There’s a lot of talk about things to do before your wedding that you can’t forget, but what about after the wedding? Once you’ve said your “I do’s”, tossed the bouquet and went on your honeymoon you might think you’re done, but there are still a few items you can’t forget about from your to-do list.
Here’s our list of post-wedding to-dos:
Send Out Thank You Cards
This might be the most obviously – and most dreaded – post wedding to-do item. While writing about 100-200 thank you notes might not seem appealing, it is something your guests will both expect and look forward to. If you really don’t have the time to handwrite all of the cards you can opt to send a photo thank you with a pre-printed message inside. Most guests, however will appreciate a personalized note thanking them for their specific gift and celebrating with you. One way to tackle this task is by doing a few thank you cards each night until you get through the entire list.
This is also a good way to give people your new address if you moved after your wedding.
Change Your Name
If you’re planning to hold on to your current last name, you can skip this and the next to-do item. However if you are planning to change your last name you’ll need your original (or certified) marriage license that shows your new last name on it. Keep in mind that it may take a few weeks to receive this document so you may not be able to do this right away.
Update Your Personal Identification Documents
Here are the items you’ll need to change if you’re changing your last name:
Social Security Card
This is the first item you should change. To do this visit the Social Security Administration’s website to fill out the application and see where to send it.
Drivers License
You’ll have to go to your local DMV to get a new license with your new married name. Be sure to bring every form of identification you have, including your new Social Security card.
Bank Accounts
While every bank will be different, typically the fastest way to do this is to go into your local branch with your new driver’s license and marriage license. In addition to changing the name attached to your accounts, you may also want to request new checks and debit card too.
Credit Cards
Contact your credit card company and let them know you need to change your name, they will be able to let you know what documentation you need to do so.
At Work, Online, & Everywhere Else
Once you’ve changed your social security card and driver’s license, the other places will be much easier. Start by making a list of all of the places you need to change your name, which may include:
- Work
- School
- Professional Organizations
- Social Media
- Professional Licenses
- Voter Registration
- Doctors
Get Your Photo Album
Whether your wedding photography package included an album or not, this is still an important post-wedding to-do. The hardest part will likely be selecting the photos so as soon as you get them back, get to work! Start by sorting out your top photos and then group everything else into categories like getting ready, ceremony, cocktail hour and dancing. If your photographer is designing your album you can just sent them over. Otherwise, you’ll need to decide on a style album you want and how many pages it’ll hold. Lay out the pictures and then keep arranging them until you create a dynamic flow.
Preserve Your Gown & Bouquet
The first step to preserving your gown is to have it professionally cleaned by someone who specializes in wedding gowns preservation. After preservation, find a place to store the box where it’s protected from extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight.
For your bouquet you have two options. First, you can press and frame a few blooms so they can be displayed in a picture frame. Another option is buying a dome or shadow box that preserves your bouquet in its original shape and vacuum-seals it inside a glass container.
Wrap Up Your Cake
If you plan to eat the top layer of your cake for your one year anniversary, you need to have it wrapped the day after your wedding. Most likely you’ll need to ask someone you trust to take care of this for you, unless you have the time to do it yourself. Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap and seal the wrapped cake in an airtight bag.
Leave Vendor Reviews
Businesses rely on reviews from customers, and your wedding vendors are no exception. Once you’re back from your honeymoon leave detailed reviews for all of your vendors. Not only will this help future couples make their own decisions about vendors, but it’s a valued way to thank your vendors for their hard work and efforts.
Merge Your Finances
If you haven’t already, now’s the time to merge accounts if you choose to. All you need to do is head to the bank to fill out the necessary paperwork and get new debit cards and checks made. This is also a good time to decide how you plan to file your taxes – filing jointly isn’t required by law so it’s a good conversation to have.
Choose an Insurance Plan
If you’re planning to share health insurance, contact your insurance company and HR department at work to get the necessary forms. Choose whose health insurance plan you’ll use by comparing cost and treatment options. Whoever is making the switch should also make sure the doctors you like are on the new plan.
