Congratulations! You’ve tied the knot! After you’ve said, “I do”, there’s a new list of things to do. Enter the post-wedding checklist—a comprehensive guide to what needs to be done after saying “I do”. Whether or not you are taking your honeymoon right after the wedding or waiting, take some time to enjoy being newlyweds, but don’t forget to tackle these important post-wedding to-dos. From changing your name to preserving your dress, we’ve compiled a detailed list to assist you with these tasks.
Return Rentals
Check your vendor’s rental policies and coordinate pickups for furniture, glassware, silverware, and other rented items used at your ceremony and reception. Enlist the help of family and friends if you need to visit multiple locations or require assistance with heavier items such as outdoor heaters. Planning ahead ensures a seamless return process and reduces any last-minute logistical challenges.
Save the Cake
The tradition of saving the top tier of the wedding cake dates back to the 19th century when it was originally preserved for a child’s christening. Today, most couples save it to enjoy on their first anniversary, emphasizing the importance of proper storage and preservation. For tips on how to preserve your cake, check out our blog post on Saving the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake.
Manage Gifts
Organize and keep track of all the gifts you’ve received. This includes writing down who gave what to make sending thank-you notes easier. Using an Excel spreadsheet will help you keep track of the gifts and the thank-you notes.
File Your Marriage License
Make it official! Ensure your marriage is legally recognized by filing your marriage license with the appropriate authorities. Often times, officiants will take care of mailing this off for you, but if they did not, be sure to get it done.
Send Thank-You Notes
Show gratitude to your guests by sending heartfelt thank-you notes for their presence and thoughtful gifts.
Vendor Reviews
If your vendors were prompt and professional, and everything went fabulously, there’s no better way to express gratitude than by leaving them an excellent review. While a thank-you card is thoughtful, sharing your positive experiences on public online review platforms like the Happily Connected review system is highly valued. Your reviews not only show appreciation but also help future couples make informed decisions. By sharing your honest feedback, you contribute to a supportive community and assist others in selecting vendors for their special day.
Return or Exchange Unwanted Gifts
Even if you registered, you may receive duplicates or items that don’t suit your taste, consider returning or exchanging them promptly. You will still need to send a thank you note.
Legally Change Your Name (If You Want)
If you’re changing your name, begin the process by updating your driver’s license, passport, and other legal documents.
Update Contact Information
Update your contact details on social media, email accounts, and with your employer if necessary.
Notify the Appropriate Places of Your Name Change
If you decide to change your name after marriage, it’s important to notify the appropriate institutions and organizations. Begin by informing your banks, credit card companies, employers, and any other relevant entities of your name change. This ensures that your financial, employment and other records are updated accurately to reflect your new legal name. Taking these steps promptly helps to avoid any complications and ensures a smooth transition with all your important accounts and services.
Preserve Memories
Whether through a photo album, video montage, or both, preserve the memories of your special day to cherish for years to come.
Preserve Your Bouquet
Preserving your wedding bouquet is a wonderful way to cherish the memories of your special day for years to come. Whether you choose to dry your flowers or have them professionally preserved, the process ensures that the beauty and sentiment of your bouquet remain intact. By carefully selecting a preservation method that suits your flowers, you can create a keepsake that captures the essence of your wedding day. Displaying your preserved bouquet in a shadow box or glass dome not only adds a personal touch to your home decor but also serves as a constant reminder of the love and joy you felt on that magical day.
Have Your Wedding Dress and Suit Cleaned
After your wedding day, it’s a good idea to get your wedding dress and suit cleaned. This helps keep them in great shape so you can cherish them for years to come. Professional cleaners know just how to handle delicate fabrics and tricky stains like those from champagne or outdoor adventures. Once they’re all freshened up, you can store them away as keepsakes or even pass them down as heirlooms.
Preserve Your Dress
After professionally cleaning your wedding dress, it’s essential to preserve its pristine condition for the long term. This involves carefully storing the dress with materials like acid-free tissue paper or muslin to prevent yellowing and damage. It’s then placed in a durable, breathable garment bag or preservation box, shielding it from light, moisture, and insects. This meticulous process ensures your dress remains as beautiful as the day you wore it, preserving its sentimental value for years to come. Framing your dress offers another excellent option, using archival-quality materials to protect it from dust and humidity while displaying its intricate details as a cherished piece of art in your home. Whether preserved in a box or framed, your wedding dress will serve as a timeless reminder of your special day, ready to evoke cherished memories whenever you see it.
Figure out What to do With Your Décor
Deciding what to do with your wedding décor items involves thoughtful consideration based on sentimental value, practicality, and future use. Start by keeping pieces that hold significant sentimental value, such as items that were handmade or personalized. For items that no longer serve a purpose or align with your future plans, consider selling them to recoup costs or donating them to charities or newlyweds in need. Store any items you may want to use in the future, like heirloom pieces or decorations with timeless appeal. Ultimately, the choices should reflect what brings you joy and fits seamlessly into your life beyond the wedding day.
Take Down or Update Your Wedding Website
After your wedding, managing your wedding website is important. Decide whether to remove it or update it with new information, such as transitioning from wedding details to sharing post-wedding memories, photos, or updated contact details. This allows guests to relive the special moments and memories created during your wedding. Consider creating dedicated photo galleries categorized by events or moments throughout the day, such as the ceremony, reception, and candid shots.
Give Everyone Your Updated Address (If Applicable)
If you’re moving, notify friends, family, and relevant institutions of your change of address.
Review Finances
If you haven’t already discussed shared finances, now is the time to sit down and sort out any arrangements regarding joint bank accounts, budgets, and financial goals. It’s important to ensure that both partners are on the same page to promote transparency and mutual understanding in managing your finances together effectively.
Have the Tax Talk
Discuss the implications of marriage on your taxes. Understanding these changes is important, and consulting a tax professional can provide clarity and guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Update Insurance Plans
Review and update your health, life, and any other insurance plans to reflect your new marital status. Contact your insurance providers to update beneficiary information and evaluate coverage options that may now be available to you as a married couple. Ensuring your insurance plans are up-to-date helps protect you and your spouse financially and provides peace of mind, knowing that you have adequate coverage for your future together.
Assess Your Will
Review or create a will to reflect your new marital status and beneficiaries.
Enjoy Some Quality Time With Your New Husband or Wife
Lastly, take time to relax and enjoy each other’s company after the whirlwind of wedding planning. Celebrate your new journey together!
Printable Post-Wedding Checklist
Click here to print your post-wedding to-do list!
Cheers to Your Happily Ever After!