Wedding planning has certainly changed over the last few years and for those getting married in 2022 it can be difficult to remember all the life management that you need to do after the wedding! Here are 16 things to remember before, during and after the big day.

Searches for “Best Date to Get Married in 2022” are up +556% and “What to Discuss Before Marriage” is up +127% over the past 12 months, suggesting the end of Covid restrictions has finally allowed more couples to look ahead to plan their big day.

But for those who get stuck, it can be difficult to understand — and remember — the preparation and life management required before, during, and after the wedding.

Things to remember before your wedding

We spoke to life insurance broker Reassured, who has teamed up with wedding and marriage experts to share insights into some of the important factors newlyweds need to know, including whether you should take his or her last name, joint bank accounts, life insurance and beyond.

Notify all relevant places

Unfortunately, changing your name legally is not that easy. You must tell a number of bodies that you have done this, e.g. B. Your local GP and the DVLA. This includes (but is not limited to!): your bank and credit card company, any insurers and contracts you have, utilities and local councils (for tax and voting purposes), the local GP and the DVLA as they want to update your license – same with your passport.

In general, you must notify the authorities of your name change as soon as possible. However, you can apply for a new passport three months before your wedding, but the new passport is not valid until after the wedding ceremony.

Decide if you want joint bank accounts

“Shouldn’t we have a joint bank account?” is a common phrase in conversations surrounding your wedding.

Jonathan Sidlin, Financial Planner and Managing Director of HSC Financial Advisers, says: “Perhaps one of the most important financial decisions a newlywed couple will make is whether to have a joint account or remain financially independent.

“As with anything, there are pros and cons. A joint account allows a couple to plan their finances together, ensure they share the same desires for the future, and take the steps to help them achieve those goals. In addition, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) covers a joint account for up to £170,000.

“On the other hand, if one of the couples has bad credit, creditworthiness can be affected, potentially limiting the couple’s options. And when people have different attitudes towards money, for example one likes to save and the other likes to spend, that can create tension!

“If a couple decides to open a joint account, they should remember that they are both jointly responsible for their finances — just as they have decided to connect and balance their lives, how their individual personalities complement each other, therefore must the same decision can be made regarding the commitment of their finances. Early financial counseling helps couples make decisions.”

Get Wedding and Life Insurance

There are many different life insurance options, depending on what coverage couples are looking for. It is important to understand all of your options before purchasing any coverage. In general, it’s best to get insurance as early as possible – most people do this when they’re getting married, taking out a mortgage, or when their first child is due.

Life insurance offers peace of mind when you are settling down with a loved one and thinking about starting a family, as it ensures that any potential debts are paid off should you die, mortgages are paid off and loved ones have a financially stable future.

Things to remember after your wedding

Change your last name (if you want!)

The latest national wedding survey revealed a whopping 20% ​​of couples getting married in 2021 chose to keep their name. While this shows that the overwhelming majority are keeping tradition alive, there is a strong group here bucking the trend.

In the UK you can change your name at any time once you have received your marriage license. So if you want to — whether it’s a double-barreled surname, take your partner’s name, or create a whole new name, make sure you’re legally updating your name if you change it.

Send thank you notes to guests

So the big day is over, but now you finally have time to open your gifts and take stock of what you got. Pay attention to who sent what so your thank you cards are as accurate as possible!

Wedding gifts aren’t always expected, so it’s only polite to send your guests a little something to show them how much you appreciate them thinking of you and your new husband or wife!

Have your outfits professionally cleaned

There’s nothing worse than reaching the future day when you want to haul out your dress or suit for a little throwback to the big day, only to have it still sport that day’s red wine and grass stains.

Wedding outfits often take up one of the biggest chunks of the wedding budget, so while you’re still thinking about the wedding, have them professionally cleaned so that when the time comes, you can look back on the outfit itself with happy memories.

Things to remember about this day

breakfast time!

WWhether your ceremony is at 11am or 1pm, one of the most important things to remember is that you start early to get yourself and your girls through hair and makeup.

You won’t sit down for a few hours after your wedding breakfast either, so planning a good breakfast is important. How about a basket of croissants, preserves and champagne to get you started?

surprise surprise

IIt’s common for you to give each other one last surprise before saying “yes.” Whether it’s in the form of a gift – try cufflinks or earrings you’re wearing that day – or simply a warm note, it’s up to you. You can make it a task for your maid of honor and best man to deliver them.

Have some girl time

IIt may fly by and feel like a bit of a rush, but do your best to cherish time with your mom and bridesmaids while you get ready. Have a little tear (before you put on your makeup, of course!) and don’t forget to take photos together too – especially one just with your mom that might otherwise be forgotten.

As the mother of the bride is also traditionally left out of the speeches, we think it would be a nice touch to toast her during your wedding breakfast.

Pack a makeup bag

PFancy the dance floor or the garden games? Even the best makeup might need a little help to stay in tip-top shape.

Talk to your makeup artist so you can customize your products, then ask a bridesmaid to carry a few essentials for you in her purse. Little space? Lipstick, mascara and powder should see you through happily.

emergency essentials

Comfortable guests are happy guests, so keep them in mind as you write your list of things to remember. Fill a basket with helpful items—things like band-aids, safety pins, and tissues. Seasonal rescuers are welcome, too—think a blanket hamper in winter, or flip-flops, deodorant, and fans for summer.

This can be packed in advance, but make sure someone is on hand to set it up at the venue before guests arrive. You might also want to have a secret stash somewhere just for the bridal shower.

word perfect

IIf you’ve written your own vows or are going to give a speech, make time for one last rehearsal on your wedding morning. If you simply repeat the words out loud, they will feel more familiar and you will feel more confident, both beforehand and when actually saying them.

Father Daughter Time

IIf you are lucky enough to have a good relationship with your father and have him with you on your wedding day, don’t miss the opportunity to make memories even just with him. Perhaps you could pause for a moment before turning and walking down the aisle together? Or revive the tradition of a father-daughter dance?

remember the time

WWhile you might have a pretty upcycled palette displaying your order of the day, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and miss those important timings.

We recommend asking an usher or bridesmaid to remind you when to cut your cake, celebrate your first dance or light the sparklers!

Take a break

YOur wedding is going to be a whirlwind of happiness, love and lots going on, so it’s important that you and your new spouse take a minute. You will have a chance to really appreciate the fact that you just got married. Our featured couples also keep telling us that it’s one of their favorite memories of the day — stopping, stepping back and seeing the smiles of all their favorite people.

say thank you

To your friends and family who helped with the planning. Her bridesmaids for not scolding at their fifth straight wedding fair.

To your parents for the support. Yes, your wedding is a day for both of you, but it wouldn’t be possible without many other people. That makes it the perfect time to say some meaningful thank yous.

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