Centrepiece Wedding Magazine Issue 02 | Page 6

The big day is rapidly approaching and there is still so much left to do! Sound familiar? One thing that can wait until after the wedding is changing your name.

But what exactly do you need to change your name on?

I'll be the first to admit that I still haven't changed my name on absolutely everything. It all takes time and the majority of places want to see your original marriage certificate which limits you to only changing one thing at a time.

I've put together this list along with links to more guidance to get you started on the paperwork that will follow becoming a Mrs.

It is also worth paying for additional copies of your marriage certificate before the wedding as then you will always have a copy of it should one go astray in the post.

By Cassandra Davis

Passport - I'll cover this one first as I'm sure you're wondering whether you can travel on your maiden name for your honeymoon.

You can change your name on your passport up to 3 months in advance of the ceremony but you will not be able to use it until after the ceremony as it will be post dated. You may have trouble getting visas for certain countries with a post dated passport. If this is the case you can decide to change the name on your passport after the honeymoon. Just make sure when booking flights etc. that you use the name on your passport. The name on your ticket and your passport must match or you will not be allowed to travel. Also bear in mind that there is a fee for changing your name on your passport. Visit the Gov.uk website here for more informtaion.

Bank account(s) and Credit Cards - You need to provide an original copy of your marriage certificate for this so you won't be able to do it before the wedding. You should be able to pop into your local branch to do this but if you bank with an online or phone bank, like First Direct, then you will need to post your certificate.