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. You'll want to rest up so you're totally prepared for your wedding.
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.
You could stay at the same hotel as your wedding venue, or you could choose a different hotel that is close by. If you have a larger budget, you could even choose a resort or spa for the night before your wedding. Staying at a hotel provides the benefit of being close to your wedding venue.
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.
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.
The wedding night, also most popularly known as 'suhaag raat', is when newly-weds are expected to consummate their marriage and for many couples, who had never had a physical relationship before, this night might be the first time they would be having sex with the partner.
In the run up to your wedding day ensure you have at least six-and-a-half hours' sleep each night. Research has shown that people who have less sleep are more prone to irritability – not a great trait for a blushing bride!
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.
The rehearsal dinner usually takes place the night before the wedding. However, some couples decide to have the rehearsal dinner two nights before the wedding to give family and friends a chance to recuperate before the big day. The rehearsal dinner is a chance for families to spend time together in a relaxed setting.
If you're having an evening wedding you may have a little leeway with getting up later, but for afternoon and early evening weddings, you'll probably be looking to set your alarm for 7 a.m. or close to it.
We recommend getting ready at least six hours hours before the ceremony start time (however you can always start earlier or later if you feel it's necessary). We know—it sounds like a lot of time. But there's a lot that need to happen.
Many wedding venues have a curfew of 10 p.m., and some are even earlier, depending on zoning restrictions. For most couples, 10 p.m. is not nearly late enough to stop the party. Thus, the inclusion of an after-party has become a widely endorsed practice within the greater wedding community.
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.
Showering can be one of the best parts of your wedding day, so it makes sense if you both have something super fluffy and luxurious to throw on after you step out of the steam. Be a little extra, too, go for those newlywed robes that are so cheesy, but also heavenly.
Flowy dresses, whether short or long, are a must for your honeymoon. They are available in a wide range of designs and colors. A flowy dress is not only comfortable but also creates a style statement, which can be styled any and every way that you want.
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.