5 Wedding Dresses We're Loving This Week

asos wedding dress

Photo: Courtesy of Asos

Another day another reason to ogle through hundreds of gorgeous wedding dresses! We here at BRIDES can’t get enough of these floating creations, and right now these are the ones we’re loving. With new fall dresses coming in, we’re getting excited for a slight crisp in the air and a reason to throw on a little capelet. Here, the five wedding dresses we’re loving this week.

This bridal jumpsuit (above) is the perfect mix of Audrey Hepburn classic, and modern bride we never knew we always wanted! The giant bow accent (one of our favorite upcoming wedding dress trends) is enough to make up our minds on this, add to that a perfectly cinched waist and palazzo pants that give the illusion of a dress, and we’re totally hooked. (Bridal jumpsuit in bonded satin with bow detail, $195, Asos)

white vera wang wedding dress

Photo: Courtesy of David’s Bridal

Obsessed doesn’t begin to cover it when it comes to this White by Vera Wang skirt and crop top set. Sure we’ve seen this combination before but never with this many gorgeous layers of tulle, and a floral lace one-shoulder top that features tulle rosettes. Can we say reception dress? (One shoulder lace crop top and tulle skirt, $228 and $928, White by Vera Wang available at David’s Bridal)

bhldn top and pant wedding dress

Photo: Courtesy of BHLDN

Does this top and pant set scream Amal Clooney or what? For the sophisticated bride having a city wedding and looking for that Katherine Hepburn tailored aesthetic, look no further. Satin, wide-leg pants, a cinched waist, bateau neckline and quarter length sleeve make this look so 40s femme fatale we can hardly take it. (Desiree top and Aurelia pant, $280 and $700, BHLDN)

grace loves lace wedding dress

Photo: Courtesy of Grace Loves Lace

Grace Loves Lace sure knows brides, after all you don’t get the most Pinned wedding dress on Pinterest without knowing a little something about your audience. The brand’s Kiki dress evokes a “fearless female spirit” and we can totally see it! long sleeves make this bodycon stretch lace dress sophisticated, understated, sexy, modern, and timeless all at once. That’s a tall order for a wedding dress, and this one does it perfectly. (Kiki lace long sleeved dress, $680, Graces Loves Lace)

See more: The Latest Wedding Dresses from the Runways

sonota capelet bhldn

Photo: Courtesy of BHLDN

Ok, so we technically said wedding dresses, but this sequin capelet adds just the right amount of blush to your bridal ensemble. This topper is the perfect alternative for those loving the pink wedding dress trend, but shying away from the full commitment. (Sonora capelet, $170, Kavita Bhartia available at BHLDN)

How to Get the Custom Wedding Dress of Your Dreams

custom bride

Photo: Aliza Rae Photography, Model: Michelle Martin of Modelogic Midwest

Every bride wants her wedding gown to be unique, so how can she create a look that’s completely her own? When it comes to custom wedding gowns, it all comes down to communication, and a little bit of imagination too.

“Custom gowns are for any bride looking to personalize her wedding day style, and the bride who finds bits and pieces of dresses she loves and wants to combine them into one dress,” says Amanda Jennings of MinkMaidsCollection in Wisconsin.

As far as inspiration goes, Yanique Barnes of Dreamers and Lovers in Los Angeles, CA, says to start by looking inside your own closet. That natural fashion sense, knowing what you look best in and feel comfortable wearing, will help determine what kind of silhouette will flatter your body type. Then, find a designer who shares your aesthetic. And that means everything from the cut to the color to the fabric. Make sure your chosen designer has experience with the type of fabrics you want to work with, and is willing to create the kind of gown you’re envisioning. Whether you’re looking for something out of the ordinary or simply want something locally made, chances are you’ll be able to find a few pros who’ve created everything from vegan to maternity wedding gowns, if you scour the internet.

Probably the most important aspect of ordering a custom gown is discussing the overall process. “It’s imperative, when ordering a custom design, that the bride-to-be has had a full discussion about the designer’s process,” Barnes says. It’s good to ask for a sketch to make sure that that his or her interpretation is exactly what you have in mind. And it’s probably not a good idea to bring a photo of an already existing gown and ask for a duplicate. “Hopefully the designer would refuse to do so for reasons of integrity, but even if she attempts to do so, inevitably the fabrics, cut, and other details will probably turn out slightly different because of her own hand, eye, and skills,” says Rebecca Schoneveld of Brooklyn, NY.

