After Your Wedding Day

As you begin to settle into married life, there are some important tasks to tackle.

First, make sure to return all rentals & tuxes promptly to avoid any extra fees. If your wedding dress holds sentimental value, consider getting it to a preservationist or cleaners soon. This will keep it in pristine condition for years to come.

Sending thank you cards is a meaningful way to show your appreciation to those who shared in your special day. It’s a simple gesture, but it goes a long way in expressing your gratitude.

And don’t forget to review your vendors. Your feedback not only helps them but also provides valuable insights for future couples.

After Your Wedding Checklist

• Unload cars
• Confirm all honeymoon reservations, flights, and activities
• Begin unpacking your wedding decorations, starting with food items
• Call your venue and coordinator ASAP if you are missing items
• Take your wedding dress to a preservationist or cleaners
• Ensure all rentals and tuxedos are returned promptly to avoid additional fees
• Decide on keepsakes you want to keep or store
• Review your vendors online
• Send thank you cards to your guests and vendors
• Decide if you want to order a wedding album from your photographer or create one yourself

Now, let’s talk about something that might not be on the top of your mind right after the wedding: ordering a wedding album. There are a few reasons why it’s worth considering. For one, a hard copy of your photos ensures that you have a physical backup in case technology fails you. Because let’s face it, computers aren’t always our best friends.

Even if your photographer provides an online gallery, having a tangible album gives you peace of mind that your memories are preserved. Plus, an album is a keepsake that can be passed down through generations. Just imagine your children flipping through it on their wedding day (cue the happy tears)! If you let your photographer handle the album design, you can expect something truly special. They’ll create an album that captures your style as a couple & flows just like your wedding day did, making it a treasure you’ll cherish forever.

It’s completely normal to feel a bit down after your wedding day. The post-wedding blues are more common than you think. After all, you’ve spent so much time planning, & in a blink, it’s over. But remember, this is only the beginning of your beautiful journey together, not the end of something special.

Here are 5 ways to overcome the post-wedding blues & move forward with joy

Give Yourself Time to Reflect.
Take a moment to look back on all the amazing memories. Write down your favorite moments from the wedding day or put together an album. Let yourself feel proud of everything you accomplished.

Plan New Adventures.
Start looking forward to new experiences, whether it’s planning your honeymoon, a special trip, or even just a fun weekend getaway, planning something exciting can give you a new focus.

Reconnect with Your New Routine.
The wedding planning may be over, but now is a great time to embrace your new married life. Create routines or traditions that help you bond as a couple.

Stay Active and Engage in Self-Care.
Keep yourself busy with activities that bring you joy like exercise, hobbies, or even spending quality time with family & friends. Self-care is essential to keeping your mood & mindset positive.

Look Ahead to Future Celebrations.
It doesn’t have to end here! Many couples plan vow renewals at five or ten years. This can be just as magical, or even more meaningful, because it reflects your continued journey together.

Remember, you are strong, & it’s perfectly okay to feel a little sad after such a big milestone. But with time, you’ll find new moments to celebrate, new goals to achieve, & new reasons to smile. & whenever you’re ready, we’d love to help plan your five-year or ten-year vow renewal & bring everything back in full bloom.

Speaking of big changes, if you’re planning to change your last name, there’s a lot to consider. The process can seem overwhelming, but services like “Newly Named” are a lifesaver. They get everything ready for you, including a list of what needs to be changed & even envelopes with stamps. First things first, you’ll need to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, voter registration, & passport. Don’t forget to notify your employer, update your email signature, & get new business cards if needed. At home, you’ll need to inform your landlord or mortgage company, insurance providers, & utility companies. On a personal level, you’ll want to update legal documents, alumni offices, doctors’ offices, & even your magazine subscriptions. Don’t overlook your financial accounts like credit cards, checking & savings accounts, 401ks, & loans that all need to be updated as well. Make sure to update your name on your social media profiles like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Twitter too!

Name Change Process Checklist

• Consider using a service like “Newly Named” to streamline the process.
• Update your name with the Social Security Administration.
• Visit the DMV to update your driver’s license, car title, & registration.
• Update your voter registration information.
• Apply for a new U.S. passport with your updated name.
• Notify your employer & update payroll records.
• Update your work email account & signature.
• Order new business cards.
• Inform your landlord or mortgage company of your name change.
• Update auto, home, life, & health insurance policies.
• Update your name with electric, gas, water, phone, internet, & cable providers.
• Update your living will & power of attorney.
• Notify your doctors of your name change.
• Update your name on any loyalty programs or miles programs.
• Update your name on magazine subscriptions.
• Update your name on all credit cards.
• Update your checking & savings accounts.
• Notify your retirement account providers.
• Update any auto or student loans.
• Update your name on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.

Tying up these loose ends after your wedding might seem like a lot, but it’s all part of starting your new life together. Take it one step at a time, & soon enough, everything will be in place.