Wedding season has arrived. Here are some dos and don'ts for being a good guest.
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On the agenda:
- You can boost a key longevity metric by exercising with the "Norwegian method."
- Breakups can be a goldmine for influencers — if they can stomach the pain.
- Inside Mark Zuckerberg's watch collection.
- A writer tested value steaks at Outback, Texas Roadhouse, and LongHorn Steakhouse. There was one clear winner.
But first: The art of being a great wedding guest.
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This week's dispatch
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How to guest like the best
Do you hear that? It's the sound of wedding bells officially kicking off the season, where we witness our friends and family say, "I do."
And no matter where they do it, or how they do it, now that wedding season has begun, it's the perfect time for some reminders on how to be a good guest.
It's not just about showing up or even about your gift — if you choose to give one. As you navigate the nuptials, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Where's your RSVP? Wedding planner Elisabeth Kramer says if you don't want to be an immediate headache, RSVP on time. "When you refuse to RSVP, you force the couple to track down the information when they're already busy trying to plan their wedding," she writes.
- Don't expect a plus one. Although you may want to bring a guest, it may not always be guaranteed due to venue or budget constraints. Etiquette coach Myka Meier told one upset guest, "That said, etiquette goes both ways. You're never obligated to attend as a guest if the invitation doesn't suit your comfort level."
- Gift thoughtfully. To gift or not to gift is the latest wedding debate. Some are opting out altogether, especially if they're traveling long distances to attend the big day. Contributing writer Ivana Robinson writes she has "no regrets" in opting out of gift-giving.
- Take to the dance floor for goodness' sake — or, said more simply, enjoy the moment. One day, the wedding season will be behind you, and you might even miss the big gatherings like BI's contributing writer, Alice Sanders. "Now in my 40s, I don't get to see friends as much, and I wish I'd appreciated these gatherings more," she said.
VO2 maxxing
Courtesy of CORE/Santara Group
Your VO2 max — your body's ability to circulate and use oxygen effectively — is a key longevity metric. Olav Aleksander Bu trains elite athletes, but you can use his strategies to boost your VO2 max even if you aren't one.
Bu uses the "Norwegian method," which balances workout intensity with periods of recovery. Understanding factors like heart rate and heat helps determine how much stress your body can take on.
How to work out more efficiently.
Broken heart$ club
Getty Images; VNY Models; BI Illustration
There's a lot of views (and a lot of money) to be made in sharing your breakup online. Content creators told BI how they leveraged their newfound viewer engagement, from launching influencer careers to securing investments for startups.
Viewers crave authenticity, and what's more authentic than heartbreak? If you're thinking about cashing in, however, tread carefully — it can pigeonhole some creators.
Mark Zuckerberg's wrist candy
Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP
Zuckerberg has been upping his style game as of late, and his watches are no exception.
From a flashy Rolex to a $900,000 Greubel Forsey creation, the Facebook founder has been flaunting an assortment of eye-catching timepieces. Here's a look at his extensive collection.
His most expensive watch has 281 pieces.
Cheap steak showdown
Albany Times Union/Hearst Newspapers/Getty
Writer Steven John put three steakhouse chains' value meals to the test. He ordered six-ounce sirloin steaks from Texas Roadhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Outback Steakhouse.
While all three were decent value, John said one blew him away. The winner cost less than $25, even after tax and tip.
What we're watching this weekend
Peacock; BI
- "Poker Face": In season two of the Peacock show, Natasha Lyonne reprises her role as Charlie Cale, a casino worker who can tell when someone's lying.
- "Nonnas": Vince Vaughn plays a man who honors his late mom by opening an Italian restaurant with a group of local grandmothers in Netflix's new dramedy.
- "Conan O'Brien Must Go": Comedian Conan O'Brien continues his globe-trotting adventures in season two of the Emmy-winning travel series.
iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI
What to shop
- Where to buy bedding: We interviewed interior designers to find the best brands that blend comfort, durability, and style. Our top picks include Parachute, Brooklinen, Boll & Branch, Frette, and others known for their luxurious feel and timeless design.
- Frustration-free luggage: We tested and reviewed dozens of suitcases to find the best for every type of traveler. The top picks include durable carry-ons, spacious checked bags, and smart luggage that you can trust with your valuables.
- For a close shave: From budget-friendly options to high-end models, check out our guide to the best electric razors for every grooming need. These stand out for performance, comfort, and ease of use across various skin and hair types.
More of this week's top reads:
- A 20-cent "wonder drug" is being studied as a colon-cancer-fighting supplement, and it looks promising.
- Here's how Disney imagines its new theme park in Abu Dhabi will look.
- Seth Rogen gave Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos a cameo in "The Studio." He says Apple wanted Tim Cook instead.
- I followed my partner to New York, we broke up, and I moved back to my hometown. Turns out, it was just what I needed.
- Parents are spending big bucks to announce their kid's college decision — and small business owners are cashing in.
- BI visited two of the busiest US airports on the first day of Real ID requirements. Here's what our reporters saw.
- Skims boss says prioritizing work-life balance is not a recipe for success — it's a red flag.
- A top nutritionist explains why elite athletes curb water intake after 4 p.m. — and why you should consider it too.
- The best photos you missed from inside the 2025 Met Gala.
- How Eric Stonestreet spends his 5 to 9 — from cooking outdoors to unwinding with "Wheel of Fortune."
The BI Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.