Wedding Eve: The Calm Before Storm

The night before a wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be nerve-wracking. There are a few traditions and superstitions associated with this night, such as spending it apart from your partner, which is believed to bring good luck and preserve an element of surprise for the big day.

There are many things to do and remember on this night, from confirming final details with vendors to practising your vows and packing an emergency kit. It's also important to relax and take care of yourself, so you feel refreshed for the wedding. This might include drinking water, eating a healthy meal, and getting enough sleep.

Packing essentials: Prepare an emergency kit, and pack your personal items, attire, and wedding essentials

The night before the wedding, it's important to prepare an emergency kit and pack all your personal items, attire, and wedding essentials. Here's a detailed list to help you through the process:

Emergency Kit:

• Bandages
• Safety pins
• Pain relievers like Advil
• Hair ties
• Sanitary pads and tampons
• Stain remover
• Mini sewing kit
• Clear nail polish
• Scissors
• Hand sanitiser
• Tissues
• Cash

Personal Items:

• Phone and charger
• Travel-size makeup products and a compact mirror
• Gum or mints
• Perfume or deodorant
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hair styling products
• Change of comfortable shoes
• Nail polish
• Contact lenses or glasses, and lens solution if needed

Attire:

• Wedding dress or suit, including undergarments
• Veil or headpiece
• Accessories, such as jewellery, shoes, and a change of shoes
• Outfit for the morning after the wedding
• Rehearsal dinner outfit

Wedding Essentials:

• Wedding rings
• Day-of itinerary, printed and distributed to the wedding party and vendors
• Copies of your marriage vows or speech
• Wedding invitation suite
• Gifts for the bridal party, parents, and each other
• Cake topper and cake knife
• Day-of wedding stationery, such as escort cards, menus, and signage
• Guest book and pens
• Gifts and cards from guests

Remember to pack these items in a well-organised manner, and consider creating a checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten.

Final preparations: Check-in with vendors, confirm arrival times, and sort out final payments

The night before your wedding can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. To ensure you feel prepared and relaxed, here are some detailed steps to take care of final preparations:

Check-in with vendors

It is essential to confirm the arrival times and presence of your vendors. Erase any worries of last-minute surprises by contacting them via call or email. Confirm essential details such as arrival times, set-up locations, and any other last-minute questions you may have. Share your point person's contact information, such as your maid of honour or best man, so they can be reached on the wedding day if needed.

Confirm arrival times

Create a comprehensive list of arrival times for each vendor and share it with your point person. This list should include critical times such as when the photographer, florist, hair and makeup artists, and other key vendors will be arriving. Ensure your point person has a copy of this information, and consider printing it out for easy reference.

Sort out final payments

Finalise all outstanding payments to your vendors. Determine whether you will be paying via digital methods, such as Venmo or PayPal, or with cheques or cash. If you opt for the latter, prepare envelopes with each vendor's name and the designated amount. Assign a trusted individual, such as your wedding planner, maid of honour, or best man, to distribute the payments on your wedding day.

Additionally, prepare any tips or gratuities you wish to give your vendors. It is considerate to have some cash on hand, such as $20 bills, to show your appreciation. Like the final payments, you can place these in envelopes with the vendors' names and give them to your designated point person for distribution.

By taking care of these final preparations, you will feel more organised and confident as you approach your wedding day.

Self-care: Practice self-care and stick to your skincare routine. Get your nails done, and consider cleaning your engagement ring

The night before your wedding can be a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. It's a time when you might feel thrilled, anxious, excited, and nervous all at once. To set yourself up for success on your big day, here are some self-care tips to help you relax and feel your best:

Stick to your skincare routine:

It's essential to stick to your regular skincare regimen the night before your wedding. Avoid any new products or treatments to prevent irritation or flare-ups. Focus on delivering layers of hydration and soothing ingredients to your skin. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid or ingredients that support your skin's natural barrier. Water-based skincare products are also recommended as they provide a lightweight, nongreasy feel while deeply quenching the skin. If you're dealing with acne, a gentle, exfoliating toner like Biologique Recherche P50W can help.

Get your nails done:

Treating yourself to a manicure or doing your nails at home can be a fun and relaxing part of your pre-wedding self-care routine. If you're doing your nails yourself, start by cleaning them and shaping them to your desired length and style. Soak your nails in warm water to soften the cuticles, then push them back gently with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. Apply a base coat, followed by your chosen nail polish colour, and finish with a top coat to seal in the colour and add shine. If you want to add some extra strength to your nails, consider using a nail strengthener like NailTek 4 Strengthener.

