Things to Do for Your Daughter on the Night Before Her Wedding

When your daughter is getting married in less than 24 hours, she'll often spend every waking minute tending to last-minute details about her wedding, reception and honeymoon. As a parent, you can give her a hand with these important preparations, but it's also thoughtful to do something special for her to mark her last night as a single woman. Keep her busy schedule in mind and alleviate her fatigue by opting for low-key, enjoyable activities.

Since your daughter probably needs to relax on the night before her wedding, a massage is just the ticket to soothe any tense muscles. Look for a clinic that offers relaxation massages near her home or, if possible, arrange for a massage therapist to make a house call to your daughter's home or your home. This option means your daughter won't have to take the time to drive to a clinic and can relax before and after the treatment.

Arrange a simple, quiet dinner or a series of healthy snacks for your daughter to remind her to eat before her big day. It's easy for a bride-to-be to skip meals leading up to her wedding, but sitting with her for a meal gives both of you a special, last-minute moment of togetherness. Avoid meals that are overly heavy and steer clear of alcoholic beverages. Instead, focus on a meal she enjoyed as a kid that exemplifies the bond you have as a family.

The night before your daughter's wedding is the perfect time to present her with a special gift, especially if you want to do so in private. Although you might give her and the groom-to-be something off the wedding registry, put together a sentimental gift, such as a photo album or a scrapbook full of key moments in your relationship, to truly personalize the moment. If you wish to give her a hand-written letter of your wishes for her marriage, the night before is the time to do it.

Offering your assistance with last-minute tasks can help your daughter relax and get to bed sooner. Consult with her about her to-do list and ask if you can take on a few assignments. For example, you might help her pack her suitcase for the honeymoon, arrange post-wedding transportation or contact those in her wedding party. Other tasks include gathering tips for the officiant and servers and getting confirmation information for the post-wedding hotel.