As you might expect, fully custom-made designs can often be nearly double the price of an off-the-rack piece, says Barnes. Think of all the time and care that goes into the design and manufacture. It’s an intensive process for just one dress. Still, independent sellers on sites like Etsy might be more within your budget. Jennings adds that some designers can work within a bride’s budget if she’s open to design modifications. “Simplifying the silhouette, removing intricate details or inner construction, and using different fabrications will all help to reduce the cost of a gown,” she says.

Keep in mind that most designers aren’t in a position to offer refunds on custom pieces. So Barnes recommends making sure all correspondence is clear in emails so you’re more likely to end up with your dream dress. What’s more, Schoneveld thinks it’s a really good idea to try on a muslin, or mock-up, of the gown before it’s cut in the actual fabric. You should be 100% sure of the proportions and the design before the final piece is made. Then, rest assured that you’ll be getting a wedding gown that’s truly one-of-a-kind. If your chosen designer is out of state, Barnes suggests seeing a professional seamstress nearby to take your proper measurements.

See More: How to Design Your Own Custom Wedding Dress, According to the Experts

Mila Kunis Proves That She and Ashton Kutcher Are Legit the Best Celebrity Parents Ever

mila kunis ashton kutcher posing

Photo: Getty Images

Just when you thought you couldn’t love Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher any more, new details emerge about their parenting style that will convince you that they are by far some of the best celebrity parents in the game.

During an interview with The Kylie & Jackie O Show, Kunis, who is expecting her second child with her former That ’70s Show co-star, discussed values that she feels are important for her children to have, especially when being raised by such successful, wealthy parents, according to E! News.

“The one topic of conversation we had even prior to ever having kids was always how do you raise a child to not be an a-hole?” the mom of toddler Wyatt Isabelle said. “And it’s so important because we both came from pretty, pretty, solid poverty backgrounds and grew up very poor and are very much self-made and are very aware of what a dollar is worth.”

While the actress, who married Kutcher last summer in a top-secret wedding, said it’s “beautiful” that their children will never know what it’s like “to have ketchup soup for dinner” she admits they will “never know how to appreciate things.”

“It’s a matter of teaching them from a very early age that you know mommy and daddy may have a dollar, but you’re poor.”

mila kunis ashton kutcher wedding rings etsy

Photo: Getty Images

This isn’t the first time that Kunis has sounded off about the realities of parenthood. While on the road promoting her new upcoming movie Bad Moms, she has been talking about how women shouldn’t worry about having to be the perfect parents and how perfect parents don’t exist. She also revealed how becoming a parent has changed her.

“It does change the way you think and look at life,” Kunis told Entertainment Tonight. “I would never trade it for the world. I know that when we decided to have a kid, we were ready to no longer be selfish. Or at least start the process, because innately, as humans, we are really selfish people.”

“You learn how to be a great partner, and great wife, and a great woman, and be yourself, and still be responsible for, you know, a living child,” she went on. “It’s definitely a learning process.”

Baby Wyatt is pretty lucky to have such cool parents, that’s for sure.

See More: Mila Kunis Doesn’t Wear Her Engagement Ring — and This is Where She Keeps It

See How One Couple Drew Inspiration From the Bride's Grandparent's Wedding for Their Brooklyn Nuptials

Throughout their eight years of dating, Gary Rosenberg made sure he stuck to one important Valentine’s Day tradition: he always gifted Jill Badlotto a new teddy bear on the romantic holiday, which she kept and treasured over the course of their relationship. So when Jill came home to find each of those bears lined up on the patio, with the very first plush toy with a ring box in his paw and Gary on bended knee beside him, the bride-to-be happily accepted the sentimental proposal.

