Wedding Night: Secrets Unveiled

The wedding night is often portrayed as a romantic and passionate experience in films and pop culture. However, in reality, many couples find themselves exhausted, drunk, or too full from the wedding celebrations to engage in sexual intimacy. In fact, surveys reveal that anywhere from 25% to 52% or even 65% of couples do not have sex on their wedding night. Instead, they might find themselves passed out from drinking, ordering pizza in their wedding attire, or even spending the night in the hospital due to unforeseen accidents. Despite the hype surrounding wedding night sex, it is perfectly normal for couples to simply fall asleep next to each other or engage in other activities to celebrate their newlywed status.

Too drunk or tired for sex

A survey by lingerie brand Bluebella found that 52% of couples didn't have sex on their wedding night. The main reasons were that the groom was too drunk, the bride was too tired, or both were too drunk.

The pressure and stress of organising a wedding can take priority, especially if a large proportion of couples have been living together for years. In some cases, couples spent their wedding night travelling to their honeymoon destination.

For many, the wedding night isn't the first time they have sex, and after a huge, long, demanding day, sex may be the last thing on their minds.

One-third of couples had sex the morning after the wedding, and 1 in 10 waited 48 hours. But when they did have sex, it lived up to expectations.

Hospital visits

For some couples, their wedding night involves an unexpected trip to the hospital. One couple, Susan and her husband, had to miss their flight to Hawaii the next day after the groom was hospitalised with an allergic reaction to shellfish in their pasta. Rebecca, 39, and her husband also spent their wedding night in the hospital after her husband accidentally split his chin open while dancing. The groom was bleeding so much that his friends had to use paper towels to try and stop the bleeding.

In a heartwarming story, Jessica Brown and her new husband, Tyler, ended their wedding night with a surprise visit to her grandmother, Margaret Harris, who was in hospital recovering from a heart attack. Brown told ABC News:

> "My granny is the sweetest woman and has a hug so full of love that it makes the whole world feel OK. To finally hug her lifted my heavy heart."

Food and eating

Food and drink can have a huge impact on how you look and feel on your wedding day. It is important to plan your meals in advance, and to eat well in the days leading up to the wedding.

The Night Before

The foods you eat the night before your wedding can significantly affect how you feel on the big day. Eating the right foods will help keep you energised and ensure your dress fits as you want it to. A nourishing meal, followed by beauty sleep, will help you look and feel your best.

It is best to avoid heavily processed foods, as these can cause bloating. Salads are a good option, especially those with a source of protein, veggies, and healthy fats like nuts and avocado. For example, a salad with chicken, spinach, tomatoes, avocado, and a vinaigrette dressing. Similarly, bowls are a great way to get all the nutrients and food groups you need. A nutritious bowl might include a healthy carb base, like sweet potato or rice, with lean protein, veggies, and healthy fats.

If you're having a rehearsal dinner, it's still important to be mindful of what you eat. It is recommended that you avoid alcohol, salty snacks, and processed foods, as these can cause bloating. Raw veggies should also be avoided, as they can cause gas and bloating, and dairy should be swapped out for plant-based alternatives to prevent bloating and digestive distress. It is also best to avoid fried foods and spicy foods, as these might cause tummy trouble or an unexpected reaction.

On the Day

It is easy to forget to eat on your wedding day, but it is important to make a conscious effort to eat a light lunch and snack often. Try to eat whenever you can and remember: whenever your guests are eating, you should be too. Even a few bites will help keep your energy up.

A light breakfast is recommended to keep you going and glowing. Suggested meals include peanut butter toast with fruit, a small whole-grain bagel with light cream cheese, or whole wheat toast with scrambled eggs. It is also a good idea to pair protein with fibre. For example, hard-boiled eggs with fruit, or Greek yoghurt with fruit and granola.

It is also important to stay hydrated. Aim for eight cups of flat water in the two days before the wedding and on the day itself. You can also snack on water-filled foods, like watermelon, cucumbers, and citrus fruits.

Wedding lingerie

When choosing your wedding lingerie, consider the cut of your dress. For example, if your dress is form-fitting, you may opt for a fancy bridal panty or a g-string instead of a full lingerie set. You could also plan to change into your lingerie after the ceremony to surprise your partner. If you want to wear lingerie under your dress, bring it to your dress fitting to ensure it works with the cut and style of your gown.

Traditional wedding lingerie colours include white, cream, and "something blue". However, modern brides may opt for bolder colours like red, blue, or gold. Bridal lingerie is often made from elegant and delicate fabrics like lace, satin, mesh, and silk, and adorned with decorative touches like rosettes and bows.

There are many options available for your wedding lingerie, including:

• Bralettes
• Garter belts
• Robes
• Bodysuits
• Corsets
• Chemises
• Teddies
• Camisoles
• Garters
• Panties

Post-wedding blues

Firstly, it's important to recognise that your wedding is not the same as your marriage. While the wedding day itself is a significant event, it's just the beginning of your married life together. Shifting your perspective and focusing on your expectations as a couple for your lifestyles and the future can help you navigate this transition.

Secondly, make plans for the weeks and months following your wedding. Planning fun activities, trips, or even just fun dates can give you something to look forward to and create healthy habits for your marriage. It's also a good idea to create a buffer between your wedding and your honeymoon. Taking some time to relax and recover before embarking on your honeymoon can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Additionally, open communication with your spouse is crucial. Talking about your feelings and worries can help you feel less alone and strengthen your bond as a couple. It's likely that your spouse may be experiencing similar emotions, and sharing these feelings can bring you closer together.

Furthermore, reflecting on your wedding day and cherishing the memories can be beneficial. Looking at photos, sharing stories of your favourite moments, or creating a keepsake album can help you relive the joy and excitement of your special day. However, it's important to not get too caught up in the past and miss out on the present moment.

Finally, staying connected and maintaining a sense of community is essential. Joining clubs or groups, whether it's a book club, a running club, or an online group for newlyweds, can provide you with a sense of belonging and support during this transitional period.

While the post-wedding blues are common, if you find yourself experiencing more severe or prolonged symptoms of depression, it's important to seek professional help.

Frequently asked questions