After the wedding and honeymoon you may feel like you are not exactly sure what to do next. Well, I have put together a list of the top 10 things you should be doing after the wedding!
1. Send out thank you notes! This may seem like a small task but it does take some time and effort to complete. Remember to be sincere, thoughtful and specific in your thank you letters. For example, “Thank you for the beautiful wine glasses.” This makes your thank you letters more personal and special.
2. Decide what you want to do with your wedding gown. It took time and careful consideration to pick out so make sure to get it cleaned in a timely matter to get out all stains. Then decide what you want to do with it. For example, store your gown for future generations, schedule a Trash the Dress photo shoot, etc.
3. Preserve any Keepsakes. A beautiful shadow box, wooden chest or album can allow you to keep special items from the wedding safe and sound. These items may be personalized napkins, programs, invitations, toasting flutes. etc. This way your most treasured items from the wedding can be kept for many years to come. Some couples even pull out the toasting flutes or napkins to use on their anniversary.
4. Make it official!! If you decide to take your husband’s last name, this will need to be changed on your drivers license, passport and social security card. Many of the forms for changing your drivers license and passport can be found online. Visit www.ssa.gov for information on changing your social security card. Also, follow up with Probate court to make sure they received your marriage license if you do not get your copy in the mail within two weeks.
5. Return and/ or exchange gifts. Make sure to make returns and exchanges in a timely matter. If you wait too long there may be a return policy where you are unable to return.
6. Choose pictures for wedding album! You would not believe how many brides I have talked to that have not decided on their wedding pictures and they have been married for years. Remember that wedding albums can take up to six months or more to get back and you would hate to not have your album by your first anniversary!
7. Notify employer for tax purposes. Make sure to notify your employer so they can not only update your last name but also the married status on your tax forms. If not, you could delay your tax refund or prevent wages being posted to your social security record.
8. Do a Will. Most young people have not thought about a will but you may need to look at changing your beneficiary to your significant other.
9. Get Deposits Back. Many venues require a deposit for damages. If no damages make sure to inquire about the necessary process to get refund!
10. Discuss financials with spouse. If you have not done this yet, make sure to discuss how you want to handle your finances i.e. joint checking, separate checking, etc. and decide how you want finances to be handled throughout your marriage.
If there is anything else we missed on this post wedding checklist, let us know!
We want to hear your thoughts!
Picture Sources: www.shuvarahim.com. www.andreahallgreenphoto.com, www.tomhoganlaw.com
