Photos by: Caroline Dresse
You thought the wedding planning checklist was complete, didn’t you? Well… Almost! These are 10 quick items to conclude wedding planning:
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Before you jet off to your tropical honeymoon destination, check in with your wedding planner or vendors to ensure all payments have been processed and confirmed.
- Change Your Name
Complete the name change process! You’ll need a proper ID to travel, so decide whether you’ll do this before or after the honeymoon. Then, apply for a new social security card. You’ll take your new card to the DMV and update your license and bank accounts. Be sure to change your name before you and your spouse file for tax returns!
See more of Jestine’s Martina Liana gown here.
- Preserve Your Wedding Dress
You’ll want to keep that gorgeous white dress cleaned and professionally packaged so it stays in perfect condition for years to come. Grab recommendations from your bridal shop or wedding planner – the earlier, the better (don’t let those champagne stains sit!)
- Check Your Registry
Did you mistakenly receive nine sets of plates or a really ugly bathroom rug? Now is the time to return those items and purchase anything you really wanted but didn’t receive. Registry sites and stores may have different return policies (and might give you a discount post-nuptials) so check those beforehand.
- Thank You Notes
It’s not the most exciting task, but try to crank out your thank you cards within a month of the wedding. Keep the messages sincere and short.
- Share Your Love Story
Check that clever little hashtag that took you months to perfect! Swoon over your guests’ wedding photos and talk to your photographer about prints and albums. Share your wedding day details with us so we can share it with the world!
- Discuss Finances
Are you planning on merging your bank accounts? It’s time to get to it! Update your direct deposit preferences via your employer.
- Write Reviews
You may have lead, but many people played a part in perfecting your wedding day. Thank your vendors by writing honest reviews. Your vendors will greatly appreciate the feedback as will brides-to-be who are just starting their planning processes.
- Organize Everything
Put together a fresh living space by organizing and unpacking all of your new registry items. Work together to get your lives back in order now that the stress of the wedding is over.
- CELEBRATE!
We know – it might seem like you’ve done plenty of celebrating the last year or so of planning, but it’s so important to take time for yourselves as newlyweds and reflect on your most recent milestone. From the moment you said “YES” to the DJ’s last call at the reception, it’s been a whirlwind. Plan a date night for you and your new spouse and simply reflect on the best moments, the photos and the little details that made it great.
Congratulations and best wishes, newlyweds!
