Wedding Day Wind Down

Wedding days are magical, emotional, and exhausting. By the time I’m packing up candles and double-checking vendor load-outs, I’m already dreaming about my bed and cozy pyjamas. I’ve learned that having a little wind-down routine helps me recover faster, sleep better, and actually enjoy the post-wedding calm instead of crashing into it.

Here’s what my routine looks like — starting on the drive home.

*Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. That means that I get a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you. I will never promote anything I do not believe is a good product.

The Drive Home

The decompression starts the moment I leave the venue. I cue up my calming playlist or a soft podcast — something that lets me unwind my thoughts and shift out of “go mode.” No wedding recaps, no checklists, no non-urgent vendor texts (they can wait until morning).

I always have a bottle of water waiting and usually a light snack — something easy like a rice cake or granola bar to hold me over. Hydration and a little nourishment go a long way when your body’s been on its feet for 12+ hours.

Before I pull away from the venue, I use a little lavender roll-on essential oil on my wrists and temples. It instantly tells my brain, it’s time to relax now. I also put my phone on dark mode, so that when I get home, I'm not dealing with the overstimulation from screens.

Once I’m Home

First thing’s first: shower. A long, warm rinse feels like washing away the entire day — the sweat, the energy, the to-do lists. I swear it’s the best reset.

Then it’s straight into my cozy pyjamas, no detours. I’ll grab my electric heat pad and foot warmers, which are absolute lifesavers after a long day of walking, bending, and lifting. They help my muscles relax so much — and honestly, they make the next day’s aches so much more manageable.

The Final Step

Once I’m settled in, I give myself permission to fully stop. No scrolling through photos or mentally rehashing the day. Just quiet, warmth, and gratitude for another beautiful wedding in the books.

It’s simple, but this little ritual has become my way of closing each wedding day with calm, comfort, and care. Because yes, the magic is for the couple — but we deserve a little bit of it too.

*Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. That means that I get a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you. I will never promote anything I do not believe is a good product.