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 15: Drop Sets

Never heard of drop sets before? It’s a super effective weight training technique where you lift a fairly heavy amount of weight and do as many reps as you can until the point of fatigue (where you physically can’t do another rep).

Take a quick rest, then drop the amount of weight you use — say, going from 10-pound weights to eight pounders — and do another set until fatigue.

The idea is to continue this way, dropping the amount of weight until you simply can’t do another rep, period. “It’s my favorite thing to do with brides during the last few weeks before their wedding,” says Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist and personal trainer in San Diego.

See More: The Arm Workout to Do If You Absolutely Hate Push-Ups

“It’s a great way to create a little more definition because it stress the muscles (in a good way!) that promotes growth — and I’m talking about lean muscle growth, not the bulky bodybuilder look you might be imagining.”

Try this genius technique for at least one of your weekly toning sessions. It works with any type of strength move — from woodchops to weighted crunches.

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

Two Harts have become one! Comedian Kevin Hart has just tied the knot with his sweetheart, Eniko Parrish, in a lavish wedding ceremony this weekend. And while we’re used to having Hart bring tears to our eyes with side-splitting laughter, we’re just plain crying over how beautiful these wedding photos are.

After a two-year engagement, Hart and Parrish wed in a Santa Barbara, California ceremony on Saturday evening. “I honestly can say that I’m lucky enough to have an amazing woman,” Hart told Us Weekly ahead of the big day. “I’m looking forward to getting married. We got seven years under our belt, been engaged for two. It’s time.” And the time finally arrived!

For her walk down the aisle, Parrish donned a custom Vera Wang mermaid wedding dress, featuring a tulle skirt, sheer bodice, and French Chantilly lace appliqués, according to People magazine, while Hart kept things classic in a traditional black tux. And the nupitals were a true family affair with the best man role being filled by Hart’s eight-year-old son Hendrix, whom he shares with his ex-wife Torrei Hart. His daughter Heaven was also of course in attendance, matching the bride in a white cocktail dress accessorized with a flower crown.

And just as breathtaking as the bride’s wedding gown was the Harts’ heart-stopping wedding venue. The couple took their big day portraits in a stunning white gazebo draped in greenery, while the reception locale featured wooden tables and chairs adorned with white blooms, and crystal chandeliers hanging overhead. Parrish also pulled off a quick costume change post-“I do’s,” exchanging her mermaid frock for another Vera Wang gown with long lace sleeves and an open back. Oh, and the after-party included an honest to goodness ferris wheel and a merry-go-round according to a Snapchat video posted by the bride. Was this a wedding or a carnival? Either way, why weren’t we invited?!

Mr & Mrs HART!!!!! In Love & Loving it!!!! #Married #DopePic

A photo posted by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Aug 14, 2016 at 10:46am PDT

#Harts what's understood doesn't need to be said!!!! #LiveLoveLove

A photo posted by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Aug 13, 2016 at 10:30pm PDT

A photo posted by Houston Style Magazine??? (@stylemagazine) on Aug 14, 2016 at 10:29am PDT

A photo posted by e n i ?? o??????? (e-nee-??o) (@enikobaby) on Aug 14, 2016 at 7:44am PDT

..'Cause I'm a fooool.. such a fool (for youuuu) ???????????? babe we did it @kevinhart4real ???????

A photo posted by e n i ?? o??????? (e-nee-??o) (@enikobaby) on Aug 14, 2016 at 7:05am PDT

A photo posted by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Aug 14, 2016 at 8:53am PDT

See More: Memorable Vows from the Best TV and Movie Weddings

Let’s face it: Writing thank you notes gets a very bad rap as being utterly boring. Why? “Because,” says Diane Gottsman, etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas, “most of the time it is boring.” But it doesn’t have to be. Here, with Gottsman’s tips, it can actually be an enjoyable and efficient experience. (Seriously!)

