📷: Craftland
You’ve said “I do,” cut the cake and (metaphorically) rode off into the sunset together… Now what? Here’s the shortlist.
Changing Your Name
Step 1. Update your name with the Social Security Administration (in person).
They have offices in Warwick, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence and Woonsocket. You will need to bring proof of identity (i.e. driver’s license, government-issued ID or passport), proof of lawful U.S. residence (i.e. birth certificate or work permit and I-94) and your marriage license. Once there you will be asked to fill out an application for a new social security card (or you can find it beforehand at ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf). The SSA will then process your request and mail you your updated social security card within about fourteen business days (they will also supply you with a temporary social security document in the meantime).
Step 2. Wait.
No, you don’t have to wait until you receive your physical card, but you do have to give the Social Security Administration’s system time to process your application — twenty four hours to be exact.
Step 3. Head to your local DMV*
*Bad news: Word on the street is that you can no longer get this done at the AAA… So, grab your phone charger and a good book and prepare to hunker down!
Necessary paperwork and fees will depend on what materials you’re getting changed:
For your driver’s license/ID you will need your current license or ID, your marriage license and a completed application (dmv.ri.gov/documents/forms/license/LI-1.pdf). The fee is $6.50.
For your car registration/certificate of title you will need your current license or ID and/or current certificate of title (if applicable), proof of car insurance and a completed, notarized application (dmv.ri.gov/documents/forms/registration/TR-1.pdf). The registration fee is $6.50 and the title fee is $51.50.
Step 4. Update all your social media handles because it’s official: you’re no longer an [insert former family name here]. Congrats!
Saying Thanks
If you thought your wedding duties were over just because the venue kicked you out at the end of the night, think again; now’s the time to show your guests a bit of gratitude. If you didn’t have the forethought to order thank you notes from your stationery vendor, we recommend you shop local. Stop by Craftland on Westminster Street in Providence for witty/quirky cards or browse Etsy for sweet and sentimental creations by either Richmond-based LittleboPress or Providence-based CricketPrinting.
Preserving Your Dress
Did your outdoor portrait session make a mess of your train or did your aunt tipsily spill a few drops of red wine on your sleeve at the reception? No problem!
If you’re not exactly into the whole “trash the dress” trend, many local bridal boutiques, like Couture Bridal in Warwick, offer follow-up cleaning and preservation services to their brides. And if you didn’t get your gown from a local boutique, you can still bring it to Hudson Services in Providence. They offer museum-style heirlooming, meaning your beautiful frock will remain pristine long enough for you to try and pass it along to your future daughter or daughter-in-law someday. <3