So you're now married...

Congratulations, but what now?

The Big Day is Done

The confetti has been swept up, and you've finally stopped instinctively checking that wedding spreadsheet. You're probably feeling a brilliant mix of joy, relief, and a strange sort of grief that all the planning and anticipation is over. The post-wedding blues are a proper thing, you know! But don't you worry, there are still plenty of jobs to do to tie up your whole wedding shebang. So, bung on the kettle and have a read of our list of what to do now you're hitched.

Change Your Name (If You Fancy It)

Thinking of taking your partner's name, or perhaps going for a fancy double-barrelled one? Be warned, it's a bit of a palaver. You'll need your marriage certificate and several certified copies of it. Think of these as your golden tickets to a new identity. Almost everywhere you need to officially change your name—from the DVLA to your bank and passport office—will demand proof that you didn't just decide on a whim to be 'Mrs Fantastic-Pants'.

Certified copies of your marriage certificate can be bought from the local council where you filed the original paperwork. While a marriage certificate will do the trick if you're taking your partner's name or hyphenating it, the process is different if you want to create an entirely new surname. In that case, you'll need to go through the courts first. So, no, you can't just officially call yourselves 'The Unicorns'.

Write Thank You Notes: The Return of the Snail Mail

Once you're back from your honeymoon and have settled back into real life, you need to set aside some time to thank everyone who came to your do. It’s considered good manners to send out thank you notes to let your friends and family know that you received their gift and you’re chuffed with it. If the gift was cash, it’s a nice touch to let them know how you plan to use it (for a deposit on a flat, not for a boozy night out with your mates). Try to get these sent within three months of the wedding.

Sort Out Your Will (Before It All Goes Tits Up)

A fun little fact for you: when you get married, any existing will you have is automatically revoked and becomes totally invalid. If you don't get a new one drawn up, then the law of intestacy decides what happens to your assets if or when you peg it. Usually, the whole lot goes to your husband, wife, or civil partner.

This might not be what you want, particularly if you have children from a previous relationship. So, it’s a sensible idea to meet with a solicitor to get your will sorted, or at least update an existing one to reflect your new, married status and any specific wishes you have.

Get That Bling Insured!

If you haven't done this already, make it a priority. Your engagement ring is probably one of the most expensive items you own, especially considering its size. And let's be honest, the value of that ring isn't just about the price tag—it's got precious sentimental value, too.

First, check if your existing home contents insurance policy covers it. If not, you can usually pay a bit extra to add it on. This will typically cover you for loss, theft, and damage. Your other option is a standalone insurance policy, which might be a good shout if your ring is particularly pricey or you want broader protection.

Review Your Suppliers

If your wedding suppliers went above and beyond to make your day brilliant, repay the favour by giving them a great review. A lot of wedding vendors are self-employed or small teams, and a good testimonial goes a long way to helping their business grow. Get in touch with them and ask where they'd like you to leave a review—be it on Google, Facebook, or a testimonial they can use on their website.

Get the Wedding Dress Professionally Cleaned

Saying goodbye to your wedding dress can be tough. Some brides choose to donate or sell their gown, while others might get it repurposed into a cocktail dress or some lingerie. Many, though, want to simply hold on to that dress that represents so much love and happiness. Whatever you choose, it’s crucial to get it professionally cleaned.

You can even take it a step further and go for wedding dress preservation. This is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures your frock will look as good as new for years to come. Once the dress is properly cleaned, any marks are removed, and make sure it's then housed in an acid-free box with special tissue to support all the folds.

Think of it as putting your dress in a time capsule, ready for when you fancy trying it on again in 30 years and can't quite get it zipped up.

Plan Your First Anniversary

Once the wedding dust has settled, it’s time to think about your first anniversary. This milestone deserves a celebration! Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a weekend getaway, or a simple night in with your favourite takeout, make it special.

Consider recreating your first date or the day you got engaged. This will add a personal touch and remind you both of your journey together. Don’t forget to capture the moments with photos or a video to look back on in the years to come.

Create a Wedding Album

In the age of digital photos, it’s easy to forget about the beauty of a physical album. Take the time to curate your wedding photos into a beautiful album. This will not only preserve your memories but also serve as a lovely keepsake for future generations.

You can choose to do this yourself using online services or hire a professional. Either way, make sure to include notes or captions that tell the story behind each photo. This will make your album even more special.

Reflect on Your Wedding Day

Take some time to reflect on your wedding day. What were the highlights? What would you change if you could? This reflection can be a great way to process the day and can even help you in planning future events, like anniversaries or family gatherings.

Consider writing down your thoughts in a journal. This can be a wonderful way to document your feelings and experiences as a newlywed.

Embrace Your New Life Together

Finally, take a moment to embrace your new life together. Marriage is a journey, and every day is a new adventure. Focus on building your life as a couple, creating new memories, and supporting each other through thick and thin.

Remember, it’s the little things that count. Whether it’s cooking dinner together, going for walks, or simply enjoying each other’s company, cherish these moments. They will strengthen your bond and create a fulfilling life together.

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