Get the Word Out
Mike Young
Are you so full of marital bliss that you’re about to burst? Tell the world that you’ve married by placing an announcement in your local newspaper, alumni newsletter or your parents’ hometown paper. Here’s how to go about informing the masses.
While you may be tempted to gush about your designer gown, the multi-course dinner and your blissful two-week honeymoon, a brief synopsis for the papers best bet. Make sure you cover the four Ws – who, what, when and where – to help you get started.
Begin with who and list the two of you, along with your parents, your honor attendants and the name of the officiant who performed your ceremony. The what, when and where is self explanatory, though you may want to end your announcement with a bit of background on you and your finance.
Here’s an example:
The Botanical Gardens in Riverdale was the setting Sunday for the 11 a.m. wedding uniting Jane Doe and John Smith.
The Rev. Robert Williams Jr. officiated. A reception was held at the Natural History Museum in Riverdale.
The bride, a daughter of James and Stella Doe of Springfield, graduated from the University of Higher Education. She is a manager with Consolidated MicroSystems in Riverdale.
The bridegroom, a graduate of Southeast College of Business, is the director of design with Wilkinson Manufacturing Co. in Riverdale. He is a son of Jerry and Kay Smith of Madison.
Honor attendants were the bride’s sister, Jennifer Doe of Fullerton, and the bridegroom’s brother, Rob Smith of Norfolk. After a wedding trip to France, the couple will live in Riverdale.
A fabulous photo of the two of you is always a nice touch, so ask about guidelines, sizes and color restrictions. Be sure to ask if your photo will be returned, and if so, send along a self-addressed stamped envelope just to be on the safe side.
If you’ve decided to take your husband’s surname, it’s important to make it known as soon as possible after your honeymoon. Here’s what you need to know to make it official:
Changing your name with the social security office is easy, obtaining the card takes a bit of time. To change your name, you’ll need to complete form SS-5, available at your local Social Security Office or by calling (800) 772-1213. You can also download the form from the Social Security Office’s website at www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html
Along with the completed form, you’ll need two forms of identification. It’s important that one shows your old name (driver’s license, passport, employer I.D. or military records), while the other shows your married name (your marriage license will work). All documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agencies. Photocopies or notarized copies will NOT be accepted.
You should receive your card within two weeks of the time the office has received all the documentation necessary to make the changes. If you would like more information, visit the Social Security Office online at http://www.ssa.gov
Once you’re received a new Social Security Card, changing your name on your driver’s license is the next step. Head to the nearest branch of the DMV, and bring along your old license, a certified copy of your marriage certificate and your new Social Security Card. In most states, that’s all you’ll need to change the name on your license.
It’s also a good idea to change your name on your passport now, instead of waiting until you plan to travel. All you’ll need to do to change your passport is send your old passport, along with a certified copy of your marriage license and form DSP-19 to your nearest U.S. passport agency. To download the form and find a location near you, visit http://travel.state.gov/name_change.html
Once you’ve obtained a new license and social security card, it will be much easier to change your name at other institutions. Don’t forget to notify your bank, employers, insurance companies, the telephone company and other service providers. A good rule of thumb to follow is to notify anyone who sends you a bill.