We just wrote about tips for the crazy busy week before your wedding, so it only makes sense that we’re back with tips for after your wedding. It might be that you’re not headed right out on your honeymoon, which isn’t a bad idea. Weddings can be exhausting and there’s often a dip in emotional energy right after it’s all over. So a honeymoon that’s delayed can sometimes end up more fun and relaxed.
If that’s the decision you’ve made, may we suggest that you still take off a chunk of days right after the wedding? There’s plenty to do (and not do).
Let’s get started.
Tips for after your wedding: REST
Rest is at the top of the list for a reason. You’ve just been through months of high stress. (And yes, it’s stress to your body and mind even when it’s fun.) And the emotions of a wedding are no joke. They take a toll. On top of that, as already mentioned, there is often a down dip in emotions after the wedding. Getting back to “normal” life can feel a bit… disappointing. That’s normal. (Here’s a whole conversation about post wedding blahs.)
Schedule actual down time. No appointments of any kind. Just lazing about with a book or your favorite binge TV, yummy easy food, long hot baths, comfie clothes, and whatever else feels like simple pampering.
After you’ve rested some, you can get to the rest of this list. But not before! ((serious stern face))
Send your thank you cards
This is one of those things that you can use to transition out of deep rest. You can still be on the couch, all cozy, with tea or wine or whatever floats your boat, music playing or again your fave TV, and you can write these notes to people in a slow and thoughtful way.
A lot of people push through writing their thank you cards, and it feels exhausting and you can miss saying what you really wanted to say. Take your time. Again, see this as coming out of deep rest time.
Post wedding tips: Final bits with vendors
First, confirm that all your vendors are paid. Then check that you’ve tipped appropriately. Things like this can get lost in the shuffle so no shame. Finally, think about leaving reviews online. If you had a really amazing time with a vendor, they will appreciate your words so take your time and really share. Newly engaged people will also appreciate this.
And sadly, if you had a bad experience with a vendor, do not hesitate to say so. Because newly engaged people will really appreciate this.
Freeze some wedding cake
This should be done pronto, of course. This might be the one thing we would allow you to do before you begin resting. ((ha)) If you went with a good baker, they likely have already prepared this for you and all you have to do is pop it in your freezer. Put it somewhere where it’s not in danger of getting crushed.
And even though a slice of your cake on your first anniversary is a wonderful tradition, um, don’t have high expectations for taste… (even when it’s properly prepared for freezing, it’s still cake in a freezer…for a year).
Deal with flowers
You don’t want all those flowers simply going in the trash. You could take some to assisted living facilities or hospitals. (Just call ahead first.) Or you could ask family members to take some home with them.
Also… what are you doing with your flowers? Preservation should be thought about ahead of time, and your florist would have ideas. But here are some ideas for doing it yourself.
Deal with your dress
First thing is to get your dress professionally cleaned. No matter what you plan on doing with it, this is a definite necessity. Second, decide what you’re doing. You can have it preserved and save it just for yourself to look at and remember (or wear again… it’s been done) or maybe you dream of having a daughter wear it one day.
If you don’t want or need to keep it for any reason, you could sell it (I know… that seems awful to you right now so close to your wedding but it’s okay) or you could gift it to a charity. There are all kinds of charities making sure women and girls have beautiful gowns for special occasions.
Post wedding tips: Change your name… or not
This is a really private decision and women choose to change or keep their name for countless, deeply personal reasons. If you’re changing your name, you’ll want to change it on the following:
- social security card. It’s free to do this with your marriage license.
- your driver’s license.
- all bank and credit cards.
- online accounts (oh… my… there can be a lot. Especially if you use things like PayPal and Venmo).
- passport.
- at your job. Let HR know. Your tax information will need to be updated.
Keep in mind that if you’ve booked a honeymoon with your maiden name, you’ll want to perhaps postpone a name change until after you travel.
Finish your registry
This one could be fun. If there are items left on your registry that you really want, some retailers will give you a discount right after the wedding to complete those purchases.
After your wedding: Plan next things
This one should not be stressful, so if it’s feeling that way, just wait a while. This should be fun.
A good marriage — which is what the wedding is all about — is about two people sharing a vision for their lives together and then working toward that vision. Go on romantic dates and talk about this vision. Get some clarity about next steps. And don’t forget to plan some playful getaway time together on the regular.
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