Advice from the experts on how to thrive as newlyweds, make smart investment choices, and build your future together.

Congratulations—you’ve danced your first dance, fed each other bites of cake, and waved goodbye to your guests through the smoky haze of your sparkler exit. You’re married! While everything on your wedding planning to-do [Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) has been crossed off (except for writing [thank you notes](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/thank-you-cards/shop), of course), there are still some things you need to take care of now that you’re legally wed. 

From financial planning and taxes to insurance and legal documents, there can be an overwhelming number of tasks to do—which is why we’ve created this 10-step list to help you get your newlywed life up and running smoothly in no time. 

## 1. Request Your Marriage Certificate
Your marriage certificate (not to be confused with your [marriage license](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-marriage-licenses) confirms the date, time, and legality or your marriage in the eyes of the state. Getting several certified copies of your marriage certificate should be your first course of action, as you’ll need to present this document in order to take most of the steps we outline below. Here are just a few situations that require a marriage certificate: 
- To update your identity via a legal name change
- To claim legal married status for tax and Medicaid benefits
- As proof of relationship

To get copies of your marriage certificate, contact or visit the vital records office within your local state government office. It’s recommended that you order 1-5 copies of your marriage certificate for immediate use in taking the below steps, and an additional two to keep for your own personal records and as proof of identity.

## 2. Change Your Name (if You Want)
If you’ve decided to change your name to indicate your married status, there are many institutions and businesses (each with their own set of paperwork) at which you’ll have to make the switch. After getting certified copies of your marriage certificate, your first stop should be your local social security office to legally change your name with the US government. Then start updating other important legal docs, accounts, and personal listings. Here’s a brief (and definitely not exhaustive) list of things you’ll need to update with your new married name: 
- social security card
- driver’s license (and other identification)
- financial accounts
- credit cards
- postal address
- passport 

Check out our article on [How to Change Your Name](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/name-change-after-marriage) for more guidance on how to navigate this process with ease. 

## 3. Open a Joint Bank Account
Even if you decide to keep separate bank accounts, it’s really helpful to open a joint bank account once you’re married. If you’re keeping separate accounts, you can still both deposit funds in here to pay for shared expenses or to begin saving for big-ticket items down the road. Or choose to collapse all your accounts into one in order to streamline your finances and truly go all-in on sharing everything, deposits and withdrawals and all.

## 4. Open a Joint Credit Card
Similarly, a joint credit card is another helpful life tool that you and your new spouse will want to get your hands on. Set up recurring payments for daily living costs like utility, water, phone, and cable bills; charge your honeymoon or other travel expenses to it to rack up points or miles; purchase furniture or other must-haves for your newlywed home; buy Christmas presents for your families; or just splurge on a few romantic date nights out. 

You can still keep separate credit cards for individual purchases (or gifts you don’t want your spouse to know about), but a shared credit card is just a practical financial solution. 

## 5. Budget Together
Maybe it’s a new car, a starter home, a luxury vacation, or preparing to start a family: whatever goals you have for your future life together, they’re going to come with big expenses. Therefore it’s important to get in sync about your saving and spending habits. Plan a night to discuss your family budget: pour some wine, get cozy, and have an honest discussion about your financial priorities and comfort levels. 

Marriage is all about compromise, so you might as well start practicing now—and coming to an agreement about how to handle money is a key piece of a happily married life. Once you’re on the same page about how to accomplish your financial goals, and you have a plan for making them happen, it will be easier to keep each other accountable and stick your budget together. 

## 6. Get Life Insurance
You’re no longer a single entity moving through the world—now that you’re married, whatever befalls you also befalls your partner. In the unfortunate case that something major happens to one of you, you’ll want to be sure the other is protected and taken care of financially. 

While no one likes to think about potentially tragic situations, buying a life insurance policy is just a smart move for peace of mind. Luckily there are plenty of life insurance agents out there that can walk you through the process and set you up with a policy that fits your budget.  

## 7. Invest in Your Future
Speaking of unforeseen circumstances, one of your most important jobs as newlyweds (besides making use all of your great [Registry Gifts](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry)) is to figure out how to set priorities, and plan for, your future. You might have even received checks or cash funds as part of your wedding gifts—so how do you plan to use this nest egg? Do either of you have any student loan debt to pay off, and if so, how will you handle it? At what age would you like to retire, and how much money will you need to save in order to do so? 

If you don’t already contribute to a 401(k) through your employer, talk to a financial advisor about setting up an IRA or other retirement-savings account for both of you. It’s also a good idea to discuss creating an investment portfolio with your advisor while you’re at it—this is the time to set yourself up for long-term financial success with your new life partner. 

## 8. Plan for Your Taxes
Getting married has tons of perks (a lifetime of love, support, and companionship, for one). One of the financial perks of marriage are the potential tax benefits that might accompany your new legally married status. From potentially lucrative credits you could earn, to various deductions you can make, to even deciding exactly how to file and who should claim what, taxes become a lot more complex after marriage. 

To make sure you understand how your married status changes your tax situation, and to ensure you’re making the wisest and most informed tax decisions, talk to an accountant or tax advisor to find out what sorts of credits, benefits, or other rules and regulations you should be aware of now that you’re no longer single in the eyes of the US government. 

## 9. Update Your Marital Status
Much like changing your name, there are many businesses and institutions that care about your marital status. Where you might have marked “single” before, now you get to go back and check the “married” box—which hopefully is exciting enough to make this task less tedious. Here’s a brief overview of some of the places you’ll need to update:
- Your employer’s HR department
- Bank(s)
- Insurance company
- Landlord or co-op board
- Membership clubs where your spouse would have access or privileges

Be mindful that this list will change (and most likely increase) for every individual, so be sure to think through any other business offices, institutions, or memberships where your relationship status will have an impact and alert them according. 

## 10. Make Plans for Your Estate (and End-of-Life Care)
Life is unpredictable, so planning for its ups and downs is just plain smart. Legally record your wishes for what should happen in the unfortunate circumstance where one of you is no longer around or capable of making decisions. First off, designate your spouse as the beneficiary for the following types of accounts: 
- Existing banking accounts (checking, savings)
- Life insurance 
- Investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
- Retirement accounts (401(k), 403(b), IRA, Roth IRA)
- Military benefits
- Pension (SEP, SARSEP)
- Trusts
- Any other property, titles, and assets 

Next, meet with an estate attorney to create a Will that determines how your assets are distributed after your death, as well as defines guardianship of current or future children. Finer details of Wills include establishing trust funds and/or inheritance plans for children, and even making plans for pets. 

While meeting with your estate attorney, also decide whether you’ll grant power of attorney to your spouse, which lets him or her have decision-making power over your finances. Without a Will in place, state laws determine how your estate is distributed and who can make decisions for you, so don’t ignore this one.

Lastly, consider creating a Living Will if you want to be the one to make your own healthcare decisions down the line. Without a Living Will, generally your spouse (or an immediate family member) will the one forced to make decisions about your care if you are unable to. You can also create an Advanced Directive that outlines your specific wishes about care you might receive near the end of your life, and grants a designated agent the power to enforce these wishes.   

While we know some of these things are pretty heavy (or just plain unfun) to think about, they are all critical for setting you and your new spouse up for a lifetime of success, happiness, and fulfillment. So try to find the excitement and joy in merging your two lives into one—and when in doubt, throw a little champagne at the situation to make it more celebratory. Best of luck on your future road together, newlyweds!  

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Ultimate Printable Wedding Planning Checklist: A Guide & Timeline 

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How to Change Your Name After Marriage

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Wedding Thank You Card Wording: Tips & Examples 

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A Guide to Marriage Licenses

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10 Things You Should Do as a Newlywed

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First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a name change—if you want. [Changing your name](https://www.hitchswitch.com/zola) to match your spouse is a common tradition and one that actually dates back to ninth-century English common law. Back then, women were required to ditch their maiden names and take their husband’s surname after marriage. Fast forward to more modern times: There’s no law in the U.S. that demands a name change after marriage, but many married couples still choose to come together under a single family name. 

[Zola’s First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2022) surveyed 3,309 couples getting married in 2022 and found out that while a majority are planning to change their names (approximately 78%), there is 16% of today's couples choosing to keep their original names. About 4.6% of couples are going the route of hyphenating their names, and there’s even a small group of couples (a mighty .87%) changing their names to something completely different than either of their surnames. 

If you’re thinking about or decided to legally change your name after your wedding, here’s everything you need to know about how to do it—and why you might want to.

## The Benefits of Changing Your Name After Marriage<a id="name"> </a>  
These days, the reasons to change your name lean more personally and socially acceptable than legally beneficial. Here are a few good reasons to change your name:

- It creates consistency throughout the family. Many people prefer to change their names to keep the same last name running throughout the entire unit. This is especially true when children are involved. One family name can make things easier on things like vacations or school trips.
- You don’t like your current name. Here’s your excuse to finally shed the surname that makes you cringe.
- It’s for a religious reason. Many people change their names if they’ve converted religions or simply want to honor their spouse’s traditions. Name changes for religious reasons are quite common.
- You love a personal touch. This may seem like a shallow reason to legally change your name, but if you’re big on monogramming and personalization ([hand towels](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/matouk_auberge_hand_towel), anyone?), one family name makes customization easy. 

Note: Changing your name doesn’t only have to mean taking your partner’s name, or vice versa. There are a few different ways to change your name. You could hyphenate both your names into a joint surname (Lopez-Rodriguez, for example). Or you could try combining your names into an entirely new one (Miller + Winston = Milton). There are a number of alternative approaches so think about what’s best for you as a married couple.

## Name Change Laws
While there’s no law requiring a name change after marriage, there are laws that come into play if you do decide to make the switch. It’s important to note that name change laws vary by jurisdiction so it’s crucial that you check which rules and regulations apply to your specific situation. In some cases, you may have to file a formal name change petition with the court.

Generally, though, most states simply require that you meet certain residency requirements. All states require the applicant to be a resident of the state—typically for six months, but this varies—before filing for a legal name change.

Depending on your state, you may need a formal name change petition and court date for the following situations:
- A man taking his wife’s last name
- Both partners choosing a last name different from either of theirs
- A same-sex marriage partner changing his or her last name

Changing your name isn’t typically hard to do. Just be sure to review the laws in your state ahead of time so you don’t encounter any surprises and find yourself delayed during the change process.

## How to Change Your Name After Marriage <a id="other"> </a>  
You probably guessed that you need your [marriage license](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-marriage-licenses) to change your name. And you’re right. In fact, you need several certified copies of your marriage license and marriage certificate (request these from the county clerk where your marriage license application was filed). Some states offer both short- and long-form marriage licenses—request the long forms. Once you have those copies from the county clerk’s office, you’re ready to start the name change process.

### Social Security Card
The first step on your name change journey should be the Social Security Administration. In many states, you can’t change the name on your license without an updated Social Security card. Here’s how to do it.

Bad news: You can’t apply for a new card online. Good news: A new card is free.

Before heading to your local Social Security office, gather your marriage license, a valid driver’s license or ID, and [this Social Security form](https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf). In some cases, you may also need to show proof of citizenship by providing a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. [Check here](https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm) to make sure you have all the right documents. 

Take or mail your legal name change application and copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. 

### Driver’s License
Next, it’s time to update the name on your license. Driver’s license name change requirements vary pretty significantly state-to-state. So, do your research and make sure you know exactly what legal documents you need before you head to the DMV. In most cases, you’ll need your current driver’s license, marriage certificate, new Social Security card, a form of ID, and any forms required by your state. A quick Google search for your state’s requirements should lay out everything you need to bring to your local DMV.

### Bank Accounts
Once your Social Security card and driver’s license are updated, you’ll want to head to the bank. Visit your local branch and bring your marriage license and your updated driver’s license. Ask the bank to change your name on all of your accounts—this will make a big difference if you decide to open joint bank accounts with your new spouse. Also, request new checks, credit cards, and debit cards. Note: You might get hit with a fee for the new cards.

## Everything Else <a id="note"> </a>  
Now that you’ve covered the major name updates, it’s time to update your name on just about everything else. Here’s a list of places you may need or want to update with your name change.

- Employer/Payroll Department
- Post Office (especially if your address has changed)
- Utility Companies
- Schools/Alumni Organizations
- Landlord or Mortgage Office
- Insurance (Home, Auto, Life)
- Doctor’s Offices
- Voter Registration
- Investment Account Providers
- Attorney (to update legal documents, including your will)
- Passport Office
- Airlines (transfer your miles!)
- Subscriptions (magazines, monthly boxes, etc.)

Don’t let all the steps stress you out. Changing your surname after marriage is an age-old tradition—and it stuck for a reason. If you decide to make the switch, rest assured that you’ll be able to with ease, thanks to a little bit of research.

Legal

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---

Marriage, for all of its romantic grandeur, also comes with its fair share of less charming expectations. Namely: finances. You just tied an emotional and financial knot that will require communication and effort to keep snug. Don’t fret, though, you knew this was coming. And with our guide to [newlywed finances](https://www.sofi.com/zola/), you’ll be more than equipped to handle all of the planning, the numbers, and the money talks coming your way. 

