Bridal showers are the perfect pre-wedding celebration that’ll bring together the women who cherish and support you the most in this world. But, sometimes these pre-wedding festivities aren’t for everyone. Whether you find that planning a bridal shower is eating up too much of your (or your MOH’s) time and money or that most of the people you’d like to invite live too far away, it’s OK to skip having a bridal shower. Here are five reasons to not have a bridal shower (that are totally legitimate).

1. Guests Live Far Away
If your family and close friends live in a different state, country or just somewhere that’ll be tough for them to drive in for the weekend, you may want to skip a bridal shower just out of sheer logistics. Instead, do a spa day or lunch with your girls the day before the wedding when everyone is in town.

2. Time is of the Essence
If your wedding is a few months away and you haven’t had a chance to think about a shower or can’t find a single free weekend or weekday to have one, you may want to just cross this off your list. Save your free time and brain power to focus on your wedding and to try and relax before the big day arrives and your guests shower you there.

3. Planning Makes You Crazed
Sometimes planning a bridal shower can feel like you are planning a second wedding, especially if you don’t have any family members or friends to pitch in and help. If you find yourself in charge of planning the shower and it’s making you extra stressed, you may start to see that it’s not worth it to throw another party.

4. You’d Rather Do Something Else
If you roll your eyes at the idea of getting all the women in your life together to open presents, eat lunch, and play some games, that’s okay. Instead, plan an event that’s more your style, whether it’s an afternoon of bowling or an outdoor potluck.

5. Not Looking for Gifts
One of the main reasons brides have a shower is to score some gifts from their registry. If you decided to not have a registry or feel like you don’t want your guests to bring gifts, you can ask them to make a donation to a charity instead — or just do away with a traditional shower.

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.

See More: What Should You Do if No One Has Planned Your Bridal Shower Yet?

When it comes to taking your engagement photos in Miami, the beach is probably the first location that comes to mind. In classic Florida style, engaged couples flock to the shore for picturesque shots at sunrise, sunset, and every time in between. But if you’re looking for somewhere quirkier, more colorful, and less sandy — look no further than Miami’s Wynwood Art District.

Located on 2nd Avenue between 25th and 26th Streets are the Wynwood Walls, a series of large warehouses covered in stunning graffiti. The Wynwood Walls were opened to the public as a free art attraction in 2009 to display pieces by some of the world’s greatest street artists. The walls are the perfect spot for engaged couples looking to think outside the box. From when to go to what to wear, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to taking engagement pictures at the Wynwood Walls.

The least crowded days of the week
As you’d expect, the Wynwood Walls tend to be busiest on the weekend. Luckily, the walls are open seven days a week. For the best chance at having the place (almost) to yourselves, schedule your photographer between Monday and Thursday. If you do choose to shoot on the weekend, avoid the second Saturday of each month, when organized tour groups gather for the monthly Wynwood Art Walk.

The least crowded time of day
The walls open every day at 10:30 a.m., and the earlier you arrive, the less crowds you’ll face. But it’s also important to consider lighting. Ask your photographer what the best time of day is for ideal lighting at the walls, then weigh both factors when choosing your time slot.

What to wear
Street art is all about artistic expression through vivid colors and images, and the Wynwood Walls are no exception. If you’re planning to snap photos at more than one wall, keep your outfits simple to avoid competing — or worse, clashing — with your backdrop. A simple white blouse with jeans or a summer dress in a solid color will keep the focus on you and your partner, not the art in the background. And a simple, crisp button down paired with jeans or neutral slacks will work wonders for your fiancé.

See More: Get Dolled Up For Your Engagement Photos With One of Our Favorite Local Makeup Artists

The best Wynwood Wall for every type of bride
Since 2009, the Wynwood Walls have featured work by over 50 artists from all across the world. So it’s no surprise each installation is as unique as it is beautiful. Below you’ll find the spots that best align with your bridal style.

