True or false: wedding planning ends with the reception.
If you want a truly unforgettable wedding night, then you already know the answer. Whether spending it at home or in a hotel, you want your first night as newlyweds to be fabulous. A little extra planning and attention to detail go a long way. Chances are if you are staying in a hotel, they’ll probably take care of most of the romantic details for you. However, for those opting to share their first night of marital bliss at home, bedroom prep is a must. Lucky for you, we’ve got some tips to help you get your love nest ready for an unforgettable first night as a married couple.
1. Tidy Up
Nothing is going to kill the mood more than walking into a messy bedroom on what should be the most romantic night of your life. So before you do anything else, roll up your sleeves and do a deep-dive cleanse. Dust and wipe down all of your surfaces. Wash your bed linens (or maybe buy new ones). Clear away the clutter. Vacuum and mop your floors. Make your bed and fluff your pillows. Just because you’re spending your wedding night at home doesn’t mean you can’t make your bedroom feel like a five-star hotel.
2. Ditch the Electronics
Face it: TVs, computers, remote controls, and electrical wires aren’t exactly sexy, and for most couples, your wedding night is all about sexy. So while we know how much you love watching your favorite shows in bed or checking social media, the electronics have got to go. Move them to another room or—at the very least—hide them. Besides, you don’t want anything in your bedroom that can distract from giving each other your undivided attention. Only keep what sparks joy—or in your case, desire.
3. Set Aside Family Photos
Speaking of things that might be a distraction, tuck away any family photos. We know you love your family, but having your nephew stare at you from the dresser might be a mood-killer. Try confining them to a space not necessarily intended for intimacy, like the living room or hallway. Your bedroom should be your sexy sanctuary and your family just doesn’t have a place there.
4. Set the Mood with Lighting
Thoughtful lighting is everything when it comes to creating the desired atmosphere. Nothing makes a room feel more romantic than the soft, ambient glow of candle lights. Thoughtfully lay them out around the room for a low, dreamy illumination that twinkles around the room. The soft, indirect glow will help create a sexy ambiance with just the right amount of drama. When the moment comes, keep that overhead light turned off, light your candles, and let the sparks fly.
5. Utilize Color Psychology
Certain colors can invoke particular emotions and biological reactions, so take advantage of them. For instance, red can actually increase your blood pressure, boost energy, and simulate love and passion. However, too much red can be overwhelming and even simulate anger. So rather than turning your bedroom into Christian Grey’s Red Room of Pain, try adding subtle touches of red with floral accents or pieces of art.
6. Bring the Outside In
Incorporating some lush greenery not only soothes the mind and body but gets you in touch with your inner animal. Plants provide a delicious dose of oxygen and add a new focal point that pleases the eyes. More importantly, bringing a little nature into your bedroom space helps engage your carnal desires. What better time to get a little animalistic than on your wedding night?
7. Put Together a Playlist
You’ll want to engage all of your senses on your wedding night—that includes auditory. Create a sexy, romantic playlist with some mellow music to play in the background. Think Sade or Frank Ocean—something slow with a deep beat. Spotify and Pandora have amazing curated playlists for any mood that can serve as a great starting point for building your own. Put it on repeat before you head off to your nuptial. You’ll be welcomed with it when you get home with your honey.
8. Add a Scent-sual Touch
Desire and memories are strongly linked to smell. So when it comes to awakening the senses, incorporating some aromatherapy can help create a fully immersive, sensual experience. Do this thoughtfully. You don’t want to just jumble together a bunch of scented candles and plug-ins. Keep your scents cohesive and be mindful of aromas that inspire attraction. Choose candles or oils like sandalwood, amber, vanilla, rose, or violet. You’ll also want to be careful not to go overboard either—just a subtle touch is all it takes to help trigger desire and set the romantic scene you’re seeking to create.
9. Don’t Forget the Finishing Details
Have the candles lit and ambient music going. Spray some fragrance mist around the room. Lay a fluffy or velvety blanket on top of your bedding for extra coziness. Sprinkle rose petals leading to the bed to set intent. Have some champagne and strawberries over ice waiting on a tray to create a sensual mood. These little details are what help frame the romantic and inviting backdrop for letting go with your new spouse on your wedding night.
If you follow these tips, your wedding night will undoubtedly be one you’ll both look back on for years to come. At the end of the day, what matters most is that your bedroom becomes your oasis—where you and your significant other feel safe, open, and can explore one another without judgment or bounds. You just married the love of your life—enjoy each other.