Like those gifts and the day the Gary popped the question, the future Mr. and Mrs. wanted their October 24, 2015, wedding to stand the test of time. “It was important for me to look back on our day in 20 years and not feel it was too trendy,” says Jill. The couple turned to their grandparents’ weddings, as well as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, for inspiration. With a classic color palette of ivory and maroon, the couple ensured no detail would ever go out of style. And, thanks to the talents of Charlotte Jenks Lewis, they can look back on the happy memories forever.

Using invitations from Minted, Jill and Gary invited 97 guests to join them in Brooklyn, New York, for a ceremony at the bride’s childhood church followed by a reception at The Players club, a private townhouse for actors, writers, and artists. “The décor of the venue is unlike any other, with a poker table that Frank Sinatra played at, and the untouched bedroom of Edwin Booth,” the bride says. “After receiving a tour of the place, I knew it had to be my venue, and that my guests would be in awe like I was. When you step foot into The Players, you are transported back into old Hollywood. It’s a pretty magical place.”

Despite the heavy head-to-toe lace on Jill’s Oscar de la Renta wedding dress, she says it was light and comfortable. The dress came strapless, but Jill added tulle off-the-shoulder straps to give her big day look a dash of whimsical flair. “All the other dresses made me feel like I was playing dress up in bridal gowns, but when I tried on this one, I felt like I was a bride,” Jill says. “Also, my mom started crying, which was a good indication I had found the one.”

But as much as she loved her wedding dress, it was a wedding day accessory that she was most excited to wear. “I’ll admit I was almost as excited for my veil as I was my dress,” Jill says. Knowing she wanted something that felt like an antique, the bride-to-be sought out a store in Chicago that could create a custom veil using vintage fabrics and lace. Although she went into the boutique looking to have something designed just for her, the owner showed Jill a dramatic headpiece from the 1920s.

Jill’s nude-hued Christian Louboutin pumps were a wedding day gift from Gary, and served as her something new. As for her something blue, the bride wore a blue bracelet that was once her grandmother’s around her ankle.

She knew exactly what she wanted for her bouquet, choosing immediately to carry a small bundle of Lily of the Valley. “Growing up, my mother would grow them in her garden,” Jill says, “and I loved the delicate nature of the flower.”

Gary’s one and only wedding request? That he could pair a bow tie with his classic black and white tuxedo, which each of his groomsmen also wore for the big day. “Gary loves color and loud prints, so the bow tie was a way for him to show his personality on our wedding day, and added some color to our neutral color palette,” says Jill.

The groom also chose not to shave his beard for the couple’s black-tie-optional wedding. “Everyone wondered why he didn’t,” Jill says, “but I love his beard, and that’s how he’s most comfortable, so he kept it. And I’m so happy he did.”

“It’s old Italian tradition for the bridesmaids and maid-of-honor to wear white on the wedding day, so that the bad spirits will get confused as to who the bride is,” Jill says. In love with that idea, the bride asked her friends to choose their own ivory gown to wear on the day. “It all came out beautiful, and I loved that the overall look was cohesive, but each girl was unique in her own way. One design doesn’t always have to fit all.”

Jill and Gary returned to the bride’s childhood church for their ceremony. “My father walked me down the same aisle he walked down with my mom, the same aisle he held me down when I was baptized, and the same aisle he watched me receive communion,” Jill says. “He is a very tough guy, but when it comes to his family, he is very sensitive, so it was an emotional moment for us.”

Luckily, because of the old building’s breathtaking architecture, the couple needed little in the way of décor. “We let the stained glass windows and dramatic look of the church speak for itself.”

Inside the reception venue, guests could take in framed portraits of Jimmy Fallon, Mark Twain, Walter Cronkite, and more on the townhouse’s colorful walls. During cocktail hour, the couple offered guests one of their favorite foods: macaroni and cheese. “It was very important to Gary and I that our wedding day was a reflection of us as a couple,” the bride says.

Thanks to The Players own unique décor, Jill and Gary didn’t have to do much to dress up the space. “I didn’t want to take away from it’s beauty,” Jill says. Tables were topped with ivory linens, candles, and tall centerpieces of baby’s breath so guests could chat with each other across the table.

Jill’s brother, an artist, hand-drew a picture of the Brooklyn Bridge, which the couple copied and gave out as favors to their guests. “He is so incredibly talented, and I love that it’s a souvenir that they can take home to remember their trip to New York,” says the bride.

