Deborah Chan
There's a lot to be done after a wedding, from changing your name to cleaning your dress. It's important to take some time to savour the moment and enjoy being 'just married', but there are some essential tasks that need to be checked off the list. From writing thank you cards to leaving reviews for your vendors, there are plenty of things to keep you busy after the big day.
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What You'll Learn
Thank your guests, vendors and the wedding venue
After the wedding, it's customary to thank your guests, vendors, and the wedding venue. Here are some detailed suggestions on how to do this:
Thanking Your Guests
It is important to thank your guests for attending your wedding and celebrating this special day with you. Sending thank-you cards is a great way to express your gratitude. Aim to send them out within 90 days of the wedding. You can also send custom photo albums to your in-laws, family, and bridal party as a memorable keepsake.
Thanking Your Vendors
Your vendors play an integral role in making your wedding day special. There are several ways to thank them for their hard work and dedication:
- Write handwritten, personal thank-you cards to each vendor.
- Offer vendor thank-you gifts, such as a bottle of wine with a custom label, a gift basket, a gift card, or something personalized.
- Provide tips or monetary gifts to show your appreciation, especially if they have gone above and beyond.
- Leave online reviews and testimonials to help their business grow. You can also tag exceptional vendors on social media.
- Continue to support their business after the wedding by recommending them to friends and family or hiring them for future events.
Thanking the Wedding Venue
The wedding venue and their staff also contribute significantly to your special day. Here are some ways to express your gratitude:
- Write them a thank-you note or card, thanking them for their hard work in making your day perfect.
- Leave a review of the venue online or on their website to help other couples discover this wonderful venue.
- Recommend the venue to your friends and family who may be planning future weddings or events.
- If you had a dedicated venue coordinator, you can send them a small gift or token of appreciation.
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Clean and preserve your wedding attire
Cleaning and preserving your wedding attire is an important step to take after the big day, especially if you plan on keeping your outfit for sentimental reasons or passing it on to someone else. Wedding attire is a significant investment, so it's essential to take good care of it. Here are some detailed steps to help you clean and preserve your wedding attire:
For Wedding Dresses:
If you plan on preserving your wedding dress, it's best to have it cleaned as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely stains will set and become difficult to remove. You can choose to have your dress professionally dry cleaned or hand wash it yourself at home if it doesn't have a "Dry Clean Only" label.
To hand wash your dress, create a mixture of stain remover, white vinegar and water, a baking soda paste, or a mild dish detergent. Place a clean cloth or paper towel under any stained areas to prevent the stain from spreading to other layers. Be especially careful with embellishments like lace, beads, bows, and buttons, as they can be damaged by certain cleaning and storage methods.
After washing, hang the dress on a sturdy rod to drip and air dry. Once dry, use a garment steamer to remove any wrinkles or creases, and then let it air dry again completely before packing it away. If you prefer professional dry cleaning, choose a cleaner that specializes in wedding gowns and uses gentle, pure solvents. Ask the bridal boutique where you purchased your gown for recommendations.
For Wedding Suits:
Wedding suits are also an investment worth preserving, and proper care will ensure they last for years. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your suit, as they can damage the fabric. Instead, opt for organic dry cleaning solutions that are gentler and will help preserve the lifespan of your suit.
Don't wait until the last minute to take your suit for dry cleaning, as stains that are not treated immediately may become impossible to remove. Consult a professional dry cleaner for advice on cleaning and storage, and consider exclusive deals or dry cleaning pick-up and delivery services. Proper storage is essential to prevent wrinkles and preserve the fabric. Hang your suit in places with proper airflow, and if you need to store it for an extended period, a cedar chest is a great option to repel insects and keep your suit looking its best.
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Change your name and notify relevant institutions
Changing your name after a wedding is a personal decision. You can choose to take your partner's surname, hyphenate it with your own, or keep your own last name. Some couples even choose to blend their last names or add each other's surnames as middle names. If you do decide to change your name, it's best to do it soon after the wedding while you know where all the necessary documents are. You will likely need your marriage certificate, Social Security card, and birth certificate.
