You're Married, Now what? 7 Essential Things to Do After Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is over, and now it’s time to focus on what comes next! While the big celebration may be behind you, there are still a few important tasks to take care of to ensure a smooth transition from newlywed bliss to everyday married life. Here are seven essential things to do after saying "I do."

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1. Take a Breath—You Did It! 

Planning a wedding is a huge accomplishment, and now it's time to relax and soak in the moment. Months (or even years) of preparation have led to this day, and you made it happen. Take time to celebrate your success, reminisce about the special moments, and enjoy the start of your new life together. Whether it’s a short getaway, a cozy weekend at home, or simply a nice dinner together, allow yourselves to bask in the excitement of being newlyweds.

2. Leave Your Vendors a Review

Your wedding vendors worked hard to bring your vision to life, and reviews are like gold to them. Taking a few minutes to leave a review on Google, social media, or wedding vendor directories helps future couples and supports the businesses that made your day special. If a vendor went above and beyond, let them know! A heartfelt thank-you note can go a long way in showing appreciation.

3. Get Your Paperwork in Order

Marriage licenses don’t file themselves! Here’s what you need to do:

• Return your marriage license – It must be returned to the Clerk of District Court’s Office where it was issued to be officially registered.

• Get certified copies – Many agencies require official copies, so request multiple copies when you file.

• Change your name (if applicable) – If you’re changing your name, update it with these agencies:

  • Social Security Administration

  • Driver’s license or state ID

  • Bank accounts and credit cards

  • Employer payroll and benefits

  • Insurance providers (health, auto, home, life)

  • U.S. passport

  • Voter registration

  • Mortgage or lease agreements

  • Utility providers

  • Airline loyalty programs

  • Subscriptions and memberships

4. Be Patient with Your Photographer and Videographer

You’re excited to see your wedding images, but great work takes time! Photographers and videographers have detailed editing processes, and delivery timelines can range from a few weeks to a few months, especially in busy seasons. If you’re unsure, check with your vendor about expected delivery dates. In the meantime, relive your wedding day by enjoying guest photos and videos or planning a viewing party for when your professional images arrive.

5. Back Up Your Wedding Photos

Once you receive your images and videos, make sure they’re safe! Many photographers have gallery expiration dates, and it’s your responsibility to keep them secure.

Here’s how:

• Save digital copies on an external hard drive or USB.

• Upload them to cloud storage.

• Keep copies in a safe or secure location.

• Print a few favorites to ensure you always have a tangible memory.

Remember the IT saying: "If you have two, you have one. If you have one, you have none." Backing up your photos in multiple places ensures they’ll be protected for years to come.

6. Share Your Photos with Family & Friends

Your guests were part of your special day, and they’ll want to see the memories too! Share your images with:

• Bridal party members

• Family (Mom and Grandma will definitely ask first!)

• Friends who attended the wedding

• Guests who may not have taken many photos themselves

• Anyone who played a special role in your day

Consider creating a shared online album or sending out a post-wedding newsletter with photo highlights to make sharing easy.

7. Print Your Wedding Photos

Digital images are great, but there’s nothing like seeing your wedding photos displayed in your home. Here’s why printing your photos is a must:

• Physical prints help you relive your favorite moments every day.

• Albums make a great keepsake for anniversaries and future generations.

• Professionally printed images offer better quality and longevity than cheap print labs.

• If printing on your own, research reputable print labs to ensure the best results.

  
  

Ideas for displaying your photos:

• Hang framed prints in your home.

• Create an album for yourself and your parents.

• Fill photo frames with your favorite snapshots.

• Design a gallery wall featuring special moments from your wedding day.

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Your wedding day was just the beginning of your adventure together. Taking care of these tasks will help you transition smoothly into married life while preserving your special memories for years to come. Enjoy this time as newlyweds and celebrate all the exciting milestones ahead. Congratulations!