First Night: Wedding Bliss Or Miss?

The first night after a wedding can be an exciting and emotional time for newlyweds. While some couples choose to seal the deal, others may opt for a more low-key approach due to tiredness or other factors. According to a survey, nearly 40% of newlyweds had sex on their wedding night, with 22% of brides donning special lingerie. However, there are various other activities couples engage in, such as ordering room service, eating in bed, looking at photos from the wedding, or even opening wedding gifts. Some couples may also choose to continue the celebration by hosting an after-party or simply enjoying each other's company. It's important to manage expectations and communicate desires to ensure a memorable and enjoyable wedding night, whether it includes sex or not.

Eating food in bed

Additionally, eating in bed can create a lot of extra work for you. Food crumbs and spills can attract unwanted pests, such as ants and cockroaches, and increase the risk of germs and bacteria. It's recommended that bed sheets be changed every one to two weeks, but if you're eating in bed, you'll need to do this much more frequently.

If you're set on enjoying a meal in a cosy setting, there are alternatives to consider. You could create a comfortable space on the floor with cushions and blankets, or even a picnic-style setup in your living room. This way, you can still enjoy a romantic meal without risking the potential downsides of eating in bed.

However, if you're determined to enjoy a meal in bed on your wedding night, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, be mindful of the food you choose. Greasy or messy foods will only increase the likelihood of spills and crumbs, so opt for something less messy. Secondly, be sure to clean up any crumbs or spills immediately to minimise the risk of attracting pests. Finally, be aware of the potential impact on your sleep and try to maintain good sleep hygiene by keeping your bed a designated space for rest.

Opening wedding gifts

If you receive gifts before the wedding, it is perfectly acceptable to open them immediately. This also gives you a head start on writing thank-you notes, which is important to do promptly. If you are going on your honeymoon soon after the wedding, it is a good idea to open gifts after you return, so you can focus on enjoying your trip without the pressure of writing thank-you notes. Waiting until after the honeymoon also gives you something to look forward to when you get home.

However, if you are taking your honeymoon several weeks or months after the wedding, it is beneficial to open gifts before you go, so you can send thank-you notes in a timely manner. This is especially true for monetary gifts, as you can use the money during your trip and share your purchases with your guests upon your return.

Ultimately, the decision of when to open wedding gifts is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You may choose to have a designated gift-opening event, such as a wedding gift opening party, or you may prefer to open gifts in private with your spouse.

Partying all night

If you're keen to keep the party going after your wedding, there are a few things you can do to ensure the celebrations continue. Firstly, consider hosting a wedding welcome party. This is a pre-wedding event intended to kick off the wedding festivities and get your guests in the mood for celebrating. It's also a great opportunity for guests to meet and get to know each other before the big day. This can be a casual affair, with picnic-style tables, pool parties, or even a bouncy castle!

If you're looking for something a little more low-key, why not organise a post-wedding after-party? This can be held at your wedding venue or a separate location, and can be a great way to keep the party going with your closest friends and family. Be sure to have some food and drinks on hand to keep the energy levels up, and consider providing entertainment such as a live band or yard games.

For those who want to keep the party going all night, there are a few things you can do to ensure the celebrations continue into the early hours. Firstly, make sure you have a well-stocked bar, with plenty of drinks to keep your guests hydrated and happy. Consider providing drink coupons if you're hosting the party at a hotel or bar, so your guests can easily get their drinks without having to worry about payment.

Another way to keep the party going is to provide late-night snacks. After a long day of celebrating, your guests will likely need some fuel to keep them going. Provide a food truck or buffet with casual food options such as pizza, burgers, or even a seafood boil.

Finally, don't forget the music! A good playlist or live band can keep the energy levels high and ensure your guests are dancing the night away.

Looking at photos from the wedding on social media

Wedding photos are a mainstay in our social media feeds. From dedicated Facebook albums to Instagram hashtags and now TikTok and Reels, weddings have become a major multimedia moment.

If you want your wedding to have a significant social media moment, the first step is to talk to your photographer. Wedding photographer Jenny Fu says that "discussions about social media coverage can certainly be integrated into contract negotiations". It's also important to emphasise that you want photos from the wedding to be shared on different platforms. Fu also says that "some photographers even offer on-site editing for same-day or next-day delivery".

If you want iPhone footage for your wedding, you can add this service for an additional price. Fu says that "some photographers enlist additional assistance dedicated to capturing moments using iPhones".

Another option is to hire a wedding content creator, who can capture all the beautiful behind-the-scenes moments and allow the couple, family, and friends to be present and live in the moment. Stacey Moran, founder of wedding content creative business The BTS Bride, says that "capturing and sharing iPhone content to relive and celebrate any significant life event is common practice in today's digital age".

It's important to set the wedding social media tone by laying down a protocol for posting wedding pictures. Guests should get permission from the newlyweds to take pictures of the ceremony and post them online. Diane Gottsman, a nationally-renowned etiquette expert, says that "guests should never post pictures of the newlyweds until they get the go-ahead". It's also important not to upload any potentially embarrassing photos or overshare by posting too many pictures at once.

Having sex

There is a lot of pressure to make your wedding night amazing, but it's important to remember that you don't have to make a big production out of it. In fact, less than 40% of couples have sex on their wedding night. Tiredness and the pressure to perform can get in the way of desire, so it's completely normal to just want to fall asleep next to your partner.

If you do decide to have sex, there are a few things you can do to make the night more enjoyable. Firstly, it's a good idea to discuss your expectations and desires with your partner beforehand. This will help you to understand each other's needs and avoid any disappointment.

You can also try flirting with each other during the wedding. Take time to meet each other's gaze, touch hands, and steal kisses. This will help build anticipation for the wedding night.

To set the mood, fill your room with fragrance. Scents like ylang-ylang, sandalwood, lavender, or jasmine are said to increase arousal and sexual desire. You can use scented candles, essential oils, or fresh flowers.

Another way to make the night special is to let your partner carry you across the threshold. This romantic tradition dates back to Roman times and is said to bring good luck to the couple. You can even give each other foot massages, as you've likely been standing all day.

If you're looking for some wedding night sex positions, here are a few suggestions:

• Get Down on One Knee: One partner leans over the bed while the other stands and enters from behind. This position allows for deep penetration and the use of a small vibrator.
• Say Yes (Yes, Yesss): Sit back in a chair and guide your partner's hand to show them what you like. This position offers a variety of angles and sensations.
• Here Comes the Bride: Get yourselves semi-close to orgasm and then stop. Fall asleep spooning, and then take turns pleasing each other when you wake up.
• The Shotgun Ceremony: Pull your partner into a private room at the reception for a quick oral session.
• The Lotus: Wrap your legs around each other while sitting up. This position allows for full-body touch, eye contact, and easy transitioning between positions.
• The First-Time, Part II: Pretend it's your first time having sex, even if it isn't. This will help you notice every touch and make every progression feel new.

Remember, it's okay to take things slowly and communicate your needs. Whether you have sex or not, the most important thing is to connect with your partner and create a memorable night together.

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