Congratulations! You've exchanged vows, danced the night away, and celebrated your love in style. But now that the whirlwind of wedding planning is over and you're officially married, you may be wondering, "What's next?" At Ivory & Main, we believe that the journey continues long after the wedding day. Here are some essential next steps to take after your wedding to ensure a smooth transition into married life:
1. Send Thank You Notes:
Show your appreciation to friends and family who attended your wedding and contributed to your special day by sending heartfelt thank you notes. Personalize each message to express your gratitude for their presence, gifts, and support.
2. Obtain Your Marriage Certificate/License:
Make it official! Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the city clerk's office in the county where you were married. This legal document serves as proof of your marriage and you need this to change your last name!
3. Change Your Last Name (if applicable):
This one is a bit of a hassle so we're going to try and break it down for you.
Once you have your marriage certificate your first step will be to change your name with Social Security. This requires an in-person visit to your local Social Security Office (we recommend making an appointment). You can use this link to see exactly what you need to bring with you.
Next, you will need to make an appointment at the dreaded DMV to acquire a new driver’s license. Unfortunately, in New York, they don't let you do this online or over the phone. You need your new social security card and your marriage certificate in order to do this, so make sure you get that done first!
Once you have your new social security card and driver’s license you can start changing your name on everything else like your passport, bank accounts, credit cards, doctor's offices, voter registration, etc.
4. Preserve Your Wedding Memories:
Preserve the memories of your special day by creating a wedding album, printing and framing your favorite photos, and organizing keepsakes such as your wedding dress, bouquet, and invitations. These mementos will be cherished for years to come.
5. Consider Repurposing Your Wedding Dress:
At Ivory & Main Custom Design Studio, our creative design team will be able to show you the realm of possibilities for your pieces. You will be able to work together to create the garment of your dreams! Turn your gown into a new dress to wear for an anniversary photo shoot or trip. You can also create a robe, scrunchies, and other fun accessories. If you don’t want to use the dress yourself, consider turning it into heirloom pieces to pass down to your future children and grandchildren. This can include baptismal gowns, bouquet wraps, handkerchiefs, and so much more. The possibilities are endless.
6. Focus on Self-Care and Well-Being:
You’ve probably spent the last year or so stressing about your wedding. Now that it's over, take some time to prioritize self-care and well-being as you transition into married life. Schedule regular date nights, practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and prioritize activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
7. Celebrate Your Love Every Day:
Above all, remember to celebrate your love and commitment to each other every day. Cherish the small moments, laugh together often, and never lose sight of the magic that brought you together in the first place.
Your wedding day may be over, but your journey as a married couple is just beginning. Embrace the adventure, navigate life's ups and downs together, and cherish the love that brought you together in the first place. At Ivory & Main, we're here to support you every step of the way as you embark on this exciting new chapter of your life.