20 Things to Do Before You Get Married

It doesn't matter if you're planning to tie the knot with your man in the next couple of years or if that trip down the aisle isn't even on your horizon. There are some things that you'd better indulge in now, because once you're hitched you can just completely forget about it.

1. Date a guy who's totally wrong for you...

...just because he has amazing abs. So what if he's five years younger and your polar opposite? The joy of running your hands across his six-pack is a perfectly legitimate reason to go out with him.

2. Collect at least six country stamps on your passport...

...including one from a place that until recently you didn't even know existed. Yes, it's fun to travel with your man, but you should also have had some solo adventures before you start sharing your life with him one hundred per cent.

3. Embrace feminine decor.

Don't go so far as to paint the walls pink—that'll freak out any guy who sets foot in your place— but stock up on stuff that appeals to your girlie side. When you're building a nest with him, you'll have to compromise on furniture and accessories, so pile on cute throw pillows while the decorating is all up to you (because here's a tip to remember: guys hate the things).

4. Wear a hip, fabulous ring on your left hand. 

Once you have an engagement band, you won't want anything detracting attention from the ring.

5. Take advantage of the whole bed. 

You have the rest of your life to stick to 'your' side when you sleep next to your man. Right now, place your pillow smack-dab in the centre and make like a starfish.

6. Spend an embarrassing amount of money...

...on a designer bag you love or heels that make you feel incredibly sexy. Chances are, when you have a joint account with your hubby, he's not going to get why a purse is worth the GDP of a small country

7. Learn how to change a tyre and work a drill.

It's easy to relegate all those 'guy' tasks to your man (and you totally should enlist his help), but there's an incredible sense of power that comes with being able to fix something yourself.

8. Master the art of using a vibrator.

9. Slip one of those furry covers on the toilet. 

Once it's there, he'll have to accept it (and psst, they make it impossible for men to leave the seat up).

10. Throw blowout bashes.

Sure, it's nice to have a mellow get-together with your girlfriends, but that shouldn't be the extent of your social life. Before settling down, let your wild side reign. You definitely won't regret it ever.

11. Take charge of your cash flow...

...before merging it with your guy indiscriminately. Sign up for a retirement plan and invest extra cash in stocks or PPF accounts.

12. Have your dad take you out to dinner as often as possible. 

The reasons: it's great bonding time, and his open-wallet generosity will dry up once you're hitched. Face it, your wedding reception is going to be the last meal that will be his treat.

13. Hone a signature lingerie style. 

Figure out what cuts and colours are hottest on you, and develop a look that's all your own. That way, your one-day groom will follow your lead...and not buy that hideous, baby-pink, with tacky machine lace bra that looks but absolutely ack.

14. Want a cat? 

Heed this bit of advice: buy it now. You can call it Snowflake, and let it sleep next to you in bed, beside you. If you wait to get a pet with your betrothed, it will end up being a big, slobbering lab called Bif, or some other butch name, who drools all over your designer floor cushions.

15. Eat what you like, when you like.

If all you feel like eating for dinner is ice cream and diet soda, buy a cone and pop a Coke. When you and The Mister chow down together all the time, you'll be less likely to indulge those bizarre—but oh-so-satisfying—cravings.

16. Use tonnes of hot water in the A.M.

17. Take your celeb crush to the max. 

Plaster a poster of Ranbir Kapoor in your hallway, and set your computer wallpaper to a sexy shot of him—where he's doing his bedroom eyes thing.

18. Plan your fantasy wedding. 

Now's the time to let your imagination roam—rip pictures of dresses from magazines, size up ceremony venues, and try on some rocks at the jewellery store. This is stuff that really wigs guys out if they witness it, so get it out of your system now.

19. Start a pleasure ritual... 

...that a change in your relationship status can't disturb. Regularly treat yourself to something you love, whether it's a manicure, yoga classes at the fanciest studio in town, or a super-relaxing massage.

20. Fix your home to fit your needs. 

Maybe keeping the coffee machine in the bathroom so you can get your caffeine boost while you put on makeup in the morning works for you. Customise while you can.