Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast #164: Say ‘I Do’ To A Stress-Free Name Change Journey
We discuss the essential steps for newlyweds considering a name change after getting married.
The Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast
Recognized as one of the Top 60 Wedding Planning Podcasts by Millionpodcasts.com
Meet Sal and Sam, your hosts for The Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast. Additionally, this podcast is for engaged couples who feel overwhelmed with wedding planning and family expectations but want a memorable and fun wedding day.
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Sal and Sam are your hosts, two professional DJs with over 80 years of combined wedding expertise and thousands of happy couples. Furthermore, they’ll guide you through planning your wedding. As a result, taking you from concern and being overwhelmed, they’ll take you to a memorable, fun, and stress-free wedding.
Also, listen for engaging interviews from event professionals and insightful topics.
In This Edition
Firstly, the hosts provide comprehensive guidance on deciding your new name, obtaining certified marriage certificates, updating your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport, and notifying employers and financial institutions.
Additionally, they emphasize the importance of updating insurance policies, medical records, utilities, subscriptions, and memberships.
By the end of this edition, you’ll learn how to stay organized, be patient, and consider using name change kits for a streamlined process.
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Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast #164: Say ‘I Do’ To A Stress-Free Name Change Journey
Host: Sal & Sam
Music: “Sam’s Tune” by Rick Anthony
Join our community for free tips and suggestions – Stress-free Wedding Planning Community
Produced by Atmosphere Productions in association with After Hours Events of New England
Transcript
Say ‘I Do’ To A Stress-Free Name Change Journey
[00:00:00] Are you newlywed and wondering what comes next beyond the honeymoon and the thank you notes, are you newlyweds wondering what comes next? Have you and your partner talked about whether to change your last name, but feel overwhelmed by where to start. Thanks for joining us. Hi, I am Sam from Atmosphere Productions. We’ll answer these and other questions in today’s edition of the Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast .
DJ Sal Fusco: Welcome to another edition of our podcast. Hi, I’m Sal from After Hours Events of New England. Listen now and discover how to say “I do” to a Stress-Free Name Change Journey. These are Wedding Insider secrets for a Stress-Free, fun and memorable day. Our podcast helps engage couples navigate wedding planning complexities while addressing family expectations. We’ll guide you through the journey of creating the perfect wedding day without unnecessary [00:01:00] stress. By the end of this edition, you’ll get concise tips on budgeting, wedding party management, ceremony, reception planning, and more. Perfect for anyone planning a wedding all in 30 minutes or less. Trust us, you don’t wanna miss this.
JR: Welcome to Stress-Free Wedding Planning, the podcast that will transform your wedding planning journey from chaotic to enchanting. Sal and Sam bring over 80 years of combined wedding expertise and exclusive insider information to the table. If you’re recently engaged, feeling the pressure of wedding planning.
Struggling with family expectations, but still dreaming of a joy filled wedding. You’ve come to the right place. Get ready to unveil the best kept wedding secrets. Discover practical tips and strategies and learn life changing lessons for a Stress-Free wedding. Your unforgettable wedding day awaits.
We’re here to take you on a transformative journey of love, laughter, and memories. So don’t miss out on the podcast, that just might change your life. This is the Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast with Sal and [00:02:00] Sam.
Sylvester: Thank you for listening and because of you, we are now ranked at number 15 in the Top 60 Wedding Planning Podcasts by Million Podcasts dot com. On today’s podcast, we’ll explain effortless post wedding name change solutions for you to say “I do” to a Stress-Free Wedding Name Change Journey. Hi, I’m Sam from the Award-Winning Atmosphere Productions Wedding Entertainment with expert knowledge and the difference in quality. Specializing in live ceremony musicians and cocktail hours string musicians plus lighting and an elegant and classy presentation. We have exactly what you need.
Visit us at Atmosphere hyphen Productions.com. That’s us at Atmosphere hyphen Productions.com.. Learn more about our experience and the journey to help you with stress-free wedding planning in the trailer or pilot of this podcast.
DJ Sal Fusco: The name change process after marriage is a significant milestone, but it can [00:03:00] also be filled with questions and uncertainty. What steps should you take first to make your new name official? Which documents are essential to update and in what order? How can you avoid common pitfalls that ensure a smooth transition?
If these questions sound familiar, you are not alone.
Hi, I’m Sal of After Hours Events of New England, the experts in creating a stress-free unforgettable wedding experience. We bring energy, professionalism, and passion to making every couple’s big day truly special. Visit us at After Hours Events Of N.E dot com. Again, that’s After Hours Events Of N.E. dot com.
