Post-wedding planning – what to do after you're married

When you first start your wedding planning it may seem like the big day is ages away and for most of you, it probably it, especially if you book your venue and reception room well in advance.

But your nuptials soon creep up and before you know it, you're rushing around trying to make sure you haven't forgotten anything, whether it's last-minute seating arrangements, a hotel for your mum and dad to stay in or what colour the ribbon around the bouquets will be.

But when it's all over it doesn't mean you can just relax, oh no. There is still plenty for you and your husband to think about as you start your married life together.

It is not as simple as arriving back from your honeymoon, opening the gifts you received from well-wishers and carrying on as normal.

As the Shreveport Times reports, there is plenty to be getting on with, such as clearing out the venue and making sure nothing is left behind, returning or exchanging any unwanted or duplicate gifts, writing thank-you cards and adjusting to your new surname.

Take Bradly and Megan Craft, from Bossier City, who got married in May this year. They told the publication that since they walked down the aisle and cut their wedding cake they have had plenty of post-wedding jobs to keep them occupied.

"Everything's been so busy," Bradly said. "It doesn't feel like we've had a whole lot of time for ourselves other than the honeymoon."

This may seem like a familiar feeling to most of you newlyweds out there and those who are still to tie the knot may be worrying about what is ahead.

But, as Megan said, a busy schedule doesn't have to be a bad thing for a new husband and wife.

"I think there has been a good adjustment like realising that we're a team and we're in this for the long haul," she said. "It's good because I feel like it's us against the world instead of just me against the world."

So, when you're settling back into normal life again what to do need to remember to do? One of the most obvious things, as Lisa Rufle writes on Suite101, is to send thank-you cards to your guests.

These should not be a generic card, but a little note you have made as personal as possible. It may be a time-consuming task, but it shows your friends how much you appreciate their wedding gifts and the effort they made to attend your ceremony.

You will also need to let your boss know of your change in marital status, as well as updating any telephone numbers and addresses if you have moved in with your partner.

As Ms Rufle notes, you can get help from the human resources department at work and they should be able to let you know exactly what details need to be changed.

Likewise, you might need to make some legal alterations such as adding your husband to your will, while some of you may want to create joint bank accounts. There are professionals that can advise you on the best thing to do for your personal situation.

And if married life seems to be overwhelming at first? Bradly has some sound words of advice: "If any challenges get thrown at you, just take a step back, take a deep breath and confide in each other. You'll make it through together."