## How To Have The Money Talk
In order to manage your finances and expenses together as a couple, you need to talk about your finances and expenses together as a couple. Sure, this isn’t a conversation that excites many but it also doesn’t need to be stressful. Here’s how to make the money talk easy:

### Come prepared.
You don’t want to spend all day on this so it’s best to gather any documents or statements you need so that neither of you wastes time searching through your physical or digital folders. Ideally, each of you will bring the following:

- A list of your accounts and their amounts
- A list of any debts and their interest rates
- Notes on any money owed to you
- Your total income
- A list of short- and long-term financial goals

### Agree to disagree.
The money talk doesn’t need to be negative but you should realistically anticipate some tough moments. When things get tense, be prepared to talk it out and move past it. Try your best to articulate your points in a collected way and always listen when your partner explains his or her concerns. Identify the areas that you could afford to bend a little—and the areas that you simply can’t—and be upfront about both.

### Talk values, not just numbers.
Obviously, finance is a pretty numbers-heavy arena. When it comes to talking about those numbers, though, you need to bring in the human side of things. The ways and reasons that people spend or save money are typically a result of their values. Discuss yours and hear your partner out, too. 

For example, you may prefer to spend on experiences like vacations over new clothes or other big-ticket items. Your partner may be someone who needs the newest pair of sneakers that drop every few months. Neither of you should necessarily have to compromise your values but you do need to be on the same page. Discussing these differences upfront should help you down the line when they cause issues.

Now that you’re in the right frame of mind to talk all things finance, here are the things you should discuss.

## 1. Set newlywed financial goals.
You probably noticed that we recommend you come to your money talk with short- and long-term goals. That’s because your financial goals should act as guidelines for all of your financial planning and discussions. Some common newlywed financial goals are:

- Taking a yearly vacation
- [Saving for retirement](https://www.sofi.com/zola/)
- [Reducing debt](https://www.sofi.com/zola/)
- [Buying your first home](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/to-dos-after-you-get-engaged)
- Starting a college fund for future children
- Home renovations
- A new puppy or other pet
- Building an emergency fund

When you outline your immediate and less immediate financial wants and needs, you can start to actually create the budget and savings plan that will help you reach those goals.

## 2. Discuss a joint bank account—and then open one.
Merging finances is a big deal, but, for many couples, it’s also an obvious step to achieving certain financial landmarks. You can, of course, maintain separate bank accounts, but a joint account can help simplify household expenses and also help you save for larger purchases or financial goals like retirement. You may also choose to go all in and actually only maintain one [joint bank account](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget) in order to streamline your finances. Regardless, whether or not to open a joint bank account is a big discussion. Don’t be afraid to ask for professional financial guidance when you need it.

## 3. Review insurances.
Take time during your money talk to review all of your insurance policies. These could include everything from homeowner’s or [renter’s insurance](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-insurance-resources-for-the-happy-couple), life insurance, health insurance, car insurance—really any kind of insurance, major or minor. Look for duplicate coverage or total lapses in coverage. Also, figure out how combining households impacts these policies—and how to get the most out of your updated living situation. For example, if you both have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you don’t need the double coverage. Combining auto insurance policies may also save you on those premiums. 

If you both have health insurance, it’s smart to review the plans. It may be better to combine under one insurance or it really could make more sense to keep your individual coverage. Make this a priority. Couples are typically given 30 days after marriage to add a spouse as a dependent without providing insurability. 

Many couples make the mistake of skipping over [life insurance](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/buying-family-life-insurance) “for now.” Young newlyweds, especially, may not see it as immediately necessary—particularly if they’re trying to save for other expenses. But life insurance is a gift to your family members should the worst happen. It can replace income, eliminate debts, cover funeral costs, and more. You and your spouse can work with an expert to determine if term or permanent insurance is right for you. Don’t skip over this crucial part of your newlywed finances.

## 4. Assess your tax situation.
Death and taxes, right? Now that you’re married, you have two choices when it comes to [filing your tax returns](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/to-dos-after-you-get-engaged). You can continue to file separate returns or you can begin to jointly file. We definitely recommend consulting with a tax or finance expert to determine your best option. If you meet with a pro, be sure to bring any recent tax documents and recent pay stubs. 

You should both also notify your employers (if you haven’t already) so they can update your W-4 tax-withholding forms on file. Your household has grown so you may decide to increase allowances to two—one for each of you. If you have children, that can go up even more. Again, a certified tax or finance expert can help you decide what’s best for you and your new spouse upfront.

## 5. Make or update your will.
Like life insurance, your will isn’t exactly fun to think about. Also like life insurance, though, your will is a crucial part of your newlywed financial planning. In fact, your will is the most important document in your estate. Dying without a will can cause financial havoc for remaining family. Even if you already have a will in place, you have to update it once you’re married. Estate laws vary by state so call your attorney and create or update your wills as soon as possible. Then, you’ll want to review them every three to five years to make sure they address any changes.

Financial health is an important part of relationship health. Money talks aren’t always fun but they are always necessary and can help cut down on any issues in the future. When all the finance talk feels a little heavy, seek out a professional. Our friends at SoFi can help you [create financial solutions](https://www.sofi.com/zola/) that fit your goals. 

Merging Finances

5 Finance Topics Newlyweds Need to Discuss Post-Wedding

Anniversaries are a time to celebrate the love and life we build together year after year. As weddings for love became popular in the late 19th century, wedding anniversary themes were standardized to help commend couples on their lives together with <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-gifts-from-around-the-world" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-gifts-from-around-the-world">traditional gifts</a>.

Of course with any tradition, these gifts have become modernized and there are plenty of creative ways to gift <a href="https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper" target="_https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper">paper</a> that your partner will love. If you’re looking for wedding anniversary gift ideas, the traditional themes are a great place to get inspiration before you visit your favorite <a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/category/wedding-shop">boutique</a>.

Anniversaries are the perfect annual marker of your time together, but perhaps more important are the moments that define your relationship. Marriage milestones are the wonderful times where you can see your lives growing and changing — like when you buy your first home. So to help you commemorate your firsts as a couple, <a href="#milestones">jump to our marriage milestones</a> gift ideas below.

## Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas by Year
With each year together you’ve created hundreds of memories and grown significantly in your lives as individuals and as partners. That’s a beautiful thing to celebrate and wedding anniversary gifts are the perfect way to show your partner you love your life together. 

## 1st Anniversary: Paper
<a id="firsts"> </a>
![i love you cards](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2DdMy9kfTUUBspgU5MqEgX/ce7ce371f3708977eaea8e9ba3198a61/wedding-anniversary-gift-first-anniversary-paper-i-love-you-cards.jpg)

<a href="//assets.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/CYN2zVHaqY3NHU1xM8arA/4d6fc88ac19dc06bb53bdf89712eca4e/wedding-anniversary-gift-i-love-you-cards-printable.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3kWXf06jkcmR9yIlPVo5r5/a4407cc45752de0eb395696d1f7066bc/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-button-i-love-you-cards.png"></a>

Paper probably seems a little too simple, but the possibilities are endless and there are plenty of sentimental ways to gift paper. Consider a star map of your wedding day, a framed print of your first dance’s sheet music, or a poem of your first-year memories. If you want a little more wow, grab tickets to your favorite show, commission a custom painting, or schedule a one-year photo shoot. 

__Modern Gift__: Clocks are the modern alternative to paper, and you can gift a new watch or even DIY a custom clock for something extra special. 

## 2nd Anniversary: Cotton
![wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-throw-pillow](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5bqfNtVxzms8nukPSoC25d/e5c0cebd0ae718280430fc11755488f2/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-1.jpg)
<a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/product/safavieh_daciana_throw_pillow" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/product/safavieh_daciana_throw_pillow">Buy on Zola</a>

Cotton is a part of our everyday lives and offers plenty of creative gift opportunities. Your lives are closer-knit than ever, so a custom blanket or a new outfit can make for lovely and useful gifts. You can also go the decor route with unique throw pillows, a canvas print, or tapestry for your wall. 

__Modern Gift__: China traditionally falls further down the list, but why wait for a beautiful collection of dishware you could be enjoying now. 

## 3rd Anniversary: Leather
![toiletries bag](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3TeybmMKtgHMlPCW5pX0Z1/f730b695d0f695c16a479abf8864fd11/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-2.jpg)
<a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/product/cathysconcepts_personalized_vegan_leather_double_zipper_dopp_kit_a" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/product/cathysconcepts_personalized_vegan_leather_double_zipper_dopp_kit_a">Buy on Zola</a>

Leather can last a lifetime, so this is a great year to invest in a gift that can be loved forever. A new wallet or bag are go-to’s for anyone. You can also consider something specific to your partner’s hobbies, like a leather guitar strap or custom journal cover. If you don’t love wearing hides, check-out guilt-free <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/vegan-wedding" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/vegan-wedding">vegan</a> leather gifts from local artists and big brands alike.

__Modern Gift__: Crystal and glass are great alternatives if you’re not into leather. Consider a decorative candle or a matching decanter and glasses set. 

## 4th Anniversary: Fruit or Flowers
<a id="flowers"> </a>
![flower earrings](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4oq3LAXXPh1kKXYTc4GYjl/7ea7361be7a4f6b2e61517a3dc2f36e0/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-3.jpg)
<a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/product/usabride_katie_floral_crystal_earrings_silver" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/product/usabride_katie_floral_crystal_earrings_silver">Buy on Zola</a>

Fruit and flowers are a beautiful way to celebrate how your love grows and blossoms every year. Of course, live flowers are always appreciated, but you can also preserve your flowers to create unique decor for your home. For a lasting gift, consider planning a garden, planting a fruit tree, or gifting art and jewelry made of fruit and floral designs.

__Modern Gift__: Appliances are always a good investment, so consider what your home needs the most or what new gadget would be the most fun to have. 

## 5th Anniversary: Wood
![fifth anniversary wood print](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/65qbowrC4p8mJWvcnM3JeY/ef68dfb04e52752217d4bcffa454cf00/wedding-anniversary-gift-fifth-anniversary-wood-print.jpg)

<a href="//assets.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5wYglzByhybMGBfa2wmHdD/4dfd31f441d6d97b3678fd59c38ae1d1/wedding-anniversary-gift-5-year-printable.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5v4IdDoC2cHIvl5Uheabeu/3366d5af7a10110889c2abbdb1d0b475/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-button-fifth-anniversary-printable.png"></a>

After five wonderful years together a gift of wood is tradition. This is a super customizable material, so you can gift a charcuterie board and wine rack for <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/cake-and-wine-pairings" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/cake-and-wine-pairings">wine pairings</a>, an upgrade to your bedroom suite furniture, or a customized piece of wall art for your home. 

__Modern Gift__: Consider choosing a new silverware set if you’re a fan of hosting dinner parties, or even if you’ve just lost too many to the sink disposal. 

## 6th Anniversary: Iron
![light fixture](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7pnfSrpKxj8W6vrhdWgrA3/38be2c0a013035978e24890dc2548f4b/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-4.jpg)
<a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/product/jonathany_anna_5light_led_pendant" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/product/jonathany_anna_5light_led_pendant">Buy on Zola</a>

Six years of marriage is a true testament to your bond. Upgrade your kitchen with cast iron cookware that will last a lifetime, or line your yard with a beautiful new iron fence. Light fixtures, picture frames, and golf clubs are also great ways to gift iron. 

__Modern Gift__: If wood fits your aesthetic better, you can shop for garden lanterns and furniture, or a decorative sign and puzzle to share.

## 7th Anniversary: Copper or Wool
![wool rug](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/SjzD9DItAiE2af4mdWB5J/cbb1ceb13dc14fae1cbc4465a92a3590/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-5.jpg)
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Copper and wool are paired to symbolize a strong, loving, and comfortable marriage together, and are great gifts for your lucky seventh year together. Plan a date night in with cozy wool socks and sweaters, then gift a wedding photo etched in copper, matching keychains, or a copper wallet insert of your wedding vows.

__Modern Gift:__ If you’re looking for more utility you can upgrade your partner’s desk set with custom stationery and matching office tools.

## 8th Anniversary: Bronze or Pottery
![honey pot](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2V62WKn0bA0fXHQaBzTTkF/a0b28316f648dfd435a7f818a05d68c7/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-6.jpg)
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This year is the perfect year to gift an experience. Register you and your partner for a pottery class and make your own gifts together. If you’d rather buy something, decorative bowls, mugs, and kitchen storage are all great places to start. For bronze, consider jewelry, chimes, or an engraved money clip.

__Modern Gift__: Linen and lace are beautiful alternatives if you’d like to give something more delicate. You can buy your partner a stunning new outfit and plan a date night, or upgrade your home linens to something more luxurious. 

## 9th Anniversary: Willow or Pottery
![picnic basket](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4cBsueE9VtuRjj22gJEAep/49e1d3860ac2887573af92a44d2594da/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-7.jpg)
<a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/product/picnicatascot_2person_cheshire_picnic_basket_with_blanket_gazebo" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/product/picnicatascot_2person_cheshire_picnic_basket_with_blanket_gazebo">Buy on Zola</a>

Beautiful vases, porcelain tea sets, and sculptures are great pottery gifts. Give willow as a new picnic basket, a stylish ottoman or woven chair, or simply as a potted willow tree.

