Thought that whole “Speak now or forever hold your peace,” jazz was just one of those traditions that no one pays much mind to? Well, as it turns not everyone opts to hold their peace — and the results are horrifying to say the least. Props to these brides and wedding witnesses who managed to keep their cool when a disgruntled guest did the unthinkable — object in the middle of a ceremony — and lived to tell the tale on Reddit. (Seriously, can we take you all out for drink — or two?) Brides-to-be, if you were considering asking your officiant to skip over that whole objection spiel (that future mother-in-law of yours has been making you nervous…), these nightmarish situations might just be the push you need.

“I was at a wedding where a girl stood up, talked trash about the wife, and confessed her love for the groom who was an ex [from] 10 years ago. We all knew she felt this way, but didn’t think she actually would do it at the wedding. The maid of honor slapped her in the face and the girl was kindly escorted out.”

“An Elvis impersonator did. It was hilarious! We weren’t even in Vegas! We were in a small chapel in England. And, at the appropriate time, ‘Elvis’ came in, objected, sang one of his hits, then left the building. It was fantastic! The ceremony continued, and all went well.”

“My grandpa got remarried to a woman he had known for two months, approximately three months after my grandmother’s death… Fast forward to the wedding at my grandfather’s house… [My] aunt stands up when the pastor asks if anyone has any objections and announces that her soon-to-be stepmother is a recent divorcee, quotes a scripture from Matthew stating that anyone who marries a divorced woman is committing adultery, and says that anyone who supports or condones this marriage is also sinning. She sits down. The pastor just stares around for a minute like he has no idea what to do next. Then he clears his throat and says, ‘Okay…’ and goes on with the ceremony as if that didn’t happen.”

“I had a friend who’s ex was [awful]. He hit her, played around on her, stalked her when she left him… Fast forward three years, she’s met a wonderful guy and she’s literally in the chapel getting married when [he] steps out from behind the darn confessional and objects at that certain time. He says ‘I’m Catholic. She’s Catholic! We’re still married..,’ which was not true. She was legally free of him but he did not want to recognize it… Her soon-to-be husband stepped up [and] decked the guy… The cops ended up being called and they had to haul him out. Afterwords, everybody just stood there until the groom took out a handkerchief, wiped her tears and then his bloody nose, took her hand and turned to the altar again. He just quietly then said ‘Please continue, Father,’ to the priest and they did, hand in hand.”

“At one wedding, the bride’s mother stood up and objected. She said, ‘I love you, [groom], and I don’t want anyone else as a son in law. But my daughter is exactly like me, and I wouldn’t be able to let this wedding continue if I didn’t warn you about the mess we make out of the lives of people we love. Make sure you want this,’ then sat back down.”

“My boyfriend’s sister got married in a boat that was cruising down the Intracoastal Waterway in south Florida. During the vows, someone from a nearby unrelated boat shouted up ‘DON’T DO IT! IT’S A MISTAKE!’ to where we all were on the top deck. Fortunately, everyone just laughed.”

“My mom objects, but she is far too passive aggressive to have said anything at the wedding. I got eye rolls in the wedding photos and a check made out to just me with my maiden name for a wedding present. And she wonders why we chose to live closer to his parents.”

“I didn’t have a traditional church wedding, but my husband’s mother showed up at the courthouse to yell one last time about how I probably have STIs (because I wasn’t a virgin) [and] how I’d never belong in the family (we’re different races)… I haven’t spoken to her since.”

“I attended a wedding where the mother of the bride pretended to faint during the ceremony. She wanted her daughter to marry an Indian man and she was marrying someone who was Jewish. I guess it was her final attempt to stall the wedding.”

“Girlfriend’s wedding. Outdoors, under the trees, lots of people, but very quiet and peaceful — lmost meditative. Comes to exactly that part, the pause after the words are spoken and the loudest, most excruciatingly mournful howl came out of the front row. The groom’s gorgeous big white husky, Shadow, was letting go of everything he had kept inside to that point. The groom tried to command him to be quiet. The dog would have none of it.”

“When the pastor got to the part ‘or forever hold your peace,’ the bride said, ‘Yes, I’d like to say something.’ Then she turned around to her guests and said, ‘I’d like to thank my maid of honor for sleeping with my fiancé last night.” With that, she threw her bouquet and stormed off. The story even made it on the radio at the time.”