• Ultra-Feminine Brides: Ladylike brides will love French artist Fafi’s flower wall, a romantic mural adorned in an array of colorful blooms. The backdrop may even provide some bouquet inspiration!

• Modern Brides: Brides with an eye for design will gravitate toward Maya Hayuk’s bright, geometric backdrop. The colors and symmetry look great on camera, which means your shots will be perfect for Instagram later on.

• Quirky Brides: Lady Pink’s eccentric mural of an abstract body against a city skyline almost has an Alice in Wonderland-type feel. Quirky, unconventional brides will appreciate a backdrop that seems to tell its own story.

• Boho Brides: Boho brides will love the sense of peace showcased in this mural by artists Cryptik and DALeast. Swirling ribbon designs and calligraphy coupled with enlightening imagery are sure to leave an impact on friends and family.

Where to grab lunch after your session
After a long day of smiling and posing, treat yourselves to a delicious meal together at Wynwood Kitchen and Bar. The eclectic restaurant serves authentic latin-inspired tapas full of Miami flare. And with panoramic canvases covering the walls, you and your fiancé are sure to enjoy reflecting on the day (over a serving of WKB’s signature chocolate flan, of course).

Need a photographer for your Miami engagement photos? Check out some of our favorites on our Local Vendors page!

This is it… The final countdown to your big day. And along with settling those last few details — figuring out where to seat your eccentric Uncle Carl, firming up the flowers — you’re likely also making one last push to make sure the body that will be wearing that gorgeous white gown looks as good as it possibly can. You and nearly every other woman with an engagement ring on her finger. In fact, research shows that an overwhelming 91 percent of brides-to-be are anxious about their weight. But from here on out, you won’t have to be!

Whether you want to drop those last few pounds or look more toned — or both — we’ve got a month’s worth of daily tips (none of which require starving yourself or working out nonstop!) that will help you feel stunning and confident when you walk down that aisle. You know where to send the thank-you card. Let’s get started!

Day 20: Exercise First Thing in The Morning

As hard as it may be to drag yourself out of a warm, cozy bed at 6 A.M. to workout, it could do amazing things for your body. (#Worthit!) Research shows that exercising first thing in a “fasted state” — meaning, before you eat anything — can jack up your workout’s fat-burning effects.

“There are a couple of reasons why this works. First, levels of cortisol — a hormone that promotes fat metabolism for energy — are higher in the morning, so if you work out with no food in your system, it leads to higher amounts of fat burning,” says Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist and personal trainer in San Diego.

“Also, because your body burns calories even when you’re sleeping, by the time you get up in the morning there are lower levels of carbohydrates in your system that are available for fuel — so your body has to rely on fat stores as its main source of energy.”

See More: 12 Workout Myths That Just Need to Die

To maximize the effect, he recommends keeping your workout to 30 to 40 minutes — no matter what kind of exercise you do in the A.M. And yes, it’s okay to have coffee with a splash of milk first. A girl has to wake up, after all!

You can also have a low-glycemic snack — like an apple, or half of a whole wheat English muffin with a little peanut butter — if your stomach is really rumbling pre-workout. But nothing too sugary, or your insulin levels will rise — which has the opposite effect of helping to promote fat storage.

Just getting started on our 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up? Kick off your journey from Day One, here.

It may seem like just yesterday that you said, “I do,” but a whole year has passed — and now the time has come to celebrate your first wedding anniversary! Traditionally, your one year anniversary is the “paper” anniversary, suggesting paper based gifts. While we love this notion, we also think there’s nothing wrong with breaking with tradition a bit and getting creative. Check out these six unique ways to celebrate 365 days of wedded bliss.

Go Back In Time
Ever wish you could re-live your wedding day? (Only every day, right?) You can! Sort of. Go back in time and revisit the place where you said your vows. If you got married at a hotel, book a room for the evening — you can even ask if they have the bridal suite available if it’s a weeknight or weekend and there are no other weddings booked. If you got married at a restaurant, go back for dinner and possibly even order items served at your wedding. Indulge in dessert too, or head back home to have the top tier of your wedding cake if you’ve saved it.

