13 Post-Wedding Things I Wish I Knew: The Ultimate Checklist

Beautiful and unforgettable – this is how we can describe a wedding. Let’s not forget also how it gave you some nerve-wracking moments.

But you cannot go straight to your relaxation and honeymoon mode after your wedding. Your obligations do not end after your last guest goes home. You have to deal with the post-wedding checklist the following day.

What do married couples do after the wedding? To ensure you will not miss any detail, we have created a post-wedding checklist that we bet you didn’t know you needed.

1. Express gratitude through thank you notes

Do not overlook thanking everyone who made your wedding day special, including your family, friends, and vendors. Send these notes within 90 days after your wedding. The sooner you send them, the better.

While sending virtual thank you notes is fine, handwritten, heartfelt message in beautiful stationery is greatly appreciated. In the Ask Your Market survey, 25% of respondents said they often send thank you notes, while only 12% send them electronically.

2. Settle vendor payments and give reviews

Be sure all your wedding vendor expenses are fully paid. This is particularly critical if you plan to go on your honeymoon soon.

It does not hurt to double-check the record, even if most vendors require full payment before the event. You also need to ensure they have been appropriately tipped. Don’t forget to write reviews or testimonials for them.

3. Preserve your bridal bouquet

Another “what to do after wedding reception” essential is preserving your bouquet. Start when your flowers are still fresh to prevent them from breaking. This also keeps their bright colors.

Dry your blooms in silicone beads if you want to skip traditional drying. This method draws out the water, leaving your bouquet more vibrant and fresher.

4. Have the wedding dress and suit cleaned

Preserve the beautiful memories of your special day by properly cleaning and storing your wedding attire. Have them cleaned as soon as possible, as stains are set the longer you wait.

You and your spouse might not wear them ever again; perhaps you want to preserve or pass them down to future generations. You can consult with a professional wedding attire cleaner for proper preservation techniques, including hanging or boxing them.

5. Return any rentals

Having a list is helpful to keep track of what has been rented. Return the rented items as soon as possible. These items usually come with a due date for return.

Couples typically rent décor, centerpieces, linens and tablecloths, chairs, and tuxedos. You can enlist a family member or trusted friend to help you with the returns, especially if they are the same people who picked up the rentals.

6. Freeze your wedding cake

Sharing a slice of wedding cake on your first anniversary is considered good luck. You can save the cake’s top layer if you wish to participate in this tradition.

You need to freeze the top tier within 1 to 2 days post-wedding. Cover the slice in plastic wrap and then tin foil to do it. Put it in your freezer’s protected place.

7. Review and update legal documents

If you choose to change your last time, do it immediately. Updating the most important things, such as driver’s license, social security card, bank accounts, credit cards, and passport, is recommended.

Inform HR that you have changed your name, number, or address. This allows them also to update your tax and insurance information. Travel with documents stating your name on the airline ticket for a booked honeymoon.

8. Organize and store your wedding gifts

You can ask your loved ones to help you gather and transport the wedding gifts to a safe location. This will make writing thank-you notes easier. It also helps prevent misplacing any item.

If you’ve received monetary wedding gifts, head to the bank and deposit them. This should be done within 1 to 2 weeks after your wedding.

9. Make a printed wedding photo album

After receiving your professionally printed wedding photos, consider making photo albums. You can keep one for yourself and gift the others to your parents, in-laws, bridesmaids, and groomsmen.

Artifact Uprising, Mixbook, and Shutterfly offer services for decorating and personalizing wedding albums. This might take some time, but it can relive your wedding memories for years.

10. Update your insurance policies

Review your insurance policies, including home, auto, and health insurance. And update them to reflect your new marital status. You can also explore potential coverage adjustments or discounts available for married couples.

Most insurance plans provide 30 days after a wedding to make any policy changes. You must show a marriage certificate copy if you want to add your spouse to your plan.

11. Evaluate your budget

Reassess your finances and taxes and create a post-wedding budget. After discussing your financial aspirations as a couple, make any necessary adjustments to your spending habits.

Managing your finances can be a stressful post-wedding topic. But communication, honesty, and proactive resolutions can make the process more manageable.

12. Set goals and discuss future plans with your spouse

You and your spouse can discuss your long-term goals, including career, buying properties, and family planning. From there, you can create a shared vision for your future together.

This action helps avoid conflicts and errors during your first few years of marriage. Ensure to regularly revisit and update these goals as your married life progresses.

13. Send your parents and in-laws a personalized gift

Giving your parents and in-laws a personalized gift is an excellent way to show appreciation for their contributions and efforts. Opt for a beautiful yet practical gift.

You can send them custom whiskey or wine glasses or wooden cheese boards with your wedding invitations engraved. Alternatively, you can thank them with a generous spa box or a delicious gift basket.

Following this post-wedding checklist ensures a smooth transition into married life. But remember to take things one step at a time, prioritize self-care, and enjoy the blissful moments of being a newlywed.

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