__Modern Gift__: Leather is great as luggage tags and a passport cover for your next trip, or as designer boots and a jacket for a fashionable partner.

## 10th Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum
![smartwatch](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5A4Mr8HGGYCo3QNyuPh7j9/dfe55343d25a39a8dac11ccd51ef2a8d/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-8.jpg)
<a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/product/garmin_premium_vivomove_hr_hybrid_silverlightbrown" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/product/garmin_premium_vivomove_hr_hybrid_silverlightbrown">Buy on Zola</a>

Congratulations on your tenth wedding anniversary! Tin and aluminum may seem like simple gifts, but they’re used in several high-tech products that allow you to really give something special for your decade celebration. Check out smartwatches, laptop upgrades, or a projector for movie night. You can always keep it simple with a tin of their favorite tea, decorative signs, and fun vintage tins. 

__Modern Gift__: Of course if you really want to dazzle, the tenth wedding anniversary is also the diamond anniversary. Upgrade your wedding bands or propose to renew your vows. 


## 11th Anniversary: Steel
![barware set](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1Xk4ALg3k9rz3Wpiry7APa/ffb097dd4e79be62d5e251020b972641/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-9.jpg)
<a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/product/godinger_hammered_5pc_barware_set" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/product/godinger_hammered_5pc_barware_set">Buy on Zola</a>

Steel is a great way to represent your strength and resilience after eleven years of marriage. The best part is steel is super versatile and your gift options are endless. Cocktail sets and whiskey stones, decorative bowls and tumblers, or even tables and decor lamps can all make wonderful steel gifts. 

__Modern Gift__: While this year you may skip on the diamonds, you can still gift gorgeous fashion jewelry for a sparkling gift they’ll love. 

## 12th Anniversary: Silk or Linen
![ meditation cushion](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1eSSHY99jMTzHGG7dT4WD5/55ab9181caff5cdad63b3de481237875/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-10.jpg)
<a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/product/abcdna_antik_silk_meditation_cushion_1_small" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/product/abcdna_antik_silk_meditation_cushion_1_small">Buy on Zola</a>

Silk is a lavish upgrade for your home and great for pillowcases, pajamas, and robes. Buy matching sets along with higher thread count linens, monogrammed towels, and cozy slippers to plan a spa day at home.

__Modern Gift__: Pearls aren’t limited to stud earrings or necklaces. Look for items with pearl buttons, purl-knit sweaters, or even pearl inlays on a new guitar’s fretboard. 

## 13th Anniversary: Lace
![lace shoes](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3qtSwfEF7Ppyd7XYf9jWyx/9b31a116cdac7e33ddcfa10e4334529a/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-11.jpg)
<a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/product/bellabelleshoes_pamela_floral_lace_wedge_wedding_shoes" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/product/bellabelleshoes_pamela_floral_lace_wedge_wedding_shoes">Buy on Zola</a>

When choosing a lace gift you may have to think outside of the box a bit. Lace clothing is a good start, but you can find lace prints and designs on just about anything. Consider ordering a portrait made of lace, or pick-up a bouquet of flowers or potted plant with a lace bow. 

__Modern Gift__: If lace isn’t your style, textiles are the modern theme which gives you plenty of room for creativity. Order a custom quilt, tapestry, or a gorgeous new rug. 

## 14th Anniversary: Ivory
![ivory vase](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5upWUJyTeIhcxjQltdHIc9/2756523081d5beee12c014e6cee3659a/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-12.jpg)
<a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/product/crate-and-barrel-lati-vase" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/product/crate-and-barrel-lati-vase">Buy on Zola</a>

While the 14th anniversary is traditionally celebrated with ivory, you’ll want to choose a gift that looks like ivory. Faux ivory chess pieces, jewelry, and cufflinks are great alternatives. To celebrate elephants over ivory, you may even consider donating to protect wildlife or a trip to the zoo. 

__Modern Gift__: You can always skip the ivory and go for gold. Jewelry is an easy choice, but you can also grab gold home decor or a journal with gold trim to document your favorite memories together. 

## 15th Anniversary: Crystal
![crystal glasses](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/53mo3dYiIN3JTWioRbee67/dd08343a35847e2a36c9104d09f1b1b2/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-to-celebrate-each-milestone-13.jpg)
<a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/product/schottzwiesel_fortune_long_drink_glass_set6" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/product/schottzwiesel_fortune_long_drink_glass_set6">Buy on Zola</a>

What an amazing accomplishment to grow together over 15 years! Traditionally couples give crystal gifts to celebrate their sparkling love. Crystal champagne flutes for a proper toast are a fitting idea. You may also consider <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wellness-wedding-favors" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wellness-wedding-favors">wellness crystals</a>, crystal candle holders, or trendy crystal platters.

__Modern Gift__: The great thing about watches is that they can be worn and enjoyed every day, and you could choose a smartwatch for utility or a fashion watch to really impress. 

## Marriage Milestones to Celebrate
![marriage milestone tags](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6qvd87faF0eTmQWuTUYSbR/488b188d2625e4b9e2356d10e8c611ae/wedding-anniversary-gift-marriage-milestone-tags.jpg)

<a href="//assets.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/381qkVTv360p6gtWltXVy5/be3dbc3a02c7ac24f11a8e97d5fea49b/wedding-anniversary-gift-marriage-milestone-tags-printable.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5HK4hMgru8jk6fwLbEO4nJ/1f9fa36c6fc4c0298c92fc059668da1f/wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas-button-marriage-milestone-tags.png"></a>

Every year deserves to be celebrated for the memories and triumphs of your relationship. Sprinkled within those years are marriage milestones that are special moments you’ll remember forever, and they’re perfect times to celebrate, too!

### When You Buy Your First Home
<a id="home"> </a>
Your first home together is a special first that really sets the foundation for the rest of your life. Celebrate with a portrait of your home, an ornate key ornament with your purchase date, or a custom welcome sign for your new front door. 

### When Your Family Grows by One
Whether by baby or pet, growing your family is a beautiful moment of love and compassion. When you announce a baby, celebrate with a photoshoot, your last one as just the two of you, and continue to capture the moments leading up to welcoming your new bundle of joy for a precious baby book.

If you’re welcoming a fur baby, consider a custom collar and matching bracelets to keep you all close, or a custom work of art like a needle felting or embroidery piece of your <a href="https://www.zola.com/shop/category/pet" target="_https://www.zola.com/shop/category/pet">new pet</a>. 

### When Your Host Your First Holiday at Home
After years of splitting family holidays, your first season as the host is a special occasion to add your own traditions to. Of course, a family photo the day of is required, but you can also celebrate by updating your holiday decor. Custom stockings, a new Menorah, or enough lights for a Griswold Christmas will help to welcome everyone into your home. Build a scrapbook, frame your holiday photo, or order a special ornament to always remember the occasion. 

### When You Renew Your Vows
After years of marriage, there’s no doubt you and your partner are different people. It’s a beautiful thing to have learned, loved, and grown together, and renewing your vows is one of the best ways to show that you’re more in love than ever. After you renew your vows, celebrate with a second honeymoon, upgrade your wedding bands, or buy something for your home that you’ve been considering all of these years. Whatever it is, make sure it’s special to you two. 

### When You Plan Your First Road Trip
You likely enjoyed your first trip together on your <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/best-honeymoon-destinations" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/best-honeymoon-destinations">honeymoon</a>, and your first road trip is another vacation full of memories and plenty of quality time in the car together. Collect mementos along the way at different rest stops, tourist shops, and roadside attractions. Keep a journal of your trip, what you saw, what you talked about, and even what you listened to. There’s a ton of fun to be had on a road trip and you’ll want to remember it all.
<a id="milestones"> </a>
Gifts and mementos are one of the best ways to remember your lives together and how you’ve grown. From your beginning as <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/newlywed-life" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/newlywed-life">newlyweds</a> to each anniversary and special memory, celebrate your love with something meaningful you can hold on to forever. 

<a id="milestones"> </a>
![wedding anniversary gifts IG](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4YRUDhueSuhrZ39f1q5INw/866abbb9cb23924a83b810d5a97f0208/wedding-anniversary-gifts-for-every-milestone.png)

Sources: <a href="https://time.com/4771179/history-anniversary-gifts-paper-silver-gold/" target="_https://time.com/4771179/history-anniversary-gifts-paper-silver-gold/">Time</a>

Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas to Celebrate Each Milestone (+ Printables) 

So you included a [cash fund](https://www.zola.com/shop/honeymoon-cash-funds) as part of your [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) and now you’re sitting on a bunch of money. Good for you! While a lump sum sounds wonderful, it can be daunting, too. You and your spouse may be worried about spending it on the wrong things or missing the opportunity to spend it on the right things. To take some of that pressure off, might we suggest [investing your cash fund](https://www.sofi.com/zola/) into your first joint bank account? It might not sound as sexy as using that money for a vacation, but investing is almost never a bad idea—especially if you’re investing in your future as a couple. Here’s more on how to and why to invest your cash fund into a joint account.

## Why would we have cash fund money leftover?
When you created your cash fund (or funds!) you probably assigned each fund to a certain item or experience. For example, many couples create cash funds to cover costs such as honeymoon airfare and lodging, cooking classes or other lessons, new pets, home renovations, and even a date night fund. When you cash out your funds, however, you just receive the money. How you choose to allocate it post-wedding is totally up to you. 

So, if you asked for $500 for a new puppy, but you just started a new job and can’t take the time off to train it right now, then you have a free $500. If your honeymoon came and went and you didn’t get to take those $250 horseback riding lessons or skipped the $300 spa day, well, there’s more loose cash. 

You may also have received monetary gifts via checks or actual cash. This is what we mean when we say leftover cash funds. 

## Why do we need a joint bank account?
You don’t need a joint bank account, or joint investment account—but you may want one eventually. Joint accounts function just like standard accounts, except that both you and your partner own the account. A joint account can simplify basic expenses household expenses—think: mortgage, car payments, and groceries. It can also help you save toward shared goals, such as a new home or a future child’s college fund. Very simply: A joint bank account can help you lay the foundation of your financial future together.

Opening a joint account may also come with smaller advantages that may not be available to individual account holders. These could include things like waived maintenance fees, a higher interest rate, or other rewards. In terms of financial returns, investing together could potentially pay dividends. When you reinvest large returns, they accumulate. It’s better to have one big portfolio than two small ones.

That said, [merging finances](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget) is a huge post-wedding step. Be open and honest with your partner about expectations for the account and express any concerns. Many couples choose to maintain separate accounts in addition to their joint bank account.

## How To Invest Your Cash Fund 
So, you and your partner decided to invest some (or all) of that cash fund. Smart move! The great news is that, while investing sounds complex, it doesn’t have to be. Before you do anything, though, make sure you and your partner on the same page. To do that, consider these tips for opening a joint investment account.

- Settle on your investment goals upfront. What are you saving this money for—a house renovation, retirement, a vacation? You can, of course, invest for a number of different things, but make sure that your money plans are set in stone and you both agree.
- Use automatic contributions. After you and your partner start your account with your cash fund money, decide how much you both will set aside each month or paycheck for each of your goals. Then, set up automatic contributions to put away money so that you don’t forget and fall short of your goals.
- Establish a resolution plan. When it comes to merging finances or joint investments, disputes are bound to pop up. Money is a top cause of relationship problems after all. So, it’s best to be realistic and stay prepared with a plan to diffuse and resolve any unrest that may come up along the way.

## This seems like a lot. Help!
Investing together is a big step and even the calmest, the coolest, and the most collected couples may benefit from some professional guidance. We’re talking about the ever-changing financial market here after all. This is where a financial advisor can come in handy even just to provide an outside perspective on various investment strategies. Our friends at [SoFi](https://www.sofi.com/zola/) can help you decide if a joint bank account is right for you—and help you set one up.

You’re starting your life together with a financial cushion–consider investing to set you and your partner on the right path to lifelong financial security (or at least a major vacation down the line).

Investing

How to Invest Your Cash Fund

Post-wedding life is blissful, no doubt. There are, however, a few logistics to figure out now that you’re [officially married](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding-on-a-budget). One thing that’s always unavoidable? Taxes. You’re no longer just making tax decisions for yourself. Now you have to consider your spouse, their income, deductions, and all of that other stuff. Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some [newlywed tax tips](https://blog.visor.com/life/married-tax-filing/?utm_source=bd&utm_campaign=zola&utm_medium=partner) to keep in mind. 

## Update Your Legal Name
If you [changed your name after marriage](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/name-change-after-marriage), you want to first make sure that’s reflected with the Social Security Administration. (This is actually the first step to legally changing your name so you’ll have to do this if you want to change your name anyway.) You want the name on your Social Security Card to match the name on your tax return. Your SSN will stay the same.

Visit your local SSA office to fill out an SS-5 form to get the ball rolling. If you aren’t changing your name after your wedding, you don’t need to file with the SSA.

## How to File Your Taxes as Newlyweds
No matter what you have to change your tax filing status from single to married. However, that doesn’t mean you have to file jointly. You file either as married filing separately or married filing jointly. Easy enough! But which to choose?

