Photo: Briana Moore
For most couples, the weeks leading up to your wedding will feel anything but romantic. You may find yourself overwhelmed with last minute details and shaken up by the inevitable pre-wedding jitters. If you’re looking for ways to take a deep breath and enjoy some quality time with your partner before you say “I do,” here are seven romantic things you can do the week leading up to your wedding — which may actually help you cross off some items on that outstanding to-do list.
1. Reenact your first date.
Go back to the very first place you met and pretend to have your first date all over again. Order the same food you ate — or walk the same path you took a stroll on post-dinner. It will bring you back to your roots (and may even help you write your vows!).
2. Spend a night looking through old pictures.
Reminiscing with old memories and letting every inch of love seep into your relationship pre-wedding is always a good idea. Looking through old photos (whether on the computer, phone, or printed) will take you on a trip down memory lane — and may help you put together a last-minute slideshow for your rehearsal dinner or reception. Spend the night reliving all the funny and special moments you shared throughout your relationship.
3. Surprise each other with a date night.
Pick a night the week (or two) before your wedding and plan a secret date filled with the other person’s favorite things. Consider this your final stretch of dates before you become spouses. It will most likely relax you and bring you back to center before the big day.
4. Head to the spa.
What better way to relax the week before your wedding than spa treatments? Do a couple’s massage or facials together — which of course will leave you both feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and glowing for those photo ops.
See More: 50 Things All Brides Should Do The Week of Their Wedding
5. Go wine or cocktail tasting.
Find a local wine, whiskey, or beer tasting locale and head there for a night out. If you’re still trying to decide on your signature drink, this is the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone. Take the night to have a pre-wedding toast together with your favorite drink of choice, and if it’s delicious and special enough, it may end up being present on your big day.
6. Take a couples’ dance class together.
It doesn’t hurt to learn some new dance moves before your wedding — especially if you or your partner are prone to having two left feet. If your first dance is one that’s particularly complicated or you just want to get some new moves under your belts, opt for a private dance lesson to get you both more comfortable twirling around in front of everyone.
7. Send each other a video.
If you’re spending the week or a few days before your wedding apart from your fiancé, send them a homemade video that lets them know how excited you are for a lifetime together. This will be a great keepsake present that you can replay year after year, and it can even go in a part of your wedding film. Talk about a heartfelt win/win.
Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.