1. Write a Review
While it’s still fresh, take the time to review the experts who worked hard to make your wedding come together. We’re talking everyone from your planner, florist, venue and photographer down to your hair stylist and even the crafty designer who made your ring pillow! You know by now how important reviews are to the planning process so take the time to give all your vendors a pat on the back by writing them up right here in our listings section!
2. Clean and Store Your Gown
Have your dress dry-cleaned within six months of your wedding (the sooner, the better!). Use a service that specializes in wedding dresses so they use the right solvents. Make sure they stuff it with acid-free tissue, avoid using metal pins or buckles, and store it in a box. Once it’s back home, store it in a cool, dry place (like an out-of-the-way closet, not the dank basement!).
3. Send Thank-You Notes
If you don’t want snippy comments from family and friends, toss those thank-you notes in the mail within two months of your wedding. Set a goal (like 10 a night) and fire ’em off during the commercial breaks of your favorite shows. Divvy up the project with your spouse (say, he does his buddies and his side of the family and you do yours) and the job will be half as daunting. But if one of you refuses to pick up a pen, still agree that you’ll each sign your names on every card. Hint: Print off address and return address labels on your computer if you can — it’s neater and will save you major carpal tunnel.
4. Tackle Registry Returns
Sick of looking at those three toaster ovens gathering dust in the corner? Bite the bullet and return ’em within two months of your wedding. While stores are likely to be lenient with couples who’ve registered with them, each store will have a different policy on when you need to make returns by and what they’ll take back.
5. Change Your Name (Of Course Only If You’ve Decided To!)
If you do decide to change your name, it’s a good idea to change all your IDs within 90 days of getting married. This includes on your driver’s license, passport, social security card and credit card companies. We can help!
6. Give Everyone Your New Address
If your marriage involved a move, it’s perfectly fine to send a mass email or an e-card with your new address. The traditional route? Buy store-bought moving announcements and slip them in with your thank-you note or have them custom-designed. MovingAnnouncementStore.com has cute styles to choose from and can usually have them ready within three business days.
7. Order Your Wedding Photos
On your first anniversary, wouldn’t you love to pop in your wedding DVD and flip through your album? Don’t put off your photo selection and video requests too long! Most photographers and videographers issue a standard contract that gives you six months to a year to select album photos and edit footage for your DVD. If you don’t, you may have to pay extra.
8. Sort Out Finances
You’ve likely had the “money talk” long before you said “I Do” but now’s the time to merge accounts if you choose to. If so, head to the bank to fill out the necessary paperwork and get new debit cards and checks made.
9. Call the Tax Man
Time to check off a new (married) box on your tax forms! Now that the two of you are a legal unit, you need to decide whether you’re going to file together or continue to file separately (joint filing isn’t something mandated by law, though it’s generally recommended). Before deciding, consult your accountant to see what he or she advises for the two of you. Do this ASAP!
10. Settle On An Insurance Plan
You’ll also want to think about changing beneficiaries — most newlyweds switch their spouse to their beneficiary on work and life insurance docs. Call your insurance company and HR department at work for these forms. In addition, think about whose health insurance plan you’ll use by comparing cost and treatment options. If you’re the one making the switch, make sure the doctors you like are on the new plan.
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