Rhiannon Hendricks
There are many things to consider doing after your wedding before the reception. This includes everything from taking care of your wedding dress and leftover food to changing your name and planning a post-wedding photoshoot. Some couples opt for a mini-moon or staycation before their honeymoon, while others prefer to spend intimate time with their spouse. It's also essential to send out thank-you cards and notes to guests and vendors. Additionally, don't forget to savour the moment and enjoy being newly married!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thank guests and vendors | Send thank-you cards or notes |
| Preserve the wedding dress | Clean and store |
| Store wedding china and silver | Use fabric boxes with zippers and felt for china; silver bags for silver |
| Change your name | Notify your workplace, HM Revenue and Customs, the DVLA, your doctor, and get a new passport |
| Plan a post-wedding photoshoot | Wreck-the-dress shoot, spray paint, portraits |
| Plan a minimoon or honeymoon | A short trip within driving distance |
| Plan a day-after event | Brunch, pool party, open house, winery tour |
| Check wedding gifts | Return or exchange gifts that aren't your taste or are duplicates |
| Check wedding photos | Post an extensive album on Facebook and create a physical photo album |
| Check wedding venue | Ensure you didn't forget anything and leave a review |
| Check wedding hashtag | View content posted by guests on social media |
| File marriage license | Obtain a marriage certificate from the city or county clerk |
| Create a postnuptial agreement | Plan for an easier future in the event of a divorce |
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What You'll Learn
Write thank you cards
Writing thank you cards is an important task to complete after your wedding. It is a way to show appreciation for your guests' and vendors' time, generosity, and support. Here are some tips to help you tackle this task:
Timing
While some etiquette experts say you have up to six months to send thank-you notes, and others say you have up to a year, it is best to get them done and sent out soon after the wedding. Brenda Cascio and Audrey Craig, founders of GB Design House, recommend aiming to finish them within 90 days.
Make it a Team Effort
Sit together with your partner and write the thank-you notes as a team. This can be a great way to reflect on the gift of your guests' and vendors' time and generosity.
What to Write
Thank your guests for their attendance and any gifts they may have given you. For vendors, express your gratitude for their hard work and contribution to making your day perfect. If you are writing to your venue, don't forget to mention specific details about what made the day so special.
Other Considerations
If you are changing your name after marriage, you may want to consider including this in your thank-you notes. You can also use this opportunity to notify people of your new name. Make a list of places and organisations that you will need to officially notify, such as your place of work, HM Revenue and Customs, the DVLA, and your doctor. Keep in mind that you may need multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate to facilitate this process.
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Change your name on accounts
Changing your name on your accounts is an important step to ensure financial transactions continue smoothly. It is also a tedious task, as your name appears in more places than you might think. To change your name on your bank account, you will need to visit a branch office or make a phone call, depending on the bank. Most banks require you to bring an updated photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) and your marriage certificate. If you don't have a marriage certificate, simply call the office that issued the certificate and order one or more copies. You will have to pay a small fee, and they will send you a certified copy within five to seven business days.
While changing your name with your bank, you may also want to request a new debit or credit card and blank checks with your updated name. If you wish to add your new spouse to an account or open a joint account, you can usually do this at the same time. Changing your name with employers or services that initiate direct deposits or withdrawals from your bank account is also important, as transactions may not go through otherwise.
For credit cards, the best place to start is by calling the number on the back of the card. Every card issuer is different, so don't expect the same process for each card. You will likely need to provide the same documents as you did for the bank, including a certified copy of your marriage certificate, scans of your Social Security card, and a photo ID.
In addition to financial accounts, there are several other accounts and subscriptions you may want to update, such as frequent flyer programs. Changing your name can be time-consuming and stressful, so it's a good idea to start a spreadsheet and create a list as you go. You can also use a name change kit, which provides step-by-step instructions and applications for all of your state and federal documents, as well as your personal accounts.
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Clean and store your wedding dress
Cleaning and storing your wedding dress is a great way to preserve it for future use or display. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Cleaning Your Wedding Dress
- Act promptly: Stains can set over time, so it's best to get your dress cleaned as soon as possible.
- Choose a professional cleaner: While DIY washing is an option, it is risky, especially if your dress is expensive or has sentimental value. Consider using a professional wedding dress preserver or dry cleaner, and be sure to check their credentials and reviews. You can also ask your dress boutique for recommendations.
- Consider preservation services: Wedding dress preservation can cost up to $1000, but it is worth it if you want to maintain the dress's original condition and beauty. Preservation helps protect the gown from yellowing, browning, creasing, mould, and mildew.
- Use the right cleaning method: Dry cleaning and preserving are not the same. If you choose to clean your dress yourself, read the label for special instructions and always do a spot test on a small, hidden portion of the fabric to ensure the cleaning agents are compatible.