Get Dolled Up
Chances are the last time you had your hair or makeup professionally done was your wedding day. (If not, we’re jealous!) So, treat yourself and glam it up for the night. Make reservations at a fancy restaurant or buy tickets for a show for the perfect excuse (not that you need one) to look your best for a night on the town. Have fun shopping for outfits together, or surprise each other separately. There’s something so special and fun about getting dressed up for an occasion dedicated to celebrating you.

Be Traditional… with a Twist
You can be unique and different while still sticking to the paper concept. Rewrite your vows together on gorgeous stationary (frame it after) and re-read them to one another, just keep the tissues handy! Or, opt for event or show tickets (hey, they’re on paper!) in the spirit of tradition and shared experience. Money is paper too, so get a bunch of singles and head to the casino, or arcade for some games of chance, since you’re lucky in love.

The Ultimate Night In
We’re not talking the usual Friday night in with popcorn and wine. Think more along the lines of a luxurious and relaxing in-home massage treatment (services like Zeel will bring the spa to you), sexy lingerie, candles, music and more. Ditch your usual takeout options and cook up your favorite meal together, or order in from your favorite upscale restaurant. Pop in your wedding DVD for some added nostalgia. You won’t need to leave the house (or the bedroom) for an anniversary to remember.

Splurge
Once your wallets have recovered from all the costs associated with wedding planning, treat yourselves to something special to help commemorate your anniversary. Whether it’s a right hand ring for you and the latest tech gadget for him, or something you can purchase together that will last forever like a piece of art, an antique, or — for the uber-adventurous — a tattoo, it just might be the first time since you got married that you treat yourselves.

Second Honeymoon
Time flies when you’re having fun. But if the rest, relaxation and bliss of your honeymoon feels oh-so far away get out of town. Literally. It doesn’t have to be as grandiose as your honeymoon (but it totally can be) it just has to be time spent together, and away, making memories as you kick off your second year of marriage, and the rest of your lives together.

See More: How Your Wedding Date Can Impact Your Future

If the worst part of planning a wedding is the actual planning part (kidding, well, kind of!), then the second worst part definitely has to be writing the thank you notes, especially if your big day wasn’t exactly on the small side. Ugh, kill us now! It’s like the work never ends even after the wedding is over and done with. So of course, like any other bride, you want to get those thank you notes over and done with as quick as possible. But procrastination sounds so much better right now. We know, we know; it’s tough! Fortunately, we’ve rounded up five helpful hacks that will encourage you to get those thank you notes out in a jiffy and lift a weight off your shoulders at the same time. So yeah, it’s a win-win!

1. Address your thank you notes with the invitations
Kill two birds with one stone…or uh, something like that. Chancey Charm Atlanta wedding planner Brie Owens recommends investing time beforehand and addressing your thank you envelopes at the same time as your invitations. “Bring the bridesmaids over to help and take a photo at your reception or engagement session with a thank you sign that you can send with a brief thanks!”

2. Buy a return address stamp
Just trust us on this one; it’s crucial! Chancey Charm Charlotte wedding planner Miranda Tassi agrees. In addition to pre-labeling your envelopes and return address ahead of time, to be super speedy, she suggests ordering a fun return address stamp with your new name on it. That way you can avoid having to handwrite your address. Plus, you can use it on invitations and RSVPs too! Etsy is a great place to get these on the cheap.

3. Use a template
That can be easily customized, of course, says Chancey Charm Houston wedding planner Skylar Caitlin. “Simply swap out the name, the specific gift and how you plan to use their gift.” Done and done.

See More: 9 Fabulous (and Free!) Wedding D&#233cor Items to Bring From Home

4. Get your partner involved
Ah, now this one’s definitely our favorite hack! Cut the number of thank you notes you personally have to pen in half by assigning your hubby a bunch to do on his own. He might grumble at first, but just remind him that you pretty much planned the entire wedding so it’s really the least he could do. Normally, the way it works is he would write the thank you notes to his friends and family and you to yours. You can split up cards for mutual friends to make it fair.