See More: This Reddit Thread About Horrifying Wedding Stories Is Killing Us

Boys just wanna have fun too! So go ahead, and let your groom get a little playful with his wedding style. While having special dates like your big day etched into the inside of his jacket is a no-brainer, we suggest thinking outside the box with these fabulously fun and creative ideas to customize his wedding suit.

Song Lyrics
Kourtney Marquis, founder of Marquis Events in Philadelphia, suggests having some of the lyrics from the couple’s first dance song sewn into the groom’s suit, along with the date of the wedding. “For example, the lyrics in the photo above is from the song ‘Then’ by Brad Paisley,” Marquis says. Aww.

A Favorite Quote
Whether it’s a line from a presidential speech, your favorite movie or a saying that his grandmother used to repeat, including a meaningful quote in the lining of the groom’s suit jacket is a great way to inspire and motivate him on his wedding day, points out Courtney Geigle, co-founder of My Wed Style.

Love Letters
Go big or go home, right? Justin Delaney, CEO of online tux rental site Menguin, tell us that they’re currently in the midst of making a suit for a friend where the lining is composed of his love letters to his wife. Now, that’s commitment!

Your Wedding Hashtag
For the playful groom with a sense of humor, why not get your wedding hashtag embroidered on the inside of his suit? “Couples are so sweet and creative now with their hashtags. It used to be just a combo of the names and dates but now people really work to say something specific about themselves in the hashtag,” notes Rachel Jo Silver, Founder of Love Stories TV. And for that reason, it’s definitely worth making it permanent.

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

A Line From Your Vows
Nowadays, the norm is to write your own vows. “The most special, memorable line makes a great inscription inside a jacket and great memory for years to come,” tells Silver.

A Bible Verse
For the religious bride and groom, Kerrie Hileman, founder of White Magnolia Bridal Collection, recommends picking a bible verse that means something to your relationship. “One of my favorites, for example, is 1 John 4:19: We love because He first loved us,” she says.

A Special Memory
Remind the groom of a special memory you share, like a first date at the planetarium or a sailing race, by embroidering a little image into the inside of his wedding jacket, like in this case, a constellation or a boat, suggests Geigle. “It’ll bring you back to the beginning of your relationship and where the sparks first flew.”

So you’ve decided to hire a wedding planner — fabulous! You’re about to make the next few months much more organized and far less stressful. But how do you find the planner that’s best for you?

Interviewing planners is a mix between hiring a professional and a best friend. Let’s face it: You’re going to be making some major (but fun!) decisions with this person, and you’ll want to make sure your ideas and philosophy jive, to say the least.

To help pair you with the perfect pro, we’ve enlisted the help of Danielle Bobish, owner of Curtain Up Events, one of New York City’s top wedding planning firms. As a professional actor turned celebrated event planner, Danielle knows that personality fits are ever-so-important with her clients.

Here are the top questions Danielle suggests you ask when interviewing prospective planners to make sure you both have found a fit!

1. What services do you handle?
Make sure you pick the right person for your specific needs! “This is a very important question. So many people don’t know exactly what the role of a planner is. There is a big difference between a planner and a designer. Some people do both. In that case, find out which one they consider their specialty,” suggests Danielle. “You may already have a designer and really be in need of a planner. A planner handles logistics It’s our job to help you find the best vendor for your event, make sense of contracts, create (and stick to) timelines and make sure everything runs seamlessly so that you can enjoy your day and the process leading up to it.”

2. Who will be there on the actual day of my wedding?
It sounds silly, but their answer may surprise you! “Will the person you’re meeting at your consultation be the person you’re working with?,” suggests Danielle. “If so, you want to make sure you feel comfortable with this person. You will spend a lot of time emailing, calling and meeting with your planner. You should like them! They should also make you feel at ease and confident they can handle anything and everything to make your wedding day fabulous!”

3. How do payments work?
Get this information right away, so you know what you’re committing to! “Do they charge a percentage, a flat fee, hourly? Are there any expenses that might come up that aren’t included in their fee? What about travel? Lodging? Food? Parking? When are payments due? How is the fee broken up? These are really great questions to ask ALL of your vendors,” says Danielle.

