10 Things to Do the Night Before Your Wedding
By Rebecca Padgett Frett
’Twas the night before your wedding, when all through the house, all your bridesmaids are stirring. In reality, the night before your wedding is filled with excitement shared by so many. It can also be a night filled with nerves — that’s why it’s essential to take care of yourself. Below are 10 tips for becoming rested, glowing and ready to walk down the aisle.
1. Eat Well
You’ll likely have your rehearsal dinner the night before, meaning you’ll have access to the menu and therefore can plan for a healthy meal. This doesn’t mean you have to only eat spinach, but you should eat a meal that tastes good and feels good. A heavy or greasy meal will likely have you feeling bloated the next morning. This is also not the time to try out foods you’ve never had before.
2. Hydrate
With friends and family in close proximity, it’s natural to have a few drinks the night before the wedding. That being said, no one wants to be hungover on their wedding day. For every drink you have, drink a glass of water. Be sure you’re hydrating throughout the day, and drink a glass before bed. It’s easy to forget to drink water when busy. Hydration will lead to glowing skin and an improved attitude.
3. Sleep Well
Between stress, jitters and excitement, sleep might seem impossible. It’s essential to make sleep a priority if you don’t want to layer on the under-eye concealer and chug coffee all day. Give yourself a goal of having all tasks completed by a certain time and have a bridesmaid or trusted family member keep you accountable for your bedtime. Maybe even a tuck-in service.
4. Prepare Bags
Get all your ducks in a row for the next day. You’ll need multiple bags — spend-the-night bag, a getting-ready bag, a reception bag, a night-of bag and the honeymoon bag. Having these ready and organized will give you peace of mind for the wedding day. It might be a good idea to either drop them off at their next day locations or hand them over to your maid of honor.
5. Prepare Payments
Write checks or set aside cash for any remaining balances or vendors who need to be paid day of. This includes additional tips you plan to give. I suggest putting them in separate labeled envelopes, then handing them off to your designated point person or planner.
6. Pamper Yourself
A facemask, a mani/pedi, a hair mask, a glass of wine, a movie night in with your best friends — treat yourself in whatever way you want.
7. Assign a Morning Person
Whether it’s your maid of honor, a family member or a responsible friend, assign a morning person. This person will ensure you’re awake, on time and where you’re supposed to be. Maybe they get your favorite coffee too. This person is essential for making sure you’ve recovered from the night before and are fresh faced to face the world.
8. Meditate
Take some time alone to center yourself and take deep breathes, do some yoga, put your phone away or enter into full-on meditation. This will surely clear your mind for the following day.
9. Spend the Night Together or Don’t
Do what’s right for you. Do what you want. Spend the night with your sweetheart, your bridal party, your family — or spend it alone.
10. Reflect
The next day, you are marrying the love of your life. Holy cow! Take some time alone to let that sink in. Sit with it. Look though photos of the two of you throughout the years. Write a letter to your significant other. Smile! Cry! Get excited!