- Handle with care: After cleaning, handle the dress with white cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils from your skin onto the fabric.
Storing Your Wedding Dress
- Choose the right storage materials: Use acid-free tissue paper to wrap your dress before placing it in a storage box. Avoid storing the box in damp or extreme temperature conditions, as these can damage the dress over time.
- Consider displaying your dress: If you have the space, you may want to display your dress as artwork by framing it or displaying it on a mannequin. However, be aware that direct sunlight can cause discolouration, so consider using UV-protected glass if framing your dress.
- Plan for the future: If you're not planning to keep the dress, you can sell, donate, or repurpose it. Selling your dress can help recoup some of the costs of your wedding, and there are many specialist websites and marketplaces for this purpose. Donating your dress to a charity or another bride is also a wonderful way to give back and ensure your dress is used again. Alternatively, you can repurpose your dress by altering it into a new garment, such as a shorter dress, jumpsuit, or accessory.
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Plan a post-wedding photoshoot
Planning a post-wedding photoshoot is a great way to capture beautiful photos for your wedding album. It can be an opportunity to get creative and experiment with different styles and locations. Here are some things to consider when planning your post-wedding photoshoot:
Timing
There is no exact rule for when a post-wedding photoshoot should take place. It can be done the day after the wedding, shortly after the honeymoon, or even a year later. Some couples choose to plan their photoshoot long before the wedding, while others opt for a more spontaneous session.
Location
The location of your photoshoot is entirely up to you. You can choose a place that is meaningful to you as a couple, such as the site of your first kiss or your favourite restaurant. Alternatively, you can select a picturesque destination, such as a mountain or a beach, to serve as the backdrop for your photos.
Theme and Clothing
A post-wedding photoshoot allows you to experiment with different themes and styles. You can choose to wear your wedding attire again or select outfits that complement the chosen location. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even plan a "wreck-the-dress" shoot, where you dive into a lake or get creative with spray paint.
Photographer
If you want a specific photographer for your post-wedding photoshoot, it's essential to plan ahead and book them in advance. Consider reaching out to your desired photographer to find a convenient date for both parties. If they are unavailable, you can also look for other talented photographers in your area.
Relax and Enjoy
Remember, a post-wedding photoshoot is meant to be a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Unlike the wedding day, you won't have to worry about a tight schedule or feel stressed about missing out on time with your guests. Take your time, focus on getting the best shots, and savour this special moment as a newly married couple.
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Host a day-after brunch
Hosting a day-after brunch is a great way to continue the wedding celebrations and spend a little more time with your guests. It's also a chance to connect with your guests and share your newlywed bliss.
Timing and Venue
The brunch is typically held the morning after the wedding, starting at 9, 9:30, 10, 11 am, or noon, and lasting about 2-2.5 hours. If your wedding reception ended late, consider a later start time so your guests can get some rest. If your wedding is on a Friday, you may want to skip the day-after brunch, especially if most guests are travelling and will be departing soon after the wedding.
The brunch can be held at a hotel terrace, a restaurant, or a bar. If you have a room block at a hotel with a restaurant, avoid hosting the brunch in the main dining room.
Food and Drinks
The menu can include local favourites, such as shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and biscuits, or interactive stations with bagels, crepes, or waffles. You can also set up a build-your-own mimosa or Bloody Mary bar. If you're feeling adventurous, serve fast food from your favourite joint or wedding pies. For a summer wedding, poke bowls and acai bowls will be a refreshing choice.
Guest List and Invites
If you're keeping the guest list small, include an insert in the invitations or send out an evite. If you're not inviting everyone, do not put the brunch on your wedding website.
Dress Code
The dress code for the brunch is usually more casual, but if you're going for a garden party theme, guests may need to dress up.
Other Tips
- This is a good time to collect wedding favours from the night before and distribute them to guests who may have forgotten to pick them up.
- If you created a wedding hashtag, check it the next day to see all the fun footage posted by your guests.
- Thank-you notes are usually sent out soon after the wedding, so set aside some time to write them.
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Frequently asked questions
If you plan on preserving your wedding dress, have it cleaned as soon as possible to prevent stains from setting.
Ask your caterer to wrap up a slice or the top tier of your wedding cake and have someone you trust transport it to your home. Wrap it in plastic wrap and tin foil before placing it in your freezer.
You could organize a day-after brunch, a pool party, a winery tour, or a mini-moon close to home. You could also spend time with your family and friends who are still in town.
Some important tasks include sending thank-you notes to your guests and vendors, changing your name on all your accounts, and storing any wedding china or silver properly. You should also make sure to get your marriage certificate and plan a post-wedding photoshoot if desired.