### Joint Filing v. Separate Filing
The decision to either file jointly or separately is one you and your new spouse will come together to decide—yes, you both have to choose the same status. There are pros and cons to both options.

#### Reasons to File Jointly
Many newlyweds choose to file jointly, which means you’ll file one tax return that includes all of your collective tax information. There are some real benefits to this

- Tax rates are generally more favorable to married persons. That means it’s possible to actually earn more income as a couple and still stay in a lower tax bracket (versus you as a single individual). Tax brackets are larger for married persons than single persons.

- It’s easier. When you file jointly, you only have to complete one tax return. So, you also don’t have to decide which of you takes each deduction. 

- All tax benefits are available to married individuals that file jointly. This isn’t true for couples who file separately. It’s possible that if you are trying to claim certain favorable tax benefits such as earned income credit, for example, you might not be able to if you file separately. It all has to do with total income.

#### Reasons to File Separately
There are still plenty of benefits available to those individuals filing with lower income (separate income is typically always lower than joint, of course). This, however, depends more on your state laws. So, you'll want to work with an expert who can help you best understand what you're working with.

- You aren’t liable for your spouse’s financial missteps. When you file jointly, you and your partner are both equally liable for whatever information that tax return contains. So, if you’re partner fails to report income, for example, you could be held personally accountable for that, too. Similarly, if your spouse has defaulted on student loans or owes child support, you will also shoulder that burden via a joint refund. A separate return eliminates that risk.

- There are certain financial benefits to filing with a lower income. Some healthcare expenses, for example, may allow you to deduct an amount only if it exceeds a certain percentage of your total income. Someone with a lower income would have an easier time reaching that percentage than someone with a higher income.

This is certainly not a decision to make lightly and also not one to make if you really aren’t sure you completely understand the benefits and downsides of each. [Tax experts](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/to-dos-after-you-get-engaged) can help you make the best decision for your family and circumstances.

## File a New W-4
Now that you’re married, you need to file a new W-4 to update your withholding allowances. This basically  determines the amount of income tax your employer should withhold from your paychecks. 

On the plus side, you will likely enjoy fewer deductions now that you’re in a more favorable tax bracket. It’s actually possible for couples filing jointly to earn twice as much money while remaining in the same tax bracket. That said, you need to make sure you don’t go overboard.

In the absolute simplest terms, the more allowances you have, the less tax is withheld. Your employer can’t account for your new tax liability, though. If you and your spouse both increase your allowances to a point that you don’t pay enough tax to cover your responsibility, you could face a penalty. 

No matter what tax choices you decide on as a couple, figuring out what routes are truly most beneficial for you as a couple isn’t easy. This is taxes after all. Consult an expert who can help you make empowered and effective decisions together.

Taxes

3 Tax Changes Newlyweds Need to Make 

For many couples, their wedding is one of the first times they explore joint budgeting on a larger scale—and [budgeting for a wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/5-ways-cut-wedding-costs) is a pretty big feat. Now that you’re married, though, it’s time to budget for life. That sounds scary—sorry! Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. As long as your open, honest, and realistic with your spouse, joint budgeting can actually be a really surprising way to deepen your relationship. Read on to learn more about [joint budgeting](https://www.sofi.com/zola/)—and where to start.

## Don’t avoid the money talk.
You see the thing about finances is that you can’t avoid them. So, [don’t avoid talking about them](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/to-dos-after-you-get-engaged). It’s not an exciting conversation, we know, but it doesn’t have to be stressful either. Here are three tips to make it go as smoothly as possible:

- __Come prepared.__ It shouldn’t be the shortest conversation you ever have but it doesn’t need to take all day. Gather any documents or statements ahead of time. Ideally, each of you should bring: 

  - A list of your accounts and their amounts
  - A list of any debts and their interest rates
  - Notes on any money owed to you
  - Your total income

- __Agree to disagree.__ Expect some tough moments, but be prepared to talk them out and move on. Hear your partner out and make sure you get the chance to articulate your points, too.

- __Talk values, not just numbers.__ Bring a human touch to an analytical conversation. The reasons we spend or save the way we do usually relate to our values. Be cognizant of these differences.

## Ask questions—a lot of them.
If you’re wondering what exactly you’re supposed to talk about during this money talk, the answer is, well, everything. The goal is to find out early on whether you and your spouse are on the same financial page. You need to know their financial history, hang-ups, and hopes. Here are some questions to get you started. Keep in mind you may know the answers to many of these, especially if you already live together, but it doesn’t hurt to circle back now that you’re married.

### Finance History Questions
- Did you have money growing up? Who managed the money in your home?
- Do you have any debt? 
- What’s your average credit score?
- What are your financial obligations like to your family, for example?
- Would you say you’re a spender or a saver?
- What’s something others maybe don’t budget for but you can’t give up?

### Lifestyle Questions
- Do you want to buy a house or always rent?
- Do you want kids?
- What is your current salary? Are you happy with it?
- Are you considering changing jobs or making a career change in the coming years?
- How much time do you think an emergency fund should cover?
- What would you change about the way you live financially?

### Financial Future Questions
- What do you see as your next big purchase?
- What income level do you hope to ultimately reach?
- How do you want us to use any bonuses or unexpected income?
- How much do you feel comfortable saving from each paycheck?
- When do you want to [retire](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/investing-for-newlyweds)? What do you hope your retirement looks like?
- How do you want to divide expenses?
- Should we share credit?
- Should we [open a joint bank account](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/joint-bank-account)?

## Set financial goals.
Now that everything’s out in the open—your hopes, your fears, your histories—you can start to prioritize and set financial goals as a couple. Financial goals and priorities are different for every person and couple—and they’ll determine how you create your newlywed budget. 

__NOTE: [Saving for retirement](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/investing-for-newlyweds), paying off debt, and building an emergency fund should be part of your budget planning no matter what.__ 

When you create your goals, remember that they work better with set timelines and specific numbers. Each goal should be actionable, measurable, and, of course, reasonable. Some common goal examples are:

- Pay off X debt amount by Y age.
- Raise credit score to X.
- Set aside X% of each paycheck for retirement.
- Build an emergency fund and contribute X amount per month.

## Know budgeting basics.
Creating a budget is different for every couple, but the basics still apply. 

- First, calculate your actual combined take-home income. If you have deductions for health insurance or retirement, add those back in. They’ll go into your actual budget, but for now, you need a big picture look at what you’re making together.

- Second, decide your budgeting approach. This is the breakdown of how much (typically by percentage) of your income will go to the various priorities and goals you set up. A common approach is the 50/30/20 budget. This breaks down to 50% of your income for needs (this includes those insurance deductions), 30% to wants ([saving for a new car](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/50-fun-and-useful-ways-to-use-your-wedding-cash-fund) or a new puppy), and 20% to savings and debt (here’s where that retirement deduction comes in).

- Next, track everything. Use a spreadsheet, a [financial app](https://www.youneedabudget.com/), a [financial planner](https://www.sofi.com/zola/)—whatever will keep you and your spouse set on your new budget. And, when we say everything, we mean it. If you don’t count or track small expenses here and there, they add up—and your budget will suffer.

- Last, adjust regularly. Set up time every month or quarter to review how things are going. You’ll likely need to make changes every few months to adjust for the changes in your life. This is fine and normal. Just make sure you’re both always on the same page about any alterations. 

Budgeting isn’t fun but it can mean fun later. Tackling the tough stuff upfront can help seal your fate for a financially happy future.

Budgeting

How to Start Joint Budgeting As a Newlywed Couple

Weddings signify the start of a life together as a married couple—and that reality sets in as soon as you move in together. Between waking up next to your spouse every day, cooking meals together and [decorating a shared space](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-get-most-out-of-your-engagement-photos), living with your partner takes your relationship to the next level. You’re not just dating anymore; you’re married and building a home. 

While it’s true that [more Americans are living together before marriage](https://bedbible.com/length-of-dating-before-marriage-statistics/) today than in the past, there’s still a decent portion of the population who wait to cohabitate until after they say “I do.” If that includes you, read on to learn how to ease the transition from newlyweds to roommates.

![INLINE Unsplash 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6D4vVrR5YInJ4XU6hb8KtN/419b6fefd613bca87c1f0f82e96e270f/INLINE_Unsplash_1080x720.png)
*Photo Credit* // Unsplash

## Consider the timing.
Moving in together for the first time is no casual exercise. Packing up your respective homes and [unloading your belongings in a new place](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-combine-your-things-and-move-in-together) takes time, effort and energy. That’s why you likely want to avoid any heavy lifting during the week of your wedding.

Basically, don’t move in together right before your big day. You’ll likely be dealing with last-minute wedding details. And, you also want to give yourself a few days post-wedding to relax before getting to work.

Depending on whether you are moving into your partner’s home, they are moving into yours, or you’re moving into a new place altogether, think about the most convenient time to do so. Maybe you want to move in right after your honeymoon, or the week after your wedding. Whatever you decide, organization and communication are key.

__Ease the Transition:__ Try to prepare by slowly packing up your items weeks before the move to reduce stress. If your husband or wife is moving into your place, make room for their belongings. Time will also give you both an opportunity to go through your things and decide what will come into your shared home, and what won’t. 

## Get ready to learn new things about your spouse.
You may have been together for years, but when you move in with your spouse for the first time, you learn things about them you didn’t know before—both good and bad.

You might soon discover, for example, just how often they leave dirty dishes in the sink. Or your partner may come to realize that your long hair really does clog every bathroom drain… oops. 

Schedules may not perfectly align either. You might prefer to wake up at 6 a.m. and head to the gym, while your spouse works on their computer until midnight. As with so many newlywed matters: the key is open communication. 

__Ease the Transition:__ If something starts to bother you, talk about it. This is the first time the two of you have shared a home together, so it’s understandable there may be an adjustment period. You also need to be prepared to meet in the middle. 

## Talk money.
Money is a huge part of any relationship, and [couples need to be on the same page when it comes to finances](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/to-dos-after-you-get-engaged). Between bills, paying off a mortgage, and household expenses, moving in with a spouse comes with a bunch of financial responsibilities.

__Ease the transition:__ It’s important to talk about money openly, honestly and regularly. Ideally, before moving in together, you should have a conversation about your financial status: 
  - Are you bringing debt into the relationship? 
  - What are your financial goals? 
  - Should you open a [joint bank account](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/joint-bank-account) to split costs or jointly save for retirement?

When it comes to paying bills on time, a shared Google calendar can help both of you keep track of who is paying what and when. 

## Divide responsibilities. 
If one of you enjoys doing laundry while the other can’t stand folding, lean into your strengths and divvy up household duties based on them. For chores that neither of you enjoys, like cleaning the bathroom, for example, take turns. 

The goal with dividing responsibilities is not to keep a tally of how much each person is contributing, but rather to ensure that the important things are getting done and you’re both happy with the way the household is running. 

__Ease the Transition:__ Clear responsibilities also help field any resentment. Of course you need to work as teammates and take on additional tasks from time to time, but having a clear idea of who typically handles what is important. 

## Make your house your home. 
Fill your place with photos of you as a couple, hang art that you like, and decorate in a way that feels natural to both of you. You want to create a home that is a reflection of your relationship. 

It’s also important to create your own traditions and celebrate milestones, like your first holiday season as a married couple. 

__Ease the Transition:__ Hosting a housewarming party is a great way to welcome loved ones into your new space. 

![INLINE Unsplash 1080x720 (3)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5oaa0EYMMqVrzgm8T3Wsd/df99ef205b3fe944fafb7c3dc2fe3364/INLINE__Unsplash_1080x720__3_.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Unsplash

## Communicate openly. 
After living together for a few months you’ll learn what makes you tick—and when to pick your battles. It’s easy to become annoyed when you come home and the place is a mess, but before starting an argument, try to communicate what bothers you and why. 

If you’re used to living alone, suddenly having someone around 24/7 can take some time getting used to. While you’re obviously over the moon to be living with your spouse, every person has their boundaries and needs downtime. It’s OK to want to spend time alone or feel the need to get out of the house. 

__Ease the Transition:__ Talking openly also means discussing the not-so-fun stuff, like what should happen to your shared property if someone dies, for example. While these situations are often hypothetical, it’s important to be on the same page. 

Now that you’re married and living together, you’ll also want to have life insurance and a will. (For a full list of things you should do as a newlywed, [read here](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/10-things-you-should-do-as-a-newlywed).)

## Schedule date nights.
Just because you’re now married and living together doesn’t mean you should stop scheduling quality bonding time. It’s very easy to let date night fall to the wayside after a busy week at work, especially when watching a movie on the couch is so tempting. 

Make an effort to be present. Even when you and your spouse are together, be sure that you’re not both scrolling on your phones. 

__Ease the Transition:__ Quality time means living in the moment and doing something enjoyable. Sign up for a couples’ cooking class or check out a new band. Whatever you decide to do for date night, make sticking to those plans a priority. 

Moving in with your spouse for the first time can be a shock for both parties. Living with anyone has a learning curve, but the pressure is even higher to make it work with someone you just said “I do” to. 