4. What was a wedding catastrophe you ever faced and how did you solve it?
Nothing is every going to be totally perfect. And when unexpected stuff goes down, it’s important to know how they were resolved under pressure! “Listen, things happen,” says Danielle. “Most telling isn’t the situation, but knowing how your planner stays cool under pressure and avoids disaster in even the most trying circumstances.”

“For example, I’ve watched a wedding guest set a napkin on fire. Did I panic? No! I grabbed the vase off the table, pulled the flowers out and dumped the water on the fire. Then I stuck the flowers back in the vase and went to find someone to clean up the ash.”
“No matter how well you plan things, something can happen,” she adds. “The planner is there to handle it so that you don’t have to!”

5. How long have you been doing this?
Hiring a professional with years of experience is the best thing you can do to ensure a seamless event. Someone with years of experience has formed valuable industry connections and has spent time refining their skills.

About Curtain Up Events: Since 2005, Danielle Bobish has helped clients create unforgettably dramatic events — without all the drama. The professional actor turned celebrated planner has staged and produced a decade’s worth of stunning events by drawing obvious parallels between theatrical productions and large affairs. Both areas of expertise involve costumes, lighting, set design, precision timing, and a multitude of details to coordinate. Danielle adores bringing the excitement and precision of professional theater to the world of event planning.

See More: 20 Things to Do as Soon as You Get Engaged

When you’re looking to find someone to settle down and Netflix and chill with forever marriage-style, there are so many factors to consider.

Do they want kids? Where do they want to live? Do you both want to buy a house in Prague when you retire (just me?).

There are things we can figure out easily, but other things that seem unanswerable.

Like, what makes a woman wife material? When a guy meets you does he lock eyes with you and immediately decide “wife” or “sexy party time pants friend”?

Before you go and wife yourselves up in a panic, read on. I asked an anonymous group of dudes the immortal questions: how can you tell if a woman is a potential future wife or just someone they want to have sex with?

When you go out with a woman (or when you still dated) are you looking for a wife, a friend, or sex? Why?

“I don’t want to say wife because that sounds weird but I’m looking for a long term partner that I see weekly and communicate with daily. I want a real connection and I’d like it to last.”

“Usually sex, but sometimes a friend and sex. I can be friends with women but it usually comes around that I want to sleep with even my female friends. I love sex and love the female body.”

“I was looking for friendship and sex. I enjoy sex, but I don’t spend most of my time with other people having it. So, friendship was super important. I eventually married my best friend.”

“I’m not looking for anything per se. I’m very sexual, so I’d want to know that sex was a good possibility. But sex doesn’t preclude friendship or love. I wouldn’t say “wife,” because I’m not looking to get married. I’ve been there. I’m an atheist. It doesn’t mean much to me.”

“A friend. Largely never thought I’d find a wife and the idea of sex without the emotional component of intimacy never worked out for me.”

“Any of the above is a treasure. A wife, ultimately, but casual sex is nice and so is friendship.”

“Friend. Looking for a wife seems like jumping way way too far into the future and not focusing on the present and finding happiness in current friendships and relationships. I’m also not looking for sex for somewhat similar reasons although in that case I have a hard time building trust due to past traumas.”

“A friend, first and foremost. I don’t think I could have sex with someone I didn’t think of in a friendly fashion, and I hella can’t imagine marrying someone whose friendship is uncertain.”

There’s always one. “I’m looking for a friend my wife can have sex with.”

See More: I Refuse To Let My Wife’s Depression Ruin My Marriage

How long does it take you to figure out which of those categories a woman falls into?

“I think you can usually tell after one or two dates. Anybody who is saying within seconds is incredibly shallow and probably not looking for the same thing I am.”

“About 30 seconds.”

“I don’t put people in categories. I take a relationship and let it be what it will be. I go by feel. If it seems like we aren’t going to get along, I’ll end it politely. If she seems like someone I’d like to have sex with, I’ll go for that. Figuring if we have a relationship takes a little longer, usually. As far as the friend tip goes: I’m not looking for just friends at all, but friendship is required to be sexy or dating with a woman. I feel bad about myself if I fuck someone I don’t like.”