Keep a running list.
The thing that could drive your crazier than a stack of blank thank you cards? Not knowing who to thank for what. “If you have to stretch to remember who gave you what gift, it makes the task much harder,” says Gottsman. Instead, “keep a list of who gave you what so that you can reference the gift as you write out each thank you note. A little prior planning will make writing thank you notes much easier and less stressful.”

Reward yourself.
Gottsman recommends you mix a cocktail or brew a pot of calming tea before you get to work. “Creating an environment that is soothing and ceremonial often is an incentive to get creative,” she explains. Just give yourself a large enough spill-zone so you don’t endanger your thank you cards.

Share it with your spouse.
As newlyweds, you may not be ready to spend a moment apart. So make writing thank you notes a team activity, during which you can get some quality time together. “Share a glass of wine each night and split the job up until it’s complete,” says Gottsman. Not only will you enjoy the time together, but, “when someone else is doing it with you, time goes by more quickly and you feel like you aren’t going it alone,” Gottsman says.

See More: 3 Tools to Help Write Wedding Thank-You Notes

Inspire yourself.
One of the easiest ways to turn a tedious task into something fun is to use luxurious items. “Get inspired by using beautiful stationery and a nice pen,” Gottsman says. For some, that could mean using an inexpensive fine point felt pen, while others could use this as the excuse they’ve been looking for to learn the art of calligraphy. “Personally, I enjoy writing much more when I am using items I love,” she says.

Eliminate distractions.
You may be tempted to play the TV in the background to force the time to go faster. But turning on the tube “can also distract you from finishing the task if you stop to watch your favorite parts of the show,” warns Gottsman. And dragging out this task won’t make it any more fun. Instead, “set a short time limit of total concentration without favorite love scenes from your Netflix account,” Gottsman suggests.

Don’t put pressure on yourself.
One reason thank you note writing might not be fun is if you worry about writing the perfect words. “Your thank you note does not have to be a novel,” Gottsman says. “Knowing what to write and understanding how to do it efficiently takes the dread out of the gesture. Just make sure and hit these marks: use their name, thank them for the gift, mentioning specifically what they gave you and how you plan to use it or enjoy it, and close with a desire to connect in the future.”

Last-minute cancellations for your wedding are tough. From the meal count to the seating chart, finding out someone can’t attend your wedding after you’ve put in the work can be frustrating! It can be particularly sad if the person who can’t make it is a bridesmaid, groomsmen, or other member of your wedding party. So what’s a couple to do if their ranks are a little smaller come wedding day? Here are a few tips from our experts.

There are a few logistical items you should take care of ASAP if you’ll have one fewer member of your wedding party. First, get in touch with your vendors to make any necessary changes that will impact your budget. Whether it’s one less bouquet or boutonniere, canceling a hair appointment, or simply removing a chair and meal from your head table, these are all items that you probably haven’t paid for yet, so you should be able to recoup some costs. Second, have your bridesmaid or groomsmen see which of their own arrangements they can cancel. Is the groomsman renting a suit? See if he can get at least a partial refund. Bridesmaid renting a hotel room or a car for the weekend? She should be able to get some of her money back. While flights are hard to cancel, they may be able to retain some of the fee as a credit toward future travel.

Then, of course, there are the items that are a little harder to change. Don’t worry about having your ceremony programs reprinted. Chances are most guests won’t notice that there was one fewer groomsman heading down the aisle, and those that know someone’s not present will probably already know he or she wasn’t able to make it. You may need to double up on the processional, with one groomsman escorting two bridesmaids or a groomsman walking alone, but non-traditional processionals are totally ok!

And lastly, you should still pop that bridesmaid or groomsman gift in the mail, along with a note and a few pictures from your big day. Even if they weren’t able to be there to celebrate with you, this is a sweet way to let them know you missed them, and to share a little piece of your celebration.

