Things To Do After the Wedding

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As we were pinning away on Pinterest the other day (are you following us?) we came across an absolutely fabulous article that gives advice to planning couples about what to do after your wedding. There are tons and tons of articles about how to plan for your big day, but there is so little focus on the important details that need attention once your wedding day is over.

If you are bogged down with pre-wedding to-do lists, but want to prepare for what’s to come after your wedding day, The Details blog has some excellent tips for what to post-wedding tasks should be accomplished. Here are some of our favorites:

• Have your signed marriage license mailed – a task often done by your officiant or wedding planner. Just make sure it’s been done!

• Have your gown professionally cleaned. It is so worth it to take it your dress to a high-end cleaning place, especially one that specializes in wedding dress cleaning. Don’t risk your dress being ruined just to get a good deal at a rinky-dink cleaning place.

• Freeze the top tier of your wedding cake to be saved for your first anniversary. This site has some great tips for doing just that.

• Finalize all wedding photography details. Get your wedding album ordered, and order thank you cards (if being done through your photographer).

• Send thank you cards within three months of your wedding date. Guests will understand if there’s a bit of a delay, especially if you are waiting on customized thank you cards. The Details Blog gives a great idea: “To keep yourself motivated, consider not using your new gifts until you’ve properly thanked your guests for them.“

• Get started on changing your name, if that’s what you chose to do. The Details Blog lays it all out very clearly:

• The first step is to bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate as well as your old Social Security card to the Social Security Administration (you can find your local office here) – they will help you get a new Social Security Card. This process takes about 10 days.

• Next, bring your new Social Security Card, marriage certificate and driver’s license to your local DMV. Call ahead and ask if your state allows you to file by mail, and if there are any additional documents you should have with you. Usually you can walk out of there with your new license.

• If you have a passport, you can change your name on it by mail.You will need to have a new picture taken. Details here.

• Change your name at work, including your W4s and other tax forms. Contact your manager or HR department to get started.

• Change your name on your bank accounts and credit cards. Each company will have different requirements so the best place to start is by calling their customer service number.

• Over the next year or so, you’ll notice your maiden name popping up in all types of places! My advice is to change it every time you notice it, and you should be okay!

• Tip: There are services that help you with this process by filling out forms for you – check out Miss Now Mrs. for more information!

For the full list, visit The Details Blog – a great resource for all brides!