“It was easy, since I wasn’t ever looking for just sex.”

“Different with every person. I start to have a feeling after hanging out for eight or ten hours.”

“I use a ‘frienddate’ ahead of time to set expectations. Anything further would require boundary discussions and would iterate from there. I was asexual/aromantic for most of my life so I don’t know what looking for a wife in a date looks or feels like.”

“A couple to three dates, maybe an extended set of conversations.”

See More: Who You Have The BEST Sex With, According To Your Zodiac Sign

What are the biggest distinctions between the women you date for sex and the women you date in the hopes of building something more?

“Questions. I think if they’re asking questions about me and I’m asking questions about them then we probably are interested in each other for more than sex.”

“Mainly, intelligence. She has to have a good head on her shoulders to be more than a sex object.”

“Those aren’t separate categories for me. I go on dates to form friendships that may include sex.”

“My hope is that every date could be at least be fuckbuddies, and I’m open to any of them being relationships, too.”

“Never dated anyone for sex. Had a weekend fling once, though if long distance weren’t a factor we likely would have dated following it.”

“No difference in the beginning. But if the woman wants sex and no more, I may still date her because that’s nice too.”

You’re not alone! “I’m nervous about this answer; I genuinely don’t know the difference.”

“I don’t date for sex. That’s a thing that happens naturally (theoretically!) between friends who are attracted to one another.”

See More: 50 Love Quotes That Express Exactly What ‘I Love You’ Really Means

This article originally appeared on YourTango.

First comes the rose, then comes the moving van! Less than two weeks after The Bachelorette finale aired and we all watched JoJo Fletcher present her finale rose to her now-fiancé Jordan Rodgers (while simultaneously squealing at our TV screens and downing glasses of rosé, of course), the to-be-wed pair are officially shacking up! Fletcher and Rodgers just took another major step in their relationship, as they moved in together in their new Dallas, Texas digs. And best of all, they documented every step of their trek on social media for all to see! Can you say score?

They’re one step closer to the altar, y’all! (Still crossing our fingers that we get to watch their “I do’s” on TV…) Fletcher and Rodgers have only been able to flaunt their relationship in public for a matter of days (the too-cute couple were forced to keep their love under wraps until the finale aired), but now these two are out and about — and taking on a major relationship milestone. The Bachelorette couple took what looks like an epic road trip from Tennessee to Texas to move into their nearly-wed nest in Dallas. And these photos will have you wishing that you were riding shotgun!

“DALLAS — we are coming home!! 10 hour road trip… HERE. WE. GO,” Fletcher tweeted at about 4:30 Wednesday morning, as the couple began their journey bright and early. But as chipper as the former Bachelorette sounded, she soon dozed off — leaving her almost-hubby to document her zzz’s in the most hilarious set of tweets and snaps!

“The #JoJosleepswatch2016 is underway on this road trip. 25min and counting,” Rodgers wrote. “46 min in and we have movement,” he later updated his fans, but it looks like he spoke too soon. “FALSE ALARM folks… just a nose itch and a reposition. Back on the clock!” Too funny! Rodgers even took a few snapshots of his sleeping fiancé. Again, why weren’t we riding shotgun for all of this?!

A photo posted by J O J O ???? J O R D A N (@jojoandjordansnaps) on Aug 10, 2016 at 8:38am PDT

A photo posted by J O J O ???? J O R D A N (@jojoandjordansnaps) on Aug 10, 2016 at 8:37am PDT

Finally after approximately one hour and 42 minutes of beauty sleep (Pfft… as if she needed it), Fletcher finally awoke and responded to her sweetheart’s travel log in the appropriate manner.

I'm going to kill @JRodgers11 — better always sleep with 1 eye open after those snaps… #paybacksabitch

— JoJo Fletcher (@JoelleFletcher) August 10, 2016

Hopefully Rodgers’ first night in their new home isn’t spent sleeping on the couch…

See More: JoJo Fletcher’s Bachelorette Engagement Ring Cost How Much?!

