JUST MARRIED: 10 THINGS TO DO AFTER THE WEDDING

The wedding is over… The dress is worn, the champagne has been popped, the last song has played. Now what?

After months (or years!!) of planning, it can feel a little strange when the big day suddenly becomes yesterday. There is so much excitement leading up to a wedding that no one really talks about the little things that come afterward.

So, from one wedding professional to you: take a breath. Enjoy being married. And then, when you're ready, here's your post wedding to do list.

1. Get Your Wedding Attire Cleaned & Preserved

Before you tuck your wedding dress away, have it professionally cleaned (especially if you spent the evening dancing, walking outdoors, or celebrating with drinks in hand). I got married on a dreamy, drizzly Maine evening and my gown looked like a dirty rag the next morning! Protect your investment.

Even if you don't plan to preserve your gown in a traditional preservation box, having it professionally cleaned before long term storage is one of the best things you can do for its future.

And don't forget about the little things! Your veil, gloves, shoes, rehearsal dinner dress, suit, or other special pieces may deserve a little attention, too.

Pro tip: Don't wait six months to think about this. The sooner your gown is cleaned, the better. Don’t let those stains set in :)

2. Make a Keepsake Box

You've spent so much time planning the details of your wedding - don't let them disappear into a junk drawer.

Create a little wedding keepsake box filled with the pieces that tell the story of your day. Think beyond the obvious.

Save a copy of your wedding invitation and stationery, ribbon from your bouquet, the boutonniere, ceremony poems or readings, handwritten vows, place cards, a pressed flower from your bouquet, a cocktail napkin, or even a little note someone slipped into your wedding card.

Choose the little things that will transport you back to that day years from now.

Your wedding was more than the photographs. These are the tiny pieces of the day you'll be so happy you kept.

3. Binge Your Sneak Peek Photos

This one doesn't really feel like a chore.

When your photographer sends over those first sneak peeks, clear your schedule and enjoy them.

Make it a thing! Pour some champagne (or whatever you’re into) and scroll through them together. Send them to your parents. Text your bridal party. Relive the day from a perspective you didn't get to experience in real time.

And try not to put too much pressure on yourself to post immediately... I like the thought that these photographs belong to you first :)

4. Start Your Thank You Cards

Then comes the fun part: opening those wedding cards and gifts.

Keep a running list of who gave you what as you go so you don't find yourself six months later wondering who gave you that beautiful serving platter. Your guests took the time to celebrate you, travel to your wedding, give a gift, or simply show up for you. A handwritten thank you is a small gesture that goes a long way.

Once those sneak peek photos arrive, you've got the perfect opportunity to start on your thank you notes. I customized mine on Minted with a photo, our last name, wedding date, and left the back blank for handwritten notes.

5. Change Your Name - If You're Changing It

If you're taking a new last name, there are a few administrative details to tackle. Sigh, not the most fun part of the process!

Start with your Social Security record, driver's license or state identification, passport (if you’ve already booked your international honeymoon travels under your maiden name, hold off on this one!), voter registration, employer records, insurance, and financial accounts. You don't have to change everything in one afternoon. Make a list and work your way through it.

And if you're not changing your name? There's no right or wrong way :) It took me 8 months after marriage to decide to legally change mine!

6. Get Your Finances in Order

This might not be the most romantic conversation you two have ever had, but finances are such a key part in marriage.

Decide what makes sense for you as a couple. That might mean combining everything, keeping separate accounts, or creating a combination of joint and individual accounts. My husband and I started with some separate accounts, but eventually merged everything to simplify and provide transparency on where our money was and what it was accomplishing, together.

Where ever the conversation leads, the goal isn't necessarily to combine every dollar. It's to make sure you're both on the same page.

7. Create a Will

This one might feel slightly uncomfy, but it matters.

Creating a will is one of those tasks that is incredibly easy to put off because you're young, healthy, and have plenty of time. Our lawyer was genuinely confused about why we were visiting her at ages 28 and 31.

Sadly, this is something our own family has learned the importance of firsthand. Life doesn't always follow the timeline we imagine for ourselves. We tragically lost our brother in law four days after our wedding, and just a two weeks shy of his own first wedding anniversary. This is a deeply personal story, but my hope in sharing it is that it will encourage even some couples to be proactive.

I promise it's not morbid. It's an act of love to your future selves and family.

It cost us roughly $1,100 working with a local lawyer, but there are more affordable online options, too.

8. Look Into Life Insurance

While you're checking those financial boxes, take a look at life insurance.

If something happened to either of you, would the other person be financially okay? Consider your mortgage or rent, debts, future plans, income, and anyone who depends on you.

Marriage is a good time to review your existing coverage or talk with a qualified financial professional about whether you need a policy.

It's one of those things you hope you never need - but you'll be glad you thought ahead. Plus, most term policies are cheaper the younger you are when you take them out!

9. Make the Photo Album

You've spent months waiting for your wedding gallery. Now that it's finally here, actually do something with the photographs.

Choose your favorites and create a printed wedding album.

There is something special about holding your wedding photographs in your hands rather than leaving them buried in a digital gallery or camera roll.

Don't feel like you have to make the perfect album immediately. Start by choosing your absolute favorite images - the ones that make you laugh, cry, or instantly remember exactly how you felt.

And don't forget about the photographs that aren't necessarily “perfect.” The blurry dance floor photos. Your dad tearing up. Your grandmother laughing. The late night pizza. The people you love squeezed around a table.

When I made ours on Artifact Uprising, I wanted it to read like a story. I started with photos from of the venue and surroundings, then followed the timeline of the day leaning into the special moments along the way. We also have a matching engagement photo mini album. They are truly stunning - we keep them on our coffee table in our living room, and have been fun conversation starters!

10. Leave Your Vendors a Review

Last but certainly not least: go leave your wedding vendors a Google review!!!

Your photographer, florist, planner, venue, DJ, caterer, hair and makeup artist, bridal shop, baker, rental company, and every other small business that helped bring your wedding to life will genuinely appreciate it.

For small businesses, reviews are incredibly valuable. They help future couples find trustworthy vendors and allow businesses to continue doing what they love. If you had a wonderful experience, take five minutes to tell people about it.

Be specific. Mention the things you loved. Share a favorite photograph of the vendors work! And if you really connected with a vendor, tell them - chances are, they cared about your wedding just as much as you did.

AND FINALLY… ENJOY BEING MARRIED.

But don't let the post wedding checklist overshadow the most important part:

You're married.

Order takeout. Go on a mini moon / honeymoon. Sleep in. Look through your photographs together. Wear your wedding rings around the house and catch yourself smiling.

The wedding was one beautiful day.

The marriage is the part you're going to get to keep.

xx,
Olivia
Keepsake Bridal
Thomaston, Maine