With a lot of love, a bit of compromise, and some of the tips we outlined above, living with your spouse can be the happiest time of your life. 

bride and groom celebrate wedding day outside

First Year Anniversary Gifts That Make Paper Feel Special

Here's How To Build Your Best-Ever Newlywed Budget

Wedding Insurance Resources for the Happy Couple

Are You Ready For A Joint Bank Account?

7 Tips for Moving in Together After Marriage 

Getting married is signing up to share your life with your partner. While parts of the whole “sharing your life” thing are symbolic, others are real and quite tangible—namely moving in together.

If you don’t already live together, moving in together is the start of [planning your future as newlyweds](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding-on-a-budget). And it’s no small feat. After all, you’re literally coming together to share your lives and your living space—and all the kitchen utensils, throw pillows, and electronics that go with it.

It doesn’t have to be stressful, though, even if you’re both bursting with home goods. Here’s how to combine your things and move in together as simply as possible.  

## Take inventory of your stuff…
First things first, you need to take stock of what you both have. Chances are you both have a lot of the same things. It’s a waste of time to pack and move two sets of anything you don’t need two sets of. Take an inventory of everything in your current living space and have your partner do the same. 

Then, get together, compare lists, and look for opportunities to either sell or donate duplicate items you won’t need now that you’re moving in together. Here are a few examples of larger items you both might have:
- [Kitchen appliances](https://homestore.zola.com/shop/category/kitchen) (microwave, Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, Toaster)
- [Large Electronics](https://homestore.zola.com/shop/category/electronics-and-gadgets) (television, desktop computer, sound system/speakers)
- [Lighting](https://homestore.zola.com/shop/category/lighting)
- [Large Furniture](https://homestore.zola.com/shop/category/furniture) (couch, recliner, end tables, dining table and chairs)
- [Decorative Items](https://homestore.zola.com/shop/category/decor) (bar cart, small and large rugs, planters)

You don’t want to start your new life in your new space bogged down by too much stuff—plus, again, why move all that extra stuff anyway? (Bonus: this is also a great way to figure out [what to add to your registry](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-registry-checklist) if you're not already married!)

Now, there might be some duplicate items that you want to keep—and that’s totally fine! For example, if you and your SO both have TVs, you might want to keep them both. Use one in your new bedroom and one in the living room or another common space. Just make sure that you’re actually going to use both items.

![Zola Inlineimage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2Aqhlpxai2P9p1AvoMNnkx/dbc28564643608b124cb1553e17985a5/Zola_Inlineimage_1080x720.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Zola

## ...and of your space.
Before you move in together, you and your SO have to take inventory of your stuff—but you also need to take inventory of your space. There’s a limit to how much stuff can fit into any space. So before you decide who is bringing what, it’s important to evaluate your new home and figure out what there’s actually room for—and what items might need to be left behind.

For example, you might love your king-sized bed, but if your new bedroom is smaller than your current digs, bring your partner’s queen. Then, sell or donate your mattress and bed frame. Once you know how much room you’re working with, choose the items that make the most sense within the space.

### How to Decide Between Duplicates
One of the challenges of combining stuff is deciding whose stuff stays and whose goes. Some items will prove easy to decide between, but others not so much. When the answer’s not clear, consider the following:

- __Size:__ Which item is going to fit best in your space and with your other furniture? Bigger isn’t always better.
- __Condition:__ Is one item newer than the other? Is one more dinged up than the other? A newer appliance may last longer than a well-loved one. 
- __Quality:__ Is one of the items a higher-quality brand or known to last longer than the other brand? Take the nicer knives.

![Zola InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7iAEqrHK58sKTFUEEfXoSH/3afed75740d7e58b5728e482b9aa4def/Zola_InlineImage_1080x720_.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Zola

## Make space for each other.
A new home is an opportunity for both of you to make it your own. However, if one of you is moving into the other’s space, it can be a bit more challenging for you both to claim ownership. So, make space for each other.

If your SO is moving into your place, make sure you put in the extra effort to make them feel at home—and let them know that it’s no longer “your” place, but “our” place. Clear out space in the closet. Swap out some of your furniture so your SO has room to bring some of their own pieces. Rearrange your layout together so you both have a sense of ownership of the space. If you’re the one making the move into your partner’s home, ask for those same things. 

The most important thing is to make sure you both feel at home—regardless of who’s home it was first.

## Prepare to compromise.
No matter how in sync you and your partner are, there’s going to be at least an item or two in each of your respective homes that the other isn’t thrilled about. Enter: compromise.

Everyone has things they love or attach sentimental value to. So, you and your partner both need to be willing to compromise on at least a few of those things for each other. For example, you might not love comic books, but if your partner has been collecting comics since they were a kid, it’s important to make space in your new home for them to display their collection (it doesn’t have to be the living room).

Compromise is part of any happy, healthy marriage—and if you can compromise with your partner on the items that are meaningful to them (even if those items mean nothing to you), it will make the process of combining your things and moving in together a lot smoother.

## Take a break.
No matter how excited you are to be moving in together, it’s a stressful process. So, take regular breaks. If you find yourself growing agitated when your SO takes up too much closet space or your partner seems snappier than usual, press pause and do something else. 

Hit your favorite spot for dinner, go for a walk, or find another way to take a breather and disconnect. The point is, moving is inherently taxing. If you don’t want the stress to feel overwhelming, it’s important to step away every once in a while and spend some time with your partner (away from all the boxes that still need to be packed/unpacked).

## Happy moving!
Combining your things and moving in together can be tricky. Employ these tips and try your best to stay calm and composed. You’ll be happily moved, the perfect amount of stuff in tow, before you know it.


How to Combine Your Things and Move In Together

In the last decade, taking professional engagement photos has become a rite of passage for newly engaged couples, earning a place in the standard __[Wedding Planning Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist)__ alongside __[choosing a caterer](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)__ or tasting __[cakes](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)__. We love that more and more couples are taking advantage of this new tradition, using their favorite places as engagement photo locations (whether that’s the streets of New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the stunning backdrop of a National Park, or a more laid-back spot, like a favorite coffee shop) and taking the opportunity to showing off their engagement ring and celebrate their upcoming nuptials.

In fact, engagement photography has become so popular that it’s not uncommon for a wedding photographer to include an engagement photo shoot in their wedding photography packages (essentially turning them into an engagement photographer for the day!)

But while your engagement portraits will most likely end up on Mom and Dad’s mantle (next to your eventual wedding photos!), it seems silly to spend serious dollars on capturing the best engagement photo—and not then take full advantage of the gorgeous engagement pictures that result from your shoot.

![95da8801-a3dc-42f5-a11f-3cc897f7b810](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/42JzPSMsAMDrOKufTUkpwC/50063c1afb84fcf2c787e73a1b0f86da/95da8801-a3dc-42f5-a11f-3cc897f7b810.jpeg)

So how can you get more bang for your buck? Using inspiration from our constantly growing collection of __[real weddings](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)__ and our own wedding design expertise, we’ve brainstormed a list of creative ways you can include your engagement photos throughout your wedding day and weekend. Grab a pen—you’re gonna want to take notes.

## 1. Save the Dates
Your __[save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)__ are your first formal opportunity to announce your upcoming nuptials—which makes them a great place to feature your engagement pictures. (Not sure which photos would work best on your save the dates? Be sure to check out our post on __[how to select the best engagement pics](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/engagement-party-invite-ideas?_branch_match_id=link-730486370481420071)__ for your wedding paper suite.)

## 2. Wedding Guest Book

Create a [Guest Book](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/artifactuprising_wedding_guest_book) of the images you love the most from your engagement session. Make sure to leave lots of white space around the photos for guests to leave their best wishes. Pro tip: head on over to Zola’s store to shop for [Artifact Uprising](https://www.zola.com/shop/brand/artifact-uprising) custom photo books, which are some of the loveliest and most eco-friendly photo books on the planet.

![ChristyMcKeePhotography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6f3OJl87DSoNBN82iuMw8D/617b046c288c1b39ac6b19942f89866f/ChristyMcKeePhotography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Christy McKee Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

![FaythPhotography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6NsVMZpAc5rrTmG7eTJUAk/ca60bfbaa36c93bac6e6ab0a3d837b5b/FaythPhotography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Fayth Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

Or, if you want to think outside the box (er, book?) for your guest book, turn your photos into giant jigsaw puzzle pieces for guests to sign. When you piece it all back together, you’ll have a gorgeous photo of you two covered with sweet wishes—if that isn’t frameable, then really, what is?

![ValerieCoPhotogs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6Ack48nGgQYXiJr9BT1U6R/98330a959edecfac382b19f404859da7/ValerieCoPhotogs.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Valerie & Co. Photographers](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

## Wedding Websites

Your [free wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) on Zola is practically begging for some engagement photos! With over 100 stunning template designs to choose from, you have literally hundreds of options when selecting your Zola wedding website, and practically every one would look 10x better personalized with some professional-quality engagement shots. Guests will also appreciate seeing more recent images of you and your beloved, all aglow with that engagement joy.

![peak 680x1150-1](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/37mFEHoI9NSfG9UAYhx8Hn/2a31fca8779095d49130c1f56588997a/peak_680x1150-1.jpg)

## 4. Social Media
[Social media](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/9-savvy-ways-to-use-social-media-at-your-wedding?_branch_match_id=link-730486368425751914) platforms like Instagram and Facebook were designed as a way to share photos. So it makes perfect sense that you would share your engagement photos there!

Once your engagement pictures are ready, choose your favorites and share them with friends and family on social media. You can even use your engagement photos as a way to introduce your [wedding hashtag](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/9-easy-ways-to-create-your-wedding-hashtag)!

## 5. Table Décor or Signage
Wedding venues are another great place to showcase the snaps from your engagement shoot; in fact, engagement photos make for great table signs at your reception. Incorporate them alongside the table name or number, either in a frame or through some other creative use (like poking out of the top of a wine bottle, below). Another creative idea: use your engagement session to take photos at your favorite spots, then name tables after those locations and use the corresponding photos in the table signs.

![LennonPhoto](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1oQ2fI9yxpQxfjgADsmaUC/3dfa3b8830e43ed83b4dbb097e5d3760/LennonPhoto.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Lennon Photo](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

## 6. Photo Booth Props

Blow up individual images of you and your partner, mount them on foam board, and *voila!* Instant [photo booth](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/diy-photo-booth) props. Guests will love posing with the guests of honor.

![a-muse-photography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6NUYBsDy1ooJGIWAs8GiNb/5c62b8d23b85266b9a1df3bc2bbac494/a-muse-photography.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [A Muse Photography](http://www.amusephotography.com/)*

## 7. Ceremony Programs

Just like with your save the dates and wedding invitations, your ceremony programs (or really, any printed items) are like a blank canvas just waiting for a few of your favorite engagement photos. If you’re designing and printing your ceremony programs yourself, find a template online and let your beautiful faces provide all the decorative embellishment you need.

## 8. Reception Décor

Your engagement photos can be used for all kinds of reception décor, in just about any place or any way that you could think of to use a photograph. Here are a few of our ideas:

- Create a photo slideshow to project onto a screen or blank wall in your cocktail hour space. (Be sure to ask your venue if they have all the necessary equipment, and bring your own if necessary).
- Frame a handful of your favorites and place them on a table with your seating chart to ensure every guest takes a peek before the reception.
- Hang individual photo prints from balloons and group them in masses over the dance floor, the bar, buffet table, as a backdrop for a photo booth… really anywhere.
- Cover the inside lid of a small vintage suitcase for guests to place cards inside.
- Make a DIY photo table runner by printing 8×10 photos in black and white (for a uniformed look), then gluing or double-side taping them together in an overlapping pattern.
- Similarly, cover a gift table or a cake/dessert table in a collage of your engagement photos, covered with a glass top.
- Decorate an otherwise empty space in your reception venue with a personalized gallery wall: print several of your favorite engagement photos on large canvases, add some pin-spot lights for dramatic effect, and soak in the art gallery vibes.

## 9. Wedding Favors and Welcome Bags

If you’re leaving wedding welcome bags to greet your guests at their hotels, make the message extra personal by attaching a photo from your engagement shoot to the bags along with a short note.

![TashaOwenPhotog](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3HQc2iXNhHmZcRhMRuGW7I/c9feb76ccba480c4c3c1bb65a9c9a643/TashaOwenPhotog.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [Tasha Owen Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

You can also include your engagement photos into any customizable wedding favors: think keychains, matchboxes, magnets, etc. Just imagine: morph your mugs into actual mugs! Or simply create stickers from your favorite engagement snap, and stick them to water bottles, treat bags, wine bottles, gift boxes… you get the picture. (Literally?)

![LanaRowePhotography](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5uRcYq3EIUkci3qBOzJr23/9af2a0c176c260b215b7ff3a5580ffb4/LanaRowePhotography.jpg)

*Photo Credit ||[ Lana Rowe Photography](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

## 10. Wedding Postage

Remember those custom photo stickers we just talked about? Use them to seal your wedding invitation envelopes or your [thank-you cards](https://www.zola.com/blog/wedding-planning/wedding-thank-you-note-etiquette/). You can also turn any photograph into a custom stamp—meaning your wedding invitation envelopes have no excuse to not look hella fancy.

