WHAT TO DO AFTER THE "I DO"

No one really talks about what to do when the big day is over.

By now, we imagine that you have received a TON of wedding advice, but has anyone told you about what needs to happen after your wedding day? It’s probably a far-off thought for you right now but don’t let the importance of a post-wedding checklist get lost in the shuffle!

When your wedding day comes to an end, you and your fiancé will have a few things to take care of especially if a name-change is involved. We have compiled a list of all of the action items to check off to make sure that this new season in your life is off to a great start! Plus, we have found that the most stress-free route is to knock these things out quick so that it’s out of the way.

1. MAIL IN YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE.

Your marriage won’t be finalized “by law” until your signed license is mailed in. You will receive back your official marriage certificate binding you two together! This is ESSENTIAL if you are planning to change a last name.

2. Get a new Social Security Card and Driver’s License.

Once you receive your marriage certificate, you will want to apply for a new social security card and driver’s license. You will need your original copy of your marriage certificate in order to do this. There is a bit of a waiting game with these because once the application processes are completed your new cards will have to be mailed to you so don’t throw away that old driver’s license just yet. Your new social security card will have your married name on it. Make an appointment at your local social security office to get started.

3. Change your name on all of your Bank Accounts, Credit Cards, Online Accounts (such as ***Paypal*) and on your Lease or Mortgage.**

Most of these can be done over the phone. They may ask to see a copy of your marriage certificate though so we always encourage ordering extras of those in case one has to be mailed in!

4. Update your Job/Business info and Tax info.

If you have a W4 or W-9 for work, be sure to update and submit the new paperwork. Marriage qualifies as a life changing event allowing you to make these changes shortly after the wedding.

5. Update your name change on all of your Utilities, TV/Internet accounts, Cell Phone and Car Insurance.

You can take this a step further and update your car title but that is only necessary in some circumstances. These should be as simple as a phone call and some companies even allow you to make the changes online. Have your marriage certificate handy in case they need a digital copy.

6. Update the name on your Student Loan(s).

This will make tax time easier. Student loan companies may allow you to make the updates over the phone, but most of them will require a mailed in marriage certificate.

7. Renew your Passport.

Even if you don’t plan to travel internationally for a while, it’s best to knock this out early because of how long it takes to get a new passport in the mail. One thing that a lot of newlyweds don’t know is that you actually have to mail in your official marriage certificate with your passport renewal application. It can take 10-12 weeks to receive it back so don’t plan any other big changes in that time-frame.

8. Update your Will or Living Trust (if applicable).

Whether it is your own or you are on someone’s will, be sure to update the name on each. If you don’t have one, you should definitely get one now that you’re married!

9. Update your Voter Registration Info.

This can be done by a quick visit to your voter registration office. Let them know that you were recently married and would like to make changes to your registration. Take your original marriage certificate with you.