5. Do a bunch in one sitting
If you’re one of those people who, once you’re in your flow, you can’t stop won’t stop then we suggest plopping down at your kitchen table on a Sunday (perhaps with a bottle of wine or some mimosas) and getting busy writing thank you notes. Chances are, once you get started you’ll get in your groove fast and the mood to write, and crank those cards out in no time flat. Do this for one Sunday or a few Sundays and you’ll be done in no time flat.

Planning the wedding may have seemed stressful enough, but when it comes to steamy honeymoon spots, where do you even begin? Island hopping in the Mediterranean? The beaches of Hawaii? Wine tasting your way around Bordeaux? Why not enter the realm of cruising? (And we don’t mean the Spring Break variety.) Step on board some of the most luxurious and intimate ships on the market for the idyllic stress-free honeymoon you couldn’t even imagine planning on your own. Whether you and the hubby are up for outdoor adventures or basking on European beaches, these five destinations are sure to fit the bill, serving up just the right blend of relaxation and romance for a honeymoon that will be the definition of Instagram-worthy.

Saint Petersburg
Been trying to snag a reservation at The French Laundry for years now? Three Michelin star chef Thomas Keller brings his culinary skills to sea on Seabourn Quest with the new onboard eatery, The Grill by Thomas Keller. Haute cuisine is one of the draws on the luxury liner, but another is the destination — St. Petersburg. Take in the best of the romantic Russian city strolling through Baroque cathedrals and 18th century palaces, ending evenings in style with a trip to the Russian ballet.

Greek Islands
If visions of a white-washed hotel sitting on Santorini’s seaside slopes have been on your Pinterest board for years but your honeymoon budget doesn’t quite match, don’t cross off this spot just yet. Instead of worrying about the logistics of island hopping in Greece, set sail on a Greek-based liner like Celestyal that acts as both a ferry and floating hotel. On a week-long cruise, you can crisscross through the islands hitting 11 ports from the big ones like Mykonos and Santorini to more tucked-away spots like Samos and Ios.

Antarctica
Willing to go to the edge of the Earth for your new hubby? With an Antarctic Expedition cruise, that’s completely possible. Visit one of the most untouched regions of the globe on board Silversea’s Silver Explorer, taking in views of the pristine landscape from panoramic windows in the luxe suites. It’ll be hard to tell what takes your breath away more here-Antarctica’s iceberg sculptures or sumptuous breakfasts together in bed (with champagne, of course) before setting off for your first adventure as husband and wife.

Mediterranean
Palaces aren’t only on land in the Mediterranean. On board Regent Seven Seas’ new Explorer ship, you and the hubby will be living like royalty (Princess Charlene of Monaco is the ship’s godmother, after all). Nicknamed “The World’s Most Luxurious Ship,” no expense was spared on this $450 million haute hotel at sea. With only 750 passengers, it’ll still feel like an intimate honeymoon with your other half with plenty of space to spread out in the all-suite ship, which is also home to the largest balconies on the water. Cruise the Med heading from Monte-Carlo to Venice, stopping to explore some of the most romantic cities in the region in between onboard indulgences like Canyon Ranch spa treatments and fine dining at French eatery Chartreuse.

Cuba
Cuba seems to be the hot ticket island on everyone’s travel bucket list this year. Close enough to the U.S. but still as exotic as a trip to Asia, the one-time forbidden spot is slowly being added as a destination on itineraries by cruise ships both big and small. Couples that aren’t traditional cruisers but still want to get an experience on the water will fall head-over-heels for the 64-passenger French yacht Le Ponant, which recently received approval to sail Americans to Cuba starting next spring.

See More: 2016 BRIDES Best Honeymoons — The Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts

28 years later and these two are still our #MarriageGoals. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson may have almost three decades of marriage under their belts, but it still seems like they’re in their honeymoon phase — and on their literal honeymoon! Wilson recently snapped a photo (see below) of herself and her hubby cruising along idyllic blue waters. And whether these two cuties are celebrating their second (or perhaps third?) honeymoon or just soaking up the sun on a casual getaway, we can’t get over their mile-wide smiles in this sweet selfie.

