Your wedding may be over, but the to-do list isn’t quite finished yet. There are a few important (and often overlooked) tasks that’ll help you wrap things up and transition smoothly into married life. Here’s your newlywed checklist… and trust us, you’ll be glad you took care of these sooner rather than later!
1. Send Your Thank You Cards
This might be the most time-consuming task post-wedding, so it’s best to start early. If you’re waiting on photos for a personalised card, ask your photographer when they’ll be ready. In the meantime, you can choose and order your cards online or from a local stationery supplier (check out our favourites here).
When to send? While traditional etiquette gives you up to a year, it’s far better to get them out within a few weeks after your Big Day.
Who gets one? Anyone who gave a gift, money, donation, or helped with the wedding in any way – yes, that’s pretty much everyone!
Need help with wording? Here’s a guide to crafting thoughtful thank-you messages for every situation.
2. Leave Reviews for Your Wedding Suppliers
Expert tips from Pippa Jane Stationery:
Feeling a bit of the post-wedding blues? You’re not alone. After months (or years) of planning, it’s normal to feel a little empty once it’s all over.
A great way to shift that energy into something positive? Write reviews for the amazing suppliers who made your day so special. Pour a glass of wine, cuddle up on the sofa, and spend an evening reflecting and giving back. Not only will it lift your spirits, but your feedback will help other couples — and small businesses will appreciate it more than you know.
Click here to leave a review on weddingsonline!
3. Deal With Leftover Decor
Those centrepieces and signs looked amazing, but now what? If you want to make some money back, list them in wedding resale groups like the HIGM PreLoved group. Alternatively, consider donating them to a charity or local event venue.
Just don’t leave boxes of decorations sitting in the boot of your car for months – future you will thank you.
4. Return Duplicate or Unwanted Gifts
Yes, even with modern registries, duplicate toasters still happen. If items are unopened and you know where they came from, most stores will offer exchanges or credit. But be quick, return policies have time limits.
5. Take Care of Digital Clean-Up
Close or update your wedding website, especially if you’re paying to host it. If you had an online gift registry, make sure it’s taken down once gifts are received. A quick digital declutter will help signal the transition into your next chapter.
6. Decide What to Do With Your Wedding Dress
If you’re keeping it, arrange for professional cleaning and preservation – check out local specialists for this service.
Other ideas:
Have it repurposed into a christening gown or keepsake.
Sell it on resale platforms like HIGM’s PreLoved group.
Donate it to a charity for another bride to cherish.
Do your research to find the right option for you, and don’t wait too long before deciding!
7. Update Insurance Policies
Whether it’s car, home, or health insurance, it’s time to update your information. If you’ve changed your name or merged households, policies may need to reflect those changes.
It’s also worth asking if bundling your insurance can save money – for example, combining car and home coverage with one provider.
8. Sort Out Your Finances
Money talk might not be romantic, but it’s essential. Discuss how you’ll manage your finances together:
Will you open a joint account?
Who handles which bills?
Are both names on important accounts (like utilities and rent) for access?
Don’t forget to look into any tax benefits for married couples – a few minutes online can lead to real savings.
9. Start Planning Your First Anniversary
Yes, already! Time flies, and having something to look forward to makes the transition even sweeter. Ask your wedding venue if they offer anniversary deals or plan a getaway together.
The first anniversary theme is paper – plane tickets, anyone?
And if you saved the top tier of your cake, now’s the time to learn how to preserve it for your big one-year celebration.
10. Changing Your Surname? Here’s What to Know
If you’re taking your partner’s name, start using it when you’re ready. In Ireland, there’s no legal process for changing your name – you just begin using it and present your marriage certificate as needed.
Update banks, tax documents, workplace email addresses, and other accounts as required. Some organisations may need official copies of your marriage cert, so keep a few extras on hand.
Featured image credit: Lisa Chonier
