Just tied the knot? Congratulations! As the confetti settles and you come down from that post-wedding high, it’s time to pivot from planning to action with some post-nuptial know-how. Whether you’re dying to ditch those dozens of centerpiece vases or you’re puzzled over preserving your perfect peony bouquet, the first 30 days after your wedding are crucial for more than just honeymoon bliss. Buckle up, newlyweds! Here are 11 essential (and totally doable) tasks to tackle that’ll keep the just-married magic alive while you navigate your new normal—with style, savvy, and a little sass.
1. Send thank you notes to your guests
Writing thank-you cards isn’t just a post-wedding chore; it’s your first act as a married couple to show appreciation to your guests for their presence and presents. Each card is a small token of gratitude that keeps the personal touch alive, letting each guest know how much their contribution to your special day meant to you.
Dive into the delightful world of custom stationery with chic options from Artifact Uprising, Minted, or Postable, where you can personalize cards to reflect your wedding theme or a favorite snapshot from your big day. Make this task a fun post-wedding date night by splitting the list with your partner, queuing up your wedding playlist, and reliving those magical moments one note at a time.
“Without a doubt, you must write thank you notes to your guests! And in my professional opinion, you should have thank you notes with your custom “live wedding painting” printed on the outside. Guests love seeing the final painting after the wedding, and putting it up on display. Also, if you had guest portraits done, they will likely have those framed and a constant conversation piece about how amazing your wedding was!” – Jennie Tucker, Jennie Lou Art
2. Send out your bridal bouquet for preservation
As the fragrance of your wedding day begins to fade, preserve a piece of it forever by transforming your bouquet into an enduring keepsake. Whether it’s framing dried flowers to hang on your wall as botanical art, embedding petals in resin to create stunning jewelry or paperweights, or even pressing them into a bespoke book, there are countless ways to keep your floral memories alive. Companies like Pressed Floral or Wild Coast Resin Art specialize in these services, offering everything from classic pressed arrangements to modern 3D resin art. This not only turns your bouquet into a lasting memento but also adds a personal touch of décor to your newlywed nest. So, before you toss that bouquet, consider tossing it into a preservation plan that fits your style!
“Wedding bouquet preservation offers brides a unique way to create wedding day keepsakes such as serving trays, orbs, candle holders, ornaments, and bookends.” – Emily Coyne, Emily Coyne Events
3. Thank you and review your wedding vendors
“Thank-you cards are a must, and the sooner you complete them the more you’ll enjoy newly married life, because who wants a big task like this looming over their heads? You can even get started on the plane on the way back from your honeymoon. Don’t forget to show your appreciation to all of the vendors who worked hard to make your wedding dreams come true. A review goes a long way in not only thanking your vendors but also ensuring that potential clients will take notice of the great feedback.” – Lisette Gatliff, Lisette Gatliff Photography
4. Get your gown professionally cleaned and preserved
Preserving your wedding dress is much more than a post-wedding chore; it’s an act of safeguarding a cherished symbol of your love and commitment. Many brides choose to preserve their gowns for sentimental reasons, envisioning a future where daughters, granddaughters, or even close friends might wear or incorporate parts of the dress on their own special days. Beyond family heirlooms, a well-preserved gown can also serve as a beautiful reminder of your celebration, a piece of art to reflect on with fondness.
“One of the first tasks on your post wedding to-do list should be having your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved. Doing so will remove all visible and invisible stains from your wedding day and prevent future yellowing of the delicate material. Your dress will arrive back to your home as a perfect memory of your amazing day and can even be worn again by a loved one as a testament to your timeless style.” – Leah R. McCoy, President, Wedding Gown Preservation Kit
5. Start the name change and joint bank account processes (if you choose).
“The first month after tying the knot is a mix of getting stuff done and soaking in those just-married feelings. It’s about dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on the marriage license and, if it’s part of your plan, jumping into the name change process. It’s a time for looking at the bank accounts and thinking, ‘Alright, are we doing the joint account thing or what?’ And hey, while you’re at it, it’s a good moment to give those insurance policies and wills a once-over to make sure they’re up to date with the new relationship status. But it’s not all paperwork and admin.” – Caleb Blackerby, CEO, Fitzgerald Hospitality Group
6. Order your wedding album and prints
The glow of your wedding day is still fresh, making now the perfect time to design and order your wedding album. This is one task though that you might need to wait on a bit depending when your photographer delivers your photos. Most photographers will deliver photos within 4-12 weeks after your wedding, so we recommend doing this task within 30 days of receiving your photos. If you put it off more, the details might not feel as vivid, and life’s busyness can easily sideline this important task.
