The big decision lots of couples are asking themselves is whether to spend it together or stick to tradition and sleep apart. It really is entirely up to you. There isn't a rule that says you have to but here's what's most important: that you relax.
The traditional route includes the groom spending a night with his family, like parents or siblings if possible or at his best friend's place. Many grooms now spend the important night before their wedding at a comfortable or luxurious hotel so that they get good rest and peaceful sleep to gear up for the next day.
This practice emerges from pre-18th century time, when it was common place for pre-arranged marriages. It was deemed "unlucky" for a bride and groom to see one another. This was an attempt to keep the groom from backing out of the wedding upon seeing his unidentified bride to be prior to the ceremony.
It's meant to be the most romantic day for couples – but research has revealed that the majority of newlywed couples don't have sex on their wedding night. A survey of 1,834 newly married couples showed that 65% missed out on getting intimate the evening after walking down the aisle.
Many wedding parties have the rehearsal dinner the evening before the wedding, so you may all be dressed up, hair and makeup done, and ready for some fun! Going out for drinks or dessert with just the girls is a great way to spend some quality time together before the wedding ceremony.
Who stays with bride night before wedding? Many brides opt to stay with her girls before wedding, staying at a hotel with their maids of honor or with all of their bridesmaids. It is the LAST night for girls.
And for many newlyweds, that is indeed the case. According to a new WeddingWire survey of over 350 recently-married couples, nearly 40 percent of newlyweds had sex on their wedding night (and 22 percent of brides donned special lingerie for the occasion).
For the garter toss tradition, the groom removes the garter from the bride's leg during the wedding reception on the dance floor. The groom usually goes under her dress to find the band, removing it with his hands or teeth.
Inform your maid of honor or wedding party about your period, and let them know you'll need their help during the day. You might even want to pass off some ibuprofen to them for safekeeping. Ask them to hold some menstrual products for you, if need be, and get them to keep an eye on your dress.
The tradition of not seeing the bride for 24 hours, or possibly just the night before the wedding, stems from an ancient tradition of the bride not showing her face to the groom at all before they were married, something that very few Australian couples would consider today!
Stay Over with the Groom
Traditionally, the best man may stays with the groom the night before the wedding. Prepare for this with drinks and lots of snacks, but make sure the groom doesn't drink too much or eat anything that could cause an issue the next day.
Don't Make It All About Yourself
The Indian first night should be about getting to know each other well. However, it's best to not go on and on about yourself on the first night itself, especially if it's an arranged marriage.
A supportive pair of briefs makes for excellent wedding night underwear for the groom. They're snug, stylish, and ever so slightly revealing. This pair is also extra breathable, meaning you should still feel fresh after all-day wear. A sleek pair of designer trunks will look good at any time of the day.
And yes, bridal lingerie is perfect to pack for your wedding night! But, if lingerie is not your style...or you also want a second, more comfortable option for sleeping, consider some cute pajamas. A special pair, that's new and maybe even personalized with your new married name or monogram!
It is believed that the first night is the foundation of a blissful married life. As per traditions, it is believed that embarking a conjugal life with a glass of Saffron Milk adds sweetness to the relationship.
In the Indian context, Suhag Raat is a significant ritual in the life of a newly married couple. It refers to the first night when the marriage is consummated. In this ritual, the bed of the couple is decorated with flowers, which are believed to bring sweetness to their relationship.
The groom and his guys can spend some time at the spa kicking back and relaxing to conserve energy for the big event. They can get massages, sit in the steam room, or even opt for a facial. A full service spa may even be a good spot for the groom and his groomsmen to get their hair cut or enjoy a shave.
The maid of honour is traditionally seated to the left of the groom's father, with the bride's mother to his right. The groom is then seated between his bride and her father, with the groom's mother on his right and the best man next to her.
Tradition has it that each person pays for the other person's ring. So in a traditional wedding, the groom or his family would pay for the bride's ring, and the bride or her family would pay for the groom's ring.
Set The Mood Right
If you don't know how to start a conversation, then simply set the mood right. Draw a nice bubble bath, or dim the lights and light up scented candles. These are subtle ways to let your partner know that you're ready. And if your spouse shares the feeling, then you both can just enjoy the moment.
Leave early.
The guests usually take that as a sign the wedding's come to an end, and many will soon leave too. If someone has to leave before the bride and groom, it's fine as long as they wait until the wedding cake is cut.