If you’re a just-married bride or groom, you may assume the planning is over. But there are lots of logistics to help you make a smooth transition to married life. Check out our post-wedding checklist.
1. Obtain your marriage certificate
A marriage certificate, or an official document that tells of the legal status of your marriage, must be attained to prove that you are married. You might have to request it specifically, and it could take a few weeks to come to you by mail. Once you receive your marriage certificate, make sure that all the information on it is correct. [1]
What is the difference between a marriage license and marriage certificate?
While they sound similar, there is a difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate. It boils down to when you need each. A marriage license is needed before your wedding ceremony in order to get married. However, a marriage certificate is acquired after your ceremony to prove that you are legally married. [2]
2. Ensure your wedding vendors have been paid
Before the honeymoon, make sure those who provided services for your special day are paid, including the venue manager, officiant, caterer, baker, DJ or band, beverage provider, florist and wedding planner. Get written confirmation from each that the final payment has been processed.
3. Leave an online review for your wedding vendors
Once your wedding is over, one of the easiest ways to thank your vendors is by writing them a review. Think of each review as a way of helping an engaged couple narrow down their choices, a way of supporting a small business with your free marketing or even making relationships with your vendors so you can use them again in the future. Each review is more helpful and meaningful than you realize. [3]
4. Write thank-you cards
Writing a thank-you card to each guest might sound overwhelming, but it’s considered a necessary part of your wedding. These notes don’t need to be lengthy; in fact, it’s better if you keep them short and sweet. Just a simple personalized message is needed for each guest, thanking them for coming and for the gift that they gave you and your spouse. As a general guideline, try to send your thank-you cards within 3 months of your wedding. [4]
5. Change your last name
If you choose to change your last name, start the process soon after you’re married. Follow the name change after marriage checklist below.
How to change your name after your wedding
The first thing you need before you start the process of changing your name is a marriage certificate. Then follow these steps to complete the process:
- Use a photocopy of your original marriage certificate to apply for a new Social Security card. Although your Social Security number will remain the same, a new card with your new name will be issued. [5]
- Bring your new Social Security card to your local Department of Motor Vehicles to apply for a new driver’s license (or state identification card).
- Once your new ID is issued, update your bank accounts with your new name. Your bank will explain the process of getting new checks and debit cards.
- Using a copy of your marriage certificate, apply for a new passport. This will change both your name and your passport number. This process can be free if your passport is less than a year old.
Be sure to complete your name change before you and your spouse file tax returns so that your legal name matches the Social Security office records. [1]
6. Update marital status
Once your name is legally changed, update your new name and marital status with organizations including:
- You and your spouse’s employers
- Your insurance company
- The Internal Revenue Service (at tax time)
- Credit card companies
- Student loan providers
- The passport office
- Medical providers
- Utilities
- Voter registration
- Post office [5]
7. Consider updating your insurance policies
It’s pretty normal for couples to reevaluate insurance policies once they’re married. It might be worth it to add wedding or engagement bands to your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies, and add a driver to your auto insurance policy if you plan on sharing a car. Want help deciding what is best for your situation? Talk to an independent agent when you’re ready. [1]
8. Consider updating your health insurance plan
Typically, when you get married you can add your spouse to your health insurance plan, or you can be added to theirs. This is because getting married qualifies as a special enrollment period, so you don’t have to wait until your next enrollment period. You only have a 60-day window to make these changes once you are married, so make sure to do it within that window. [1]
9. Create an estate plan
It’s very important that after you get married, you and your spouse should get your estate in order. This means that your spouse and your children, if you have any, are taken care of in the event of your death. It’s important to get your estate planning documents, such as a will or trust, in order. [1]
Now that you know the things to do after getting married, make sure you’re protected as a couple with the right insurance. Learn more about how marriage can impact your insurance needs and financial future.
Sources:
[1] “Post-Wedding Legal Considerations & Checklist,” justia.com/family/post-wedding-legal-considerations-checklist (Accessed March 2024).
[2] “A Comprehensive Guide to a Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate,” Chapelle Johnson, theknot.com/content/marriage-license-vs-certificate (Accessed March 2024).
[3] “How to Write Wedding Vendor Reviews, and Exactly What to Say,” Maggie Seaver, theknot.com/content/how-to-write-vendor-reviews#benefits-of-writing-wedding-vendor (Accessed March 2024).
[4] “The Wedding Thank-You Card Etiquette Rules You’ve Got to Follow,” Cathryn Haight, theknot.com/content/wedding-thank-you-notes-events (Accessed March 2024).
[5] “How to Change Your Name After the Wedding,” Diane Hall, theknot.com/content/name-change-101 (Accessed March 2024).
Disclaimer:
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