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Here are a dozen things to do after your wedding and celebration have wrapped up. Go over this
checklist before the wedding so you can make arrangements to save cake, flowers and other
wedding memorabilia as necessary. If you didn’t get to plan ahead, a majority of these tasks can
still be achieved.
Your Post-Wedding Checklist
TAKE THE CAKE
Tradition says to freeze the top tier of your wedding
cake and indulge again on your first anniversary.
It is a must to use several layers of plastic wrap and
a sealable bag.
BOX UP YOUR BOUQUET
Pair your flowers with a favorite photo in a vacuum-
sealed shadow box to create a sentimental display
that will last. Alternatively, press a few blooms into
a picture frame.
CREATE A TIME CAPSULE
Include champagne glasses, a bridal shoe,
decorations, a table centerpiece from your
reception, love letters to each other, a list of goals,
a copy of your vows, etc. Pick a date such as your
10th anniversary to revisit this keepsake.
PRESERVE YOUR BRIDAL GOWN
Your dress took center stage on your wedding
day. Whether you are preserving it to pass down
or for sentimental reasons, have your gown
cleaned and preserved professionally.
ACT ON YOUR ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
Yes, this means writing out “thank you” cards —
lots of them. With personalized notes for each.
Divide this task up, and get it done within a month.
GIVE CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE
A lot of people put a lot of effort into making your
day perfect. Thank them by posting good reviews
online. Include your florist, photographer,
videographer, makeup artist, hairstylist, dressmaker,
reception hall or caterer, band or disc jockey,
your officiant, invitation designer, cake designer,
the limo service and your wedding planner.
ASSEMBLE AN ALBUM
Pictures took up a prime portion of your day; now
it’s time to sift through them and pick those to
print. Pick favorites first. Group others according
to segments to tell the story of your day.
NAME-CHANGE NOTIFICATIONS
If you took your spouse’s last name, you’ll have to
make it official. Change your surname for your
Social Security card, driver’s license, bank accounts,
your employer, voter registration, any associations
to which you belong, etc.
SELL OR DONATE EXTRAS
Keepsakes and sentiment aren’t for everyone.
Know that there’s a market for pre-owned wedding
dresses, decorations and more. Check online
resources for the best ways to share.
UPDATE OR REMOVE YOUR WEBSITE
Depending on your costs, either update your website
with wedding day photos and keep it live for a
couple of months, or take the site down to save
money. Ditto for your online registry.
SCHEDULE RING CLEANINGS
Your wedding day is now a memory, but your rings
are forever. Regular cleanings make for maximum
sparkle, as soap and lotion films are removed.
Also check that prongs remain tight to keep your
diamond secure.
PLAN THE NEXT STEP
Anticipation and adrenaline were staples leading
up to your wedding day. There’s no need to plummet
directly into a dull routine. Plan a party or a future
anniversary vacation.