Clean your engagement ring:

Your engagement ring will be the focal point of countless photos, so it's important to ensure it's sparkling and blemish-free. Clean your ring by soaking it in warm water mixed with a mild dish soap or jewellery cleaning solution. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining dirt, paying special attention to the back of the diamond and crevices where oil and grime can build up. Rinse the ring thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Remember, the most important thing is to take care of yourself and do what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Whether that means following a detailed skincare routine, getting your nails done, or simply relaxing and spending time with your partner, make sure to take some time for yourself amid the wedding preparations.

Rehearse: Practice walking in your wedding shoes, and rehearse your vows or speech

The night before a wedding can be a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. It's a good idea to take steps to set yourself up for success on the big day. One important task is to rehearse walking in your wedding shoes and practising your vows or speech. Here are some detailed tips to help you with this:

Practice Walking in Your Wedding Shoes

It is important to break in your wedding shoes before the big day to avoid blisters or twisting your ankle. Wear your shoes for a few hours around the house, gradually increasing the time over a few weeks. Practise walking up and down stairs, as falling on your wedding day can be dangerous and embarrassing. If possible, hold onto a railing for support and ensure your entire foot is on the step before proceeding.

If your wedding shoes have heels, you should also practise different manoeuvres such as stepping sideways, altering your stride, or moving backward without stumbling. This will help you gracefully navigate any surprises or obstacles on your wedding day, such as a child running in front of you or a puddle on the ground. Practise these moves at various speeds until you feel confident.

Additionally, if your wedding involves walking on uneven terrain or slick floors, consider scuffing the soles or applying rough tape to prevent slipping.

Rehearse Your Vows

If you've written your vows in advance, the night before the wedding is a great time to review them. Reciting your vows in front of guests can be nerve-wracking, and practising will help you feel more comfortable and confident. Take some time to yourself or with your partner to go over your vows, making any final adjustments to ensure they reflect your emotions and intentions.

Rehearse Your Speech

Public speaking can be intimidating, especially at a wedding with dozens of guests. Here are some tips to help you prepare and deliver a memorable speech:

• Structure your speech: Open with a statement or question, introduce yourself, and address the audience. Focus on a few key points about the newlyweds, illustrating them with short stories.
• Keep it concise: Aim for a speech duration of three to five minutes maximum. Respect the time constraints of the event and be mindful of the meal courses or other speakers.
• Practise and record: Rehearse your speech enough to remember the key points and make eye contact with the audience. Record yourself to identify any distracting mannerisms, and consider practising in front of someone for feedback.
• Avoid liquid courage: Resist the temptation to drink alcohol before your speech, as it may cause slurring or memory lapses.
• Use nerves to your advantage: Channel your nervous energy into a positive and genuine presentation. A little nervousness can add a lively touch to your speech.
• Keep it appropriate: Ensure your speech is light and positive. Avoid negative topics, such as past relationships, and steer clear of embarrassing jokes or stories that might offend the couple or guests.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to deliver a confident and engaging speech that delights the newlyweds and captivates the audience.

Relax: Spend quality time with your partner, family, and friends. Try to relax and get a good night's sleep

The night before your wedding can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here are some tips to help you relax and spend quality time with your partner, family, and friends:

Spend quality time with your partner

If you're spending the night before the wedding apart from your partner, set aside some time during the day or evening to be together. Go for a walk, have lunch, or cook a nourishing meal together. You could also write a love letter to your future spouse, reflecting on your relationship and expressing your excitement for the future. Another idea is to exchange gifts or wedding presents with each other.

Spend time with family and friends

It's traditional to have a slumber party with your family, maid of honour, or bridal crew the night before your wedding. Keep it low-key and invite just a couple of your closest friends or family members. You can relax, watch a movie, and practice reciting your vows together. Matching pyjama sets can make a thoughtful gift for your guests and add to the fun of the evening.

Relax and get a good night's sleep

Try to relax and calm your mind before going to bed. You could do some yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Take a relaxing bath, using products you know are kind to your skin. Watch something light-hearted on TV or read a book. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid caffeine, especially if you're feeling stressed or nervous, as it can interfere with your sleep. Get into bed at a reasonable hour and aim for a good night's rest.

Frequently asked questions