After you have said your vows and celebrated your honeymoon, you would think that the lists and planning would finally be over, but there are a few more things that need your attention before you two can officially start your new life together.

Share Your Photos

If you have received a sneak peek from your photographers, then share them with everyone! One of the most exciting parts after your wedding is receiving footage, and being able to relive your day through your photos or videos.

Send Thank You Notes

Make sure to send a personalized thank you note to all your friends and family who contributed to the best day of your life. No matter how big or small their contribution was, it is important to express your gratitude and appreciation for those who helped celebrate.

Preserve Wedding Items

Your gorgeous gown that you danced the night away in will need to be professionally cleaned before it can be preserved. We recommend contacting the place you purchased your dress from for their advice on the best process for preservation. Contact your florist for the best ways to preserve your bouquet, and hand that off to your maid of honor, or mom if your honeymoon is directly after your wedding. Smaller, nonperishable items like paper goods, garters, accessories, and jewelry can be displayed in a Shadow Box, or nice bin so everything is packed away together for safe keeping.

Changing Your Name

The process of changing your name, if you choose to, doesn’t have to be tedious and time consuming.  Make appointments and follow this 3-step process:

1. First start with the social security office by supplying your signed marriage license so they can issue you an updated social security card.
2. Then take your new social security card and marriage license to your local DMV to get a new license, or identification card. Remember, because you are changing your name, they will be taking a new picture. So make sure you prepare accordingly!
3. Once you have your new license, you can start changing your name at the bank for any household bills, or your place of business. It will also be a good idea to call your credit card companies and notify them of the name change.

Review Your Vendors

Once the dust has settled, it is important to recognize the people who helped you with planning, spreadsheets, timelines, etc. Review them on websites like The Knot, Wedding Wire and Yelp, and give them the accolades they deserve.

Remember to help them before you yelp them!

Discover a New Hobby

Whether you have been planning for 2 or 18 months, there is without a doubt a void you can feel when the planning is over, and you have so much more free time that isn’t spent picking out colors of linen, or making place cards. Finding a new hobby is a great way to take your mind off the fact that the wedding planning has ended.

- By Brooke Kelly, Senior Private Event Manager, Coyote Hills Golf Course