The Wedding Name Change

All In A Name

When it came to changing my name on becoming married I was a little hesitant. My maiden name is quite unusual and so it’s really become a part of my identity.

My surname made me feel unique and special. I loved retelling the story of where my name comes from. It was me. So I went about researching my legal options.

My New Title

I was more than happy to change from Miss to Mrs, although this is completely optional. So that was an easy decision for me, that new title made me feel all so grown up already.

After looking at different ideas online, I settled with moving my maiden name to a second middle name. My surname felt too long for a double barrelled option. It was the perfect compromise for me. I am still Mrs H, but I also haven’t completely lost my maiden name either. It appears on most of my documentation and I really love that.

The Paperwork

Once I had decided on the new name and excitedly began practising my new signature (it was so much easier hehe!), I began to research the process of changing my name on all of my paperwork. Wow what a process…

It wasn’t as straightforward as I’d like, as I had the additional complication of adding a middle name into the equation. That’s where the deed poll came in. I so nearly handed over a chunk of money for one on what I thought was from an official government site, it turns out there isn’t one. A deed poll you can create yourself by law, although many institutions refuse them. Anyway I digress, I printed one out through a free deed poll site and a couple of friends signed and witnessed it for me. Then along with my marriage certificate, I sent these off to the passport office, bank and DVLA.

I changed the biggies, but now 5 months down the line I’ve still not changed my name in all of the relevant places. It’s a real pain. In fact, I need to get back in the swing of things and get everything straight. I think it’s going to take years if I’m honest.

Get Organised

So my top tips in preparation for the big name change are;

→ Discuss your name options together and decide on your perfect new name.

→ Look into what you need to change your name post marriage. Do you need just your marriage certificate or a deed poll too?

→ Arrange your deed poll before the wedding so it’s good to go. Also consider ordering more copies of your marriage certificate, I wish I did as most places are after the original and not a copy.

→ Get a list or spreadsheet together of the relevant authorities to notify. Write down what they require and the address to send everything off to. Stock up on envelopes and stamps (recorded delivery is a good option when sending off originals).

→ Consider applying for your new passport before the wedding and then you can book your honeymoon tickets in your new married name.

→ Practice your new name. Get used to saying it out loud and practice your signature. Yes you will accidentally sign for parcels using your old name (or was that just me?).

I thought I’d share my story today, firstly to get you thinking about your married name and secondly to reassure anyone that has similar feelings or worries to my own.

I love my new name, as I am sure you will too upon signing that very special marriage certificate. Being called Mrs H, or seeing it printed on my post gives me a buzz every time without fail xo Lou