Hanks and Wilson have one of the most long-enduring marriages in Hollywood, and one look at a photo like this and it’s not hard to see why. “I love him,” Wilson simply captioned the Instagram snapshot of her and Hanks. Makeup-free, the actress is looking beautiful and all a-glow. Love — and the sun — does wonders for the skin, doesn’t it? The perfect pair is seen smiling near the ocean, looking just as in love as they did when they wed in 1988.

28 yeas ago, Wilson and Hanks tied the knot with the actress donning a totally ’80’s short and spunky wedding dress for the occasion. “I still can’t believe my wife goes out with me,” Hanks previously told People magazine all these years later. “If we were in high school and I was just funny, I’d never have the courage to talk to her.”

But their love story began years before that even, when Hanks first spotted his future wife on an episode of The Brady Bunch. Yes, really! Wilson actually appeared on an episode of the 1970s sitcom staple, guest starring as a cheerleader. And Hanks couldn’t help but be captivated when she shook those pom-poms. “I was actually at a friend of mine’s house when it aired and I remember thinking ‘That girl’s cute,'” remembers Hanks.

Who would’ve thought they’d eventually be on their 28th year of wedded bliss? Just goes to show you to never give up on your TV crush! (No offense to your fiancé. of course…)

I love him

A photo posted by Rita Wilson (@ritawilson) on Aug 19, 2016 at 1:32am PDT

See More: How to Incorporate Movie Quotes and Famous Lines into Your Wedding Vows

Savannah Guest and Gabe Slotnick got engaged in a dreamy place — on the beach in Martha’s Vineyard, to be exact — so it makes sense the couple would seek out equally stunning spaces for their October 24, 2015, wedding. Enter: The Old Sheldon Church Ruins and Richfield Plantation in Yemassee, South Carolina, two breathtaking venues steeped-in-history that could effortlessly accommodate the couple’s 150 guests.

Savannah says they pictured an old-fashioned and timeless day, with a neutral and natural color palette of ivory, champagne, and green. And despite planning the fete from far away, the bride thought wedding planning was a blast. “I love hosting and planning events and parties so creating our wedding was a dream job,” she says. The couple had help, too. Sparkles Event Decor & Design was on hand to help create the laid-back but classic look the couple craved, while Hunter McRae Photography captured it all on camera.

Savannah selected an ivory taffeta wedding dress with a deep sweetheart neckline from Essence of Australia. “From the second I tried it on, it just felt like me,” the bride says. But despite her conviction, she couldn’t bring herself to swipe her credit card that day. Instead, Savannah continued to shop for another six months before returning to the store to nab the gown she knew was right all along.

The bride personalized her dress with a custom ribbon made of thin strips of ivory satin that she tied at the waist. She carried a bouquet of ivory and champagne roses with greens.

Savannah’s sister spotted the perfect gown for the bride’s ‘maids: A floor-length vanilla crinkle chiffon dress with a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps. “It looked good on everyone,” Savannah says. Bonus: It complemented the colors in the Old Sheldon Church Ruins.

The couple’s flower girl donned an ivory dress and wore a floral wreath in her hair, which the craft bride made herself. And couple’s ring bearer slipped on a sweater vest and navy pants. “The ring bearer decided he didn’t want to walk down the aisle, so he covered his face with the pillow and his dad carried had to carry him down,” Savannah laughs. “It was absolutely precious and will be a memory forever.”

Gabe and his groomsmen wore navy suits and light blue ties. But their real pop of color came from their socks: The guys were sure to lift their pant legs for a shot of their rainbow colored accessories, which featured everything from stripes to dinosaurs.

