The first thing to consider is whether the wedding night is the night that you choose to consummate your marriage. I can’t tell you how many brides that I have worked with tell me that their wedding night was a disappointment because they immediately fell asleep after a hectic wedding day filled with activities. This can be very disappointing if you and your partner have other expectations.
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One thing we have not covered is the tradition of the couple leaving the reception about ¾ of the way through the evening, and then coming back to the reception in a different set of clothing. This tradition stems from the days when the couple would leave part way through the celebrations to consummate the marriage. When they returned, they would be in their “going away” outfits, ready to leave for their honeymoon. Today, it is more common for couples to change in their separate changing rooms, with their wedding party assisting them in the change, and taking care of the wedding dress and tuxedo. When the couple is ready to go, the wedding party and guest say their goodbyes and the couple leaves.
There are many ways to do this, and I have seen the wedding party and guests line up with flower petals or confetti which are “showered” on them as they dash to their decorated wedding vehicle, and I have seen the wedding party and guests form a big circle on the dance floor, as the couple has a last dance in the centre, before waving farewell and leaving the reception. This is the traditional spot in which to toss the bridal bouquet and for the garter toss to take place (if you are including those traditions). The guests would continue to celebrate, and the wedding party and family would be responsible for ensuring the evening wraps up as planned.
Many modern couples want to be there for the whole evening celebrating their marriage, but there are some who follow the tradition of leaving before the end of the evening. If a couple has planned their own wedding, their reception contract may require them to stay to the end of the evening. Although etiquette has the couple leaving before the end of the night, there is no right or wrong way to do this, and it is a matter of personal preference.
And for the wedding night itself, make it special. Usually the groom looks after planning the wedding night in a fine hotel, with champagne, flowers, and chocolates. The bride usually has some sexy attire planned for the wedding night. Whatever you choose, make it personal, private and give yourself time to enjoy it. It is your first night together as man and wife. Make it special.