Survival Guide: The Calm After the Storm
You’ve laughed, you’ve cried, and you’ve even honeymooned but now it’s time to settle in on this trip called marriage. What happens now? Where do we go from here, you ask. Well this list will help you tackle some of what may come your way after your wedding day.
Rich Bride Poor Bride Tip: Going for broke is a thing of the past. Start your nuptials off on the right foot in the green not the red.
THANK YOU
Do send thank you notes to your guests for sharing in your day and do enlist the help of your new spouse to put pen to paper. Be specific about what you’re thanking them for because it makes your guests feel that much more appreciated.
DRESS PRESERVATION
Let’s face it: your gown was an investment that should be protected. Take your dress to a dry cleaner or preservationist who will deep clean your garment and package it so that it looks like new 20 years from now.
FLOWERS
If you want to have your bouquet preserved it’s best to make arrangements with your florist ahead of time. This should be done no more than two days after your wedding.
PHOTOS
When you return from your honeymoon, you should make an appointment with you photographer to go over the wedding proofs. This will be a chance for relatives and close friends to go over the photos to see if there are any extras they’d like to order.
NAME AND ADDRESS CHANGE
If you plan on changing your name after you get married, you’ll need to notify government agencies like the DMV, your doctor, and your banking institutions so that your information can be updated.
NOTIFY YOUR EMPLOYER
Whether or not you change your name and/or address, you will have to notify your employer of your new marital status. They will need to make the necessary changes to your tax forms and add your spouse to your health benefits package.
LEGALITIES
It’s advisable to meet with a lawyer after you get married to discuss beneficiaries, draw up a will, and ensure that you’re both carrying the right amount of insurance.
FINANCES
How to handle the finances is a discussion that couples should have at length prior to getting married. Decide if you want to keep your bank accounts separate, joint, or a combination of both. Consult with your accountant or an advisor to help determine what’s in your best financial interest.
From the producers of Rich Bride Poor Bride.