Your 12-Step Post-Marriage Checklist
There is a never-ending list to finish when arranging a wedding, from choosing your wedding outfits to paying off vendors. Once the big day is over, most couples believe there is not much left to do. However, life is more complex.
Here are the steps you must take after your wedding to follow your post-marriage checklist.
1. Joint Filing for Taxes
It’s time to mark a new box on your tax forms: Married. Since you and your husband are now a legal unit, you must consider filing separately or jointly. While the law doesn’t require you to file jointly, many financial and tax advisors recommend it. If you have a personal accountant, seek their advice before deciding.
2. Put Your Stuff Up for Sale
A popular way of recuperating part of the fortune you spent on your wedding is to put up your wedding dress, accessories, or decor for sale. You may not like this tip if you are sentimental, but the idea is not too bad if you think practically.
Luckily, many resources online can help you sell off your gown, tuxedo, or jewelry to the right buyer. For example, a quick search on Google will give you access to many free platforms where you can get great value for your money.
3. Create a Wedding Photo Album
Since some wedding photography packages don’t include print images, you’ll have to put in some time to decide which photos you want to keep for your photo albums. Don’t forget this important post-wedding step because if you don’t have a photo album to show to your children and grandchildren, you will sorely regret it.
4. Say Thank You to the Guests
Do you dread handwriting 200 personalized notes? Well, who doesn’t?
That’s when technology kicks in. Sooner or later, you must thank your friends and family for the gifts they presented at your wedding. There are many ways to thank them, in person or collectively.
For instance, you can create a group on a messaging app and send a thank-you message to the entire guest list. Sending personalized and unique messages to special guests is also an excellent idea.
5. The Wedding Bouquet
The bride usually wants to give it up, and the person who catches the bouquet keeps it. If not, you can either choose to donate it or preserve it. The shadow box or dome option allows you to maintain the bouquet in its original shape. But remember to hire a pro to do this job. You can choose a local preservation company, but be sure to make a reservation in advance.
6. Preserve the Cake
You don’t have to let those delicious wedding cake memories fade after the last mouthful. Instead, at the end of your wedding event, ask the caterers to remove the top tier and box it so you can carry it home.
Choose a ‘cake captain’ who can carry the cake home safely and prepare it for storage. Remove any sugar or floral decorations before thoroughly chilling the cake to prevent the icing from setting and sticking to the plastic wrap. After you wrap the cake nicely, place it in an airtight bag and tie a ribbon around it so you don’t confuse it with anything else. Then, store it in the freezer.
7. Set up an Insurance Plan
You should also consider changing the beneficiaries—most newlyweds change their spouse’s beneficiary on employment and life insurance documents. For this paperwork, contact your employer’s HR department and insurance provider. Consider the cost and available treatments when deciding on a health insurance provider. Make sure the doctors you want are included in the new plan.
8. Handle Registry Returns
Don’t convince yourself that two blenders would give you any peace. Instead, bite the bullet and return registered items within two months of your wedding. While retailers may be empathetic toward couples who have registered with them, each retailer has a different return policy, so determine the rules you must follow. You may also qualify for discounts on any registry items you purchase.
9. Update Everyone About your New Address
Sending an e-card or a mass email with your new address is a great idea to let everyone know about your new address. However, you can also choose the traditional route. Purchase unique moving announcements and slip them in with a thank-you note. Many websites also offer cute styles you can customize and receive within a few business days.
10. Consider Life Insurance
Now is the perfect time to consider getting life insurance if you don’t already have it. That’s because you may have someone else who depends on you financially, partly, or wholly.
Do your homework and research different companies to find the type of insurance plan most suitable. You also need to know how policy can grow with you in the future. For example, avoid relying on your work-based policy entirely. God forbid, you will also lose your coverage once you lose your job.
11. Give Vendor Reviews
Review each vendor who made it possible for your wedding event to be successful. The list includes your venue coordinators, florists, photographers, caterers, hair, or makeup artists, etc. Taking time to give your valuable feedback shows how much you care and increases the chances of getting excellent services in the future.
12. Plan Your Future Together
Now that all the paperwork, thank-you’s, and preservation steps are out, let’s come to the most critical part. How do you and your partner plan to spend the rest of your lives together?
Although it’s a big question, you and your partner will have a lot of fascinating conversations about it. Discuss your retirement plans and the lifestyle you both wish to lead. Talk about your (future) kids, travel plans, business ideas, or simple things like having a new backyard pool. Create a bucket list that you both want to fulfill together.
Final Thoughts
Remember to live in the moment amidst all this preparation! Take your new spouse out to a fancy restaurant, watch a Broadway performance, or do something extraordinary to mark the start of your lives together. The point is to have fun today and always.
