There are countless things that need to get done when planning a wedding, but unfortunately, that often means that the few important things that need to get done after the wedding are often overlooked. Today we wanted to share a few important things to remember to add to your to-do list for after your wedding day so that they don't slip through the cracks.
Get Your Marriage Certificate
Generally, your officiant will file the necessary paperwork required for you to be able to get your marriage certificate. That said, it is important to make sure that once the marriage certificate is generated, you have a copy in your possession. Just to make sure, after all the paperwork has been processed, we recommend contacting the vital records office of the state in which you got married to double-check that you will be sent your own certified copy for your records.
Get Jewelry Insurance
Many couples get their jewelry insurance when they get engaged (for the engagement ring) or once they get their wedding rings, but if you haven't already, this is a great thing to add to the post-wedding to-do list. For more details on engagement and wedding ring insurance, you can check out this article on The Knot that breaks down what jewelry insurance is and how it works.
Change Your Last Name (If Necessary!)
If you have decided to keep your last name, you can skip this step, but if you are planning on changing your last name after you get married, don't forget that you will need to update a number of your important documents (like your Social Security card, license, passport, bank accounts, and more). To make this process easier, we recommend using HitchSwitch. HitchSwitch sends you all the applications and paperwork that you need to fill out in one tidy package so that you can ensure that you are completing all the appropriate forms in order for every one of your important documents to be updated.
Send Thank You Cards
Between vendor searching, bridal showers, potentially going on a honeymoon, and everything else involved with having a wedding, this is one of those items that many times gets forgotten about. We advise setting up a list or spreadsheet for guests and gifts as you are wedding planning and filling it in as you get gifts. That way, all you have to do is check each gift off once a thank you card has been sent. It is also helpful to get a stack of thank you cards ready post-wedding so that all you have to do is start writing! Contact us and let us know you read this post and we will send you our code for 20% off thank you cards and other wedding stationery at Basic Invite (they provide matching invitation suites too!).
Get Your Wedding Photo Album or Photo Book
Once you get your wedding photos, you may decide that you want to have them printed in a book or put in a photo album so that you can flip through them whenever you want. Choosing how to get your photos printed is completely up to you, but if you are not sure where to start, your photographer should be able to point you in the right direction.
Preserve Your Gown or Flowers
Whether you want to keep memorabilia from the day or save something that you might want to pass down in the future, you may decide that you want to get a few things preserved. Brides get things preserved more often than grooms, and the two items that they often want to save are their dress and flowers. If you are looking for some detailed references on how to preserve your dress or your wedding bouquet, both The Knot and Brides have great resources for getting started.
Review Your Vendors
Lastly, don't forget to review your vendors! Reviews are very important to vendors, so if you like them, make sure to let them know! Your review will also help future couples who are searching for vendors as they start their wedding planning process.
