The Ultimate Newlywed Checklist: What You Need to Do After the Big Day

When you’re planning a wedding, there seems to be a never-ending list of to-do items, from selecting your colors and submitting payments to buying gifts and writing speeches. It can be easy to assume that life will slow down after the big day and in some ways, it does. But there’s also a whole slew of action items that get added to your list after you say, “I do!”

Many of these items only come into play if you’re choosing to change your name after getting married or combine your household finances with your new spouse. But no matter what your plans are, it’s a good idea to take a look at the possible tasks you’ll need to tackle post-nuptials. So we’ve created what we’re lovingly calling the Ultimate Newlywed Checklist to put all the info you need in one handy place!

Newlywed Checklist: Post-Wedding Tasks for After the Big Day

So, after the vows are exchanged and you’ve returned from the honeymoon, where do you start? Check out this epic newlywed checklist below to get a head start on this post-wedding to-do list.

Post-Wedding Tasks (the week after the wedding)

Return rented attire
Return rental equipment
Take wedding dress to be Cleaned
Make sure all vendor bills have been paid in full

Saying Thanks

Record gifts + givers for thank you notes
Write + mail thank you notes
Write wedding vendor reviews online

Easy Name Change

Are You Changing Your Last Name?

A big and time-consuming part of the post-wedding checklist as a newlywed might include changing your name. If you’re planning to change your name when you get married, check out this Name Change Checklist. Once your name is officially changed, you’ll need new EVERYTHING. I mean, everything. Debit cards, credit cards, insurance cards, bank accounts, utility bills, checks, and more will all have to be updated to your new married name. It’s a TON of work, but we’re here to help you through it!

Want to make this process easier? Check out the Name Change Kits available from Easy Name Change!

Name change (if applicable)
Social Security Card
Drivers License
Update your name on your bank accounts, loans, and credit cards

Are You Moving to a New Address?

Send out new contact info or change of address (if necessary)
Get a new Drivers License
Update your address with your financial institutions (banks, credit cards, etc)
Update your address with your employer
Renting? Consider renters insurance

Newlywed Financial Tasks

No newlywed checklist is complete without considering the tasks that affect your finances. Check out these important money-related to-do’s:

Set up a joint bank account for household finances
Update your direct deposit if necessary
Decide if you’ll be filing taxes jointly as a married couple
Meet with a financial planner to discuss financial goals
Order new checks with your married name/new address if applicable

Bank Checks Plus

When it comes to checks: Bank Checks Plus has awesome prices on checks. And, if you’re feeling fancy you can put your wedding photos ON your checks. Yes, I’m totally serious. You likely paid a pretty penny for those pics, so why not plaster them on ALL THE THINGS, even the checks you use to pay your mortgage. The accounting department at your bank is sure to swoon over them. You know you wanna…

Newlywed Future Planning Tasks

Check on your health insurance– should you switch to your spouse’s plan?
Purchase Life Insurance
Have wills drafted or updated
Consider disability insurance

A note about insurance: A lot of people tend to think that life insurance policies cost a lot of money, and that misconception often stops them from getting one. However, buying a policy at a young age and when you’re healthy can also save you tons of money in the long run, so there’s no reason to put it off. Bestow offers life insurance policies starting as low as $2.50 per month! Learn more and apply for a quote today!

We hope this newlywed checklist is helpful in tackling your post-wedding tasks! Join us in the community to chat about all things post-wedding!