Whether you're looking for romance or rest on your wedding night, no other eight-hour period will ever be as steeped in anticipation -- or pressure. From staying home to renting the honeymoon suite, these iVillagers made their first night of married life one they'll never forget, and you can, too.
"When my sister and her husband got married, they felt it was too 'unromantic' to just go back home before their early honeymoon flight the next day. Instead, they booked a room in a hotel by the airport. The bride told them that they were newlyweds, and voila! They got a really great room, along with flowers and champagne, which were 'compliments' from the management. One suggestion though, if you are looking for this kind of service, stick with a well-known hotel. They seem to be the most accommodating." --who_dat
"I see nothing wrong with spending the first night at home. Even if you already live together, it will be your first night there as husband and wife. You will be saving money by not going to a hotel, plus being alone together in your own home can be very romantic on that first night. Just be sure your DH carries you over the threshold." --lucki4
"We stayed at a hotel 10 miles from my husband's (and soon to be mine) apartment. We just wanted the feeling of being someplace 'special' for that first night, and it was. They sent up a tray of chocolate-dipped strawberries and a bottle of champagne and checked on us regularly. Also, my husband had already brought our luggage to the hotel before the wedding, so it was all there when we arrived. That worked out really well. And finally, we can stay at that hotel again any time we want to be reminded of this evening." --2nicole
"We are going to go back to my fiance's house after the reception so that we'll have time to spend with our kids, family and out-of-town friends before leaving for our honeymoon the next day. We also figured, why waste $100 on a room where we will probably be so tired that we are going to want to collapse?" --marthel1
"If you want to stay home, try to arrange for someone to deliver champagne and maybe a light dinner from a restaurant just before you arrive from the reception. If you want to take it a step further, buy new bedding and don't use it until your wedding night. That way, things will look just a little different from what you're used to seeing. Have some candles and music ready and you're all set." --paula_j_r
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