After the wedding, you are now "Mr. and Mrs." If you choose to change your name, you will need to do so on all applicable records which will now pertain to you as a couple. Here are some definite name changes you will need to take care of following the wedding.

1. After the wedding, order extra certified copies of your marriage certificate to hand out to different agencies which will require certified copies. Many agencies require original copies of the marriage license before allowing you to change your name on official documents, so be sure to have extra copies on hand.
2. You will need to request a new social security card so it can have your new name. To do this, call the Social Security Administration to receive the proper forms that need to be filled out in order to have your new card mailed to you. To do this call 1 (800) 772-1213 and say you need to change your name on your Social Security Card. From there, they will direct you to the correct person to speak with.
3. Call your Mortgage, Electric, Water, Sewage and Insurance companies to confirm that your name is changed on the bills you receive. Also, don't forget to contact your local Post Office, so your mail has your changed name.
4. Make an appointment to visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles for a new driver's license. Call them in advance to find out exactly what documents you'll need to bring in. When you know the documents you'll need, bring extra copies to avoid a waiting time.
5. Order replacement checks and credit cards from your bank, as well as new business cards from your employer that contain your old name. If you receive checks written to your married name after the wedding and before your name change is official, you can bring a copy of your marriage license to deposit or cash the check.
6. Call employers, schools, or Alumni Associations that you are affiliated with to let them update your records with your new name.
7. For your friends and family, use stationery or thank you cards with your name change printed on them to send out. Do this after the wedding when you are writing your thank you notes.
8. For men changing their name, check your marriage license certificate to see if there is a space to indicate a name change. If not, you will need court papers to legally change your name. Contact your local attorney to do this and to find out the specific procedure in your state.
9. If you are making travel plans out of the country for your honeymoon, be sure to do so in your maiden name. Your passport cannot be changed until after the wedding (and passports usually take several weeks to be issued). The name on your passport must be the same as it is on your airline tickets.
10. You may be tempted to immediately change your work or personal e-mail address to your new name. This is fine, but be sure not to deactivate the old account. Even after you've sent out a mass e-mail to your entire address book about the new address, you should keep the old address active and simply have it forward to your new address so you don't miss important emails. As you receive emails forwarded from the old address, you can update the sender about the new address. Chances are you may have online billing notifications or other accounts you may not think of to notify about your new address that will be "bounced". Avoiding mishaps like these will make your life much more pleasant!