The wedding day may be over, but there are still a few important tasks to handle once the ceremony wraps up. While you’ll likely be focused on honeymoon plans or enjoying your newlywed bliss, taking care of these post-wedding tasks ensures everything is in order and allows you to fully enjoy your new life together.
- Send Thank-You Cards One of the first things you’ll want to do after your wedding is send thank-you cards to guests who attend and those who sent gifts. Make it personal by mentioning the specific gift or gesture they gave. Try to send them out within 2-3 months of your wedding to show your appreciation in a timely manner.
- Preserve Your Wedding Dress If you want to keep your wedding dress in pristine condition, have it professionally cleaned and preserved as soon as possible. Many bridal shops offer preservation services that prevent yellowing and damage, so you can store your dress for years to come or pass it down.
- Apply for Your Marriage Certificate Once your wedding is registered with the Ontario government, you can apply for your official marriage certificate. This legal document is needed for changing your name, updating your personal records, and proving your marital status.
- Update Your Name and Documents If you choose to change your name, there are several documents you’ll need to update. Start with your social security card, driver’s license, passport, and bank accounts. Don’t forget to notify your employer and update insurance policies, credit cards, and memberships as well.
- Review Your Wedding Photos and Videos Once your photographer and videographer send over your wedding photos and video, take some time to go through them and select your favorites. This is also a good time to choose prints for your home, albums, or thank-you cards.
- Return or Exchange Rentals If you rented items for your wedding—like tuxedos, linens, or make sure to return or exchange them on time. Many rental companies require items to be returned within a few days, and late fees can add up quickly.
- Distribute Wedding Gifts If you received wedding gifts that need to be distributed—like cash, gift cards, or gifts sent to your home—take care of these as soon as possible. If guests send gifts directly to your home, be sure to send thank-you notes for these too.
- Preserve Your Wedding Cake If you’ve saved a slice of your wedding cake for your first anniversary (a fun tradition!), remember to wrap it up and freeze it. Keep it in an airtight container or cake box and store it in the freezer to preserve its taste and texture for your special day.
- Enjoy Your Honeymoon If you don’t leave for your honeymoon immediately after the wedding, now’s the time to enjoy it! Whether it’s a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous road trip, make sure to take some time to unwind and celebrate your new life together.
- Organize Wedding Keepsakes
After your wedding, you’ll want to keep mementos like your wedding invitations, programs, and other items. Consider creating a scrapbook or memory box to hold onto these keepsakes so you can look back on them for years to come.
While your wedding day is a whirlwind of excitement, there are several important tasks to take care of after the ceremony. From sending thank-you cards to preserving your wedding dress, these post-wedding tasks will help you stay organized and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Once you’ve crossed these off your list, you can truly relax and enjoy the start of your new chapter together!
