You’re officially married – Pop the champagne, get on that flight, and go have fun on your honeymoon! Relax and enjoy your time together because there will be plenty to do upon your return. If timing allows, I would recommend arriving home a few days before having to get back to work, so that you can focus on your newlywed checklist.

Just Married? Here’s Your Complete Newlywed Checklist

Open Your Gifts and Cards

Once the last guest has gone home and you’ve returned from your honeymoon, it’s time to unwrap all those beautiful gifts and cards. Set aside an afternoon with your spouse to open everything together. Not only will you discover the thoughtful treasures your loved ones have given, but it’s also a sweet way to relive the joy of your wedding day. Keep a notebook handy (or start a digital list) to record who gave what. You’ll need this for the next step.

Write + Send Your Thank You Cards

Gratitude never goes out of style. Within a few months of your wedding, make it a priority to send thank you notes to your guests. Mention the specific gift they gave and how you plan to use it. It makes your message feel more personal and heartfelt. If you had vendors, officiants, or special people who played a big role in your day, they deserve a thoughtful thank you as well.

Change Your Name (if you plan to)

If you have decided to take your spouse’s name, you will not want to procrastinate on getting this process started, but you will need to wait until you receive your marriage certificate in the mail. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to request a few certified copies of your marriage certificate from the clerk’s office in the city that you filed your marriage license. 

The most frustrating part about changing your name is that you have to start in a specific order because you will need some of the documents with your new name to proceed with obtaining the others. Before wasting your time, make sure that you do your own research on the different types of documents to be sure that you have all of the necessary paperwork ready to go. There is nothing worse than sitting at the DMV for hours, only to find out that you’re missing that one piece of paper.

 So where do we start?

-Social Security Card – You’ll need to start with your social security card, as you will need this to get your new driver’s license.

-Drivers License –You’ll get this next because you’ll need it for almost everything else that you have to change. You should be able to get your voter’s registration and vehicle registration changed at the same time, as all of these will be done at the DMV.

The order for everything else will not matter as much, but that doesn’t mean that you should wait. Change everything, and change them quickly. You can download our checklist to stay organized and mark off each box as you go!

-Passport, 

-Vehicle Registration and Titles

-Bank accounts and credit/debit cards

-Your job – W2, insurance, retirement, etc.

-Loans –  Mortgage, car, student, personal, etc.

-Voter Registration 

-Your Bills – Utilities, cell phone, etc.

-Insurance Policies

-Doctor’s Offices

-Subscriptions

-Social Media Accounts and Email

Have Your Dress Cleaned + Preserved

Your gown was a showstopper on your big day, and now it deserves some TLC. If you plan to save your dress as a keepsake or for future generations, have it professionally cleaned and preserved as soon as possible. Stains (even invisible ones like sweat or champagne) can set in and become permanent over time. Look for a preservation service that specializes in wedding gowns so your dress stays as stunning as it was on your wedding day.

Review Your Vendors

Your wedding vendors worked hard to make your day unforgettable. Take time to leave reviews for the professionals who went above and beyond—whether it was your florist, planner, DJ, or photographer. Sharing your positive experiences not only helps them, but also guides future couples who are searching for trusted vendors. If someone disappointed you, constructive and kind feedback can help them improve for future clients.

Bonus Newlywed To-Dos

While the big tasks above are essential, here are a few extra tips to make your first months of marriage even smoother:

–Combine Finances (if you choose to) – Sit down with your spouse and decide how you’ll manage your money moving forward.

–Create or Update Your Will – A practical but important step in protecting each other legally.

–Plan Date Nights – With wedding planning behind you, enjoy regular date nights to keep the romance alive.

When all of the boxes on your newlywed checklist have been checked, pop open another bottle of champagne! There’s no such thing as too much celebrating!

You can also download our step by step guide to changing your name with our newlywed checklist here

Still in the planning phase? Whether you’re dreaming of a Key West garden wedding, a romantic St. Augustine celebration, or a chic Tampa soirée, our team of experienced wedding planners is here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about our wedding planning services and start planning the day of your dreams.