Dessert was an epic ice cream sundae bar, but that didn’t mean the couple skipped a wedding cake. In addition to scoops of their favorite flavors, guests also enjoyed traditional vanilla cake with buttercream frosting.

The couple danced together to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” then opened up the floor to their guests. “For the last song, we requested ‘New York, New York’ by Frank Sinatra, and my husband and I got up on stage to sing,” Jill ssays. “It was one of my favorite parts of the night.”

Jill doesn’t regret going with her gut when it comes to wedding planning, and encourages other brides to do the same. “Do what you want,” she says. “I had so many people tell me that having different bridesmaids dresses would look sloppy, or that I was spending too much money on a certain thing. We didn’t listen to any of it, and everything came together perfectly. Don’t sweat the small stuff also, because at the end of the day, nothing else matters but the love you two share. It will all come together.”

Ceremony Venue: St. Patrick’s Church || Reception Venue, Catering, & Rentals: The Players || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta || Veil: Meringue || Shoes: Christian Louboutin || Hair & Makeup: Michiko || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo, Alfred Angelo, Bhldn and Joanna August || Groom & Groomsmen: Men’s Wearhouse || Florist: Fly Me To The Moon || Invitations: Minted || Music: Total Entertainment || Cake: Empire Cake || Videographer: Le Image || Photographer: Charlotte Jenks Lewis

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Did you love this couple’s Brooklyn wedding? Then check out another New York City celebration in the video below.

How Much Time Can I Really Take Off for Our Wedding?

While a guest can get away with just a night or two out of town for a friend’s wedding, when you’re the bride or groom, there’s a lot more to get done in the days leading up to your wedding day. From final details to greeting arriving family to cherishing those last moments before you become a wife, the thought of going to work is probably the last thing on your mind — and could be cramping your pre-wedding style. So how many days can you really take off before you walk down the aisle? Our experts weigh in.

You’ll definitely want to save as many vacation days as possible for your honeymoon, but having the chance to take off a day or two before your wedding to really focus on what’s left on your to-do list can be incredibly helpful (as can the extra time to meet your bridesmaids for pedicures or pack up those welcome bags!). If you plan on taking any time off, make sure to submit your vacation request as early as possible. Sure, your manager will probably squeeze you into the calendar because you’re The Bride, but particularly if you’re getting married during a busy travel season, it’s in your best interest to make sure you’re not the last person left who has to man the office while everyone is gone for a holiday weekend.

When it comes to the days after your wedding, consider trying to take at least one day off (most likely Monday) so you can get plenty of sleep and recuperate after your wild night. That is, of course, if you aren’t heading straight to your honeymoon! Even if it’s an extra night at the hotel or just a quiet night eating pizza on the couch with your new husband, knowing you have a little time to take a nap, relax, and scroll through Instagram looking for peeks of your reception will make going back to work a little bit easier.

See more: 6 Days You’ll Want to Take Off Work for Your Wedding

This Woman Just Did an Engagement Photo Shoot — With Her Job Offer!

Job Offer Engagement Photos

Photo: Courtesy of Benita Abraham via Facebook

What comes next after the question is popped? Why, the engagement photo shoot, of course! It’s time to share your huge, life-changing news with the world and show ’em how happy you are as you start this new, exciting journey. That’s just what this California woman did when her new employer popped the question — of a job offer! Yep, a marriage isn’t the only kind of proposal that warrants a photo shoot — at least according to Benita Abraham who took a slew of super cutesy snapshots normally warranted for a lovey-dovey couple — but with her offer of employment. These might just be our favorite engagement photos yet…

After seven long months of job hunting Benita Abraham of Long Beach, California, had finally found the man job of her dreams. And naturally, took a series of precious photographs to commemorate the celebratory occasion. “I finally found my soulmate, my perfect match, my boo,” Abraham captioned the photos on her Facebook page. “After 7 long months, I found the perfect job with a company that truly cares about its employees and one I will learn so much from.” While this funny lady might have gotten a gig and not a ring, all of the snapshots are based on typical poses newly-engaged couples do in their proposal photoshoots. “#notjustforbabiesmarriagesandbirthdays,” Abraham hashtagged the pics.

