What to Do the Night Before Your Wedding: A Checklist

Photo credit to Shelby Dry Studios

The night before your wedding is filled with excitement, anticipation, and maybe even a few jitters. With all the planning and preparations, it’s essential to take a step back and focus on yourself before the big day arrives. To help you feel calm, prepared, and ready to say “I do,” here’s a checklist of what to do the night before your wedding.

What to do the Night Before Your Wedding:

1. Reread Your Wedding Day Timeline

Before you relax for the evening, make sure you look over your wedding day schedule one more time. If you have a coordinator or planner, your timeline should be finalized well in advance. Many times you planner will already cover the bases of confirming details with your vendors, double-checking arrival times, and sharing the timeline with those who need it.

We suggest sending a copy of the schedule to your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or anyone else who needs to be in the loop. Make sure they know where to be and when.

Having a clear timeline ensures that everyone is on the same page, helping your big day run smoothly.

2. Pack a Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Prepare for any small mishaps by packing an emergency kit filled with essentials. Include items like:

• Makeup touch-up supplies (lipstick, powder, mascara)

• Bobby pins and hair ties

• Fashion tape and safety pins

• Stain remover pen

• Band-aids and pain relievers

• Snacks and water (to keep you energized throughout the day)

Having an emergency kit handy will help you feel more relaxed, knowing you’re prepared for any last-minute surprises.

Our emergency kit that we bring to every event is packed with so many different things, from hot glue guns to extra tulle to electrical tape! You can never be too prepared.

Photo credit to Shelby Dry Studios

3. Lay Out Your Wedding Attire

The night before your wedding, make sure your dress or suit, accessories, and shoes are ready to go. Lay everything out in one place to avoid scrambling the next morning. We suggest even steaming/ironing the night before, or designating a member of the bridal party or family member to do it on wedding day. Don’t forget:

• Jewelry and accessories: Earrings, cufflinks, veil, or pocket square.

• Undergarments: Double-check that you have everything from shapewear to socks.

• Shoes: Make sure they’re clean and ready, and break them in if you haven’t already. You may want an extra comfy pair to change into towards the end of the wedding.

Doing this ensures you’ll have a stress-free morning and can focus on enjoying the day ahead.

Photo credit to Shelby Dry Studios

4. Practice Your Vows

If you’ve written your own wedding vows, take a few minutes to read them out loud. This can help calm your nerves and make sure you’re comfortable with how they sound. Don’t aim for perfection—just familiarize yourself with the flow and emotion behind your words.

If you’re too nervous to practice alone, ask your maid of honor or best man to listen. It’s a great way to get feedback and feel more confident for the big moment. Always have these vows written - do not rely on your phone to read these at the ceremony. Not only does that look tacky, you don't want to risk forgetting your phone or it dying before the ceremony. Writing your vows down or printing them out is the best way. If you're comfortable, give your planner an extra copy so in the event you misplace or forget yours, you're covered.

5. Relax and Unwind

With all the excitement, it’s easy to get caught up in the wedding whirlwind, but it’s important to take time to relax. Some ways to unwind include:

• Take a bath: A warm bath with calming essential oils like lavender can help relax your body and mind.

• Do some light yoga or meditation: Focus on breathing and clearing your thoughts to calm pre-wedding nerves.

• Watch a lighthearted movie: Something fun and feel-good can distract you and lift your mood.

Your goal is to reduce stress and get in a positive headspace before the big day.

6. Avoid Alcohol and Heavy Foods

While it might be tempting to celebrate with a few drinks, it’s best to keep alcohol consumption minimal the night before your wedding. Drinking too much can leave you dehydrated and tired on the morning of your wedding day. Instead, focus on:

• Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the evening to ensure you wake up feeling fresh and your skin glows.

• Eating light, healthy meals: Avoid heavy, greasy foods that could upset your stomach or make you feel bloated. Opt for a balanced meal with lean protein, veggies, and whole grains.

This will help you wake up feeling your best and ready to enjoy every moment of your wedding day.

7. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Though excitement may make it hard to fall asleep, getting plenty of rest is crucial for looking and feeling your best on your wedding day. Here are a few tips to help you drift off:

• Stick to your usual bedtime routine: Do what you normally do to relax before bed, whether it’s reading a book or listening to music.

• Set the mood for sleep: Make sure your room is cool, dark, and quiet. Turn off screens an hour before bed to reduce blue light exposure.

• Use calming scents: A lavender pillow spray or diffuser can help you relax and ease you into sleep.

Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep so you wake up refreshed, energized, and ready to enjoy the most important day of your life.

8. Spend Time with Loved Ones

Whether you’re staying with family or close friends, the night before your wedding is a special time to connect with those you love. Consider having a relaxed dinner, sharing stories, and enjoying the company of the people who’ve supported you along your journey.

If your partner is staying in a separate location, it can be meaningful to write them a quick love note to read the next morning. It’s a sweet way to remind them how much you’re looking forward to marrying them.

Photo credit to Shelby Dry Studios

9. Double-Check the Rings and Marriage License

The last thing you want is to wake up the morning of your wedding only to realize the rings or marriage license are missing! Make sure you:

• Confirm the rings are with the best man or a trusted person: Check that the rings are in a safe place, and are clean, shiny and ready for the ceremony.

• Have your marriage license: Make sure it’s signed and ready to be handed to your officiant.

This small but important detail ensures everything is ready for your ceremony.

10. Embrace the Moment

Finally, take a deep breath and embrace the excitement. You’ve spent months, maybe even years, planning this day, and now it’s almost here. Allow yourself to feel all the emotions—joy, love, anticipation—and remember that no matter what happens, your wedding day will be perfect because it’s about marrying the love of your life.

Take a moment to soak it all in, and remind yourself that tomorrow is the beginning of a beautiful new chapter.

The night before your wedding is about more than just last-minute preparations—it’s about getting yourself ready, both mentally and physically, for one of the most special days of your life. By following this checklist, you’ll ensure that everything is in place and that you wake up feeling calm, rested, and excited to walk down the aisle. So relax, enjoy the moment, and get ready for a day filled with love and celebration!