You said “I do,” cut the cake, and danced the night away. But before you sail off into the sunset on your honeymoon, there are a few last to-do’s to tackle. Here are the five most important things to take care of the day after your wedding.
Button up any loose ends.
Once the party’s over, there will inevitably be some to-do’s to tackle. (That rented tux isn’t going to return itself!) Typically, your planner will handle returning rented decorative items, but make sure you’re clear on what, if any, borrowed pieces will be your responsibility to return, as waiting too long could incur late fees. Some couples choose to donate their flowers to a hospital, school, or senior living community, which you’ll want to do before they wilt. And should there be any vendors left for you to square up with, prompt payment is always appreciated.
Say thank yous and goodbyes.
It’s common for the bride and groom’s families to host day-after brunches for relatives and out-of-town guests. It’s a great opportunity to revel in memories of the evening and see off friends and family who traveled in to celebrate. It’s also a good time to thank those who helped make the day possible.
Preserve perishables.
Many couples wish to save cherished wedding-day reminders. In the case of perishable goods—like the top tier of your wedding cake (see sidebar, below) or your bouquet—there’s no waiting until after the honeymoon. You’ve got just five days, for instance, to get your bridal bouquet in the hands of a preservation artist before it’s too far gone to properly preserve, says Designs by Andrea’s Andrea Castaneda. Make arrangements ASAP.
Be prepared for some unanticipated emotions.
You’ve likely looked forward to your wedding for months or years. So when such a long-anticipated event has come and gone, it’s natural to feel a sense of sadness—or even loneliness. “Up to the wedding, you’re getting all this attention,” explains Dr. Steven K. Lytle, a founding partner of Sparrow House Counseling in Dallas, who has worked with hundreds of nearly- and newlywed couples in his 20-year career. “Once the wedding is over, people tend to go back to their lives. And there’s a huge letdown because you’re used to that attention and affirmation.” The key, he says, is processing these emotions in a healthy way. “People have a hard time understanding, ‘Why do I feel this way? Why am I not just feeling joy?’ ” he says. “It’s important to normalize the emotions. Then talk with someone about what’s going on, so you don’t feel so isolated in having this feeling.”
Get packing.
Some newlyweds wait weeks or months before going on their honeymoon. But according to a recent D Weddings poll, 77 percent of couples depart within a week of their wedding, which means you’ll need to pack and prep for what’s likely to be one of the lengthiest vacations of your life. Make arrangements for pets and ask someone to pick up your mail (not to mention those wedding gift boxes and Amazon packages piling up on your porch), so you can enjoy your getaway without worry.
In the weeks after your wedding:
- Finish your thank-you notes. Bell’Invito founder and etiquette expert Heather Wiese says thank you notes should be sent within three months of the wedding.
- Leave reviews for your vendors. The best way to thank the vendors who made your day memorable is by leaving a good word online. “Good reviews are always good to have—either through social media or even just telling a friend,” says Deno Taglioli of Emerald City Band. “When we hear, ‘You made our wedding’—what a compliment.”
- Preserve your gown. Preservation specialists can work magic to make your gown look like it did the day you wore it for years to come. But the task becomes harder and more costly if stains are left to set or fabric turns yellow.
- Change your name. If you plan to take your spouse’s last name, it’s best to wait until after your honeymoon to start the process, as airline tickets may have been purchased under your maiden name. Not sure how to begin? Scan this QR code to read our online primer:
