💤 How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep in the Lead-Up to Your Wedding 💍

(Notice I said lead-up — because let’s be real, no one is sleeping the night before)

This post contains affiliate links.

Let’s just call it now: the night before your wedding? Sleep is optional. Your brain will be pinging with excitement, nerves, last-minute “Did we pack the rings?” questions, and possibly even an unhelpful 3am urge to reorganise the seating chart. 🧠✨

Ironically, I’m writing this at midnight on a Saturday. As someone whose literal job it is to talk to teens and families about sleep and wellbeing (hello MH Practitioner life 👋), I figured I should absolutely bring this knowledge into the wedding world.

Because honestly? Sleep hygiene might just be the secret sauce to feeling like the radiant, unbothered main character you deserve to be on your big day.

Would love it if I woke up like this though.. Photo by Lucjano Kuci on Unsplash

😴 Sleep is a Skill — And You Can Train for It

We spend about a third of our lives asleep or at least horizontal, so let’s treat it like the priority it is. Spoiler alert: if there was a side-effect-free, guaranteed sleep pill that works for everyone, the inventor would be swimming in gold coins Scrooge McDuck-style. Alas, that pill doesn’t exist.

What does work? Creating the right conditions for great sleep — well before your wedding week.

Photo by Amanda Lins on Unsplash

🧘‍♀️ Here’s How to Sleep Like a (Non-Stressed) Queen

🗓️ 1. Start Early

Good sleep is a routine, not a last-minute hack. Start adjusting your habits months before the big day. Think of it as wedding prep for your nervous system.

⏰ 2. Set a Consistent Wake-Up Time

Waking up at the same time each day trains your body clock. Eventually, you’ll start waking up naturally, feeling calm, grounded, and less like you’ve been hit by a confetti cannon of stress.

🧠 3. Accept That Some Sleeplessness Is Normal

Wedding anxiety is a sign you care. You’re excited. You’re human. Don’t spiral about a bad night’s sleep — one restless night won’t ruin your day.

❄️ 4. Cool It Down

A cooler room supports deeper sleep. Use a fan, open a window, or drop the thermostat. Ideal sleep temp is around 16–18°C.

🛏️ 5. Pillow Talk

Let’s talk pillows. The right one makes all the difference. Personally, I’m obsessed with luxury hotel-style pillows — supportive, fluffy, cloud-like dreams. I’ve added them to my birthday wishlist because they’re that good.

🛒 You can grab a set just like them on Amazon :)

(affiliate link – treat yourself, sleep better, support a small biz all in one click!)

Also? A decent mattress = fewer aches, more patience, and no cricked necks in your wedding photos.

🧺 6. Fresh Sheet Energy

On the morning of your wedding eve, put on a brand new set of fresh, crisp sheets. It’s like making your bed into a love letter to your future calm self. Don’t get in until bedtime — you want to savour that first snuggle.

🛁 7. Bedtime Routine = Bridal Bliss

Have a winding-down routine — dim the lights, take a warm shower, maybe try a sleep spray or cooling eye pack. Slow the pace and let your brain catch up with your body.

📵 8. Screens Are Tricky, But…

Yes, people will be texting you. Yes, you might need to answer urgent vendor questions. But if you can, aim for 1 hour of non-screen time before bed. Even 30 minutes helps. Do your skincare, prep your bag, or read something light and happy.

😌 9. Bring the Familiar

If you’re staying in a hotel or unfamiliar room, bring something comforting from home — a small pillow, your usual eye mask, even a familiar scent. It helps your brain go “Oh, this is safe. I know how to sleep here.”

Photo by Polina Kuzovkova on Unsplash

✨ Why Sleep Matters on Your Big Day

When you’re well-rested, you’re more patient, more present, and better able to handle the inevitable little hiccups (hello, lipstick on your dress or a groomsman going AWOL). Plus, you’ll look fresher — even if your makeup artist is a miracle worker, nothing beats a rested glow.

So no, we’re not saying you must get 8 perfect hours of sleep the night before your wedding. But building a foundation of good sleep habits now? That’s the real bridal prep.

💬 Tell Me — What’s Your Secret to a Good Night’s Sleep?

I’d love to know your go-to hacks, rituals, or product obsessions when it comes to winding down before big days. Comment below, share your favourites, or let me know if you try any of the tips!

And if you’re on the hunt for those game-changing pillows, here’s that link again:

🛒 [Premier Inn-style pillows – Amazon link] (affiliate – I only recommend what I actually love)

Sweet dreams, sleepy beauties. You've got this. 💗

Clarissa | Grace In Spring Weddings