The couple’s ceremony was held outdoors, in the ruins of what was once the Old Sheldon Church. “The ruins were a place I visited often as a child, and I love their history and architecture,” Savannah says. Its awe-inspiring architecture (or what remains of it) meant the couple could use a light touch when it came to décor. With the exception of marking off the reserved rows with magnolia flowers and ivory ribbons, the couple went decoration-free.

Savannah’s father walked her down the aisle as a cellist performed. “Walking down the aisle and seeing so many people who have played such important roles in our lives was one of my favorite moments of the day,” Savannah says. “That feeling of being surrounded by so many people who care about you was truly amazing. It felt like time stopped for a minute.”

The groom’s father read a speech during the ceremony. “It was very sweet and added a special touch,” the bride says.

Savannah and Gabe welcomed their guests to the outdoor reception with a cocktail hour that included a charcuterie display and his-and-hers signature drinks, including a Manhattan and the Slotnick’s House Lemonade, a mixture of vodka, St. Germaine, champagne, and lemonade.

Cocktail tables were topped with white linens and mason-jar arrangements of roses, baby’s breath, and greens, while reception tables were decorated with burlap table runners, similar centerpieces, and votive candles held in brushed gold, rose gold, and antique gold containers.

The couple’s three-tier carrot, lemon, and chocolate wedding cake was iced with cream cheese frosting.

After a traditional Southern dinner, Savannah and Gabe held an oyster roast with 12 different food stations. “Our guests put on aprons that were embroidered with the words, ‘Just Shuck It,’ and were able to shuck their own oysters,” Savannah says. As you can imagine, the experience was a hit.

“There will be bumps in the road,” the bride says of planning a wedding. “But I promise that day will be better than you imagined and everything does fall into place. Soak it all in, because it goes by so quickly. Enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by everyone close to you who have all gathered to support and celebrate you.”

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Richfield Plantation || Wedding Planner & Rentals: Sparkles Event Decor & Design || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Essence of Australia || Veil: White by Vera Wang || Jewelry: Nelson Coleman Jewelers || Shoes: Steve Madden || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale || Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Macy’s || Wedding Bands: Classic Creations || Florist: The Petal Palace Florist || Invitations: Rachel Slotnik || Music: Andrea Casarrubios; The Swamp Nots || Catering: Flowers Seafood Company || Photographer: Hunter McRae Photography

Can’t get enough of this couple’s beautiful celebration? Then check out another South Carolina wedding in the video below.

One of the most-quoted (and most misquoted) pieces of wedding etiquette is about how long you have to send a wedding gift. The rumor is that guests have up to a year after the wedding to send a gift. But common practice says otherwise, with most etiquette experts and planners alike saying that three months is the more appropriate window. That’s a nine-month difference, so what is it? Our experts weigh in.

If you send a wedding gift a year after the couple walks down the aisle, is it a wedding gift at all? At that point, it’s much more of a housewarming/anniversary/just because gift — even if the card says “Congratulations on your marriage!”. Think about it: If you got a birthday gift a year late, you’d consider it a gift for your next birthday, not the last one, no matter if the sender apologizes for it being so late.

With that in mind, of course there’s no expectation that all wedding gifts will arrive on the day of the wedding. Some will come weeks (or months) in advance, some will be brought to the reception, and others will trickle in over the following weeks. In each of those scenarios, the gift can very acceptably be considered a wedding gift because the couple has their wedding on their mind. If you fall into the last camp, sending a gift after you’ve danced the night away and had a good luck slice of wedding cake, aim to send the gift three months or less after the big day. Not only will this make it extra clear that your gift is in honor of their wedding, it will more readily enable the newlyweds to promptly send you a thank you card — and even include a little snippet or memory from their wedding to boot.

Of course, if the gift you’re sending is time-sensitive (say, this year’s vintage of their favorite wine that isn’t released until the fall, or tickets to see their favorite band when you’re still waiting on tour dates), you have a little more flexibility. Send a card letting them know about the upcoming gift to they know to keep an eye out for it.

See more: 6 Savvy Ways to Save Serious Money On Wedding Gifts