Post-Wedding Checklist: What to Do After “I Do” -

The vows have been spoken, the cake has been cut, and the dance floor has seen your best moves. Now that the wedding celebration is over, what comes next? Whether you’re just back from your honeymoon or wrapping up your reception festivities, there are a few key steps you’ll want to take to officially close the wedding chapter and start your married life stress-free. Here’s your ultimate post-wedding checklist to help you tie up the loose ends and cherish the memories you’ve created.

Post-Wedding Checklist

1. Send Thank-You Notes

Within 1-2 months of your wedding, send personalized thank-you notes to all guests, vendors, and anyone who contributed to your big day. Mention the specific gift or gesture and share a sentence about how you plan to use it. Handwritten notes add a special, personal touch. For templates and ideas, check out this post.

2. Preserve Your Dress and Bouquet

If you’re planning to preserve your wedding dress or suit, take it to a professional cleaner as soon as possible to avoid stains setting in. For your bouquet, consider drying or pressing the flowers or having a replica made using resin or silk.

3. Order Your Wedding Album

Go through your professional photos and select your favorites for an album or photo book. You can also create digital galleries to share with friends and family or print framed keepsakes for your home.

4. Review Vendor Contracts and Leave Reviews

Make sure all vendor payments have been completed, and then take a few minutes to leave thoughtful reviews for your photographer, florist, planner, and others. It’s a great way to thank them and help other couples make informed decisions.

5. Return or Exchange Gifts

Take inventory of your wedding gifts and returns as needed. Use any store credits or duplicate returns to purchase items you didn’t receive but still want for your home.

6. Change Your Name (If You’re Choosing To)

If you’re changing your name, start with the big three: your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport. Then update your bank accounts, credit cards, work records, insurance, and email/social profiles.

7. Update Legal Documents and Beneficiaries

Review and update your will, life insurance, health insurance, and retirement accounts to reflect your new marital status and update beneficiaries if needed.

8. Create a Joint Budget or Merge Finances

Now is a great time to talk openly about finances. Whether you plan to fully combine accounts or just work toward shared financial goals, syncing up now will save stress later.

9. Review and Cancel Any Unneeded Subscriptions

You might’ve signed up for wedding-specific subscriptions or memberships (like planning apps, Pinterest boards, or registries). Go through and cancel anything you no longer need.

10. Plan a Newlywed Night In

After the whirlwind of the wedding, plan a cozy night to unwind, reflect, and dream about what’s next. Whether it’s a movie night with cake leftovers or journaling about your favorite wedding memories, take time to celebrate the start of this new chapter.

Your wedding day may be over, but your journey together is just beginning. By using this post-wedding checklist, you’ll not only stay organized, but you’ll also set the foundation for a happy, stress-free start to married life. Cheers to love, laughter, and the adventure ahead!

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xo, Winky Pink

What’s on your Post-Wedding Checklist? Drop us a comment and let us know!