Post-Wedding To-Dos: A Guide to Changing Your Name and More
Congratulations on your recent wedding! As you begin this new chapter in your life, there are several practical steps you'll need to take to ensure everything is in order. From changing your name to updating important documents, this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the essential post-wedding tasks.
Changing Your Name
If you've decided to change your name after the wedding, there are several steps and legalities involved.
1. Obtain Your Marriage Certificate
First, make sure you have your official marriage certificate, as you will need this to prove your marriage when requesting a name change on legal documents.
2. Update Your Social Security Card
Visit the Social Security Administration's website to fill out the application for a new Social Security card. You'll need to provide your marriage certificate and an identity document like your driver's license.
3. Update Your Driver's License
With your new Social Security card, head to your local DMV to update your driver’s license. Bring your current license, your new Social Security card, and your marriage certificate.
4. Passport and Travel Documents
Update your passport by filling out the appropriate form on the State Department's website. You'll need to send your current passport, the name change document (your marriage certificate), and a passport photo.
5. Notify Employers and Banks
Inform your employer of your name change to ensure that your paychecks and employment records are updated. Similarly, update your information with your bank and any other financial institutions.
6. Update Insurance and Registrations
Contact your insurance companies (health, auto, life) to update your policies. Also, remember to update registrations such as voter registration and vehicle registration.
7. Miscellaneous Updates
Don’t forget to update memberships, subscriptions, utility accounts, and social media profiles. Each organization may have its own process, so contacting them directly will provide the most accurate information.
Financial Arrangements
Marriage can significantly alter your financial landscape. It’s important to take the following steps to ensure financial harmony.
1. Open a Joint Bank Account
If you plan to merge finances, opening a joint bank account is a practical step. Both parties will need to provide identification and possibly your marriage certificate.
2. Discuss Financial Goals
Sit down with your spouse to discuss short-term and long-term financial goals. Consider creating a budget that accommodates your combined income and expenses.
3. Update Beneficiaries and Wills
Review and update beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance policies. It's also a good time to either write or revise your wills.
Home and Living Adjustments
1. Housing Arrangements
Decide where you will live as a married couple, whether it means moving into a new home, buying a house, or updating the lease if renting.
2. Home Utilities and Services
Update the names and contact information on all utility accounts. Consider whether any changes need to be made to service plans now that you are living together.
Celebratory Tasks
1. Wedding Photos and Thank You Cards
Choose your favorite photos to develop and distribute, and send out thank you cards to your wedding guests. This is not only a courteous gesture but also a way to relive the joyous occasion.
2. Review Vendors
Leave reviews for your wedding vendors. This is valuable both to the vendors and to future couples planning their weddings.
Conclusion
Transitioning from a wedding celebration to married life involves a number of practical steps. By methodically addressing each task, from legal name changes to financial and home adjustments, you can ensure a smooth transition into this exciting new phase of life. Remember, tackling these tasks together can not only be productive but also a wonderful bonding experience as newlyweds.
