Night Before The Wedding Tips From The Pros
By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
The night before your wedding is a whirlwind of emotions - excitement, nerves, and some last-minute to-do list checking. It’s easy to get caught up in the anticipation and forget that these final hours are essential for the big day itself.
Many couples assume they can just "wing it" and go with the flow, but taking some time to prep can make all the difference. We asked industry experts to share their best advice on how to make the most of this special time - here’s what they had to say.
Photo Credit: Nicole Henshaw Photography
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Don’t Stay Up Too Late
The excitement of the night before is hard to ignore. Between the rehearsal dinner, out-of-town guests, and last-minute nerves, keeping the celebrations going late into the night is tempting. But remember—your wedding day is a marathon, not a sprint. The best way to be fully present and enjoy every moment? Get a good night’s sleep.
Jen Avey, owner of Destination Weddings Travel Group, notes, “During a destination wedding, the urge to party all night long could be tempting -- you're in an exotic destination, all your friends and family are with you, there's an open bar at the rehearsal dinner, etc. Still, it's important to get to bed early (especially if you have an early time slot to start your hair and makeup!).”
If you stay out too late, exhaustion can take a toll, making it harder to be present on such a big day. Instead, focus on winding down, relaxing, and soaking in time with your loved ones in a way that keeps your energy levels in mind.
Michael Coombs, owner of Michael Coombs Entertainment, agrees, sharing, “Unless you’re having a destination wedding with a welcome party, the night before your wedding should be low-key and relaxed. Have a nice dinner and hang out with friends and family, but keep it light and get to bed early (if your nerves will let you). Save your energy for the excitement that’s coming the next day.”
Your wedding will be one of the most special and emotional days of your life. Give yourself the rest you need to fully enjoy it!
Practice Your Vows
While many couples think they’ll have time to do a final run-through of their vows in the morning, wedding day schedules get hectic fast. Going over them beforehand can help you feel more confident when the moment arrives.
“Practicing your vows the night before your wedding can help calm your nerves and refocus your thoughts,” says Mary Angelini, founder of Key Moment Films. “By taking this quiet moment to reflect, you're also setting yourself up for a more restful night, ensuring you wake up ready to embrace all the joy the next day will bring fully.”
And if you still haven’t finished writing your vows—don’t panic. You’re not alone! Many couples find that inspiration strikes at the last minute.
Jamie Chang, owner and destination wedding planner at Mango Muse Events, shares, “You would be surprised, but there are so many couples who don’t end up writing their vows until the last minute. And that’s ok! But saving it until the wedding day itself is not a great idea. So, if this is you, take some time before you go to bed the night before to write them.”
Reflecting on your vows isn’t just about preparation—it’s about soaking in the meaning of the commitment you’re about to make.
Photo credit: Niki Marie Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Organize Your Day-of Essentials
The morning of your wedding, you want to be sipping champagne with your loved ones—not frantically searching for your shoes, your earrings, or (worst case) your marriage license. Avoid this unnecessary stress by organizing everything the night before.
“Prep your room for the wedding morning before you leave for rehearsal/rehearsal dinner,” recommends Sammy Kesner, owner of Jackson & June Events. “Before you leave for rehearsal/rehearsal dinner, gather all of your attire, accessories, details for flat lay photos, marriage license, supplies, etc., in one safe place. From a planner's perspective, searching for misplaced items can majorly set back timelines!”
A little preparation goes a long way. Before heading to bed, take five minutes to do a final checklist—your future self will thank you.
Spend Time With Your Best Friends
Weddings aren’t just about the love between you and your partner but also the incredible friends who have supported you along the way. If you can, make time for your best friends the night before your wedding.
Loni Peterson, MLS at LP Creative Events, shares, “The night before your wedding is a great time to book a suite at a hotel and invite all your closest friends to spend the night (this goes for both the boys and the girls!). Carving out this time is perfect for sharing stories of your relationship over the years, laughing about the good times, and sharing all the reasons why you are so excited to marry your significant other the next day.”
An evening together is a way to ground yourself, relax, and celebrate the relationships that have shaped your journey.
Make Mindful Choices
From the rehearsal dinner to last-minute wedding details, it’s easy to overindulge or make choices that might leave you feeling less than your best. A little awareness can go a long way in ensuring you start your big day feeling good.
“Even when encouraged, it’s important to mind your alcohol intake and not overindulge on heavy or sugary menu items,” recommends Carin Hunt, wedding specialist at Coconut Palm Inn. “It would be a shame to be bloated or hungover on such a momentous and valuable occasion where you want to feel your absolute best.”
The same goes for hydration—something you might be quick to forget amid all the excitement.
“Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate,” reminds Meaghan Cody, owner/planner at Sweet Pea Events. “It's so easy to get carried away with just one more glass of wine at the rehearsal dinner or hotel bar, and that morning, you're not feeling so hot. The queasy stomach, puffy face, and pounding headache aren't the way you want to start your wedding day off!”
Making small, smart choices can help ensure you feel amazing when you wake up.
Photo credit: Rebecca Love Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Keep Things Routine
The night before your wedding isn’t the smartest time for last-minute experiments. Though it might sound fun, trying something unfamiliar could backfire.
“Stick to your routine,” suggests Craig Peterman, owner of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “This is not the time to try new skincare, eat unfamiliar foods, or experiment with anything that might throw off your groove. Keep it simple, stick to what works for you, and prioritize your comfort.”
Your body and mind will appreciate the familiarity, helping you feel calm and ready to take on your big day.
Remember Your Guestbook
With all the excitement of your wedding day, some of the most meaningful details can get overlooked—like your guestbook. One simple way to make sure you don’t miss out on special messages? Bring it to the rehearsal dinner.
Tracy Autem, owner of Tracy Autem & Lightly Photography, notes, “Bring your wedding guestbook to the rehearsal dinner. The wedding day is busy for your closest friends and family, so often, they are the guests who never make it over to the sign-in table. Utilize your guestbook for both events to ensure your favorite people get to pen you a message.”
This dinner is the perfect opportunity for guests to write heartfelt messages without feeling rushed. Plus, you’ll enjoy reading those notes before your wedding even begins!
Enjoy the Moment - Tomorrow is Your Big Day!
The night before your wedding is more than just a countdown—it’s a chance to prepare, reflect, and enjoy the moment. By getting enough rest, staying organized, and being mindful of your choices, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and joyful celebration.
Take a deep breath and get ready—your best day ever is just hours away!
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Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.