The champagne bottles are tipped over, the confetti lays on
the floor and your guests have gone home to rest. Now you and your new
spouse are off on your honeymoon. You've not a care in the world and your
only focus now is enjoying your much needed vacation and escape from
reality. The last thing you are thinking about is the tasks that need to
be completed when you return. However, vacations don't last forever and
before you know it, you will be back in town and possibly overwhelmed at the prospect
of organizing your post wedding to do list. Below are the six steps that will
need to be taken upon your return. Understanding what these are and how
you will accomplish them, will lead to a stress free return back to reality.
Order Wedding Pictures. Most photographers today utilize online
proofing. This means that within a few weeks, your photos will be
available for you to preview and order. This may seem like an easy step,
but consider that you could have as many as 800 images to review and make
selections for a wedding album or family and friends. And because this is
for both of you, it will most likely require you both looking at the images and
deciding which ones you love and want to order. Setting aside specific
time that you both are available without disruption will be the best and least
stressful way to tackle this project. And it is a project - don't
underestimate the discussions that will ensue over picture selections!
Preserve the Wedding Dress. It may seem silly to have this on your
post wedding to do list, but life will get busy quickly after you return and
before you know it, the wedding dress has gotten pushed to the back of the
closet and forgotten about. The next time it is seen is when you are
painting and need to empty the closet out. It is then that you realize it
has been nearly eight years and you have never taken care of this step.
So, put it on your post wedding step list and check it off early. Or, if
you are electing to donate it or sell it, do it early as well so that it is in
the best condition.
Host Appreciation Dinner. There were probably many contributors to
your wedding. Parents, siblings and close friends may have all pitched in
and supported the efforts of your very special day. Be sure to have a
plan to thank everyone and let them know how much it meant to you that they
were there. If you have a new home or have combined two houses and want
to showcase all your new wedding presents, hosting a dinner is a great way to
say thank you and show off your post wedding home. A nice dinner out is
always well received too. The main point is to have the step on your list
and be ready to plan something when you get back from your honeymoon.
Send Out Thank You Notes. If you have gotten a jump start on your
thank you notes as gifts came in prior to the wedding then this may not be such
an overwhelming task to complete. However, if you have procrastinated
like most people do with their homework, you have a big challenge ahead of
you. The best way to tackle this step is to first create an Excel
spreadsheet with gift, sender and address. If a spreadsheet isn't possible
then making a list on any piece of paper that you can check off as you go
will enable you to stop and start the process without forgetting where you are
at. This list also becomes extremely valuable if you plan to send out
holiday cards or even birth announcements as it is your master address list of
friends and family. Next, block out specific time to work on these notes.
If you need help on what to say or how to handle a particular scenario, refer
to Wedding Advice page.
Return Gifts. This is one step that you don't want to
procrastinate in accomplishing. Not only do most stores have policies on
returning items, including gifts, but you may find that an item you simply want
to exchange
has now been discontinued and is no longer available
if you have waited too long. And realistically, if you are wanting store
credit in order to select another item, this is a shopping spree that is easy
on your wallet.
Write Vendor Reviews. Participating in someone's wedding is a very
personal and sometimes intimate interaction. For most vendors, they are
passionate about what they do and love the end result of a happy couple and a
beautiful wedding. Today, personal accounts of an experience with a
vendor carry a tremendous amount of weight with future brides and grooms.
If your vendor met your expectations and added to the richness of your day, be
sure and let them know. Even if it is just a quick e-mail directly to
them, it will mean the world and enable them to give other couples that same
experience.
