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Whether you’re sticking to a tried-and-true routine or ready to try something new on your wedding night, there are just certain sex moves you should make to ensure the best sex possible, our experts say.
1. Cut yourself off.
Not from sex — from alcohol. “It’s really easy to have a glass of champagne or six during the course of a six-hour wedding,” commiserates relationship expert April Masini. But too much alcohol will do more than give you a buzz. It could be a buzz kill to your big night. “At worst, one or both of you will have quickly fallen asleep because of the fatigue induced by drinking too much,” Masini warns. “If you make a game plan to limit your alcohol intake, you’ll have a better chance of having sex.”
2. Do a little strip tease.
As certified sex therapist Holly Richmond, Ph.D., points out, “you only have this one wedding night and only have one chance to take off your beautiful wedding dress, so make it memorable.” You might decide to choreograph a strip tease, she suggests, using your garter. Or perhaps you create a fantasy scenario for you and your spouse around undressing. “You could even take things a step further and use a ribbon from your bouquet to bind your hands or feet,” she says.
3. Get it on when the sun comes out.
If you’re too pooped to really party on your wedding night (and a lot of couples are), considering saving sex for the morning after the wedding. “Exhaustion is part of every wedding night,” says Masini. “The planning was epic and the wedding was long and wonderful, but you’re not machines. You’re human. And you’re tired. Go to sleep married, wake up and have morning sex to celebrate the union. Being creative with traditions will serve you well over the course of your marriage.”
See More: The Best Sex Advice For Newlywed Couples
4. Go a step farther.
Richmond suggests using your wedding night to do the things you already love, but even better. For example, she says, let’s say your new wife likes to be on top. “Spend time admiring her face, her body, and tell her how beautiful and sexy she looks, and how lucky you are to have her as your spouse,” says Richmond. “Move at the pace she likes, and truly let her take control.”
5. Take advantage of your surroundings.
Says Richmond, “The wedding night is a great opportunity to do something you’ve never done before.” One way to add to your sexual repertoire — without doing anything too crazy — is to scan your wedding-night space for inspiration. “Does it have a claw-foot tub, an enormous glass shower, or a balcony with a little privacy?” she asks. Those might make for a new and exciting space for some sexy fun.
6. Start your honeymoon off with a bang — excuse the pun.
Masini suggests taking a night flight directly from your wedding to your honeymoon destination. “If you go from the wedding to the airport, and take a night flight, you’ll be guaranteed a break from the stress of the wedding,” she points out, “and you’ll sleep on the plane, especially if it’s a long flight. Wake up, go to your hotel, and commence wedding sex after airplane sleep.”