What To Do After Your Wedding Celebration Ends
We all enjoy the celebration of the wedding day but what about afterwards? What are the steps we can take to successfully move from “Party Mode” into everyday life as a married couple? Below are some points to remember after the reception hall empties out.
Take a breath - Allow yourself some time to come down and recover from all the wedding planning and craziness you’ve been putting yourself through. Focus on the big picture: you two are official and that’s pretty awesome! Remind yourself to return to this step whenever things get too hectic.
Thank you notes - Gather with your partner and open your wedding gifts. Take time to really reflect on the special people who came to celebrate your day with you. Write thank you notes to show appreciation for helping you start this exciting new chapter in style.
Preserve - Look through your wedding photos and videos from guests. Consider creating a wedding album or scrapbook while you patiently wait for your photographer to edit your gallery. Ensure your wedding dress and other keepsakes are properly cleaned and stored if you plan on keeping them.
Update personal information - If you’re changing your last name, start the process of updating your name on important documents such as your driver’s license, social security card and bank accounts. This is often something that is forgotten about until issues start popping up.
Plan your getaway - If you haven't already gone on your honeymoon this might be the perfect time to make it happen. Be sure to talk it out together and plan something you can both enjoy.
Pay it forward - Take some time to leave reviews for your wedding vendors. If someone did a stellar job and went above and beyond it might be nice to share that information so other couples can benefit as well. I know I appreciate reviews so much because it helps give potential couples an idea of how genuine and trustworthy I am.
Settle any bills - Now is the time to make sure any balances are squared away so you can move onto the next chapter care-free.
Reflect - Get comfortable on the sofa and discuss your favorite wedding moments with your partner. It’s nice to relive the excitement of the day and get a fresh perspective on how the day unfolded for them. While this may be marked at #8 it is not to be overlooked. Reflecting on your big day can be a fun experience to revisit from time to time so do it often.
Routine - Begin to establish your routine and roles as a married couple. This might include discussing finances, household responsibilities and future plans. The sooner you make this a routine the easier the transition will be.
Celebrate again - Sometimes couples host post-wedding brunches or casual get-togethers with close family and friends to extend the good vibes. Of course, you don’t really need an excuse to get your favorite people together and party. Life is all about making connections and embracing the experiences around us. Never let yourself go too long without a little celebration.
These are just a few steps that, if taken, will ease the transition from engaged to married. If you have some other notable tips please leave them in a comment below.