Ever since Behati Prinsloo and Adam Levine married over three years ago in a top-secret wedding, they’ve been giving us serious #MarriageGoals. The picture perfect couple has spent the summer adorably awaiting their baby girl, and we’re still awwing at how sweet they are. Even cuter than their Instagram baby bump shots? Their perfect, under-the-radar, destination wedding! So of course, it’s time to look back on the Victoria’s Secret stunner and Maroon 5 crooner’s festive wedding day.

The Proposal:
After a quick breakup, followed by a quicker reunion, Sexiest Man Alive Levine took himself off the market in July 2013 and proposed to his supermodel girlfriend in romantic fashion — but not without losing a bit of his trademark cool. “Doesn’t matter how certain you think you are. You still get down on that knee and you just get woozy and you’re like, ‘I’m doing this. Oh my God.’ And you can’t be confident about it. It’s impossible,” Levine said on the Live with Kelly and Michael. “I’m a confident person, but I got down on that knee and everything changed immediately. I lost my equilibrium. I had to get on the other one,” he said.

“[The ring is] from the 1930s. It’s vintage and he picked it out,” the model shared with ABC News shortly after her surprise proposal.

See more: Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings

When I officiated Adam Levine's wedding. pic.twitter.com/68OQFx4zPv

— J-Bug. (@JonahHiIII) May 7, 2016

The Wedding Details:
Celebrity wedding planners Yifat Oren and Stefanie Cove designed and coordinated the destination nuptials, held at Flora Farms in Los Cabos, Mexico. Oren and Cove organized large circular tables around mango trees for the reception (which followed a 20-minute ceremony officiated by Jonah Hill), and strung tiny white lights and long garlands of flowers from Arete Florals, according to People.

Their 275 A-list guests (fellow Victoria’s Secret models, Erin Heatherton, Candice Swanepoel, and Coco Rocha, Jason Segel, Hill, Robert Downey Jr.) dined on organic pork chops, fresh fish and beet salads, alcohol-infused paletas (Mexican popsicles), and treats from an organic ice cream cart while at those tables, though they didn’t stay seated for long. “Most people finished eating in under an hour and were ready to party,” a source told People.

I really love these guys!!!!! @adamlevine @BeePrinsloo #wedding #Husband #bride pic.twitter.com/RV6afE7uew

— Geo L. Dornan (@geoglazier) November 7, 2015

“This was a dancing crowd,” the source added. “Everyone was dancing late into the night.” And with musical guests like theirs, it’s no wonder. Guests took in multiple sets from world-
class musical entertainment, including Maroon 5 (Levine’s band), Stevie Nicks, Sublime, and Prinsloo herself! The Namibian-born model dedicated the Bright Eyes song “First Day of My Life” to her groom; she reportedly told Levine early in their relationship that she wanted to sing the tune to her future husband.

The Dress:
Photos of Prinsloo’s wedding dress have never been made public, but the supermodel reportedly donned a custom Marchesa creation in blush, the fruit of a 4-month partnership with the brand’s designers. The inspiration? A dress straight from Marchesa’s fall 2011 runway the model fell in love with (above). She did make some alterations to the style, opting for a sleeker silhouette, and thin spaghetti straps instead of embroidered bold shoulders. Christian Louboutin was the man on her feet.

After the wedding the couple jetted off to the bride’s homeland for a South African honeymoon.

Whether or not you’re tying the knot in the City of Brotherly Love or are celebrating elsewhere, there are many unique ways to personalize your festivities and incorporate pieces of Philadelphia in your big day. From favors to food, décor, and more — check out our favorite ways to show your Philly pride as a bride. (See what we did there?)

Menu
There are endless food and drink options to add to your wedding menu that feature certain Philly flair. True Philly cheesesteaks in all shapes and sizes (obviously) can be a delicious addition to your cocktail or after party offerings. For local libations, Philadelphia Brewing Company has over a dozen varieties of beers to choose from, and their Session IPA from PHL is a fan favorite (with a colorful ode to PHL right on the label). Guests will go crazy for a cocktail hour station devoted to all things Philly — where Roast Port Italiano, sausages, Philadelphia’s own TastyKakes, and Frank’s Soda can be served — just to name a few. The website A Taste of Philly, can also directly ship some of the city’s most famous delicacies for out-of-staters who wants some Philly love.