Sylvester: Many couples find the name change journey confusing and to be honest, time consuming. But with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. In today’s edition, we’ll explain effortless post wedding name change solutions for you to say “I do” to a Stress-Free Name Change Journey. [00:04:00] We’ll break down the process into clear, manageable steps, helping you navigate each stage with confidence. Whether you are eager to embrace your new name or just exploring options, you’ll discover everything you need to know for a seamless start to your married life full of joy and happiness.
Number one, deciding on your new name before diving into any paperwork. Take time as a couple. The two of you get together to discuss your name change options. Will one partner take the other’s surname? Will you hyphenate blend names together, or both? Keep your own name or one client actually took the bride’s last name. Isn’t that amazing? There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Choose what feels right for the both of you, for your relationship and for the future.
Now, here’s a pro Tip for you. Double check your state’s laws regarding [00:05:00] name changes, as some places have specific rules about what’s allowed and what’s not.
DJ Sal Fusco: Another is obtaining certified copies or copy of your marriage certificate. What I mean by that, when I say copy or copies, you are finding town halls, at least in our state here in Connecticut, are trying to sell multiple copies of your certificate. Do you really need them? In my opinion, you do not.
They will tell you, they highly suggest it. And for the reason is, ladies, if you’re changing your name, hey, you have to change your name on your driver’s license. You have to change your name on your social security. But the thing is. You don’t have to relinquish your certificate to do any of that. Those are two things you are doing in person and you would actually show them the certificate and they will make a copy for their records.
So there’s no reason for having multiple copies, but please make sure you have this paperwork when you start the name changing process [00:06:00] ’cause it will be very important.
Sylvester: Just a reminder, join us on our YouTube channel. Just search for the Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast. with Sal and Sam. Like. Comment, subscribe, and get it first.
Speaking of first, the Social Security Administration is typically the first stop on your journey in the name change process. Complete the Social Security Administration’s change application. It’s called Form SS five, so you can just google that or go to the SSA website, gather your certified marriage certificate, proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency, and submit them in person as Sal just said to you. And now it’s Pro Tip time.
Wait until you receive your new social security card before updating other documents to avoid mismatches.
DJ Sal Fusco: Yeah, your social security card is the key to [00:07:00] changing everything. If it’s not right there, you can’t do anything else. So that’s really the first step that you need to make. And the next step is your driver’s license or your State ID. You need to have that social security card, and that marriage certificate to get an updated, card, either be your license or your state id. So those are very important things that you must have with you. And again, DMV is gonna make a copy of the certificate you already have, so there’s no reason to purchase another one.
Now, don’t forget the DMV or if you’re in Massachusetts, the RMV have changed how they do things. You need to set an appointment. You could either do that online or through the phone, but online is the easiest way. Do that first, then make your move to the DMV or the RMV.
Sylvester: And just a small note that we have a lot of listeners and viewers on YouTube who do not live in the United States. Make sure if you are listening to [00:08:00] this, that you follow your country’s rules and regulations on how to change your name. And obviously you can just go to Google for that and that will help you.
These are just steps that we lay out here for our listeners in the States.
Now, another important aspect is your passport . If you have travel plans, prioritize updating your passport. In the US the State Department is responsible for that, and they provide different forms. Depending on how recent your passport was issued, you’ll need your current passport, a certified marriage certificate. A new passport photo and the appropriate fee. Don’t forget that fee. If you don’t send in the fee, they will just return it to you.
Here’s a travel Tip for you if you have upcoming international travel. Wait! Wait! Wait! Why? Because you have to wait until after your trip to change your name [00:09:00] as any mismatched documents can cause complications.
I have heard stories of couples changing the name before the actual wedding and then forgetting that their passport had their old names and they were refused international travel. So this is crucial. Make sure you do that. Now Sal’s gonna explain something important. It’s called the Six Month Passport Rule. What is that, Sal?
DJ Sal Fusco: Now let’s go to the exact meaning of the Six Month Rule for your passport. Most countries require at least six months of passport validity to grant you travel entry to any country. So you need to make sure your passport is still gonna be good. After your trip is over, so that is very important that you have at least six months before it is due again, before going anywhere. If you don’t have that six month wiggle room, it’s time to renew it early and make sure you have it before your trip.
Sylvester: We’ve just explained five. [00:10:00] Surprisingly easy name change solutions for you to say “I do” to a Stress-Free Name Change Journey. Come up next, more steps that you don’t want to miss.
DJ Sal Fusco: But first, if you have a question or concern, go now to Facebook and join us on the Stress-Free Wedding Planning Community, and now on the Connecticut Wedding Advice Community. You can also join us on our YouTube channel. Just search for Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast with Sal and Sam. Like, comment, subscribe, and get it first.
JR: This is thee Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast with Sal and Sam. A podcast for engaged couples concerned about wedding planning and family expectations, but who want a Stress-Free, fun and unforgettable wedding.
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DJ Sal Fusco: It’s Wedding Tip Wednesday time. But first, love is blind, but marriage is an eyeopener.