See more: The 3 Things a Bride Can’t Ask Her Bridesmaids to Do

There’s nothing we love more than a wedding reception space that makes your family and friends feel right at home. To create a space that’s as comfy and cozy as your own living room (or scratch that…a living room in your favorite interior design magazine) we asked a few decorating pros to share their top tips.

1. Offer multiple lounge areas
According to interior designer Anna Kohler, founder of My Chic Nest, one way to make a reception space feel more intimate and approachable is through creating different seating areas for people to carry on conversations. “Often at receptions there is one large space for everyone to mingle in.” Try placing sofas in different corners of the room to create conversation zones, she advises. “Sofas are a beautiful addition to tables and chairs and are another great opportunity for a photo opp.” Oh, and don’t forget the throw blankets and pillows!

2. Lay down rugs
This living room inspired d&#233cor instantly brings warmth underfoot and subtly establishes distinct zones within an open floorplan, just like at home, note the editors at Wayfair Registry (launching this fall). “Define a lounge area, highlight several small conversation spots or showcase your sweetheart table simply by bringing in a rug or layering on a couple. High-pile (fluffy) options in crisp neutrals will convey a classic, traditional look, while oriental styles create an eclectic, bohemian vibe.”

3. Go green
In other words, use a lot of potted plants! When it comes to decorations, wedding planner Kelli Corn of Kelli Corn Weddings & Events says it’s best to add plants to corners and empty walls to give the room a more natural, homey feel.

See More: For the Offbeat Bride: Chic Alternatives to Traditional Bridesmaid Bouquets

4. Set up a coffee and tea station
Sometimes it’s the simplest of touches that makes all the difference, and trust us, your guests will be gravitating toward this table more than you’d think, point out the Wayfair Registry editors. “Introducing a self-serve element to your reception helps make everyone feel at home and gives guests the flexibility to indulge in a caffeine boost whenever they crave it without the awkwardness of having to ask or wait it out. Hot chocolate (plus s’mores) and other warm beverages are always a big hit too!

5. Go overboard with candles
Because we’re a sucker for soft lighting and so is everyone else. Candlelight is undeniably enchanting and romantic, which is exactly why the editors at Wayfair Registry recommend going beyond the boundaries of your dinner tables. “Decking out your venue with an abundance of soft, flickering light casts your evening in a happy, welcoming glow. Cluster candlesticks on your seating card table, gift table or side table in a lounge area. Line windowsills, fireplace mantels or the bar top with votives and group lanterns together on the ground in out-of-the-way but still visible spots.” String lights for an outdoor wedding are another cozy chic option.

6. Do use draping
Fabric has the ability to completely transform a space and make a large room feel more warm and cozy, notes Kohler. “At my wedding, for example, we tented the entire space and had the cocktail room separated from the reception by a large drape lined with florals. This made for a grand entrance as well as way to divide the two large rooms in a beautiful and soft way.” Consider using soft textures for all your fabric options, including the lounge furniture you rent (think velvet and suede over leather) and your table linens too.

You spent a lot of time planning your wedding day. So it’s only reasonable that you want to actually enjoy it — especially in the moment. But stress and worry can take precedence over enjoying the fruits of your labor, warns Jaclyn Fisher, owner of Two Little Birds Planning, if you’re not careful to stay present.

“At the end of the day, the most important part of a wedding is the celebration of your love and beginning of your life together,” she says. “Brides need to remember that when they start to get distracted and stressed. If they don’t stay present, their wedding day will go by in a flash without the bride actually experiencing or enjoying it.”

With that in mind, here are seven expert-approved tips to help you stay in the moment.

1. Break in your shoes before the big day.
If you’re used to wearing flats, your wedding could be a real pain — and we mean that literally — making it tough to think about anything other than your aching feet. But beyond breaking in your shoes, Fisher recommends making sure you’ll feel comfortable from head-to-toe at your wedding. “It will be impossible to enjoy your first dance if you can’t stop thinking about your strapless bra that’s digging into your chest or the painful blister on the back of your foot,” she warns.