Music
What could be more fun and Philly-focused than entering your reception along with the “Rocky” theme song playing? If that’s not for you, there are a variety of other local musicians with Philly roots that can have a spot in your DJ or band’s rotation. A first dance to a Boyz II Men hit can help set a romantic-yet-playful mood, and cocktail hour music recorded by John Coltrane can help give off jazzy vibes before the party starts. Bridal party entrances to The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is sure to be a hit, and if you want some rap for your after party, Meek Mill is a proud Philadelphian, too.

See More: Show Your Love of Philly on Your Wedding Cake With One of Our Favorite Local Bakers

Favors
Who doesn’t love a TastyKake? Get creative and buy your favorite packaged deserts in bulk, and add a custom sticker label for a personal touch. Krimpets, Kandy Kakes, and Snowballs — yum! You can also have custom M&Ms made with team logos and your initials, wedding date, or new monogram for an extra sweet treat. Soft pretzels (a Philly staple) served warm in custom bags as a parting gift for guests will add a savory snack to the end-of-the-night cravngs. Local city business Pennsylvania General Store offers a variety of options for locally-sourced snacks and sweets you can share with your guests.

Décor
When it comes to bringing a little bit of Philly in your wedding décor, the LOVE sculpture is pretty much a given. Not only is it an iconic piece of the former capital of the United States, but is also oh-so-appropriate for weddings photo ops, too. Consider featuring this design in an ice sculpture or incorporating it into your centerpieces. For your escort table, miniature Liberty Bells, skyline cut outs, or state outlines make the perfect graphics to add to cards or as a way to hold them. Custom cake toppers where you and your groom can be depicted wearing your favorite sports jersey are also a perfect way to show your passion for this Pennsylvania city.

Photos
If you love the Eagles, Philies, or Flyers, here’s yet another way to show your pride. Throw on your favorite player’s jersey (carefully — don’t mess up your wedding hair!) for a few fun wedding portraits you can cherish forever. Or, take these photos and more (on the waterfront, at your favorite city spots) as part of your engagement photos, and then display them at your wedding in a slideshow or around the venue in frames.

Want to add some more local flare into your Philly wedding? Check out some of our favorite local vendors here!

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 11: Become a Track Star

Tracking your exercise and eating habits with an app or gadget, like the Apple Watch or Fitbit, is wildly helpful for losing weight and getting in shape. In fact, 92 percent of people in a recent survey said that tracking keeps them motivated and 60 percent said it helped them lose more weight than going without.

“You only have a few weeks until your big day — suck it up and track everything! Be patient and be honest,” says exercise physiologist Neal Pire, a spokesperson for the American College of Sports Medicine.

“The simple act of tracking your calories in and calories out will enlighten you, help ensure that you’re on track for hitting your wedding day goals, and help you be consistent right up until you walk down the aisle.”

See More: The Best On-Demand Beauty Service Apps for Your Wedding-Day Hair & Makeup

You don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars for a fancy wearable, either. There are plenty of free apps — like LoseIt! — that are simple to use and will do the trick just as well. Happy tracking!

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

Who said the bride gets to have all the fun cake tasting? If you’re throwing her bridal shower, consider matching your shower cake game to her wedding cake dreams. No matter the size of the party — which dictates the tiers on your cake — there’s a design for every bride! From watercolor frosting to larger-than-life floral decorations, your bridal shower guests will leave talking about nothing other than dessert.

Watercolor and Gold
Watercolor frosting? Check. Gold embellishment? Check. Double the dessert? Check. This cake (above) is for the bride up on the latest in cake trends. And she’ll be even more delighted by the bonus French macaroon garnishes!

Flower Power
A beautiful white cake can easily sway the bride’s sweet tooth, but topping it with a larger-than-life flower can make a cake that much more persuasive. The detail in the layer upon layer of petals allows for some creativity, whether it be an ombré color bomb or multihued petals.

Covered in Love
Instead of sprinkles or confetti dots, decorate the bridal shower cake with what this celebration is really about — love! With pretty candy hearts in a variety of colors, you’ll have a dessert that really says something about the bride-of-honor.