## 11. Holiday Cards
If you snapped fall engagement photos, you may have time before the holidays to include your engagement photos on your holiday cards. Sending out holiday cards with your partner—and featuring your engagement pics—is a great way to kick off your life as a soon-to-be-married couple. (If the next holiday season isn’t until after your big day? Send a holiday card featuring a wedding photo instead.)

## 12. Wedding Cake Topper
Why settle for miniature imitations of yourselves when you could decorate your cake with the real deal? Print a few engagement photos Polaroid-style and use them to create a funky DIY cake topper. We’ve seen couples arrange and slightly overlap the photos so that they look like they’re kissing on top of their cake…aww.

![TheGirlTyler](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/x73guLJuxMZufPHZLOzlJ/a0d3ec248ae0b74e32c90f54ee6bab88/TheGirlTyler.jpg)

*Photo Credit || [The Girl Tyler](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search)*

## Extra Recommendations From Zola
One final suggestion when it comes to making the most of your engagement photos: we suggest that you schedule your [hair and makeup](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/hair-and-makeup-ideas-for-engagement-photos) trial a few hours before your engagement session. You’ll knock out two birds with one stone, and you and your partner will undoubtedly look stunning for your Kodak moment. 

Looking for more insights into [how to take more authentic engagement photos](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-take-authentic-engagement-photos)? Or maybe you’re looking for a few __[winter engagement photo](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/winter-engagement-photo-shoot-ideas)__ ideas or inspiration for [what to wear for your engagement photos](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-wear-for-your-engagement-photos)? Whatever you need, Zola has you covered! explore more resources from Zola!

- __Change__ the current CTA for [this](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-take-authentic-engagement-photos) one, since it fits more with what is being talked about in the conclusion paragraph.

Add the CTA information to the new H2: __Extra Recommendations From Zola__

table with decoration pieces and Engagement Photo frame

Getting Engaged

12 Ways to Get The Most Out of Your Engagement Photos

Parties + Events

*Want to keep track of your wedding budget? [Try our free budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) with payment reminders and tips on how much to spend.*

With[ wedding costs averaging at $29K](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding) , it can feel like an impossible task for some couples to plan a wedding on a budget. That said, we have some good news: it can be done. Countless couples have incredible weddings every year without sacrificing on style or going over budget, and you can do it, too. All it takes is planning ahead and a little savvy regarding your big day.

Though this may initially come across as intimidating or complicated, we at Zola have the best advice to guide you during the process of wedding budgeting. Read on below for our top tips when it comes to planning your special day on a wedding budget. We may even be able to help you save money along the way. 

## 1. Set Your Budget
The first step to planning your wedding on a [budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget) is figuring out what your budget actually is.

First thing’s first: Determine who is paying for the wedding. More often than not, the to-be-wed couple, themselves, takes on the task of footing the bill. This may be out of pocket or via personal loan. Before taking a single step forward with planning, ask yourselves if this—or an alternative—will be the case for you. Are either (or both) of your families helping? How much does everyone plan to contribute?

Next, [crunch the numbers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-start-creating-a-wedding-budget-right-now) to figure out your total spending limit. Put together what you’re comfortable with and able to spend and how much anyone else is going to contribute and not a dollar more. Be [realistic](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-a-wedding-budget-thats-realistic-for-you), while also remaining optimistic. It’s never a good idea to acquire debt while paying for your wedding—stick to a budget amount that doesn’t require loans or credit card charges that you cannot repay within a few months’ time. The longer it takes for you to pay off a loan, the more interest you will end up paying on top of initial costs.

Here’s how most couples set their wedding budget breakdown. (Note that this totals over 100%, as not everyone will include every category in their wedding).

Here’s how most couples divide up their wedding budget breakdown. (Note that this totals over 100%, as not everyone will include every category in their wedding expenses).

- __Wedding venue:__ 24%

- __Catering:__ 18%

- __Photography:__ 7%

- __Videography:__ 5%

- __Flowers:__ 8%

- __Entertainment:__ 9%

- __Hair and makeup:__ 2%

- __Cake and/or dessert:__ 2%

- __Officiant:__ 1%

- __Stationary (save the dates, wedding invitations, thank you cards):__ 3%

- __Wedding dress, suit, or other attire:__ 7%

- __Wedding planner:__ 6%

- __Rentals:__ 5%

- __Transportation:__ 2%

However, this is more of a general guideline than anything. Your priorities will likely shift these numbers at least a little bit. 

## 2. Trim Your Guest list
After you set your budget, begin to build your guest list. While we understand that you might want to invite many people to your celebration, bear in mind that the more people you invite, the more you spend. Conversely, for smaller weddings, you tend to spend less. Here are a few tricks to help you trim your guest list:

1. __Break down your list into A and B lists.__ The A list should include people who are the most important to you and whose presence would make your day feel completel. The B list should include anyone whom you would like to invite, but could be removed from the guest list if you need to trim totals.

2. __Host an adults-only wedding.__ Even if you love children, excluding kids from your guest list will help reduce your overall costs.

3. __Limit +1s.__ Reserve +1s for guests who are married or in a long-term relationship. 

## 3. Research Average Costs
The [average cost of a wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding) and vendor prices vary a lot by location. For example, a [wedding florist in Los Angeles, CA](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/los-angeles-ca--wedding-florists) might be less expensive compared to vendors in Boston, MA or Tampa, FL. [Do a little research](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search) to figure out typical costs in your area and what percentage of your total budget should be allocated to the vendors you absolutely need to pull off your wedding day. A lot of couples experience sticker shock when they receive price quotes from vendors. Knowing what to expect will help you stay within budget and let you start to hone in on areas where you might be able to cut costs. 

## 4. Determine Your Priorities
Speaking of cutting costs, a great way to scale back on spending is to figure out what’s important to you as a couple and prioritize those areas. For example, your wedding day vision might place great food as a focal point. In that case, set aside a larger portion of your budget for booking a [wedding caterer](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search) with a great reputation. On the other hand, if live music isn’t going to make or break your ideal celebration, you can explore DIY options like creating your own playlist and broadcasting it over a speaker using a laptop or cell phone.

We recommend that you and your partner each list your top three priorities for the wedding day separately, and then come together to discuss your lists. This will give you the opportunity to think about what’s most important to you without influencing each other, after which you can begin to talk through how you will allocate your wedding funds. 

## 5. Cut Costs Where You Can
A common strategy for couples planning a wedding on a budget is to think outside of the box. Here are a few ways you might find you’re able to save some money:

- __Explore non-traditional wedding venues.__ Think restaurants, breweries, public libraries, museums, or summer camps.. Non-traditional venues are likely to cost you less than your traditional hotel lawn and ballroom.

- __Host your wedding ceremony and/or wedding reception at home.__ Likewise, if you have enough space, consider having a beautifully personal wedding at your very own home. If you have loved ones with more space (say, a large backyard), you can also keep those in mind—with their permission, of course. Doing this or similar can save you tons of money on venue costs.

- __Buy used whenever you can.__ Now, more than ever, is the time to go thrifting or vintage shopping. If you’re skilled in the area of DIY, this is an opportunity to upcycle and create some beautiful, unique decor. Think seating, centerpieces, linens, dinnerware, and decor. You can even thrift or purchase gently used bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen attire. Similarly, don’t forget to consider rentals.

- __Ask your wedding party, talented friends, and family for help.__ Likewise, if you happen to have any skilled friends or family, try asking them for some help. Odds are they’ll be thrilled to have some help in your special day. Just don’t request that they take on the job of a wedding vendor (musician, photographer, etc.), as they should be a guest at your wedding.

- __Have a small wedding cake or alternative dessert.__ Though we love a grand wedding cake, they’ve fallen a bit out of Vogue. This is great news for those on a budget, who can easily afford a more minimalistic cake or alternative dessert, such as cupcakes or doughnuts.

- __Look outside of traditional wedding attire.__ Who says you have to wear a bridal gown or tuxedo to your wedding? If you’d prefer to wear something that feels a bit less traditional, go for it. Odds are it won’t be nearly as expensive.

- __Send digital wedding invitations.__ If your loved ones are more likely to read a text or RSVP while they’re already on their phone, consider sending entirely digital wedding invitations. Not only will this save you money, but it creates less paper waste.

- __Create a Wedding Website.__ Your own wedding website can help you manage RSVPs, share your registry, and get information out to your guests. It, via your registry, can also host a cash fund, which can help you receive gift money for your honeymoon.

- __Host a potluck wedding.__ Family-style meals continue to grow in wedding popularity. Host a truly intimate and community-created wedding by asking each of your guests to bring something they can contribute to the celebratory meal. Think appetizers, mains, sides, drinks, and desserts.

- __Choose an off-season or weekday wedding date.__ Due to not being as in-demand as weekends or peak on-season, you likely won’t be stuck with highly competitive pricing seen during more popular times of year.

- __Limit your bar to beer and wine only.__ Having a limited selection at your bar, rather than an open bar, can drastically cut your alcohol costs. If your guests are likely to be just as satisfied with beer and wine as they would be with a slew of cocktails, there’s no need to include all of the frills.

- __Explore alternatives to fresh flowers for your table decor.__ Your centerpieces and table settings can truly be created out of anything you like—not just your standard wedding flowers. Think potted plants, fruit bowls, stacked books, vintage tea sets, paper flowers, or DIY floral arrangements.

- __Repurpose ceremony decor at the reception.__ Think aisle markers that can double as centerpieces or a floral arch that can be moved to frame the couple’s table. Plenty of decorative accents (florals, candles, etc.) can work for both your ceremony and reception.

- __DIY your ceremony and reception music.__ If you know you and your wedding guests’ music tastes very well, opt to create a DIY playlist. Renting a couple large speakers and hooking them up to a phone or laptop will save you a large sum of money where entertainment costs are concerned.

- __Have a friend of family member officiate the wedding.__ If you aren’t having a religious ceremony, consider asking a friend or family member to officiate your ceremony. In many states in the U.S. they don’t even need to be professionally certified. Plus, it’ll be a lovely experience and memory to look back on.

- __DIY your photo booth.__ Purchase a phone tripod (even better if it has a ring light), DIY a nice backdrop, and you have yourself a homemade, money-saving photo booth that everyone is sure to enjoy.

- __Host a breakfast, brunch, or afternoon wedding.__ Weddings that take place earlier in the day have been gaining immense popularity. In leu of hosting a costly evening affair, consider instead having a garden party brunch or afternoon tea. This is likely to save you money on your venue and food.

- __Skip wedding programs and favors.__ While many wedding extras can be beautiful and have a nice impact, they aren’t really necessary. Make some room in your budget by skipping these smaller details.

## Wedding Budget Breakdown
With all of this information at your fingertips, you may still be desiring some hard numbers. For that reason, we’ve put together a budget breakdown, complete with price ranges for many portions of a wedding.

- Wedding venue: $6,500–$12,000
- Catering: $6,500–$10,000
- Band or DJ: $2,000–$7,000
- Wedding planner: $1,500–$4,750
- Photographer: $3,500–$6,500
- Videographer: $3,000–$6,000
- Flowers: $2,500–$6,000
- Transportation: $700–$1,200
- Cake: $600–$900
- Ceremony music: $500–$800
- Hair and makeup: $550–$850

## Conclusion
The wedding planning process can be overwhelming as it is. Moreover, the discussion of wedding expenses isn’t exactly fun. However, with a little bit of research and some dedication, you can work through your wedding budget and stick to it with ease.

Luckily, you also have us at Zola to help you through it. With our help, you can create your wedding website, registry, and coordinate all of your wedding planning in one convenient place. Not only that, but you can search through a variety of wedding registry gifts—from household items, to gift cards, to cash funds—in our [Shop](https://www.zola.com/shop/collection/new-arrivals).

Your dream wedding is only some hard work (and a few clicks) away.

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Getting Started

How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget

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The Complete Guide to Engagement Ring Insurance

gold wedding band and three diamond eternity wedding bands on a white sequined fabric

A Guide to Wedding Rings

As you investigate the various ways to protect your engagement ring, wedding ring, or other jewelry, you may be questioning your options. Whether through your jeweler, friend, family member, or your own online research, you likely came up with a couple of considerations: a __protection plan__ and __jewelry insurance.__

__Spoiler alert: They are not the same.__

You want to wear your jewelry without worry, knowing you’re covered if something happens. Both a protection plan and jewelry insurance are great to have, but it’s important to understand how the coverages differ. 

Let’s go over some of the things that set protection plans apart from specialty jewelry insurance so you can make a confident decision about how best to protect your special pieces. 

## What does a typical protection plan cover?
- Protection plans may be purchased from your jeweler at the same time as the jewelry purchase and typically covers your jewelry from damage caused by normal wear. This may include damage like a worn prong or a thinning band. 
- You may be able to purchase a protection plan for various time periods, such as 1-year, 3-years, 5-years, or even lifetime. When your plan expires and you want further coverage, you would need to purchase a new plan.
- Protection plans typically do not include loss or theft. 

