What to Eat the Night Before Your Wedding

Sure, you likely spend months before your wedding working out and eating right, but for the day before and morning of your wedding day there is more to keep in mind than just being hungry. You simultaneously need to be energized and full without feeling bloated.

It’s a tricky balance, so we’ve tried to make it easier by sharing which foods you should eat, and which to avoid eating throughout the day, as well as the night before your wedding ceremony. Also, don't forget to eat breakfast either before you start getting ready with your wedding party or once you're all together having your hair done.

What to Eat: Night Before Wedding Day + The Day Of

Water

Drink lots of water, but not sparkling! You’ll want to avoid carbonation. Carbonated beverages can lead to bloating and discomfort.

Salad

Consuming leafy greens in salad eases your water retention, as long as you exclude cruciferous vegetables and use a low-sodium dressing. Lemon juice is a great option for a healthy dressing that prevents bloating before your wedding day.

Fruit Smoothie

Smoothies or smoothie bowls are also great options, but we recommend recipes without dairy – and with chia seeds for the omega-3 benefits.

Avocado

Eating avocado in the days before your wedding will help your hair and skin, due to the natural vitamins.

Oatmeal

Steel-cut oatmeal for your wedding-day breakfast is a healthy way to get energizing carbs, especially if you embellish it with fresh berries, which are full of antioxidants.

Lean Proteins

Lean proteins like fish, chicken, turkey, beans, and tofu help maintain energy levels and support overall wellness. It will be tempting to indulge at your rehearsal dinner, so try to pick something lean like grilled chicken, tofu, or salmon – and if you're serving a lot of carbs, for example, have more salad than pasta or choose brown rice along with your preferred protein and veggies to get in some whole grains!

Fresh Fruits & Citrus

Fresh fruit is a nutritious and energizing component of meals, perfect for adding flavor and health benefits. Citrus fruits in particular are a great addition to your diet for their high vitamin C content and skin health benefits.

Colorful Vegetables

Colorful vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health. But remember, it's best to avoid cruciferous veggies.

Asparagus

Asparagus can fight bloating, and it also has a high fiber content to keep you full.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are a healthy carbohydrate option that provides energy and fullness on your wedding day.

Healthy Fats

Foods like salmon, avocados, and nuts that are rich in healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and absorb vitamins efficiently to help your stress management and support your well being leading up to your wedding day.

Whole Grains

Whole grains offer essential vitamins and help maintain energy levels, supporting overall health. Consider having whole-wheat toast with peanut butter or your favorite nut butter for breakfast, and consider serving tea sandwiches for your wedding party at lunch time!

What Not to Eat: Night Before Wedding Day + The Day Of

Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated drinks – including sparkling water – can lead to bloating and discomfort, so it's best to avoid these leading up to the big day.

Alcohol

While having a drink to celebrate is of course okay, it's best to limit your alcohol consumption both the night before and on day of the wedding in order to keep from feeling puffy. Plus you don’t want a hangover on your big day!

Legumes & Cruciferous Vegetables

Even though they’re normally a healthy choice, beans, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage are all veggies known to cause bloating. Instead, choose to eat leafy greens and fresh whole foods leading up to your wedding day.

Gum

Chewing gum will cause you to swallow more air, which can lead to feeling bloated and generally unwell – it may also suppress your hunger giving you the illusion that you're not hungry the morning of your wedding when you should actually be having healthy snack and lunch options as you're getting ready.

Spicy Foods

Spicy food and caffeine can stimulate you – to the point that you may start sweating more than usual or feel jittery on your big day. It's also best to avoid spicy foods when you eat dinner the night before your wedding to ensure better sleep quality and limit feeling sleep-deprived when you wake up the morning of your special day.

Processed & Sugary Foods

Sugary foods, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, and processed foods are liable to make you feel sluggish on the big day. Instead, opt for lean proteins, whole foods, and complex carbs (like veggies, fruits, and whole grains) to ensure you avoid energy crashes on your wedding day.

Dairy

Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, cutting back on dairy can help your digestion. However, Greek yogurt is an exception when paired with berries (such as a Greek yogurt parfait), as it is a great source of protein for your body with a good balance of protein, fat, and carbs to boost energy levels, balance blood sugar levels, and aid in digestion throughout the day.

Fast Food & High-Sodium Snacks

Foods with lots of sodium can cause skin breakouts, bloating, and dehydration – all things you absolutely do not want on your special day. Choose a healthy snack option that's high in protein instead!

For more tips, discover five ways to have a radiant glow on your wedding day, and keep your healthy lifestyle up by avoiding the “newlywed 15.”

Opening photo by Robert Evans for 5th Avenue Digital; Bridal Salon: Mark Ingram Atelier; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Jewish Wedding Ceremony at Stunning Château in New Jersey