Post-Wedding Checklist
A guide for newlyweds to manage post-wedding tasks including legal name changes, expressing gratitude, and establishing joint finances. Designed to provide a structured approach to handle the necessary adjustments and actions after marriage.
Step 1: Legal Changes
Begin with legal updates such as changing your name on social security cards, driver's licenses, passports, and other official documents. Follow the specific procedures required by your local or national government agencies.
Step 2: Thank Yous
Send out personalized thank you notes to wedding guests and anyone who gave gifts or helped with the wedding. This should ideally be done within three months of the wedding day.
Step 3: Financial Accounts
Decide on how to manage bank accounts, whether to have joint or separate accounts. Update or create your joint budget reflecting your new financial situation.
Step 4: Tax Considerations
Consult a tax professional to understand the implications of your new marital status on your tax situation, and make any necessary adjustments to your tax withholdings and filings.
Step 5: Insurance Updates
Review and update insurance policies, including health, auto, home, and life insurance. Consider the best options for coverage as a married couple.
Step 6: Estate Planning
Discuss and formalize your estate planning, including wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations. Ensure that all arrangements are updated to reflect your recent marriage.
Step 7: Marriage Certificates
Obtain official copies of your marriage certificate, which may be required for certain name changes and legal procedures.
Step 8: Address Updates
Notify employers, banks, creditors, the postal service, and other important entities of your name and/or address change, if applicable.
Step 9: Service Providers
Update your information with all service providers, including utilities, internet, and phone, especially if you've moved or will be moving to a new residence.
General Notes
Prioritization
Prioritize tasks that have legal or time-sensitive implications, such as name changes or tax adjustments.
Delegation
Consider dividing the tasks between you and your partner to manage the workload more efficiently.
Professional Advice
Seek professional advice for financial, legal, or tax matters that you are not familiar with to ensure proper handling.