26 Things to Do the Night Before Your Wedding

bride sleeping in lace sleeping mask and robe — Photo by Jen Huang Bogan

On the night before the wedding, it’s completely normal to experience a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. You might be thrilled to marry the love of your life, anxious about nailing your first dance, excited to celebrate with your friends and family, and nervous about your guests’ reaction to your thoughtfully executed aesthetic. Since there’s an expectation that your nuptials will be the best day of your life, coupled with the endless hours you’ve clocked in orchestrating your vision, the stakes probably feel high. Plus, you’re about to enter a new chapter in your life, so experiencing pre-wedding jitters is a common—even natural—outcome.

If your brain is working in overdrive once the 24-hour mark hits, there are steps you can take the night before the wedding to set you up for success the following day. Some involve logistics, like charging your phone, grabbing cash out of your wallet to tip your vendors, and putting your bag in the trunk. Others on the list are activities for leisure or enjoyment, like spending time with your spouse, doing your skincare routine, and unwinding with a good TV show, which will alleviate any nagging worries.

Wondering what to do the night before the wedding? Read on for a complete checklist. Once you cross these tasks off your list, you'll feel more confident and prepared to tie the knot.

Eat a Healthy Meal

Woman putting a fork in bowl of vegetables — Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images

When we're stressed, we tend to reach for comfort food. Although digging into a greasy slice of pizza and a bag of chips might be tempting, eating a nutritious, well-balanced dinner the night before the wedding will keep your blood sugar and energy levels intact. After a healthy meal, you'll wake up feeling refreshed on your wedding day.

Drink a Lot of Water

Woman pouring a glass of water — d3sign / Getty Images

Along with eating a nutrient-dense dinner, drinking enough water is also essential for an optimal night and next morning. With a lot on your mind, filling up (and refilling) your glass with H2O might become an afterthought. Since staying hydrated is important for your mental and physical health, keep a bottle or cup near you at all times.

Practice Walking in Your Shoes

Woman walking in white heels with sequined straps — Victor Dyomin / Getty Images

If you're nervous about your walk down the aisle, practice walking in a straight line in your wedding shoes, especially if they have heels or you're on uneven terrain. Rehearsing ahead of the event will help you feel more assured when you make your big entrance.

Charge Your Phone

Phone charging on couch — Simon Skafar / Getty Images

Although you likely won't be on your phone that much during your celebration, having a fully-charged phone will give you peace of mind in case of an emergency. Plus, if you want to snap a photo really quickly, a full battery will allow you to do so.

Pack Your Personal Items

Gold sequined clutch with personal belongings — Carol Yepes / Getty Images

Whether or not carrying a clutch is part of your wardrobe, packing a small bag of must-haves will prepare you for the day. We recommend filling your bag with travel-size makeup products and a compact mirror for reapplying, gum to freshen your breath, hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean, tissues to wipe away (happy) tears, and anything else you'll want on hand.

Gather a Survival Kit

First aid kit with esssentials — Andrii Marushchynets / Getty Images

In addition to packing personal items, you'll also want to bring an emergency kit with bandages, safety pins, Advil, and hair ties. Having a pile of essentials ready will allow you to take action if something goes awry.

Print Out a List of Vendor Details

Woman sitting on a couch writing in a notebook with laptop open — Carlos G. Lopez / Getty Images

To stay organized, compile a list of your vendors' information, like their name, phone number, and arrival time, readily available. Make sure that a point person, whether it's your maid of honor or another bridesmaid, has a copy of these details, so everything is in order.

Grab a Pair of Flip-Flops

Pair of white flip-flops on the carpet at home — Digital Vision / Getty Images

Spending the whole day in heels won't be the most comfortable experience. To give your feet sweet relief, throw a pair of flip-flops into your bag. You can change into them at any point in the day, whether it's in between photo sessions or before you hit the dance floor.

Make Sure You Have Cash on Hand

Woman getting money out of her wallet — Grace Cary / Getty Images

Since your vendors work so hard to bring your vision to life, tipping your team is a considerate gesture. Grab a few $20 bills to leave gratuity, and bring some extra cash in case of any emergencies.

Double Check Payment for Vendors

Woman writing a check — Image Source / Getty Images

In addition to tip money, you'll also need to sort out your vendors' payments. Figure out whether you're going to schedule them digitally, through Venmo or PayPal, or pay them with checks or cash. If you're going with the latter, put them in envelopes with each of their names on it. Have your point person distribute them on the wedding day.

