How to Plan a Wedding Recovery Day That’s Totally Zen

You're sure to feel a sense of elation as you exit your reception as a brand-new married couple. But there's another feeling that comes with a day full of wedding activities – exhaustion. Include a wedding recovery day in your weekend itinerary as you plan your wedding. In addition to your post-wedding brunch, plan a day of relaxation with close loved ones or just you and your spouse. This allows you to continue your celebration on a low-key scale. Share wedding stories from the night before, allow time for pampering and fit in as many giggle sessions as you can. For everything you need to know about planning a recovery day after your wedding, we spoke to expert planner Alyssa Pettinato of Alinato Events based in New York City and Miami.

• What Is a Wedding Recovery Day?
• Wedding Recovery Day Origin
• How to Plan a Wedding Recovery Day
• Wedding Recovery Day Ideas

What Is a Wedding Recovery Day?

A wedding recovery day meaning translates to a day of unwinding and taking it easy the day after your nuptials. This could include a spa day, time spent by the pool or a relaxing yoga practice. From your welcome party to your wedding after party and everything in between, your weekend consists of a lot of activities and little time sitting down to rest.

"You will be exhausted after your wedding day," Pettinato said. "Posing for photos is physical. The emotion, the long hours, the drinking, the dancing—you will be feeling it all. It is important to take a recovery day because you could get sick from the adrenaline leading up to everything, plus you want to enjoy that newlywed glow."

Wedding Recovery Day Origin

As wedding celebrations continue to include a full weekend of events, there's the ever-present need for a day of recovery. Couples started prioritizing a time of self-care to recuperate from days of smiling for photos, socializing with guests and spending a lot of time on their feet. A wedding recovery day allows time for much-needed rest from the whirlwind of wedding planning and activities.

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How to Plan a Wedding Recovery Day

From finding vendors to who to invite, we mapped out a guide to planning your wedding recovery day that's stress-free and easy.

1. Choose Your Wedding Recovery Day Vibe

Before you book your wedding recovery plans, envision how you want to spend your day. Does it include a full day of lounging or venturing outdoors with friends and family? Also, decide if you want your day to complement or contrast your wedding vibe.

2. Book Your Wedding Recovery Day Ahead of Time

Include booking your wedding recovery day in your wedding planning timeline. "I suggest trying to plan this at least a week in advance," Pettinato said. "We try to finish planning and give our couples a few months of downtime before we ramp up for day-of prep. This would also be a great window to get it done in." Don't forget to budget your wedding recovery day plans in your overall wedding cost.

3. Hire Recovery Day Vendors

Depending on your activities, you'll also need to hire vendors for your wedding recovery day. This can include a planner, bartender, DJ or yoga instructor. Visit The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find all the wedding pros you'll need for your day after wedding party.

4. Decide Who to Invite

"You can keep it to just you and your fiancé or you can include the wedding party/immediate family," Pettinato said. "But try to keep it small as real recovery with a large group can feel like a continuation of the excitement and wind up not being too relaxing." If you're inviting a small group of loved ones, create a separate event on your wedding website to invite and communicate with your wedding recovery day guests.

Wedding Recovery Day Ideas

Tailor your recovery day to activities you love and help you feel relaxed. "Book an IV drip, go to a sauna, do nothing," Pettinato said. "Do not forget to hydrate, put many bottles of water in your hotel suite and some snacks."

Wedding Recovery Spa Day

Soak up all the pampering goodness with a spa day. Schedule a massage, body wrap, detoxing facial and a trip to the sauna. "Book your couples massage in advance so it is set," Pettinato said. "Same day appointments are usually nonexistent, especially in places like NYC." Consider adding a cold plunge session to help with sore muscles.

Visit an IV Lounge

Schedule time at an IV lounge or bar for a boost of hydration or immune-supporting vitamins. This trending wedding recovery day activity is designed to fight hangovers, fatigue and cold and flu symptoms. During your session, a trained professional administers fluids intravenously that include medicines and supplements.

Hang Out by the Pool

Grab your besties and head to the hotel pool for the day. Whether you want to sit in the shade sipping cocktails (or mocktails) or swimming laps, this is a low-key way to spend your wedding recovery day. Hire a bartender for the day or a DJ if you have the space to yourselves.

Book a Private Yoga Session

Ease tired muscles with yoga focused on deep stretches instead of a physical workout. Book a private session for you and your wedding party at a local studio or rent a space at your hotel. End with calming meditation that's beneficial to your body and mind.

Relax with a Sound Bath

If you want to skip the yoga and focus on meditation, consider a soothing sound bath. Sound baths are designed to help participants unwind and let go of any anxiety or worries. This practice includes guided breathing and meditation, along with a variety of sounds and vibrations meant to promote relaxation.

Visit a Local Beach

If you book a destination wedding, Pettinato suggests spending a wedding recovery day at the beach. Splash in the ocean, get comfortable with a good book or take a stroll on the sand. Don't forget to bring along lots of water, snacks and sunscreen.

Go for a Hike or Bike Ride

Spending time in nature is a restorative way to spend time with loved ones the day after your wedding. Find an easy hiking trail or bike path that provides light exercise and isn't too challenging. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy during or after your adventure.

Lounge in Your Hotel Room

Another perfectly acceptable wedding recovery day idea is to do absolutely nothing. "A lot of couples tend to book a brunch for whoever is in the hotel for the next day," Pettinato said. "Be sure to give goodbyes to your guests and eat and drink. Then take the day just you two to bask in what you have just done." Stay in your hotel room all day, order room service and spend quality time with your partner. If you feel up to it, venture out for a romantic dinner together to end your peaceful day.