Congratulations—you’ve just tied the knot! Now that the excitement of your wedding day has died down, it’s time to get down to business and start your lives together. Here are five things for couples to complete after they say, “I do.”
1. Thank-You Cards
Ah, the thank-you cards. Writing them can often fall to the bottom of a newlywed’s to-do list, but it’s not a task to forget. After all, your friends and family likely played an important role in making your big day special. Whether they traveled across the country to attend, gave you a thoughtful gift, or offered their love and support, it’s important to let them know how grateful you are. Writing individual thank-you notes for each guest can seem overwhelming, but think of it as a chance to relive all the happy moments from your wedding day. Take small breaks throughout the day to send some love and gratitude to those who were part of your happily ever after.
2. Change Your Name
If you’re changing your name, this is an important task that is best to tackle early on. The good news is that you don’t have to do it all at once; take your time and prioritize the documents that need updating first. Start with your social security card and driver’s license, then move on to things like your passport and credit cards. Don’t forget about things like gym memberships or frequent flyer programs! And don’t be afraid to ask for help—friends and family who have been through the process before can give valuable insights.
3. Pay Bills and Organize Finances
You’ve finally come up for air after the whirlwind of wedding planning and the big day itself. But before you fully dive into married life, there’s an important thing to take care of: post-wedding bills and finances. Start by reviewing all your expenses, including vendors and any extra spending during the wedding planning process. Gather all receipts and submissions for potential tax deductions. And finally, it’s time to pay those credit card bills and formalize any agreements with your partner about joint accounts or financial responsibilities. It may not be as fun as honeymoon planning, but taking care of this crucial task early on can set the foundation for a strong financial future together.
4. Update Address With Banks, Employers, Utilities, Etc.
Another important task to check off your list is updating your address with all your banking and financial institutions, employers, utility companies, and any other relevant organizations. It may seem a tedious and time-consuming task, but it’s better to take care of it earlier rather than later. Don’t let this important step slip through the cracks as you begin your married life together. Gather up all those forms and start changing that information ASAP. You’ll thank yourself in the long run!
5. Order New Checks and Stationery
Order new checks and stationery with both of your names on them. No more “Ms. Smith” or “Mr. Johnson”—it’s the two of you now! You can also get stamps personalized with your new monogram or last name initial to add a special touch to any correspondence. It may seem like a small thing but updating your name on various accounts and documents is an important step in officially merging your lives. Plus, showing off that shiny new married status never gets old.
Now that you know the five things couples should take care of after they say “I do,” it’s time to get started on completing them. This may seem like a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the end. Taking care of these tasks early on will help you avoid any potential headaches down the road. Plus, getting them out of the way will give you more time to enjoy your new marriage!