In the photos, Abraham lies on the beach, embracing her framed job offer with a “I said yes!” chalkboard sign. In others,, the cute couple (a.k.a. Abraham and her offer of employment) cuddle on a beach blanket and in bed. She even wrote out their “love story” in its entirety — that is, the dates of all of her interviews. Who wouldn’t want to hire this woman with that kind of dedication?!

Abraham explained to the Huffington Post that she “really wanted to share my good news with friends and family in a fun, creative and silly way that reflects my personality.” And that she certainly did! The photoset has since gone viral, garnering likes and laughs left and right.

“The response has been amazing,” this bride-to-be employee-to-be said. “I love that complete strangers are getting a kick out of this! I’ve received so many sweet messages.” And it’s not hard to see why — these photos would make any engaged duo jealous.

Best wishes to this happy couple! May they enjoy the years of married employed bliss ahead of them.

See More: 4 Steps to Looking Flawless in Your Engagement Photos

The 5 Products Every Bride Needs to Pack in Her Honeymoon Beauty Bag

Must-Have Honeymoon Beauty Products

Photo: Getty Images

It doesn’t matter what you score on a ‘how high maintenance are you’ quiz, there are a few beauty must-have items that every bride needs to pack for her honeymoon. So whether your first days as newlyweds involve a whole lot of sand and sun, backpacking through Europe, or a cozy cabin at a very high altitude, here are five products every bride should pack.

Colorescience Bronzing Face Primer

Photo: Getty Images

Vacation is all about taking a break from life, and after the stress of wedding planning, you know you need that rest! So pare down your full makeup routine and keep things simple with Colorescience Skin Bronzing Face Primer SPF 20. This hybrid blurs the look of fine lines and pores, adds a sun-kissed glow and offers sun protection — and on days you do want more makeup, it’s the perfect primer. (Bronzing primer, $49, Colorescience)

Mineral Fusion Brush-On Defense

Photo: Getty Images

We’ve all figured out just how damaging the sun is to our skin, but that doesn’t change the fact that thick, greasy sunscreen just doesn’t fit into our non-beach combing days. Enter Mineral Fusion Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense. This transparent powder can be used over any makeup, on bare skin and even dusted into your hairline and part to protect you from the sun with zero mess. (“Brush-On Sun Defense” powder, $16.54, Mineral Fusion available on Amazon)

It Cosmetics Brow Pencil

Photo: Getty Images

When your brows are done, your entire look is elevated, and you don’t have to be a makeup pro to get flawless brows with It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil. The unique formula adjusts to the shade of your brows, and it’s easy to get a subtle or glamorous look out of the same pencil. (“Brow Power” universal eyebrow pencil, $24, It Cosmetics)

Glossier Generation G

Photo: Courtesy of Glossier

Take it from us — you’re going to be doing a lot of kissing on your honeymoon! So while there’s no reason to complicate things with heavy lipsticks or thick glosses, you do still want a little bit of color. Glossier’s Generation G offers the look of a stain but glides on as effortlessly as a balm, which means you can apply it anytime, anywhere, no mirror required. Plus, it’s buildable, so it can easily work for a multitude of occasions. (“Generation G” matte lipstick, $18, Glossier)

Triple Threat Color Stick

Photo: Courtesy of Thrive Causemetics

One product that can work just about anywhere makes packing easy and vacation makeup application foolproof. Thrive Causemetics Triple Threat Color Stick offers a flush of color (or highlighter) anywhere you need it plus, for every one you buy, another is donated to a woman battling cancer. (“Triple Threat” color stick, $36, Thrive Causemetics)

Kym Johnson and Robert Herjavec Honeymoon in the Most Romantic Place on Earth: See the Photos

robert herjavec kym johnson honeymoon main

Photo: Getty Images

Life is just getting better and better for newlyweds Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson. After throwing the wedding of their dreams earlier this month in a luxurious Los Angeles ceremony, the married couple has now jet-set to one of the most romantic places on earth: Bora Bora, of course! Their gorgeous, honeymoon island escape is giving us all major bouts of envy, TBH.