## What does jewelry insurance cover?
- A stand-alone policy from a [specialty jewelry insurer like the Jewelers Mutual Group ](http://www.jewelersmutual.com/protectzola "Jewelers Mutual")may be mentioned by your jeweler as an option to consider but is the coverage you would purchase directly through the insurer, not with your jeweler. 
- Specialized jewelry insurance includes more comprehensive coverage to protect your jewelry from perils such as loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance.
- Accidents like cracking your stone on the edge of a table, [leaving your ring on a beach towel](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/where-you-can-and-cant-wear-your-engagement-ring), or just not having a clue where you left your necklace would all be covered with jewelry insurance.
- Jewelry insurance policies typically are 12-month renewable policies with the premium paid annually.

## Couldn't I purchase both?
Jewelry owners may purchase both a protection plan for routine maintenance along with a jewelry insurance policy for comprehensive coverage that extends beyond the protection plan coverage for maximum protection. 

Remember to check with your jeweler for any complimentary services they may provide to keep your ring and other jewelry sparkling like new. Whether you have a protection plan, insurance or both, it’s recommended you visit your jeweler at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and inspection. Your jeweler will be able to examine your ring with an expert eye to ensure it’s in good condition.

For more information about specialty jewelry insurance from Jewelers Mutual, visit: [JewelersMutual.com](http://www.jewelersmutual.com/protectzola "Jewelers Mutual")

Insurance

Specialty Jewelry Insurance Vs. Protection Plans: What Do I Need?

There is so much that goes into planning a wedding. For months, couples are busy with events like [engagement photoshoots](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-wear-for-your-engagement-photos), [showers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/invite-to-wedding-shower), vendor meetings, and [wedding dress shopping](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what's-your-wedding-dress-style); crafty tasks like designing save-the-dates and choosing wedding decor, and planning wedding-related events, like the [post-wedding brunch](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/fun-post-wedding-brunch-invitation-ideas) or [mini-moon](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-mini-moon).

So, once the big day is over—and, along with it, all the wedding planning busyness—many [newlyweds](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/to-dos-after-you-get-engaged) find themselves dealing with a case of the post-wedding blues. After months of crossing off wedding checklist tasks and building excitement, the weeks after the wedding can feel a little empty—and can be seriously challenging to your mental health.

Don’t worry! If you’re feeling a little sad post-wedding, it’s important to recognize that you’re not alone; the post wedding blues are it’s super common. And luckily, there are ways to cheer yourself up, enjoy married life, and channel all that wedding-related time and energy into something new, exciting, and positive.

![INLINE RowlandPhotography 1080x720 Amanda&Mike](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7uHdGOdaUM368SoqmpxrW1/bd3ff435f521a70a3f5c9fc9f18727a3/INLINE_RowlandPhotography_1080x720_Amanda_Mike.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Rowland Photography

## Why do couples experience the post-wedding blues?
For many, the process of planning a wedding can be a consuming process. The appointments, the phone calls, [the fittings](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-dress-alterations), the seating charts … it’s like all wedding, all the time—often for months at a time. Then, the big day comes and POOF! All of a sudden, this event that’s been occupying all of your time, energy, and headspace is over.

According to Ohio-based licensed professional counselor (and new bride) Sarah Thompson, that sudden transition can be jarring for many. “It may sound outlandish, but this is a loss—and what we are experiencing is grief,” she says.

There’s also a neurological component at play. For many couples, their wedding day is one of the happiest and most joyful of their life. “When we experience joy and happiness our bodies are producing serotonin, dopamine … [and] other endorphins,” Thompson says. “The problem is when our brain experiences an overabundance of these chemicals, it tells our body to stop producing them.”

So, essentially, after the wedding day surge, some will actually have a slowdown in the production of all those feel-good endorphins. This can lead to feelings of sadness or depression, AKA the post-wedding blues.

## How To Beat The Post-Wedding Blues
Clearly, the post-wedding blues is a real phenomenon. So, you’ll have to put real energy into coming back from the emotional downfall. 

### 1. Feel your feelings.
If you’re feeling sad after your “I do’s,” you might be tempted to push those sad feelings down and put on a happy face. (You did just get married, after all.) But if you really want to move past the post-wedding blues, that’s definitely not the way to do it.

Acknowledging that you’re feeling the blues in the first place is a good first step. “These feelings need to be acknowledged, felt, talked about, and worked through or they’ll find their way out in some way,” Thompson says.

Pretending you’re not sad isn’t actually going to make you feel better. In fact, it could make you feel worse. If you’re sad, allow yourself to feel sad. If you want to cry, give yourself space to cry. Feeling your feelings—even the unpleasant ones—is a must if you want to work through them.

### 2. Take care of yourself.
According to Thompson, self-care is one of the best antidotes to the post-wedding blues.

Carve out time to do the things that make you feel your best, whether that’s getting a monthly massage, kicking off your mornings with a yoga class, or scheduling a mani/pedi date with your BFF or partner. The more time and energy you [invest in self-care](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-handle-overbearing-parents-when-wedding-planning), the better you’ll feel—and the better you’ll be able to fight those post-wedding blues.

If you’re not used to the concept of self-care, this is the perfect time to get on board. Not only will developing a self-care routine help you combat your post-wedding blues, but when you take good care of yourself, it allows you to better show up for the people in your life—including your new spouse. “We need to make time and make [ourselves] a priority. We aren’t our best selves for others when we do not participate in some sort of self-care routine,” Thompson says.

### 3. Enjoy your marriage.
With so much time and energy spent on the wedding, it can be easy to forget what’s really important in the long-term—and that’s your marriage.

Focus on the post-wedding excitement that comes with getting to be married to your partner. “The best way I have found to channel my time and energy [post-wedding] has been taking time to enjoy just being married,” Thompson says. “Going to dinner or the movies, taking a short trip somewhere, focusing just on the two of us.”

Your wedding was one of the best days of your life—but there are plenty more “best days” ahead in your marriage. So focus on enjoying them with your partner.

![INLINE JoshRigsbyPhotography 1080x720 Sarah&Haley](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/LCVolymWAbTN8PKX9QY1V/a7028984537ca4c89725d5aa29f0774d/INLINE_JoshRigsbyPhotography_1080x720_Sarah_Haley.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Josh Rigsby Photography

### 4. Plan fun events with your partner.
Wedding planning takes up so much time and energy—but knowing that you have your wedding to look forward to makes it all worth it.

But when your wedding is over, not only do you all of a sudden have all that free time and energy back, but you also don’t have your big day to look forward to anymore. It can feel like a bit of a let down.

Luckily, you can remedy that feeling by putting your time and energy into creating new things to look forward to with your partner—or, in other words, filling your calendar with fun events. For example, you and your partner might take turns planning bi-weekly date nights—or you might dedicate some time and effort to planning an anniversary trip to celebrate your first year of marriage. 

The point is, you spent a lot of time planning and looking forward to your wedding—and if you want to beat the post-wedding blues, you should start planning and looking forward to other things with your spouse.

### 5. Take a break from social media.
Social media is a great place to share your wedding photos and preserve those memories for years to come. But if you’ve been spending hours every day scrolling through your wedding photos and feeling sad, it may be time to take a step back from your social media accounts.

Commit to taking a break from social media—or, if that’s unrealistic, limiting the time you spend looking at your wedding photos. Then, repurpose that time into something that makes you happy—whether that’s taking a daily walk with your partner or tackling a new hobby.

It doesn’t have to be forever, but while you’re experiencing the post-wedding blues, taking a step back from social media (and all the wedding photos that live there!) can be a great step in supporting your mental health.

## Starting a new project? Proceed with caution.
If your instinct is to replace wedding planning with another major project (like launching a new business or [getting a puppy](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/8-ways-to-keep-family-involved-in-wedding-traditions-during-the-ceremony)), it could be a great way to channel your time and energy, but proceed with caution.

“Jumping into a new big project could be fine for some, and counter-productive for others,” Thompson says. “A new, exciting project could be a great way to … be excited about the future. When this could be counterproductive, though, is when it’s being used as a distraction to our feelings or a sole means to solve the problem [of post-wedding blues].”

So, if you’re making major life changes like buying a new home or looking for a new job because it’s something you truly want, it can be a great way to transition to your new post-wedding life. But if you’re doing it just because you need to build a new life to fill the void left by wedding planning or to avoid your feelings of post-wedding sadness? Not the best idea.

## Still struggling? Ask for help.
The post-wedding blues is a completely normal experience that plenty of brides and grooms experience. If you find that you can’t shake your sadness—or it’s getting in the way of living your life and enjoying your marriage—make sure to reach out and ask for help.

“If these feelings just will not subside, it’s best not to ignore them—there could be something more going on,” Thompson says. “Talk to your physician or make an appointment with a local therapist.”

Best Ways To Start Saving For Your First Home Together

Post-Wedding Blues Are Real—Here's 5 Ways to Beat Them

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How Spouses Can Shop For Life Insurance

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Whether you’re shopping for homeowners insurance for the first time or swapping out one policy for another, you want coverage that suits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

Most mortgage companies require that you purchase homeowners insurance before closing on your house or condo. If you’re a first time home-buyer, choosing the right insurance company and policy may seem like an insurmountable task, which is where we come in.

Before you shop, make sure you’re [familiar with what homeowners insurance is](https://policygenius.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=120&aff_id=1582&redirect_slug=homeowners-insurance/what-is-homeowners-insurance); figure out if you want to shop yourself or go through a broker; gather all the necessary information and paperwork; compare and select a policy; and lastly, choose a billing plan and sign.

## Step 1: What type of homeowners insurance am I shopping for?

When you shop for your homeowners insurance policy, you should know [what type of coverage you need](https://policygenius.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=120&aff_id=1582&redirect_slug=homeowners-insurance/how-much-homeowners-insurance-do-i-need) and how much of each component you’ll need in order to make sure all your stuff is covered. The following components are in every standard homeowners insurance policy, commonly referred to as an HO3, and having an idea of how much coverage you need for each of these will make you a more prepared shopper.

### Figure out your home’s replacement cost and personal property value

Every HO3 policy has [hazard insurance coverage](https://www.policygenius.com/homeowners-insurance/what-is-hazard-insurance/). Hazard insurance is the bulk of your policy and covers your home (dwelling coverage), your stuff (personal property coverage), and helps you relocate and pay for temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable (loss of use coverage).

Here’s how you determine coverage for each of these components:
- Dwelling coverage: In order to figure out your policy limit for dwelling coverage, you need to first figure out the build price of your home. This is the amount it would cost for a full rebuild and is otherwise known as your home’s replacement value. If you recently bought the home and don't have prior policies to reference it's rebuild price, be sure to consult contractors, builders, installers and roofing companies, and get replacement cost estimates for your flooring, cabinetry and appliances, roofing, and your house’s exterior. Besides the do-it-yourself approach, you could also opt to hire an independent appraiser to give your home a thorough inspection.
- Personal property coverage: To figure out a policy limit for your personal property, you may want to take an inventory of all of your personal belongings inside the home, value it, and calculate what it would cost to repair or replace your stuff if they’re damaged, destroyed, or stolen by a covered loss. Like dwelling coverage, you can also reference prior policies if your inventory hasn't changed all that much, but first time home insurance customers should consider taking a proper inventory.
- Loss-of-use coverage: Loss of use coverage is typically a fixed amount – 20% of your dwelling coverage, and policy limits for loss of use are set accordingly.

### Figure out your liability and medical payments coverage

Deciding on your liability coverage is a little less time-consuming, as it’s suggested you just opt for the limit suggested to you by your insurer. But if you only have the house for you and yourself and don't have many investments, other property, or assets, you may be okay with a lower liability coverage limit.

Medical payments coverage should be enough to cover guests’ hospital bills if they’re injured in your home. Medical payments coverage is generally anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.

### Figure out if you need any additional coverage

If you live in an area susceptible to floods or earthquakes, you may be required to add flood and earthquake insurance. That’s because a standard homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover perils like floods, earthquakes, and mold. Luckily, all three of those perils can be covered with add-ons, or floaters, to your policy.

You should also consider water backup coverage to protect against water damage as a result of bad plumbing or sewage backup; floaters for expensive items such as jewelry not covered under personal property coverage; and an increase in liability coverage using a [personal umbrella policy](https://www.policygenius.com/blog/what-is-an-umbrella-policy/) if you own a pool or have assets worth more than the liability coverage limits in your policy.

## Step 2: Figure out how you want to shop for homeowners insurance

After you’ve studied up and done your homework on homeowners insurance and have a general idea of your coverage needs, you’ll determine whether you want to shop on your own or go through an insurance broker.

### Shopping on your own

If you choose this route, a good thing to keep in mind when evaluating insurers is how they handle the claims process. Some major insurance companies are far better at handling the claims process than others, and you should zero in on this when comparing them, as the single best indicator of home insurance customer satisfaction is the company’s damage estimates. Stay away from insurers who have a reputation for low-balling customers and producing small settlements when you file a claim.

Also try to not limit yourself; the best way to shop for insurance is to cast a wide net so you’re not missing out on any [deals or discounts](https://policygenius.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=120&aff_id=1582&redirect_slug=blog/new-homeowners-save-on-homeowners-insurance-discounts). Having multiple policies to choose from also gives you negotiating leverage if an insurer you’re close to signing with refuses to budge on say, allowing your dog to be covered on the liability portion of your policy; they’re more likely to provide coverage if you can point to a handful of other policies that have no issues with covering your very good pup.

