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Weddings are many things: fun, expensive,
and hectic. But first and
foremost a wedding is a legal matter. There are steps that must be
taken to ensure the union is recognized in a legal way. A marriage
license will be necessary, but prior to that the bride must choose
whether to take her future husband's
surname or keep her maiden
name.
Changing the last name is a big decision. In previous years a women
almost always held her husband's surname without a second thought.
Recently women have challenged this tradition. This is a personal
choice and there is no legal reason to change the last name.
For those that choose to change their name, the process is not
difficult, but can be time-consuming. The
surname will need to be
changed first with the Social Security Administration and then on
the driver's license, credit cards, bank or savings accounts,
utility bills, deeds, clubs and at work.
This is for human resources, income tax purposes, and also to allow
businesses to change e-mail addresses and business cards.
While the name is being changed, home address should be changed also,
if necessary. The timing is important in this however and if for
some reason it can't be done at the same time simply pick up a
change of address kit at the local Post Office (you can even ask
your mail carrier for one). It is not necessary to begin the process of changing
your last name until approximately 2
weeks before the wedding (wedding
planning timeline). Also
remember to make sure any honeymoon plans remain in the name that is
currently on the Driver's License, passport and other documents. If
a honeymoon is planned out of the country, give the travel agent or
hotel the name that will be legal at the time of the honeymoon. This will
alleviate travel issues.
Be certain to check the requirements in the state the marriage will
take place on getting a marriage license. Each state varies and some
require blood tests, physical exams, and a waiting period. A
marriage license will cost anywhere from $25 to $100 and possibly
more. Both parties must be present, usually with a birth certificate and a
picture identification, to apply for the license.
After this is done, take a few moments and relax. Soon the wedding
will be over and your honeymoon will begin.
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Wedding Planning
Wedding Planning (index)
Wedding
Planning Timeline
Wedding Planning Budget
Ceremony Location
Guest List
Official Business
Planning the Honeymoon
Pre-Wedding Parties
Wedding Attire
Wedding Favors
Wedding Flowers
Wedding Food
Wedding Invitations
Wedding Music
Wedding Photography
Wedding Receptions
Wedding Rings
Wedding Transportation
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