Johnson, who first met Herjavec on the 20th season of Dancing With the Stars, looked absolutely radiant in her white “Mrs.” swimsuit and adorable straw hat. She posted the photo on her Instagram account, which now has the handle @kymherjavec5678 awww, and gave shout outs to the companies who graciously gifted her with top-notch honeymoon style. Ya know, in case you want to rock that bathing suit on your honeymoon with bae.

It seems like Johnson isn’t the only one enjoying soaking up the sun, either. Her new hubby couldn’t help but flaunt his incredible, blue water view on his Instagram page saying, “No filter! Work hard, play hard — repeat!” We bet THAT makes the Shark Tank sharks puh-retty jealous, no? Whether or not they really are is up in the air, but it’s hard to deny that Herjavec and Johnson’s love isn’t envy worthy.

When the Shark Tank star proposed back in February, the couple were sure the last thing they wanted to do was wait a long time before walking down the aisle. “Why waste time?” Johnson told ET Online. And as for their DWTS co-stars, they could tell it was love at first sight. “I think it was instant,” Derek Hough told ET. “When I found out they were dancing together I was like, first of all, that’s the man of her dreams. The fact that he felt the same about her — I couldn’t be happier for them.”

It’s a whirlwind romance for the books, that’s for sure!

See More: Kym Johnson’s Second Wedding Dress Might Just Be Even More Stunning Than Her First

Thanks for my fabulous hat @sweatybettypr @lackofcoloraus #honeymoon #heaven #nofilter @bruna_malucelli

A photo posted by KymHerjavec5678 (@kymherjavec5678) on Aug 7, 2016 at 2:22pm PDT

Thanks @carsonkressley for our matching hat and boardies!

A photo posted by KymHerjavec5678 (@kymherjavec5678) on Aug 9, 2016 at 4:06pm PDT

No filter ! Work hard, play hard – repeat !

A photo posted by Robert Herjavec (@robert_herjavec) on Aug 7, 2016 at 3:30pm PDT

What a night .. We said our I do's !! Thank you for your love & support !

A photo posted by Robert Herjavec (@robert_herjavec) on Aug 1, 2016 at 8:56am PDT

4 Things to NOT Do the Week of Your Wedding

What Not to Do Before Your Wedding

Photo: Getty Images

The week leading up to your wedding is undoubtedly the most exciting, busy, and emotional time of your life. With last minute to-dos, arrangements, phone calls, confirmations and more — it’s the last bit of time to ensure everything is a-ok and ready to go. While it’s completely normal to feel a bit anxiously motivated to accomplish some last minute endeavors you otherwise hadn’t thought of until now — refrain! Trust us, you’ll definitely want to avoid doing these four things during your wedding week.

Invasive Beauty Treatments
Injections, peels, lasers, oh my. While there are tons of really great anti-aging, complexion enhancing and overall beautifying treatments out there that we adore, they are not meant for the week leading up to your wedding. Depending on the treatment, you run the risk of side effects including redness, swelling, peeling, allergic reactions — the list goes on. The time to experiment with these procedures is at least two-four weeks prior your walk down the aisle. Should the urge to book a last minute effort arise, speak to the estheticians about safe, non-invasive options that can relax and rejuvenate you instead.

Change Your Hair Color
All professional stylists and colorists will agree — the week before your wedding is not the time to change your hair color ESPECIALLY on a whim, or impulse. Pre-wedding hair coloring should be completed at least 7-10 days before you’re officially a Mrs. as new color needs time to oxidize and settle before being professionally styled and photographed. Hair color consults should be booked about three months before the wedding to ensure you have the perfect hair hue for you, with the actual coloring falling within a 7-14 day window. (This also allows enough time for any color correction, toning, or glazing that you may wish to have done, too!)

See More: The Ultimate 30-Day Wedding Shape Up Routine

Crash Diet
We know everyone wants to look, feel, and be the best versions of themselves as they walk down the aisle — but the time to drastically change your diet or exercise regimen is NOT these precious 7 days. Not only can crash dieting, or intense modifications to your daily routine wreak havoc on your alertness, complexion and mood — it’s entirely unhealthy and potentially dangerous. (It can also have the opposite result you had hoped for, too.) By this time, your final fitting has happened and you know you look amazing in your bridal best. Even if you are a few pounds away from where you “thought” you’d be — take pride in how far you have come, and focus instead on how your husband’s (and everyone else’s) jaw will drop at the first glimpse of the bride. (You!)