Tackling your album now gives you and your partner a fun, intimate opportunity to relive the joyous moments and perhaps even discover some candid shots you missed during the whirlwind day. Platforms like Artifact Uprising or Mixbook offer user-friendly interfaces that guide you through the creation process, from choosing layouts to selecting cover styles. Make an evening of it—pour some wine, play your wedding playlist, and immerse yourselves in assembling a beautiful, tangible recap of your day that you’ll treasure forever. Remember, this album will be a family heirloom, cherished through generations, so enjoy creating it as much as you’ll enjoy revisiting it.
“What’s really left to have and to hold forever after your wedding day other than your spouse? Your images. It’s so important to have tangible prints and leave a legacy for future generations. Life gets busy quickly with work, travel, buying a home, and having babies, so don’t wait to order your fine art wedding album and wall prints. My recommendation is to make sure to complete the order within 6 months of your wedding date. You won’t regret it.” – Heather Durham, Heather Durham Photography, LLC
7. Take care of any address change requirements
“If you’re moving after the wedding, notify the post office of your change of address to avoid missing important mail. Notify important parties of your name change and new address, including banks, utility companies, and subscription services.” – Anastasia Shevchenko, Sheff Production Photography & Videography
8. Pack away your sentimental wedding items
“The planning doesn’t stop after the wedding as there are some important to-do’s left on the list! This is the time to gather and pack away all the sentimental items from the big day – veil, shoes, and paper goods.” –HoneyFitz Events
9. Unpack & organize all of your items from your wedding gift registry
After your wedding, it’s the perfect time to review your registry and consider purchasing any remaining items yourselves. This approach offers a practical and strategic advantage—completing your collection of household goods and ensuring you don’t miss out on products you genuinely wanted but didn’t receive as gifts.
Couples often curate their registry with items that complement their lifestyle, from essential cookware for culinary adventures to elegant homeware that elevates their living space. Purchasing these remaining items can fill the gaps in your newlywed home, making daily life both more convenient and enjoyable. Moreover, many stores offer post-wedding discounts for registry items, providing a budget-friendly way to acquire high-quality goods at a lower cost.
Investing in these remaining registry items isn’t just about material acquisition; it’s about setting yourselves up for a well-equipped start in your new life together. Whether it’s the high-end espresso machine for perfect morning coffees or the luxurious bedding set for restful nights, these pieces will continuously remind you of your wedding and the thoughtful planning that went into it.
“If you have any missing items you need for a set, now is the time to purchase them! Don’t wait, as designs and products will go out of stock and if you don’t do it now you’ll never get around to it because….life.“ – Valarie Falvey, Kirkrides
10. Check in with your wedding planner
“First and foremost, enjoy that wedding bubble. However, once you have landed back in reality, remember that you do have some outstanding tasks. If you have a planner, they will be on hand and already managing these with you. These may include final payments, and deposit returns mainly. However, you also need to keep an eye on the deliverable dates that your photographer and videographer promised you when you signed them on board to make sure you get the imagery in the promised allocated time.” – Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, La Fête
11. Enjoy newlywed life!
“Most importantly, take the time to enjoy the early days of your marriage and the love you share with your partner. By addressing these post-wedding tasks, you’ll ensure a smooth transition into married life and preserve the joyous memories of your big day.“ – Anastasia Shevchenko, Sheff Production Photography & Videography
As you tick off these post-wedding tasks, it’s crucial to remember that you’re in a uniquely blissful chapter of your life—the newlywed phase. This period isn’t just about adjusting to married life; it’s a special time to revel in the joy of your new union and create foundational memories that will enrich your relationship for years to come.
Embrace this time by prioritizing connection and celebration with each other. Whether it’s cozy evenings at home, adventurous weekends away, or simply sharing your daily highs and lows, each moment is an opportunity to deepen your bond. Allow yourselves to bask in the glow of your love, laughing together, dreaming together, and building a life together.
This newlywed time is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Savor it, cherish it, and let the happiness of these days infuse the many years of marriage that lie ahead. Here’s to the beginning of your forever—may it be as fulfilling and joyful as the day you said, “I do.”