2. Don’t plan to do too much the week of your wedding.
There is so much to do in the days leading up to your wedding. But rather than leave them to the last minute, Fisher recommends tackling them as early as possible so that the stress of your last-minute DIY projects doesn’t linger on your wedding day. “Make sure your programs, escort cards, welcome bags, and DIY projects are done well before the week of your wedding,” she says. “Setting the tone with a calm, restful week will put you in the right mindset to be stress-free and present on your wedding day.”

3. No matter what, you must eat.
A wedding day is a very long day indeed. And you don’t want your growling stomach to steal the show. “Start the day with a good breakfast, and take a short break before you put on your dress to nosh on some protein and light carbs or fruit,” recommends Amy Nichols, owner of Amy Nichols Special Events and co-founder of The Poppy Group.

See More: How to Handle Wedding Planning Stress

4. Take time to yourselves after the ceremony.
You may be surprised to hear that you’ll have very little alone time with your spouse on your big day. So be sure to take a moment after the ceremony for some QT. “Retreat to the bridal suite or another private area with your groom to bask in the newlywed bliss,” Fisher recommends. “Enjoy calling him your husband for the first time, admire your new wedding bands, and steal a few smooches. And let your planner and caterer know about your plan ahead of time so they can have champagne, water, and a sampling of your hors d’oeuvres ready for you.”

5. Hug your parents.
Your mom has been by your side from the start of your wedding planning. So, “take a special moment with your mom to thank her,” recommends Nichols. After all, no one will keep you grounded like your mom. But don’t leave your dad in the dust, either. “Some brides even choose to do a first look with their dads, where the photographer captures the moment that a dad sees his daughter in a wedding dress for the first time,” she says.

6. Leave your phone in your purse, or give it to your maid of honor.
We all know that phones are a daily distraction, and it will be on your wedding day, too, if you don’t put it away. “On your wedding day, you definitely don’t need something else pulling your attention away,” says Fisher. Put it in your clutch, or ask a family member or friend to carry it for emergencies only. “You’ve hired a professional photographer, so you don’t need to take photos, and anyone you’d think to call or text will be there in person,” she says. “If there was ever a time to disconnect, your wedding day is it.”

7. Hire a great team.
If you really want to relax on your wedding day, then you must trust the team you’ve put in place to execute it. “Bringing on vendors that are reliable, experienced and talented will remove so much of the worry about what’s happening behind the scenes,” Nichols explains. “Your wedding planner will be handling all of the details and logistics of the wedding day with your vendors. This will allow you to walk into the ceremony and reception knowing that everything and everyone are in their place and ready to have a good time.”

The venue hunt can be equal parts exciting and exhausting. Have you been to your fair share of NJ weddings, but no venue has really caught your eye as being “the one” for your own big day? Do you believe in “the newer, the better?” With visions of weddings past swirling around in your head, maybe you need to set your sights on something new. Check out New Jersey’s three newest wedding venues.

The Grove (Cedar Grove) Above
As one of New Jersey’s newest venues, The Grove embodies classical elegance with modern accents — culminating in a glamorous and lavish venue that can accommodate up to 700 guests. Offering a variety of packages on their historic grounds (which consists of a charming brownstone home from the late 1700s) that have been restored and preserved to enchant wedding guests throughout all celebrations that call this venue home. Nestled amongst awe-inspiring gardens and patios, you can say, “I do” in an outdoor ceremony or indoors, too. When it’s time to party, the ballroom shines courtesy of the plethora of crystal chandeliers, palladium windows, a dramatic staircase — all surrounding a wooden dance floor. With luxuriously appointed dressing suites, you will be sure to have a day to remember from start to finish at this northern NJ venue. Read real brides’ reviews here!

