How to Become a Full-Time Wedding Artist: Brushstrokes to Business Success
Post-Wedding Checklist: 10 Must-Do’s for Newly Married Couples
So, you’ve tied the knot. The confetti’s been thrown, the champagne’s gone flat, and you’re basking in that newlywed glow. But now what? Life doesn’t stop because the wedding’s over—far from it! In fact, once the celebrations end, real life kicks into gear faster than you can say “honeymoon.” And with that comes the “Post-Wedding Checklist,” the stuff that no one tells you about while you’re caught up planning the perfect day. But don’t worry, these ten things are much more manageable (and dare I say, fun) than guest lists and seating charts.
1. Thank-You Notes: The Final Hurdle
You might think the thank-you notes can wait, but trust me, the longer you put them off, the guiltier you’ll feel. Thank-you notes are like the last slice of cake: they’re not glamorous, but it’s still a part of the party. Plus, sending out heartfelt gratitude to everyone who celebrated with you is a chance to reflect on the day and reconnect with the people who made it special.
One pro tip? Split the task between you and your spouse. My husband and I set aside a weekend, poured some wine, and made it into a little bonding session. Sure, by the 35th note, we started running out of creative ways to say, “Thank you for the blender,” but you get through it. A personal note goes a long way, even if it’s short and sweet.
Watch this video to learn more tips:
2. Organize Wedding Gifts: Blessings or a Space Crisis?
Wedding gifts are wonderful, but after the fifth toaster, you start wondering where all these things will live. Before you know it, your living room looks like a warehouse. First things first, sort through everything. Keep what you love, and for duplicates, don’t be afraid to return or exchange. Trust me, no one will be offended if you swap that extra gravy boat for something more practical—like a vacuum cleaner that actually works.
Pro tip: This is also a great time to start organizing your new home. Get rid of the clutter and make space for your new life together. It’s symbolic, in a way—clearing out the old to make room for the new.
3. Update Legal Documents: The Grown-Up Stuff
Ah, the dreaded paperwork. If you’re changing your name, this is where the fun really begins. Passport, driver’s license, social security card—there’s a whole parade of documents that need updating. And let’s not forget your bank accounts, insurance, and tax information. It’s not glamorous, but you’ll feel like you’re really adulting once it’s all done.
What I learned from this? Patience is key. Not all agencies work at the speed of light, so pace yourself and tackle one thing at a time. I made the mistake of trying to change everything at once, and let’s just say, the DMV and I are no longer on speaking terms.
Watch this video to learn about changing names after the wedding:
4. Create a Joint Budget: The Fun of Finances
Money. The topic no one likes to talk about, but it’s crucial now that you’re married. Whether you’re combining finances or keeping separate accounts, setting up a budget will help avoid awkward conversations later. Sit down together, lay out your incomes, expenses, and financial goals, and figure out what works best for you both.
When my husband and I created our first joint budget, it felt like I was negotiating a peace treaty. We quickly learned that communication is key when it comes to money. We set aside a little “fun fund” each month, which helped keep things lighthearted. Because let’s be real—money talks are never easy, but adding a bit of fun can ease the tension.
5. Buying a Family Car: Big Purchase, Big Decisions
Ah, the family car debate. If you’re planning to start a family soon or need something more practical than that sporty two-seater, this might be the time to think about upgrading. But buying a family car is no small decision, especially with all the factors to consider: budget, reliability, safety features, and how much room you’ll need for the future.
When my husband and I decided it was time for a new car, we thought, “How hard could it be?” Turns out, test-driving minivans isn’t quite as thrilling as it sounds. But here’s the thing—buying a car as newlyweds isn’t just about the car itself. It’s about planning for your future together. We eventually settled on a midsize SUV that fit both our current and future needs (because someday, kids might be on the horizon). Of course, cost will also matter a great deal. If you’re looking for a spacious, family-friendly car, visiting local dealerships makes sense. If you’re based in Kent, for example, you might look for car sales in Blue Bell Hill, where you might find models that cater to your long-term needs.
The best part? The family car becomes a symbol of the adventures you’ll have together—road trips, holidays with family, and yes, even grocery store runs.
6. Settle Into New Living Arrangements: Blending Spaces
Moving in together after marriage, or even rearranging your current home, comes with its challenges. Whose couch gets the prime living room real estate? How do we fit all these clothes in one closet? These are the kinds of questions that pop up, but it’s all part of the newlywed adjustment.
The trick here is compromise and creativity. Take it from me, my husband’s love for minimalist décor and my passion for vintage furniture took some negotiating, but we made it work. We created a space that reflects both of us and our new life together.
7. Plan Your Long-Term Goals: The Bigger Picture
Now that the whirlwind of wedding planning is behind you, it’s time to sit down and talk about the future. Where do you see yourselves in five, ten years? Do you want to buy a house, travel the world, or start a family? These big discussions don’t have to be scary—they can actually be exciting when you look at it as planning your dream life together.
When my husband and I started discussing long-term goals, we quickly realized we had different timelines for some things. But here’s the magic: compromise. It’s about working as a team and making decisions that benefit both of you in the long run.
8. Set Up a Joint Calendar: Because Life Gets Busy
Coordinating schedules as newlyweds can get chaotic, especially if you’re both balancing work, family, and social commitments. Setting up a joint calendar can help avoid scheduling conflicts and make sure you’re both on the same page. You don’t want to be that couple who double-books dinner with your parents and a concert on the same night.
We started using a shared Google Calendar, and let me tell you, it saved us from at least three scheduling disasters. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure you’re prioritizing date nights, vacations, and even those all-important Netflix binges.
Watch this video to learn how:
9. Reevaluate Health and Life Insurance: Secure Your Future
Okay, it’s not the most thrilling topic, but reviewing your insurance policies after marriage is important. Whether it’s combining health plans or getting life insurance, making sure you’re both covered is a step toward financial security.
This was one of the first things my husband and I tackled after our wedding, and while it felt a bit too “adult” at the time, we both walked away feeling more secure knowing we had our bases covered.
10. Take Time for a Mini-Moon: You Deserve It!
Finally, after all the excitement (and stress), make sure you take time to relax. If a big honeymoon isn’t in the cards right away, plan a mini-moon or a staycation. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—just a little time away to recharge and reconnect.
My husband and I took a three-day road trip to a nearby mountain town right after the wedding, and it was perfect. No big itinerary, just us, nature, and some good food. It was the calm after the storm, and a reminder that the best part of marriage is the time you get to spend together.
So, there you have it—your post-wedding checklist. It’s not just about tying up loose ends; it’s about laying the foundation for your new life together. With a little planning (and a lot of patience), you’ll be tackling this list like a pro in no time!