Write a Love Note to Your Partner

Woman writing in a journal — Milko / Getty Images

While this isn't a requirement, writing a love letter to your future spouse will go a long way. It's the perfect time to jot down how you feel because you'll be filled with raw emotion, so you'll speak straight from the heart.

Put Any Bags You Need in the Car

Woman putting black suitcase in trunk — Oscar Wong / Getty Images

The morning of your wedding day is jam-packed, so the last thing you want to do is haul heavy bags and suitcases into your car. A much better and less stressful alternative is taking care of this to-do the night before you tie the knot.

Confirm With Vendors

Woman texting — Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Your vendors are probably all aware of the time and place of your wedding at this point, but recapping the details and confirming their presence will make you feel prepared. It's also important to share your point person's phone number in case they need to reach you on your special day.

Assign Someone to Be Your Morning-After Person

Woman sitting on the couch and texting — Morsa Images / Getty Images

While you're reaching out to vendors, it's also a good time to designate someone in your wedding party or another loved one as the person who will check the venue for any valuables or possessions the morning after the wedding.

Go Over Your Vows

Vow booklet next to floral arrangements — Sandra Adamson / Getty Images

Some individuals wait until inspiration strikes to write their vows, which ends up looking like the night before or the morning of their nuptials. But if you jotted down your promises well in advance, now is a good opportunity to review them. That way, you'll feel more comfortable reciting them in front of your guests.

Clean Your Engagement Ring

Woman holding solitaire diamond engagement ring — Jamie Grill / Getty Images

Your engagement ring will be the focal point of countless photos, so a radiant, blemish-free rock is a necessity. Take a few moments on the night before your wedding to clean your sparkler, removing any scuffs and increasing the amount of sparkle.

Keep Up With Your Nightly Beauty Rituals

Woman holding serum dropper — Mariia Siurtukova / Getty Images

You've probably been following a consistent skincare regimen in the months leading up to your big day, so the evening before you say "I do" is no exception. While you won't want to deviate from what works to avoid any potential allergic reactions or irritants, now is the time to give your skin a little extra TLC, like a hydrating face mask.

Enjoy a Mani-Pedi

Woman painting her nails a French manicure — Vincent Besnault / Getty Images

If you haven't already booked a nail appointment with a technician, create an at-home spa the night before. Buff your nails, pick your favorite color from your collection, and lather on a few coats.

Spend Alone Time With Your Partner

Woman and man sitting on the couch and smiling at each other — FreshSplash / Getty Images

Before all of the busyness of the big day ensues, make sure to carve out time to spend with your partner, whether you've chosen to embrace the tradition of sleeping separately or you'll be drifting off in the same bed. Cook a nourishing meal, watch a feel-good movie, and check in to see how they're feeling.

Open Wedding Presents

Man giving woman a gift — VioletaStoimenova / Getty Images

Some couples exchange gifts on the morning of the wedding day, but why wait? The night before the wedding is the perfect time to open presents from one another.

Say a Big "Thank-You"

Man and woman hugging in bedroom — Goodboy Picture Company / Getty Images

Before you put your phone away for the evening, take a second to shoot a text to anyone who's played a role in your journey. Send love to your bridesmaids, your family, and any other close friends and family members. Don't forget to hug your future spouse, too.

Turn Your Phone on Silent

Woman texting on iPhone — Tim Robberts / Getty Images

Once you're done responding to text messages for the evening, put your phone on Do Not Disturb. Without the draw of notifications, you'll be able to enjoy your last evening alone as an engaged couple.

Watch Something That'll Make You Laugh

Couple watching TV on the sofa at home and laughing — Morsa Images / Getty Images

Laughing lowers stress and boosts your mood, so putting a lighthearted comedy on the TV in the evening before you make it official will get you in the right headspace.

Practice Deep Yoga-Like Breaths

Woman sitting on bed meditating — Patrick Chu / Getty Images

End the day before your wedding with five minutes of meditation and deep breaths. This will help calm you down before you hop into bed.

Get in One Last Kiss

Man and woman sitting on the couch about to kiss — Lemon Photo / Getty Images

Whether you and your partner will be parting ways or slumbering under the same roof, there's no better way to end the night than with a kiss. Plus, sharing a smooch increases your "happy hormones."

Get a Good Night's Sleep

Woman and woman sleeping — Tetra Images / Getty Images

Knowing that you'll be walking down the aisle in a few hours might make you feel restless once your head hits the pillow. Release the pressure to sleep perfectly and try to get a few hours of shuteye. At the very least, get into bed at a decent hour.

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