The Park Chateau Estate & Garden (East Brunswick)
Now booking for 2017 affairs, The Park Chateau will be one of New Jersey’s most elegant venues. As guests arrive to your event, they will travel through a beautifully landscaped path, leading to a courtyard and greeted with champagne from white-gloved servers. The sophistication only begins there. With indoor and outdoor space, guests will enjoy views of the glistening pond in the Versailles Garden, take in French antiques decorating the interior space, and design meant to reflect a French countryside ambiance. The Grand Ballroom features silver place settings, crystal chandeliers, ornate moldings, and breathtaking high ceilings — serving as the perfect backdrop to your party. Designed by the partners who also currently own both gorgeous venues Nanina’s In The Park and The Park Savoy, it’s evident this venue will be the talk of the town.

See More: Have Your Bridal Party Travel in Style with These New Jersey Wedding Transportation Options

The Marigold (Somerset)
Whether you’re looking to book a traditional, kosher, or Indian celebration, The Marigold can provide a brand new, exceptional venue to meet your every need. Amongst meticulously landscaped lawns scattered with gazebos, florals and spectacular views, the external beauty of this venue pales in comparison to the interior. With attention to detail evident at every turn, the inside space boasts sparkling chandeliers, marble floors, grandiose staircases and classic décor, with the expansive, grandiose ballroom as the cherry on top. With world-class chefs able to provide catering for cultural receptions as well as traditional, The Marigold offers over 17,000 square feet of space for your celebration, including separate outdoor photo area, and private, elegant bridal suites for day-of pampering.

Want to check out some other stunning big day locales? Head to our New Jersey Venues page to see more!

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, deciding on your first dance song — 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 13: Drink Up!

No, not champagne, silly! We’re talking about good old H2O. Make sure you get plenty of it every day. “Research shows that sipping water before a meal helps fill you up, and being well hydrated will prevent bloating and give you glowing skin,” says Vandana Sheth, R.D.N., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Scared you won’t be able to give up that calorie-heavy soda habit? Replace it with water! Invest in a SodaStream to kick that nasty habit to the curb in no time. Bubble your own water at home any time, then toss in some cucumber slices or fresh fruit, like strawberries for extra flavor — cucumbers help with the glow, trust us. You’ll be looking at your H20 as a special treat, just like that.

Miss the caffeine? Brew up a batch of unsweetened iced tea (it counts toward your daily quota, as does coffee).

See More: 5 Ways to Maximize Your Outdoor Couple’s Workout

How much sparkling water should you aim to drink daily? The same as flat water! There are no hard-and-fast recommendations (that eight-glasses-a-day business is actually bunk). But Sheth suggests dividing your body weight by two to get the number of ounces you should be consuming. For example, a 120-pound woman would need the equivalent of seven and a half cups a day. Bump that number up if you workout, and aim to guzzle seven to 10 ounces of fluid every 10 to 20 — and have another cup of water within 30 minutes after you stop.

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

Michael Phelps may have just completed his last Olympic race ever after snagging the gold for the men’s 4×100 medley relay on Saturday night, bringing his gold medal count to a whopping 23, but before we know it the Olympian will be adding yet another piece of gold to his collection — his wedding ring! Phelps’ fiancé Nicole Johnson just spilled her and Phelps’ wedding day details and the big day sounds like it’ll be a splash! (Get it? Splash? Swimming? We’ll show ourselves out…)

In between cheering on our favorite athletes, we’ve been spending the Rio de Janeiro Olympics positively swooning over the sheer adorableness of Phelps’ little family. Nicole Johnson and her and Phelps’ baby boy, Boomer, may have stolen the title as the Olympics’ cutest cheering section, but as it turns out, it took the Olympian and beauty queen awhile to get where they are today. The pair had originally started dating in 2007 before ending their relationship four years later. “I’m pretty sure we both shared stuff with our parents and were like, ‘Oh, this is it, there’s no way we are getting back together,'” Johnson recently shared with Access Hollywood. “And then when we finally did, it was still a little rocky and figuring things out, figuring each other out because it had been some time. But we didn’t miss a beat.”

