We are always so excited to share helpful information to make the wedding planning and process so much more enjoyable to you. This week and next will be a two part series about the night before your wedding. We want to leave no stressful stone unturned.

This week we are focusing on the MUSTS and next week will be about our top recommendations of things we think you SHOULD include to make it memorable and fun. If anyone asks you why you scheduled the eve of your wedding so meticulously, just tell them you consulted the professionals- we’re happy to back up that statement.

1. Set things out. Traveling in the morning? Get everything ready to go in the morning. Staying put to get ready? Lay things out conveniently or in order of use to keep things quicker. It also helps, if something has gone MIA to know the evening before and not the hour of the ceremony.

2. Steam outfits, clean jewelry. Have your rings been polished? Are there unwanted wrinkles in your dress, tux, or reception outfits? Take care of those the night before to keep frazzled feelings banished to the unprepared couples.

3. Set an early rehearsal time. It’s been seen too often where dinners are scheduled around the latest arriving family member or friend. Hopefully you’ve chosen trustworthy people to join your wedding party and can trust if they aren’t there for the entire rehearsal, that they will still be able to beautifully perform their involvement. The dinner should be scheduled so it doesn’t run into any of the couples other planned events, travels, or self-care (we’ll talk more on that next week). Don’t feel guilt tripped, it’s YOUR wedding.

4. Don’t over plan. Rehearsal dinner, bachelor/ette parties, family time, nails, last minute list, self-care, and sleep will NOT all get done in the same few hours. It’s more likely you’ll do the ‘obligation’ events and neglect the sleep and self-care. We’re not about that life. Couples need to feel rested and ready for their big day.

5. Piggybacking off our last point- make a timeline. NOT the night before. Make a timeline in advance so that you can follow it the night before. This will take away the ‘I forgot to..’ and ‘what did I just say needed to be done?’ things. You will have everything on paper or a screen to follow and hold the other involved parties to. Make sure you’ve scheduled 10-15 minutes in between each event on your timeline so that you aren’t rushed and have moments to breathe and look forward to your upcoming nuptials.

6. Take care of one of the bigs. You’re going to get your hair, mani/pedi, waxing, facial treatment, etc, done on the same day? Mmm-mmm, babe, you can get your nails done a day or two in advance and NEVER do hair removal the day of (red bumps, scratches, etc. Yikes!). The night before is a great time to plan one of these and incorporate it into a self-care moment or event. Please, for the love of walking down the aisle on time, do something the night before!

7. Make sure to throw a few healthy snacks next to your prep area or in your prep bag. Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, a protein bar, a smoothie mix, etc. You may have plenty of time to feast the morning of your wedding due to your amazing planning skills, but just in case- pack the snacks! This is also a good idea if you’re a nervous eater. Better to eat a handful of nuts and a fruit bar than binge a dozen donuts and have a sugar crash at zero hour (trust us, we may have some experience in this department).

8. This one is an absolute, must-do, non-option, automatic add to your night before list. Smile. Look around, remember every moment, and smile. Delegate so that you have time to be in the moment. There are few greater joys than these moments with loved ones. So do everything in your power to make sure you and your spouse get to fully be a part of the experience.

Hopefully, this was extremely helpful for you. The night before can seem like a mystery for many couples and we don’t want that for you. It’s all part of the wedding and can be just as fun with a little prep work.

Check back in next week for our list of ‘Should-dos’ on the night before your wedding!

– CGP