Sylvester: Truer words have never been said, Sal. Thank you. On today’s Wedding Tip Wednesday, unforeseen costs is our subject. It’s important to reserve an additional five to 10% of your budget for these unforeseen costs, like including printing for extra invitations due to errors, additional tailoring requirements, transportation [00:12:00] at the end of the evening, or umbrellas for an unexpected rain shower.
DJ Sal Fusco: So remember, leave some room in your wallet, and that’s another wedding tip from Sam.
Adam: Wedding Tip Wednesday is available on the Stress-free Wedding Planning Facebook group page every Wednesday. Join the group for free.
Sylvester: Welcome back to our discussion about name change solutions for you to say “I do” to a Stress-Free Name Change Journey.
I’m Sam from Atmosphere Productions.
DJ Sal Fusco: I am Sal from After Hours Events of New England. We’ve already discussed the signing on your new name, obtaining certified copies of your marriage certificate, updating your social security card and more.
Sylvester: Next, we need to update your name with your employer to ensure your payroll, tax forms and benefits reflect the name change. Then you can tackle your banks, credit card companies, lenders. Each institution will have its own process. Some may require you to visit a branch in person, while others only require you to [00:13:00] update it online or by mail. You need to create a checklist. Do the same for your credit cards. Each credit card company will be different. Your mortgages or lease agreements, do those. Retirement plans and investment accounts need to be changed as well. It’s important that you make a checklist of all that you have. Obviously, we don’t know what you have, so you need to make your own checklist and check off these items as you go through.
DJ Sal Fusco: Something so very important is number seven, and that’s update your insurance policies and medical records. Don’t forget to notify your health, dental, and auto and life insurance providers. Update your name with your doctor’s office and pharmacy to keep your medical records accurate. And here’s a pro Tip. This is a great time to review and update your beneficiaries and your insurance and retirement accounts.
Sylvester: Now change your name on utilities, subscriptions and any memberships that you might have from [00:14:00] your electricity bill, your streaming services. Update your name wherever you have an account. Gas, water, electric bills, your cell phone, internet providers, streaming services, those gym memberships, loyalty programs. All of it. Make a checklist. Again, we don’t know what you have, so you have to make these checklists of any recurring bills and subscriptions that you might have.
And this might also be a good time to get rid of some subscriptions that you might have duplicate. If you both have Netflix accounts, you don’t need that, you can get rid of one and save some money with that.
DJ Sal Fusco: Next, you need to notify government agencies and professional licenses. So if you hold a professional license or certification, update them with the relevant boards. Also inform the IRS, your voter registration, and any other government agencies that needs it.
Now, I forgot to mention this earlier and I wanna bring it up ’cause I think it is [00:15:00] important. Uh, Earlier I mentioned you only need one copy of your marriage certificate. You don’t really need multiple copies, and I still believe in that. But there’s one thing I do need to let you know is when you’re going for your passport, you do have to send your certificate with your passport information.
But being someone who’s been through it. Everything goes in a big envelope and it’s flat. When you send it to them, they will send it exactly the way they got it. So you’re gonna get that certificate in pristine shape and you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Sylvester: Finally celebrate your new name, YIPPEEEE! Update your email signature, your social media profiles, and let friends and family know about your new name. Now, why is this the last thing to do?
Well, firstly, it’s for security reasons. You don’t want to go on social media, tell everybody your new name before you changed it elsewhere. So that’s obviously important. And secondly, although your guests that went [00:16:00] to the ceremony, friends may already know your new name. You don’t want to broadcast that until you’ve got everything done, all these little steps that we’ve asked you to do, make sure you do that before you post it on social media. It’ll be a lot safer for you. Trust me.
DJ Sal Fusco: So here’s some final notes for you. You wanna stay organized, keep a folder with all your receipts, your marriage certificate, the list that you created to remember the things you needed to have your name change on. This is all very important. Also be patient. Some organizations take longer than others, so it may take a little time for some of these changes to take place and consider a name change kit. Many companies offer comprehensive kits to streamline the paperwork. You could find a lot of these things on a Google search. there are specific websites that really help you out and make things a lot easier for you.
Sylvester: So there you have it. We’ve just explained to you 10 surprisingly [00:17:00] easy steps for you to say “I do” to a Stress-Free Name Change Journey. Let’s go down the list and you can check them off or jot them down as we go.
Firstly, decide on your new name.
Secondly, obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate.
Three. Update your social security card.
Four. Change your name on your driver’s license, or State ID.
Five. Update your passport.
Six. Notify your employer and any financial institutions.
Seven. Update your insurance policies and medical records.
Eight. Change your name on utilities, subscriptions and memberships.
Nine. Notify any government agencies and professional bureaus or licenses
and finally share the news.
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