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Social Security has a rule that
the bride must file an SS-5 form (a new application form showing change of name
and /or marital status) within the fiscal year for tax purposes, (The SS-5 form
should be filed, even if you are keeping your own name) along with an original
proof of marriage. Social Security may take a while if you rely on the mail, so
we always suggest you have another proof on hand. Therefore you may want to
request two proofs of marriage. Check with Social Security first, see if you
walk it in, will they just look at it and return it to you. Don’t take a day
off from work to go to the Motor Vehicle Bureau and any of the other place until
you have an original marriage certificate in hand.
Change
your name and address if applicable on the following:
BRIDE'S GIFT
The bride's gift is traditionally
given by the groom to the bride. It is typically a personal gift such as a piece
of jewelry.
Options: A string of pearls, a watch, pearl earrings, or a
gold chain with a heart-shaped charm holding photos of the two of you.
Things To Consider: This gift is not necessary and should be given only if
budget allows.
GROOM'S GIFT
The groom's gift is
traditionally given by the bride to the groom.
Options: A nice watch, an
elegant pen set, or a dramatic photo of the bride framed in silver or crystal.
Things To Consider: This gift is not necessary and should be given only
if budget allows.
BRIDESMAIDS' GIFTS
Bridesmaids' gifts are
given by the bride to her bridesmaids and maid of honor as a permanent keepsake
of the wedding. The best gifts are those that can be used both during and after
the wedding, such as jewelry.
Options: For bridesmaids' gifts, consider
items of jewelry that can be worn during the wedding to give your wedding party
a coordinated and elegant look. Choose the collection that most fits your style,
then select the type and color of stone to match the color of your flowers
and/or bridesmaids dresses. We believe this is the perfect bridesmaids' gift!
Things To Consider: Bridesmaids' gifts are usually presented at the
bridesmaids' luncheon, if there is one, or at the rehearsal dinner. The gift to
the maid of honor may be similar to the bridesmaids' gifts but should be a bit
more expensive.
USHERS' GIFTS
Ushers' gifts are given by
the groom to his ushers as a permanent keepsake of the wedding.
Options:
For ushers' gifts, consider fancy pen sets, wallets, leather belts, silver
frames, watches, and desk clocks.
Things To Consider: The groom should
deliver his gifts to the ushers at the bachelor party or at the rehearsal
dinner. The gift to the best man may be similar to the ushers' gifts but should
be a bit more expensive.
WEDDING EXPENSES
The bulk of many wedding etiquette questions center around financial issues. In past generations, the brides family paid for the majority of the wedding expenses. The grooms lucky family got off with just the rehearsal dinner, and the groom himself paid for the honeymoon, the brides rings, and assorted other small expenses.
That was then. Nowadays, with the costs of weddings growing and many couples marrying later when they are more likely to have careers and incomes of their own, more brides and grooms are contributing to, or even picking up entirely, the cost of the wedding. And the parents of many grooms are also contributing more than in the past; a popular option is to have the brides family, the grooms family, and the couple each contribute one third.
For reference, the following is the traditional breakdown of expenses:
