The OurWeddingDay Blog

Many brides (and some grooms) change their names after marriage. What’s become more common in the past decade is to hyphenate your name. The reasons for this are varied: One of the most common reasons women take on their husbands’ names in the first place is for the sake of the children. Should you hyphenate, you can still keep your maiden name, yet know your children will share the same name.

Continue reading this article here, including good reasons to hyphenate, variations and legal requirements.

Once you’ve decided to change your maiden name (which, of course, not every married woman does), most of the paperwork can be done immediately after your wedding. There’s no deadline (some wait years!), but you’ll need to make your new name legal ASAP, for all your important documents in the coming years. Honeymoons and passports are the big “if,” as many couples like to have their married names on travel documentation. If you don’t try and change your passport name before the wedding, remember to purchase all of your tickets under your maiden name. (However, since we’re no longer living in the Dark Ages, don’t worry about raised eyebrows over different last names.)

To legally change your name, obtain copies of your marriage license (in itself, it does not mean your new name is legal), and get a new Social Security card. You may be able to make the changes online, or you may have to make a trip to their offices. There are some states that require a Petition for Change of Name, so check with your State Supreme Court to find out about any requirements unique to your state... Continue reading here.

We're pretty surprised with the results of this poll, in which half of female respondents say that  women should be mandated by the government to take their husband's name.

The study, presented by the American Sociological Association from Indiana University and the University of Utah, used this question to get the fairly small sample of 815 respondents to open up about various social issues

70% of those polled felt "either somewhat or strongly, that it's beneficial for women to take her husband's last name when they marry."  A researcher called the enthusiasm for government-mandated name-change "interesting."

Will you be changing your name?  Do you think that brides should have to change their name?

A Canadian company, I'm A Mrs., is making it easier for brides who chose to take their husbands name to do so.

The company was started by two best friends who think it makes the "perfect shower gift."  Check out the features and benefits.

Will you be taking your groom's name?