In 2014, the two were officially a couple again with Phelps later popping the question to Johnson in February 2015. And this bride-to-be already has her mother-in-law’s stamp of approval. “When he called me, and he said ‘I’m getting back with Nicole,’ I said, ‘That’s where you should be.’ And so he said ‘I’m determined to make this happen,'” remembers Debbie Phelps. And happening it is! The wedding is on and coming up fast, and the bride is finally opening up on those big day details.

“We have a date,” Johnson began, stating that the destination wedding will take place at the end of the year. “It’ll be small and intimate for the wedding and then we’re throwing a massive bash for everyone in the States. So we’re kind of getting things rolling. I’ve been planning as we’ve been leading up to [the Olympics] so I think I have the wedding in order, and now it’s onto the party.”

From the sound of it, this big day is shaping up to win the gold in weddings!

I'm at an absolute loss for words. Couldn't be more proud of @m_phelps00. He is the epitome of working hard, dreaming big and achieving the all American Dream. #myfamily #20 #21 #25 #3down

A photo posted by Nicole Michele Johnson (@nicole.m.johnson) on Aug 10, 2016 at 7:59am PDT

See More: Memorable Vows from the Best TV and Movie Weddings

Ray J and Princess Love just threw a wedding fit for, well, a princess! The couple — who has been engaged since January — are officially married after throwing a fantastic fairytale wedding on Friday evening, and everything from the bridal attire to the luxurious venue is practically royalty-worthy. Would you expect anything less than regal nupitals after the groom proposed with a $130,000 engagement ring?

“It was never a dull moment in planning and designing Princess and Ray J’s dream wedding,” the wedding planners behind the epic event, Darryl Wilson and Diann Valentine, told People magazine. “They wanted a royal, elegant, and enchanting reception fit for a princess and prince.” And from the looks of these picture-perfect wedding photos (see below), that’s exactly what this bride and groom got! The big day took place at the gorgeous Vibiana in Los Angeles, where Princess Love walked down the aisle in a glitzy and glam Lazaro ballgown which she accessorized with a beaded headpiece. Meanwhile, Ray J donned a traditional black suit jazzed up with a regal chain draped around this chest.

If the couple’s wedding day style wasn’t enough to impress, their star-studded bridal party will sure do the trick. Ray J’s famous sister, Brandy, served as bridesmaid and rapper The Game stood by Ray J’s side as a groomsman. The ‘maids and men walked down the aisle as Anthony Hamilton sang “The Point of It All,” but that wasn’t the only live performance of the night.

At the reception, the bride changed into a slinky, curve-hugging second wedding dress before Brandy performed “At Last” for her brother and new sister-in-law’s first dance. Afterwards, guests dined on a towering eight tiered wedding cake. Yes, eight! Now that’s our kind of fairytale…

“I just want her to have the time of her life and remember it as the best day in the world,” Ray J said ahead of the big day. “Even when I wasn’t with her, I told my friends ‘She the one, she the one.’ It was just something about how I felt when she was around me.” And the bride sounds just as head-over-heels with her new hubby. “He’s the only person I’ve ever been with that I couldn’t see myself without,” said Princess Love.

Congratulations to the bride and groom!

A photo posted by ???eople???alk ???aily??? (@peopletalkdaily) on Aug 13, 2016 at 2:43pm PDT

A photo posted by Onthesneak.tv (@onthesneak.tv) on Aug 13, 2016 at 10:41am PDT

A photo posted by The Tropixs (@thetropixs) on Aug 13, 2016 at 2:22pm PDT

A photo posted by THE URBAN LEAK (@theurbanleak) on Aug 13, 2016 at 3:54pm PDT

A photo posted by Sip & Serve Daily (@sipandservedaily) on Aug 13, 2016 at 3:15pm PDT

See More: Memorable Vows from the Best TV and Movie Weddings