Make Any Wedding Changes
Cold feet and pre-wedding anxiety are natural for many brides-to-be, especially the week before the big day. But making any last minute decisions should be avoided at all costs — however big or small. Unless any circumstances change that are beyond your control, everything you have decided and chosen has been carefully thought over and planned, and should not be amended at such a vulnerable and hectic time. Calm your nerves and second guesses by channeling confidence in the decisions you have made, and know that your wedding will be everything you wanted it to be.

6 Secrets for Throwing the Most Epic Wedding Your Friends Will Ever Attend

Of course we want you to have fun at your own wedding. But as Amy Nichols, owner of Amy Nichols Special Events and co-founder of The Poppy Group, points out, making your wedding a fun experience for guests is a major component to pulling off a successful wedding. “There are probably 50 to 250 more people who are also choosing to spend five-plus hours with you, so it is important to keep their comfort and enjoyment in mind,” Nichols said. So here’s how to ensure that yours is the most fun wedding reception your guests will ever attend — trust us.

1. Keep your guests comfortable.
The No. 1 enemy of fun? Discomfort. Case in point: If your guests are sweating to proverbial death at your outdoor reception or getting eaten alive by mosquitos, they might not enjoy the signature cocktails or epic dessert bar you so carefully crafted. Consider what your guests will go through at your wedding, Two Little Birds Planning owner Jaclyn Fisher says, and then go from there.

For example, if you’re hosting an outdoor fête with a chance of serious heat on the side, consider greeting your guests with cold lemonade or tea. Conversely, winter wedding guests would love a cup of hot cider or cocoa when they arrive, she says. “A basket of flip flops near the dance floor is a much appreciated gift for your guests’ tired, dancing feet,” she adds. “And be ready with amenities in the restrooms full of items that your guests might need including mints, safety pins, and a sewing kit. These little extras will make your guests feel well taken care of.”

2. Keep the party moving.
Almost as important as keeping the party going is keeping it moving in the right direction, Nichols says. “Sitting around and waiting is a buzz kill,” she warns. “So work with your planner to ensure things happen at the right pace. Cocktails should be no more than one hour. And guests shouldn’t wait more than 20 to 30 minutes between courses. Guests notice when things drag, and ultimately they want to get on the dance floor.”

3. Get your guests on the dance floor ASAP.
According to Fisher, “The key to a super fun reception is a lot of dancing, but waiting until the end of the night to get your guests on the dance floor could be a mistake.” Rather, she says, open up the dance floor the second you finish your first dance. “The focus is already on the dance floor and guests will be excited to join the couple for a few songs,” she explains.

4. Add in some unexpected entertainment.
Guests come to your wedding expecting to eat and dance. What they don’t expect? A salsa performance or palm reader, says Fisher. “Lawn games such as oversized jenga, giant chess or checkers, bocce ball, and corn hole are a great way for guests to have some good old-fashioned fun,” she adds. “Or a tasting station with beer, wine, and your favorite spirit, complete with an expert, offers a unique interactive experience.”

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

5. Make sure there is enough food.
According to Nichols, “A fed guest is a happy guest!” That means making sure there is ample food for every guest to have his or her fill. “There’s nothing worse than arriving to a reception where the hors d’ oeuvres have already been wiped out by other guests,” Nichols says. Plus, she adds, you’ll want to talk to your caterer to make “sure that the flow of the food service will be efficient and timely so that guests will have more than enough to meet their needs.”

6. Offer a late-night snack.
Your guests may have the nibbles after an intense workout on the dance floor. If you feed them a snack in the wee hours of your wedding, Fisher says, they’ll be forever grateful. “Treat guests to some of your local favorites with a late-night food station guaranteed to give everyone the extra energy needed to keep the party going,” the Philadelphia-based planner suggests, adding that, “Philly soft pretzels, Philly cheesesteaks, and Federal Donuts are among the favorites of my Philadelphia couples.”