Congrats on the wedding, or should we say congrats on your soon to be nuptials! As wedding planners we enjoy working with you through the wedding planning process. And even couples that don’t hire professional wedding planners learn the process and by the end know all of the details it takes to create a successful wedding day event. But, once the wedding is over, your guests have left and you’ve arrived home from your honeymoon – you may wonder what is next. We’ve had many clients reach out to us over the years and ask where to begin and how to move forward into newlywed life. Well, we will still be there to give you some good old fashioned advice, or you can just bookmark this blog for later… But let’s talk about what to take care of after the big day.
Thank You Notes
If you have read my previous blogs, there is one thing that you know I am a stickler for – get out your thank you cards! Thank you cards should be one of the items at the top of your list. You may be thinking that this is an outdated tradition that can be solved with just a quick text or facebook message – but I’m here to tell you no. Put down the phone and pick up a pen and thank you card. I promise you that your guests will be thankful that you took the time to send them a personal note. And I place an emphasis on personal. As much as you’d like to click buy on those customized wedding picture postcards with the generic thank you, please don’t. Or if you do, be sure to address each guest personally. Your guests have taken a lot of time, energy, and money to support this next step in your life. So, take a little bit of time to say thank you for celebrating your special day with you and your spouse. Our general rule of thumb – do these ASAP. To keep your gratitude fresh, we recommend within 2 to 3 weeks – at the latest six weeks. And if you’re still on the fence about personalized thank you notes, head over to our blog archive for more details.
Change Your Name
Now, we recommend this step for those who decide to change their name, as we know this is not applicable to all. But if you plan to, you’ll want to update your name at your earliest convenience. You will need to change your last name at the Social Security office. Be sure to bring your marriage license and any additional forms you may need. We highly suggest reviewing your local procedures prior to going. Once you change your name, don’t forget that you’ll need to update your driver’s license and passport. Notify your bank, credit cards, insurance, and update your information with your employer. If you are within a profession that requires certification, you’ll have to change that too. Changing your name can be a tedious task, so ensure you complete your research for the state that you reside and have all the necessary documents ready before waiting in line.
Return Rentals
Most catering or rental companies do offer delivery and late night pick ups, but that can come with a cost. You can always decrease your cost by asking to pick up and drop off. Many rental companies ask you to return the items on the next business day or within the week after your wedding. If you chose to do it yourself with returns, talk to your vendor about the process and how they want things returned. For example, do you need to bag the linens or do you items need to be boxed a certain way? Make sure you return all rental items on time to ensure you don’t have any lost deposits or additional feeds.
Thank your Vendors
After you tie the knot and things have settled down, please thank your vendors. We love receiving snail mail or even that follow up email to thank us for our support. You can also thank your vendors by leaving a review, or providing a client testimonial. Going the extra mile can really make a positive impression and bring some light to the vendor world. We love hearing from our brides and grooms so reach out and drop a thank you.
Wedding Photos and Video
Now, we’re going to draw a line here – it is okay to follow up with your photographer and ask for an adjusted timeline or check-in, but please don’t harass them for your pictures. Editing can take time, and photographers work diligently to edit and return photos in accordance to the contract. It is okay to send an email and follow up with your photographer and videographer to inquire about the final edits and/or confirm the next steps. But, give them time to create your final edits.
Keep the Wedding Day Vibes Alive
As you decompress from your wedding day, take the time to keep your wedding day vibes alive. Frame some of your favorite wedding photos, make plans to preserve your wedding day florals, or create a special box to keep your favorite memories from the big day. The journey to your wedding day was full of planning and months of hard work. The day of your wedding goes by in a flash and it’s important to keep those memories alive. I still look at our memento box from our wedding from 9 years ago! So, create a plan and organize the things that you want and can save.
We love the post wedding glow our couples have and we are sad to see the journey end. But, as our journey ends as your wedding planner, your new journey in marriage is just beginning. Don’t let the details after your wedding bog you down, create a systematic plan and follow these simple steps to wrap everything up nicely. Say thank yous to your guests and vendors, ensure that all the loose ends are tied up - including returning your rentals, do your research if you plan on changing your name, and create a plan to keep those wedding memories alive. And, most importantly – enjoy that post wedding glow.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.