From yes to your
next chapter.

1. Tell the people you want to hear the news from you, and take time to celebrate.
2. Each choose three things that matter most about your wedding. Compare the lists before making big decisions.
3. Talk about a comfortable planning pace and who will handle which decisions.

1. Decide what you can comfortably spend together and confirm any offered contributions.
2. Separate your overall limit from the amount available for deposits now. Leave room for taxes, service charges and unexpected costs.
3. Keep a shared budget and record each commitment as you make it.

1. Write a first list together, including households and any children or plus-ones you plan to invite.
2. Agree on an approximate headcount before viewing venues.
3. Keep this as a draft until you have confirmed the venue capacity and budget.

1. Take the style test separately, then compare your results together.
2. Save a few meaningful images to your mood board. Look for a common feeling, palette or setting.
3. Use your shared brief when talking to venues and vendors.

1. Explore venues within your budget and guest count. Ask about accessibility, weather plans and what is included.
2. Confirm the full price, available date, cancellation terms, payment schedule and any required vendors before committing.
3. Record your confirmed date and save the venue in your shortlist.

1. Choose which services you need: photography, video, food, music, flowers, planning and an officiant.
2. Compare written quotes, deliverables, travel fees, availability and contract terms.
3. Record your bookings, deposits and next payments. Keep a copy of each signed agreement.

1. Confirm addresses and decide whether save-the-dates would help, especially for travel-heavy celebrations.
2. Choose invitations and a reply deadline that leaves time before your caterer’s final-count deadline.
3. Tell guests how to reply and record their responses in your guest list.

1. Ask each supplier about lead times before ordering outfits or rings.
2. Book fittings, alterations and any hair or makeup trial you want.
3. Keep collection dates and final appointments in your checklist.

1. Share useful accommodation and transport options. Confirm any room-block commitments before agreeing to them.
2. Ask guests about dietary and access needs; discuss them with your venue and caterer.
3. Plan clear directions, a weather backup and a way for guests to get home.

1. Choose your officiant and ceremony format, then discuss readings, vows and any witnesses.
2. Ask the issuing clerk about identification, fees, waiting periods, expiration dates and who may officiate.
3. Confirm when to apply and who must return the signed license. Put the local deadlines in your checklist.

A marriage license allows the marriage; the recorded marriage certificate proves it happened. Rules differ by location.

1. Confirm the menu, flowers, music and any rental needs against your budget.
2. Share the venue’s restrictions and access times with your vendors.
3. Keep a single list of final choices so both of you can find it.

1. Check passports, destination entry requirements and any travel bookings early.
2. If either of you plans to change names, coordinate document changes with travel dates and your airline.
3. Arrange time off, transport and any home or pet care you need.

1. Follow up with guests who have not replied.
2. Give your venue and caterer the agreed final count, meal choices and dietary needs by their deadlines.
3. Finish seating or table assignments and share the final guest list with the person managing arrivals.

1. Confirm arrival times, deliveries, ceremony timing and vendor contact details in one timeline.
2. Review outstanding balances and arrange payments according to each contract.
3. Choose a trusted contact for questions on the day and share the plan with them.

1. Obtain your marriage license within the issuing office’s permitted window and check the details for errors.
2. Pack rings, vows, outfits and anything needed for the ceremony. Confirm witness and officiant arrangements.
3. Assign responsibility for gifts, personal belongings, rental returns and the signed license.

1. Let your chosen point person handle vendor questions so you can focus on each other.
2. Complete the required signatures with your officiant and witnesses, where required.
3. Confirm who will return the license and when; then continue with the After the wedding chapter.

1. Check with your officiant or issuing office that the completed license was returned by the local deadline.
2. Ask the relevant records office when certified marriage certificates will be available and how to request them.
3. Check which organizations need certified copies before ordering; keep them somewhere secure.

1. Contact both employers or plan administrators promptly to compare your options and confirm the enrollment deadline.
2. For eligible employer-plan special enrollment, request coverage within 30 days of marriage unless your plan allows longer. Marketplace marriage enrollment may be available within 60 days, subject to eligibility.
3. Confirm the new coverage start date and any proof required. Do not wait for a name change to ask about these deadlines.

Keep existing coverage in place until you understand how any change will take effect.

1. Return rented items and borrowed belongings by the agreed dates.
2. Check final invoices against your contracts and record any remaining payments or deposit refunds.
3. Back up the documents and receipts you want to keep.

1. Decide what each of you wants to do; a name change is optional.
2. Ask the local clerk or court whether your intended change is supported by your marriage documents or requires another process.
3. Make a list of the records and accounts that need updating. Check each organization’s document requirements.

1. Use the SSA name-change service to find the correct process for your situation.
2. Follow its document requirements and complete the online request or office appointment it directs you to.
3. Keep your confirmation and follow the receiving agency’s instructions about when your updated record can be used.

1. Find your state motor vehicle office and review its name-change instructions, appointment process and deadline.
2. Check whether it requires an updated SSA record first and any processing interval before your visit.
3. Bring the required documents and ask whether vehicle registration or title records also need updating.

1. Use the State Department’s name-change guidance to choose the correct form; requirements depend on your passport and when the change occurred.
2. Review current processing times before sending in a passport you will need for travel.
3. Check your airline reservations and travel-program accounts so the details match the travel documents you will use.

1. Contact each bank, credit union, lender or investment provider through its official website, app or branch.
2. Ask which proof of your legal name change and updated identification it requires.
3. Check account names, statements, checks and linked payment details after the update.

1. Use the issuer’s secure app or call the number on the back of each card to request a legal name change.
2. Supply the documentation that issuer requests and ask whether it will send a replacement card.
3. When a replacement arrives, check billing details, digital wallets and recurring payments.

The linked issuer guide is an example; your own card issuer’s process may differ.

1. Tell your employer or payroll team about your legal name change and follow its verification process.
2. Check your payroll name against your updated SSA record before tax documents are prepared.
3. Update professional licenses, memberships, school records or business records where applicable.

1. Make sure any changed name matches SSA records before filing a tax return.
2. Ask payroll or a qualified tax professional whether your withholding or other records should change after marriage.
3. Keep marriage documents and any address-change confirmations with your important records.

1. Review your health, life, auto and home or renters policies with the relevant providers.
2. Check emergency contacts and beneficiary choices on insurance and retirement accounts.
3. If you want to update wills or other legal documents, speak with a qualified professional about the right process for your circumstances.

1. Update utilities, phone plans, medical records, memberships and other accounts where your details changed.
2. Check voter registration and the relevant motor vehicle or property records. If you moved, arrange mail forwarding.
3. Decide together how you want to handle household bills and regular money conversations.

1. Send personal thank-you messages and acknowledge gifts.
2. Follow up on your photo or video delivery and save a separate backup when it arrives.
3. Save the planning documents you want to keep, and make time for something that is just for the two of you.