What to do after the wedding is over?

There are definitely lots of checklists you have to go through when you're engaged, and the last thing you want after the honeymoon is to get into another checklist; however, I promise you this list first of all is WAY smaller than any of the crazy ones you had prior to the wedding, and second, your future self will thank you for taking these into consideration, especially things that you kind of have to get done ASAP such as changing your name and updating it everywhere! 

1. Preserve bouquet/dress: You might not be thinking long-term
   now, yet think about the fact you might want to do a vow renewal in 10 years, pass down your dress to your next generation, or simply keep it for memories! I personally preserved my gown for all the above. I only kept a few pieces of my bouquet for memories, but there are people who do keep their whole bouquets and frame them.
   
2. Return rentals: You definitely want to take care of this ASAP! Most preferably before you leave for your honeymoon. Rentals aren't for long anyway, and they usually want their stuff back a week after the wedding anyway. We flew out to our honeymoon the very next day, so we left all of the rental tuxes with an entrusted person.
    
3. Update wedding website: Post either a cute picture of you two on your honeymoon or upload a few wedding pictures or wedding video when you finally get them. It's a good way to update your guests, especially if you don't want to post on social media yet.
    
4. Review vendors: This might sound boring but trust me, vendors do love seeing what you thought of them. It's a good way to show appreciation of their work and also help other brides-to-be to get references. I was so pleased with our photographers, florist, and baker that I simply couldn't hold back and leave a great review.
    
5. Change your name ASAP: It all starts at the Social Security office, then it all goes downhill from there: DMV, employer, insurance companies, order a new passport, credit cards, post office, loans, car registration, etc.
   
    
6. Purchase items from registry you didn’t get: I mean, you really wanted those things right? Unless you were trying to upgrade to a new blender LOL.
    
7. Write and send thank you cards: This is extremely crucial! Just like you were eager to send all those invitations, you MUST send thank you cards within a reasonable time. I'd say no later than 2 months after the wedding. People do understand if you went on a honeymoon and the adjustments of living together for the first time, unpacking, getting the house straightened out, etc. Yet, they not only showed up to your wedding, but also most likely gave you gifts, so it is the least you can do :D
    
8. Pay/tip vendors: If things were left pending when you left for your honeymoon, make sure you take care of this when you come back. It'd be nice if all of these things were done beforehand, but life isn't perfect. Just try to think of things that could not get covered for one reason or another, and get them done ASAP.
    
9. Sell wedding decor: Okay, who loves clutter? I don't! I remember thinking: "What am I gonna do with all this decor?" From centerpieces to Photo Booth props, chalkboard signs, and bridal shower stuff amongst others, I decided to pack it all up in boxes and sell it online. It was only a matter of days before all of it was gone! And hey, you helped a few brides out!
    

10. Don't forget your sweetie: Yes, you are now a married person! But please don't neglect your partner! At the end of the day, he or she is the reason why you went through all the preparations. Your love is more important than anything else in this world. Spend some quality time your first year married: Travel, share lots of meals together, make memories, laugh, build your sanctuary of zen and love!

Peace, 

~KC~