Wedding Wednesdays: 5 To-Dos After the Honeymoon

Here's something no one tells you about getting married—after you get back from the honeymoon, you're still going to be in wedding mode for a bit. That's because more often than not, there are some to-dos left. Here are our top 5!

1. Clean and Store Your Gown
Have your dress dry-cleaned within six months of your wedding—the sooner, the better! (It's a cinch with wedding gown preservation kits like the one from Prestige Preservation, where you're sent a kit with everything you need to securely ship your gown.) It's important to use a service that specializes in wedding dresses so they use the right solvents. Make sure they stuff it with acid-free tissue, avoid using metal pins or buckles, and store it in a box. Once it's back home, store it in a cool, dry place like an out-of-the-way closet and avoid the damp, musty basement.

2. Tackle Registry Returns
Stop trying to convince yourself that two blenders may actually come in handy—just bite the bullet and return registry items within two months of your wedding. While stores are likely to be lenient with couples who've registered with them, each store will have a different return policy, so research who will accept what, and for how long.

3. Change Your Name (If You've Decided To!)
If you do choose to change your name, it's a good idea to change all of your IDs within 90 days of getting married. This includes your driver's license, passport, social security card and credit cards. Don't know where to begin? Save some time and effort by fast-tracking everything with HitchSwitch.

4. Call the Tax Man
Time to check off a new (married) box on your tax forms. Now that you and your spouse are a legal unit, you need to decide whether you're going to file together or continue to file separately (joint filing isn't something mandated by law, though it's generally recommended). Before deciding, consult your accountant to see what he or she advises for the two of you. Do this ASAP!

5. Settle On an Insurance Plan
You'll also want to think about changing beneficiaries—most newlyweds switch their spouse to their beneficiary on work and life insurance docs. Call your insurance company and HR department at work for these forms. In addition, think about whose health insurance plan you'll use by comparing cost and treatment options. If you're the one making the switch, make sure the doctors you like are on the new plan.

Vacation is officially over. Take back over your to-do list and devour the details of the start of your new chapter and happily ever after!