To change your name, start by filing the paperwork at the Social Security Administration. You have two years to update your name with the Social Security Administration, but driver's license deadlines range from 10 to 60 days, so be sure to check your state laws. Once your social security information is updated, you can move on to updating your passport, driver's license, voter registration, credit cards, financial accounts, and employee information.
You will also need to notify various institutions of your name change. This includes your place of work, HM Revenue and Customs, the DVLA, and your doctor. You should also update your emergency contact information at your doctor's office, gym, or workplace to include your new spouse.
In addition to changing your name, you may also want to review your insurance policies and financial plans. Compare your insurance benefits with your spouse and decide which health insurance plan you will sign up for. You can also add supplemental insurance to ensure you are fully covered. Review your life insurance policy and consider changing the beneficiary to your new spouse. Finally, determine how you will manage your finances as a married couple and follow through with your financial institutions.
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Write thank you cards and send gifts
Writing thank-you cards and sending gifts is an important part of the post-wedding process. It's a way to show gratitude to those who attended your wedding and contributed to making your day special. Here are some tips to guide you through this task:
- Timing: Aim to send out thank-you cards within 90 days of the wedding. The sooner, the better, as it shows your appreciation and helps your guests know their presence was valued.
- Personalisation: Take the time to write personalised messages in each card. Mention specific details about their contribution, such as how their presence made your day more joyful or how their gift will be cherished.
- Vendors and Suppliers: Don't forget to thank the vendors and suppliers who played a crucial role in making your wedding a success. Write personalised thank-you notes to them, and if possible, send them small gifts as a token of your appreciation.
- Gifts for Guests: Consider sending your guests small tokens of appreciation. It could be something meaningful related to the wedding theme or a personalised item. For instance, you could send custom photo albums with professional wedding photos to your in-laws, family, and bridal party. These albums will not only be cherished mementos but also serve as gorgeous coffee table books.
- Practical Considerations: When sending gifts, especially if they are perishable or delicate, ensure they are packaged securely and sent via a reliable delivery service. You don't want your gifts to arrive damaged or late.
- Budget Planning: Sending gifts to all guests may not always be feasible, especially if you have a large guest list. In such cases, you can opt for more affordable options, such as personalised thank-you cards with handwritten messages or even a thoughtful email expressing your gratitude.
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Plan your honeymoon
Planning your honeymoon is an exciting part of the wedding process. It is a chance to relax and enjoy some time with your new spouse. There are a few things to consider when planning your honeymoon.
Firstly, it is important to decide when you want to go on your honeymoon. Some couples opt to go on their honeymoon straight after the wedding, to make the most of the excitement of the day and to avoid post-wedding blues. However, this can be stressful, especially if you are travelling far and there are often advantages to delaying your honeymoon. You may want to give yourself time to recover from the wedding, spend time with family and friends, and open gifts and cards. You could also save up and plan the perfect honeymoon, rather than rushing off to your chosen destination.
Next, you should decide on your budget and the type of honeymoon you want. Do you want to relax on a beach or would you prefer an action-packed adventure? Once you have decided on the type of honeymoon, you can begin to research destinations and book your trip. It is a good idea to book in advance to secure the best deals and to avoid last-minute stress. You may also want to enlist the help of a professional honeymoon planner or travel agent to take the pressure off.
Finally, don't forget the practicalities. Make sure your passport is up to date, especially if you have changed your name, and that you have packed everything you need.
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Frequently asked questions
Many couples go out for an after-party, bar-hopping, or straight to their honeymoon. It's also important to get your marriage certificate, which is necessary for changing your name, filing taxes jointly, and combining health insurance.
It's a good idea to review your vendors and the wedding venue, as this will help their business and other couples. You should also send out thank you cards to your guests and vendors. If you want to preserve your wedding dress, get it cleaned as soon as possible.
If you're changing your name, you'll need to notify your place of work, HM Revenue and Customs, the DVLA, and your doctor. You'll also need to update your insurance, social security, and financial information.
You may want to review your insurance policies and beneficiaries, and decide whether to combine your finances. It's also a good idea to work with a financial advisor to help you save for your goals and reconfigure your budget.
