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Debbie's Wedding Planner

Name Change Kit

Getting married is truly exciting and there are a lot of things to arrange prior to the wedding. One task that often gets overlooked is changing all your personal identification items and other financial and legal documents. We have identified a number of items that you should consider change either prior to or shortly after the wedding.

Some business or legal agencies require notification of change, or notification that you have gotten married. The first thing you need to decide is what legal name you wish to choose. There are three (3) options to consider: 1) the traditional name, where the bride drops her maiden name, uses her middle initial and takes her new husband’s last name; 2) exchanging last names and hyphenating your new last name, such as Andrea Smith-Jones; and 3) keeping you last name, especially if you’re a career professional and your last name has recognition.

The Internet is a powerful tool that can be used to research and plan your wedding. However, we ask that you use the Internet for gathering your information and then purchase your products and services for your wedding locally. Local businesses that have made “Greetings!…from Debbie” Wedding Planner possible create local jobs; they pay local taxes; their employees volunteer in numerous community clubs and organizations; they contribute to a variety of local charities (including youth sports and non-profit organizations); and they provide service for the products and services they sell.

You may not receive the same treatment when securing something on the Internet.

Thanks for your consideration and cooperation!
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Below is a general list of business and legal agencies that should be notified of your marriage and name changes. You may be required to provide a copy of your marriage license and/or your Social Security card.

  • Bank Accounts
  • Car Registration
  • Voter Registration
  • Credit Cards
  • Insurance Policies
  • Membership Affiliations
  • Stocks, Bonds, Securities
  • Telephone Book Listings
  • School Alumni
  • Driver’s License
  • Social Security
  • Passport
  • Library Card
  • Pension Plans
  • IRA Accounts
  • Post Office
  • Doctor and Dental records
  • Employment Records

During the first few weeks or months after your wedding you may experience questions regarding your legality of marriage, and it is recommended that you carry a copy of your marriage license with you. You are now armed with a great many tasks and should keep you very busy. Good luck and happy travels!

The following are articles, questions or answers pertaining to Name Change Kits:

Name Change: A Complete List of Options (article)
What's in a name? Well, your identity, for starters. Here's a complete guide to choosing your new last name and making it happen.

Q&A: Name Changes: Last-name Woes? (article)
I am getting married in four weeks and can't decide what to do with my last name. I want to take my husband's name, but as the last generation with my family name, I feel a need to retain it. I am also quite attached to my middle name (as is my mother), so I can't make my maiden name my middle name. I've thought about hyphenation, but our names just don't sound right together. I am looking for a way to take both last names “and” keep my middle name. I don't want to hyphenate -- I plan to use my husband's name. I just want to incorporate my maiden name. Are there any other options?

Name Change: The Basics (article)
Thinking of changing your name? Here are the four steps to new-name nirvana.

Q&A: Name Changes: Tell People You've Kept Last Name? (article)
My husband and I tied the knot in July. I did not change my name because I disagree with that tradition. My birthday was last week, and I received several cards addressed to "Mrs. Smith" (my husband's last name). How do I politely let these people know I haven't changed my name? I sent thank-you notes with my last name in CAPS on the envelope, but some people just don't get the hint. I'm about to scream! What should I do, short of returning future mail with the incorrect last name circled and "No Such Person" written across the envelope?

Q&A: Remarriage: Which Name for the Third-Time Bride? (article)
My friend is getting married for the third time. She needs to get her invitations printed ASAP. What name should she use -- her maiden name or her last husband's name?

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