We all need shut-eye before a big event, but no one more so than a bride the night before her wedding. To help calm those pre-wedding nerves, we’ve got some top tips on how to create a calming routine and get the best night’s sleep before your wedding day.
In general, adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep but the exact amount varies from person to person. A good night’s sleep won’t rid you of your problems in the run up to your wedding day, but it can mean that you’re able to deal with difficult or stressful situations more easily.
If you’re not getting enough sleep you tend to feel moody, irritable and lack focus – not ideal on the day of your wedding!
Relaxing and getting a good night’s sleep ahead of the big day is essential to feel your best on your wedding day. To help brides with their pre-wedding nerves, we’ve teamed up with luxury bedroom specialist French Bedroom with event planners Orchid Events for some do’s and don’ts for brides looking to relax the night before their wedding day.
How to Get the Best Night’s Sleep Before Your Wedding Day
Georgia Metcalfe, founder of French Bedroom, says: “The day you get married is one of the most memorable experiences of life but there’s no denying that it can get stressful. Taking some time for yourself the night before is a great way to wind down and prepare for a long day of celebrating with loved ones.”
To get the best night’s sleep ahead of your big day, here’s how to create the perfect evening routine for relaxing and getting a good night’s sleep ahead of your wedding.
Turn Off Devices
“Turning off your electronic devices is the first thing you should do when settling in for the night,” says Georgia.
“Phones and iPads pose a lot of distractions, and you should cherish this sacred alone time. The blue light is also known to be damaging to your sleep.”
Sarah Balfour, director at Orchid Events, adds” “As tempting as it may be to scroll through Instagram and Facebook, it’s better if you hide your phone or give it to your maid of honour! The bright screen will stop you feeling sleepy, and we all know how addictive it can be when scrolling.”
Breathing Exercises
“Practising and controlling your breathing is key to harnessing nervous energy you may have before a big event. There are a range of methods that you can follow to calm and centre yourself,” says Georgia.
“The most effective one is the 4-7-8 method,” suggests Sarah. Begin by resting the tip of your tongue on the tissue above your front top teeth. Then, breathe in through your nose for a total of four seconds, hold the breath for seven, and release the breath through your mouth for a count of eight. You want to repeat this process a total of four times in order to reach a state of calmness.
Draw the Perfect Bath
Taking a bath is the best way to wind your mind and body down before bedtime. Use just a few drops of your favourite essential oils, light some candles, and treat yourself to a cup of camomile tea whilst you soak and clear your head, suggests Georgia.
“Bath temperature is key as well. Make it hot, but not too hot that you struggle to get in. Add soaking salts too- magnesium flakes are great for physical relaxation,” adds Sarah.
Sleep in Fresh Bedding
“Sleep on clean sheets; the soft texture and clean smell will be comforting and give you a sense of feeling organised before the big day,” says Sarah.
Silk is one of the best materials to sleep on as it has benefits for skin such as maintaining moisture and preventing breakouts. Cotton sheets, on the other hand, can apply pressure on the skin and can sometimes leave creases and indentations.
“Wash your sheets in your favourite smelling laundry detergent for extra comfort,” adds Sarah.
Use Sleep Props
“As you settle in, make sure you have any sleep accessories you may want to use at your bedside ready. This could be a lavender scented pillowcase or a cuddle cushion, for example,” says Georgia.
Sarah adds: “Wear an eye mask and ear plugs for light and noise protection and spray lavender scented mist on your pillow for a deeper sleep.”
“In addition, there may be more personal things to address or tie up before getting married,” suggests Georgia.
“Take the time to get in touch with family and friends who have been on the journey with you and have supported along the way.”
Stay Active During The Day
Getting regular exercise during the day will help you to feel tired at night. Being active increases your metabolism and helps against stress and anxiety, which in turn will improve your sleep.
Try to exercise earlier in the day or, if you prefer late night workouts, give yourself time to wind down and relax afterwards.
Watch What You Eat & Drink
Don’t have a heavy or spicy meal just before going to bed, as your body needs time to digest the food before sleep. Don’t go to bed hungry: a light snack before bedtime is ideal.
Avoid caffeine, as it can stay in your system for up to 6 hours and disrupt your sleep, and alcohol – a glass of wine may help you to fall asleep, but alcohol can affect the quality of your sleep, making you more likely to wake up during the night.
Don’t Toss & Turn
If you can’t fall asleep after half an hour, get up and do something else instead – try something relaxing like reading or listening to music.
Ultimately, it’s all about relaxation. Learn how you best relax and, chances are, you’ll have a much more restful night and feel refreshed and ready for your big day.
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