The Ultimate Post-Wedding Checklist
Now that you’re married, there are a few more items to check off your to-do list. These must-dos will help to wrap up your celebration seamlessly. Use this post-wedding checklist to ensure you don’t forget any of the essentials, so you can happily settle into marriage.
Send Thank You Cards
One of the first things you should do following your wedding is to write and mail thank you cards. Do this for everyone who brought you a gift, as well as for anyone who simply attended. After all, most people will spend quite a bit of money just to travel to your event. Others may have taken time off work or missed out on another commitment. We recommend a handwritten note that specifies either the gift you received or a memory created at your wedding.
Review Your Vendors
There are two reasons that you should take the time to review all your wedding vendors. The first reason is that it will benefit that business. The second is that it will help future brides on their wedding planning journey. Reviews are crucial for brides to learn the nitty-gritty about a wedding vendor. Try to include any specific details that you would have appreciated when looking up reviews, such as price and service.
Repurpose Your Flowers
Wedding flowers are an investment. Unfortunately, they often go straight into the trash following the ceremony and reception. Instead of tossing any flowers, consider gifting them to your family and friends. If you also purchased the container or vase, it’ll be as simple as loading them into their cars. Alternatively, you can donate them. Reach out to a local nursing home, as flowers are a great way to brighten the day of an elderly patient.
Share Food Leftovers
Ordering food typically involves overestimating how much your guests will eat. After all, you would rather have more than enough versus too little. Once the day is over, however, this might leave you with extra food on hand. If you ask, some caterers will gladly pack up leftovers for your guests to take home in doggy bags. If not, we recommend purchasing a few large aluminum containers with lids. This way you can take the food home for yourselves or send it with family.
Order Your Anniversary Cake
It’s a tradition to enjoy the top tier from your wedding cake on your first anniversary. But who wants to, or enjoys, eating year-old wedding cake? Instead, ask the same bakery that made your wedding cake to make a single-tier version for your anniversary. They will be able to put it on their books and you won’t have to worry about a thing until it comes time to pick it up.
Clean & Preserve Your Dress
If you intend to keep your wedding dress, then you’ll want to make arrangements to have it cleaned and preserved. First, look for a cleaning company that has experience with wedding dresses. You don’t want it to come back to you damaged. Second, consider your preservation options. Some companies, like David’s Bridal, have packages available. Others will require you to ship your dress out.
Change Your Name
Once it’s all said and done, you’ll want to make your marriage official by changing your name. This involves several steps and can be time-consuming. We recommend that you check out NewlyNamed. They offer two name-changing packages – a boxed kit that is shipped to your door and a print-at-home option. Choose whichever is most convenient for you!