Go 3D
There’s a lot that can make a cake pop, but nothing can do it better than 3D sculpting. Adding lots of playfulness — and great texture — to your dessert, it’s going to be hard to slice in! Go for a lovebirds design, or match your shower’s theme with a teapot and cup for an afternoon tea, a ring box for an engagement celebration, or all-cake-and-sugar bouquet.

Rustic-Chic
A larger bridal shower deserves an equally large cake. If your bride is having a rustic wedding, or just loves a bit of country charm, a barely-frosted cake will fit the bill. Take it up a notch with real flowers in her wedding colors.

See More: Do All Bridal Showers Need a Theme?

Candy Coated
If your bride has a real sweet tooth, consider throwing a candy-themed shower. But don’t forget to include candy on the cake! Load your tiers up with lollipop tops, sprinkles, and crushed suckers for a real sugar rush. Don’t forget icing in candy-coated colors too.

Classic Charm
Sometimes, simple is better. Choose a two-tiered cake in her favorite flavor and add all the charm you need with a soft color (match her wedding colors if you can) or a crowd-pleasing yellow in the spring. Decorate with a small bouquet of sugar flowers to really hit that sweet spot.

Black and White Stripes
Not everything bridal has to be pink, white, or blue. A black and white stripe cake manages to feel modern and fashionable, while still appealing to the feminine crowd at a bridal shower. With a flower on the side, this bold cake is perfect for the modern bride.

Ruffled Layers
Not all frosting is alike. There’s a reason textured cakes, in beautifully frosted patterns like ruffles and stripes, are all the rage. They’re not only perfectly sweet for a bridal shower, they’re also pieces of art your guests won’t be able to stop staring at! And in the right colors, this cake can be her something blue, too.

Ombré Icing
A classic buttercream is always a safe choice for any party. But while rosette-style frosting makes this cake bridal-appropriate, the subtle ombré pattern makes it youthful and fun. Serve this cake this cake at a shower for a classic bride, who likes a twist.

It doesn’t matter how beautiful or entertaining your wedding reception is, if you’ve planned your wedding on a date that coincides with an important football game, in my professional opinion, you’re pretty much sunk. Let me tell you why.

I had a fall wedding group a couple of years ago that had only one wedding date option when they hired me — it had to be on the only Saturday that the Ohio State Buckeyes had a week off. The father of the bride wasn’t willing to go ANYWHERE if the Buckeyes had a game, or if there was the possibility of a playoff. So we planned around him.

You might think it’s ridiculous to plan the most important day of your life around a sporting event — and it probably is — but if you want to ensure that the die-hard fans in your group will actually be present and accounted for when you get married, you have to think about game-day date conflicts.

True Story: A wedding I planned fell on the same night as a playoff game. The bride did not want the television going in the wedding venue, but her father and his friends kept turning it back on. As a result, the guests were broken up into small groups — with some of them glued to the screen — and the party wasn’t getting going the way it should with half of the guests distracted. The bride was distraught.

I kept shooing the guests back outside to the party, but then somebody would yell or cheer, and all the guys would go rushing back into the villa to see what had happened. When the father of the bride told me hold off on the daddy/daughter dance for a bit because they’d just gotten a first down, I became just as frustrated as the already-furious bride.

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My solution? I went outside, around the back of the villa, and disconnected the satellite dish. And pocketed the connector, just in case somebody got the brilliant idea to check the hookup.

My husband, meanwhile, pretended to be watching the game with the crew. When the screen went blank, he told the guests it happens all the time on tropical islands. That’s true, just not in this particular case. After quite a bit of grumbling and complaining, the football fans rejoined the rest of the wedding guests at the reception, and we finally had a daddy/daughter dance.

Fortunately, for me, nobody ever figured out that the signal loss was less than an act of God. I reconnected the cable before the bride tossed her bouquet, and the TV was back on when everybody went back inside at the end. But I was lucky. And I hope I never have to do it again, because I totally would.

While we’d all like to believe that our loved ones consider our wedding day far more important than any sporting event, but it’s better to put things in perspective, and make a smart decision when you choose your date.

Sandy Malone is the owner of Sandy Malone Weddings & Events and author of How to Plan Your Own Destination Wedding: Do-It-Yourself Tips from an Experienced Professional. Sandy is the star of TLC’s reality show Wedding Island, about her destination wedding planning company, Weddings in Vieques.