I'm the owner + photographer at Anne Casey Photography — serving Maryland & Pennsylvania

Wedding planning can be overwhelming, right? Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news- but it’s not over after you say “I do”! Once you’ve caught up on sleep and come home from the honeymoon, there are some loose ends you’ll need to tie up. Here are the top things to do after you say “I do”!

REVIEW VENDORS
Coming from a photographer, this is huge for me! First of all, nothing makes my day more than getting the notification that someone has written a review for me. Vendors appreciate and need these reviews more than we can express. So much of our business is gained through word of mouth! Hint: we like to get 5 stars and reviews on multiple platforms- but you can totally copy and paste 😉

PRESERVE YOUR GOWN
That gorgeous gown that cost you a pretty penny? Let’s not leave it in a pile on the floor in the back of the closet caked in mud. The thought makes me shudder! Do your research and ask some recently married friends where they took their gown to get cleaned and preserved. It’s one of those chores that’s easily forgotten about but is also such a relief once you can cross it off your to-do list!

WRITE THANK YOU CARDS
This one is SO important! Friends and family flew in from out of town, took time off of work, threw you a bridal shower, and who knows what else in preparation for your big day. Please remember to take the time to send them a few handwritten sentiments. Happy mail is hardly sent anymore! Get some cute cards, pretty stamps, and practice signing your new name!

DRY YOUR BOUQUET
Your dreamed of a gorgeous bouquet filled with amazing flowers that smelled like heaven. Your florist made your dreams a reality. Ok, now what?! This is a step I suggest you take BEFORE you leave for your honeymoon! It’s super easy to dry your bouquet and I’ve done it a few times with great success. All you need is a dry area, room to hang, and patience. First, let your bouquet dry out a little. Take some string a hang it upside down (I did this in my basement). Spray it with the most aggressive strong-hold hairspray you can find. Ignore it for 3-4 weeks. Once it’s completely dry, spray it again. Voila! That’s it! I have mine on display in a vase. Other people have pressed their bouquets but I can’t give you any advice on that- I’ve never been successful!

Your married now! Enjoy being a newlywed- the time flies!