higher! What motivates you to achieve your goals? #dailyIMPACT

A photo posted by Jillian Michaels (@jillianmichaels) on Jul 16, 2015 at 10:59am PDT

7. Most importantly, identify your “why” and write it down.
Your habits in the kitchen and in the gym are important, but your mindset is a major key to losing weight — and keeping it off. “Identify your why, and really go into detail,” says Michaels. “Not like, I want better health. I don’t know what that means. Maybe it’s, I want to keep up with my two toddlers. I want to run the New York City Marathon. Those kinds of things. Post it everywhere, and emotionally connect to it. Because let’s be honest: Pizza is going to taste better than chicken any day of the week. However, whatever it is that matters to you, if you give a shit about it, it’s going to matter more than pizza.”

The bottom line is that you don’t have to follow a super-strict, no-pizza-ever plan. But you do have to make healthy choices on a regular basis. It’s all about finding what works best for you.

See More: 10-Minute Fat-Burning Cardio Workout

Surprising Taraneh is no easy feat, but in August of 2014, Chris pulled it off. “Unbeknownst to me, when I was driving to Westchester for a work trip, Chris was in the car an hour behind me. I had checked into the hotel and heard a knock on the door. When I opened it, Chris was down on one knee with a ring in his hand!” Taraneh remembers.

The New York couple kept their wedding close to home, choosing the Hall of Springs in Saratoga for its historic charm and beauty. They invited 225 guests to join them there on October 9, 2015, making the most of the gorgeous location and the stunning changing leaves. The detail-oriented bride took on the planning herself, using blush, gold, and ivory to create a romantic and elegant celebration that was personal, cozy, and a whole lot of fun! Check out the stunning details, photographed by Twah Dougherty, below!

The blush theme was carried throughout the celebration, starting with Taraneh’s pale pink Badgley Mischka pumps. She matched the crystal-capped shoes with a pair of dangling earrings and a beaded garter. Even her bouquet was in keeping with the romantic color palette, with blush and ivory Sahara roses interspersed with seeded eucalyptus and succulents.

The pair’s classic invitation suite combined gold calligraphy with sweet drawings of the Saratoga area.

Guests were welcomed to town with baskets of Saratoga Springs water, custom cookies, popcorn, and hand-written cards from the bride and groom.

Taraneh went with the classic combination of lace and tulle for her soft, romantic Tara Keely wedding dress.

Complete with a drop-waist, the elegant silhouette featured layers of tulle and horsehair trim beneath a lace corset bodice. The groom donned a classic black tux to complement his Taraneh’s ensemble.

“I’ve always known my bridesmaids would wear blush,” says the bride. The girls donned Jenny Yoo gowns, with the maid of honor in a drop-waist silhouette. Their bouquets combined Sahara roses and eucalyptus leaves to match the bride. The groomsmen’s tuxedos helped complete the formal look.

The ceremony took place beneath the venue’s brick portico, with rows of gold Chivari chairs flanking the walkway. Arrangements of hydrangeas and greenery were set behind the chairs, with the ceremony taking place right in the middle of it all.

Where the two aisles met, roses and greenery were surrounded by floating candles for the couple’s ceremony. “We were literally surrounded by our family and friends,” says the bride.

The couple wrote a set of vows to exchange with one another during the ceremony, and further personalized this portion of the day by asking the bride’s sister to read a love poem.

Beneath the venue’s chandelier and surrounded by columns, round tables were set for the reception. The towering centerpieces combined ferns, hydrangeas, and roses in blush and peach tones, surrounded by floating candles. Those bottles of wine? Wedding favors!

For dinner, guests dined on beef tenderloin, potato-crusted salmon, chicken scallopini, and grilled vegetable napoleons.

Chris and Taraneh sat at a sweetheart table draped with a garland of greenery and roses. Floating candles cast a glow over the table, arranged on the floor and nearby cocktail tables to enhance the romantic feel.

The bride and groom’s private table, bathed in candlelight, featured a lighter version of the reception’s place settings, accented in gold.

Guests sipped Wedding Cake Martinis as they chose between three flavors of real slices: almond cake with strawberry filling, chocolate cake with raspberry filling, or vanilla cake with white chocolate mousse — all decorated with soft textured buttercream and cascades of blush Sahara roses.

When they weren’t on the dance floor, the couple’s guests could be found having their portrait drawn by caricature artists or smoking cigars on the patio.

“Being married surrounded by our guests gave the ceremony a feeling of intimacy,” says Taraneh. She and Chris took an extended honeymoon, visiting San Francisco, Hawaii, and Las Vegas. “Wedding planning can be stressful at times,” says the bride, “but working out the details will bring you closer to your family and friends than you could ever imagine!”

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hall of Springs || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Tara Keely || Shoes: Badgley Mischka || Jewelry: BHLDN || Hair: Julie Potter Master Stylist || Makeup: Kyle Anne Garcia || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo || Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: Tuxego || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Tacori; Hannoush Jewelers || Florist: Felthousen’s Florist || Invitations & Paper Goods: Paper Dolls of Saratoga || Calligraphy: eDanae Studio || Music: The Accents Band || Catering: Mazzone Hospitality || Cake: Coccadotts Cake Shop || Rentals: Total Events LLC || Caricatures: Phil Singer; Rich Conley || Videographer: Clark + Walker Studio || Photographer: Twah Dougherty

Want to see more parties just like this? Then check out another stunning New York wedding in the video below.

Wedding-day timelines are an absolute necessity. Knowing when vendors will arrive, what time your first look is scheduled, and when the band should be ready to play your first dance song keeps everyone on-track — if only you could distribute that pages-long, minute-by-minute timeline to your guests to make sure they’re where you need them to be! The biggest timing detail guests need to keep in mind is the start time of your ceremony, so how can you make sure everyone shows up with time to spare? Here are a few tips to make sure no one is late to your wedding.

While you might be tempted to print an earlier time on your wedding invitations, resist the urge. Most guests know that a wedding ceremony will begin promptly at the time stated on the invitation, so they’ll plan to arrive at least 20 minutes in advance to park and find a seat before you come down the aisle. If you tell guests the ceremony is at 5 p.m. instead of 5:30, they’ll arrive at 4:45, which means they’ll be waiting a full 45 minutes for you to make your appearance — not the way you want to start your celebration!

Instead, make sure the start time is clearly communicated, from your invitation and wedding website to the notes in guests’ welcome bags. Worried about traffic? Include that, too! Advise guests to leave a little extra time for travel, whether it’s due to a long-term construction project or a venue in a high-traffic area where parking can be tough.

A foolproof way to make sure guests arrive right on time is to eliminate the potential for human error and provide a shuttle service, instead. Distribute the shuttle schedule in your welcome bags, and have your shuttles leave with plenty of time to get to your venue. This will have everyone arriving exactly when you want them to, so no one will be late!

See more: 6 Things to Make Sure You Add on Your Day-Of Wedding Timeline