### Shopping through an insurance broker

If you’re not into the do-it-yourself approach, going through a broker is your other option. The advantages of going through a broker, to name a few, is that they’re licensed professionals who understand what to look for and what to avoid in a home insurance company and policy. You’re still responsible as the homeowner and policyholder to provide necessary paperwork and information, but the extent of that isn’t nearly as cumbersome if the broker is ironing out all the fine details for you.

If you have an existing policy that you need canceled or need your new policy added to your mortgage, look no further than Policygenius. Our licensed agents will provide you with the expertise, unbiased coverage recommendations and [help get you signed up](https://policygenius.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=120&aff_id=1582&redirect_slug=homeowners-insurance) for a policy that's effective and [affordable ](https://policygenius.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=120&aff_id=1582&redirect_slug=homeowners-insurance/affordable-homeowners-insurance)for you and your home.

## Step 3: Information you’ll need when you shop

The more details you have about the home, like the interior specs, the more accurate your quote will be. If you’re simply swapping out policies, most of this information will be available on your old policy.

Here’s a rundown of the information you may need to provide to your agent or broker in order for them to produce accurate quote estimates when you apply.

### Home information

- Address of your home: Your home does have an address, right?
- Insurance appraisal: To determine the full rebuild value of the home if it's damaged or destroyed. This can be done by referencing a recent home insurance policy, hiring an appraiser, or hiring roofing companies, contractors, and builders to assess value to individual parts of your home.
- Prior insurance inspection reports: Inspection notes from previous insurers can be helpful in determining a multitude of coverage considerations; if they noted that your plumbing is old and requires water backup coverage, your next insurer may take note of that and quote you on the additional coverage.
- Prior insurance: If you’re buying insurance for the same home you’ve lived in under previous policies, simply provide the broker or agent with your prior insurance policy so they can fetch information like: homes square footage, heating type, age of your roof, plumbing specs, electrical specs and distance from fire departments.
- Lender requirements: Let your broker know if your mortgage lender requires any additional levels of coverage, like flood insurance or water backup coverage.

You’ll also need to list who will be living in the insured home, whether you’ll be renting the home out or not and if you consider the home a primary or secondary residence. For example, if you’re renting it out or use the residence as a home office, your insurance broker may offer suggestions to maximize your [home insurance tax deductions](https://www.policygenius.com/homeowners-insurance/is-homeowners-insurance-tax-deductible/) that are available for rental or home office properties.

### Personal information

- Date of birth: This can help an agent or broker access your insurance history.
- Occupation: Depending on your occupation, you may be eligible for certain discounts or group rates.
- Social Security number: To access your credit history which better informs the rates you’ll be paying.
- Property history: If you haven’t lived at the home you’re seeking coverage for at least two years, you’ll be asked to provide addresses for previous residences.
- Liability questions: Carriers will want to know if you have any pets, trampolines, tree forts, or pools (and whether the pool is above-ground or in-ground, specifically).

## Step 4: Compare quotes and select a policy

After you’ve given your agent all the required information about your home, it’s time to fetch you some quotes and select a home insurance policy. The best practice here is to make sure you and your agent analyze a variety of options so you’re able to do a proper comparison.

### Don’t just look at the price

Cheap is good, there’s no denying that, but when selecting a homeowners insurance policy, cheap doesn’t tell the entire story. In fact, what you may find is the amount you’re quoted isn’t anywhere close to the amount you end up paying.

Say, for instance, the premium for the cheapest policy is a solid $15 less per month than the next affordable policy. Great deal, right? Well, if you do a little digging, you may find that the “cheap” policy is actually full of exclusions and low coverage limits that require additional coverage. Once you’ve accounted for all that to meet your coverage needs, your premiums may end up being far higher than they led you to believe.

Apart from the policy itself, you’ll also want to look into the insurance company’s background. Be sure they’re a financially stable company, read customer reviews and check their ratings with consumer insights companies like A.M. Best and JD Power and Associates, to name a few.

### Questions to ask

Your broker will most likely give you their policy recommendation and provide you with all the information you need before settling on a policy. Once you have one picked out, you’ll want to ask them some questions about your policy.

#### What perils are covered? 
In a standard homeowners insurance policy, also known as an HO3, it will list all the causes of loss or perils that your home and personal items aren’t covered against, but you’ll want to double check and make sure that perils not listed are actually covered and you may want to consider adding additional coverage to cover perils (like water damage, floods, and mold) not covered in a standard HO3. 

[Which of my things are covered?](https://policygenius.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=120&aff_id=1582&redirect_slug=homeowners-insurance/what-does-homeowners-insurance-cover)

You’ll also want to make sure certain property-types and structures that you own – pools, trampolines, tree-houses, air-conditioning units, and other appliances – are covered both in the liability and personal property coverage portions of your policy, or if there are specific conditions where they won’t be covered.

For example, you may only get liability coverage for injuries sustained on your trampoline (or, off your trampoline for that matter…) if you have protective netting around the exterior of the structure.

#### Do I have an actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV) policy? 
These types of policies determine the amount of a covered loss the insurer will actually cover.
- Actual cash value policies only reimburse you for the replacement cost of whatever was damaged but minus the structure or properties’ depreciation in value over time.
- Replacement cost value is the repair or replacement cost of your house or property but the depreciation amount isn’t deducted from the payout.

If you have a newer home, you’ll probably be safer with an ACV than folks with an older home. But replacement value policies are seen as the most cost-effective option in the long run.

#### Does my homeowners insurance cover my partner or guest? 
Home insurance policies typically cover blood-relatives or spouses but won’t cover unmarried partners or guests in your home. To get your partner covered, check with your insurer to see what their policy is for adding unrelated people to plans and if so, what the additional cost is.

## Step 5: Finalize your policy details

You’ve compared quotes, gotten all your most pressing questions answered and selected a policy, now it’s time to choose a billing plan and policy deductible.

If you’re buying a home and need homeowners insurance to close on your house, there are a few details you need to finalize first:
- Premiums: It's common practice for lenders to require that premiums for the year be paid in full ahead of closing. Be sure to clarify with your agent if this is the case – they will be in contact with your lender about coverage and billing requirements for how your insurance will be paid moving forward.
- Deductible: You’ll also need to set your policy’s deductible, which is [the amount you pay before your claim for damages is covered](https://policygenius.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=120&aff_id=1582&redirect_slug=homeowners-insurance/what-is-a-homeowners-insurance-deductible). From a cost standpoint, what you’re looking for is a low monthly or annual premium. So if you don’t plan on filing many claims, choose the higher deductible.
- Effective dates: Lastly, you set the policy’s effective dates, such as it’s closing date and whether or not you’d like the policy to be automatically renewed after the closing date.

Once your billing and policy dates are set and your lender approves the policy, sign on the dotted line and voila! You have yourself a homeowners insurance policy.

## Step 6: Welcome the insurance inspector

Your home insurance carrier will typically perform an inspection of the property to make sure everything is in order and reported as quoted. If anything is off or you forgot to mention something in your application (maybe your roof is about 10 years older than you stated on your application, or on the flip side, maybe your home has certain safety and security features like burglar alarms and storm proof windows that you forgot to mention) your adjuster will take note of the errors and omissions and you’ll see it reflected – for better or worse – in your next bill.

You should use the inspector’s visit as an opportunity to pick their brain about various discount opportunities and get those rates lowered. Remember, they’ve looked at a number of houses just like yours, and may have some [good ideas for that roof](https://policygenius.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=120&aff_id=1582&redirect_slug=homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-roof-damage) that’s currently causing your rates to skyrocket and replace it with something that will actually help you save (storm-proof shingles, anyone?).

*This [article](https://www.policygenius.com/homeowners-insurance/how-to-buy-homeowners-insurance/) originally appeared on Policygenius*


How to Buy Homeowners Insurance

As much as you hate to imagine it, there are many reasons why you may have to cancel or postpone your wedding. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, or any weather severe enough to prevent people from traveling, can shut down your plans in an instant.

If either of you is sick or injured, you'll need to postpone. While the risk of that may seem low, it is still possible. If you factor in the possibility that essential members of the wedding party or a family member may fall ill or get hurt, the possibility of needing to postpone your wedding ceremony starts to seem more probable. 

Special event and [wedding vendor insurance](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-vendor-insurance-what-you-need-to-know) policies exist to protect your pocketbook from the expenses involved with rescheduling the big day. But, they can also cover you from unforeseeable catastrophes that occur when the wedding does proceed as scheduled. The [bigger your wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/5-ways-cut-wedding-costs "5 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs | Zola"), the more risk you have of losing out. 

Not everyone will need wedding insurance, either because they already have coverage in their situation or because the cost won't be worth the benefit. Before you start collecting quotes, take a few minutes to calculate how much you stand to lose in deposits if you need to cancel. Keep that number in the back of your head when you're getting prices from insurance companies. Also, take some time to find out where you may already be covered.

## What to Find Out Before You Buy an Insurance Policy
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[If you're renting out a wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/blog/?s=rain&submit=Search), you should talk to them about what kind of wedding insurance coverage they have. They may already have policies in place to handle liability for any guests that are injured. Ask for copies of the venue's event insurance policies to find out all the areas where you are covered. In some instances, a [wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues "Wedding Venues | Zola") will require you to purchase liability coverage to host your event. And, be sure to ask them: “[What does wedding insurance cover?](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-vendor-insurance-what-you-need-to-know)” You want to make sure that you know exactly what is covered in the event that something happens. 

Unfortunately, rainy weather isn't considered a reason to cancel or postpone your wedding in the eyes of most insurance companies. If you're [planning an outdoor wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/outdoor-wedding-ideas-for-fall "25 Outdoor Wedding Ideas for Fall We Can't Get Enough Of | Zola") during the rainy season, try booking a place that offers an indoor alternative. As you approach the day of your wedding, you can keep an eye on the forecast and ready your expectations for a change of plans.

If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, consider using your own backyard, or asking a friend or family member if you can use their place. That way, you will have more flexibility if there's rain in the forecast. If you’re having a wedding at a private home, you may already have the coverage you need. Read on to learn more about how different policies will protect your finances.

## Policies That May Cover Your Wedding Day
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to cover your wedding. You'll need to peruse these options and find the policy that makes the most sense for your situation, and don't hesitate to ask an insurance agent for some clarity. 

### Homeowner's Insurance
If you're having a backyard wedding, a homeowner's policy will likely cover any property damage that happens, or any bodily injury that a guest sustains. It may also cover stolen gifts and property damage. The same thing applies to renter's insurance, if you don't own your home. 

If the event is being held at a friend or family member's house, talk to them early on in the wedding planning process about what their homeowner's insurance will cover. If you’re paying money to rent their space, an insurance company might view it as a business operation and decline to cover any damages.

The only way to know for sure what is covered and what won't be covered is to talk to an insurance agent before the event so that you understand everything the insurance policy will cover. Find out the maximum limits on the policy for bodily injury or property damage. 

If there are any gaps, you can make an informed decision before getting additional coverage for the event. If you're throwing a big wedding celebration, you may consider raising your limits or purchasing extra wedding insurance coverage for the event.

![Wedding Insurance Resources for the Happy Couple](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/49GZmbxWCGoKEsVeVNapqJ/d4624bb5714eb13bcb0b16439864e9a9/INLINE2_WeddingInsuranceResourcesfortheHappyCouple_AshleyCox.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Ashley Cox

### Cancellation and Postponement Coverage
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Cancellation coverage can either reimburse you for the money you lose, if you have to cancel the wedding, or pay the costs, for rescheduling the event. This can be because of extreme weather, injury, or sickness in the wedding party for either of your immediate families. Any reason beyond human control, as long as it isn't a named exclusion, should be covered.

Common exclusions added to these policies may include a change of heart exclusion. So, if one of you has cold feet, you won't be covered. It also won't cover illness related to pre-existing conditions.

In addition to costs associated with canceling or postponing, your wedding insurance can also help out with things that went wrong with your ceremony. For example, if your photographer or videographer had technical issues, wedding insurance can go towards retaking pictures or creating montages if they don't show up on the big day. 

### Deposit Coverage
In some cases, you may need to purchase additional deposit coverage. Some cancellation coverage may cover one of your deposits, but this coverage will extend to any other expenditures you had to pay for upfront that may fall through. This can even be for reasons beyond cancelation or postponement. For example, if a food caterer ghosts you, or if a service you hired suddenly goes out of business, you can still get your money back

### Liability Coverage
Liability coverage will help pay medical expenses for any injuries you are liable for, as well as cover third party property damage claims. Accidents happen, and sometimes even your closest friends can turn to litigation if they have suffered irreparable harm. Liability insurance protects your assets and can save you from a mountain of debt if the worst-case scenario were to happen. 

If you already have an umbrella policy through your insurance company, it may cover property damage and bodily injury claims for special events. Find out whether or not your policy contains an exclusion that applies to your wedding. If it’s covered, you don't have to worry about purchasing additional liability coverage for your special day. 

### Liquor Liability Insurance
Guests love an [open bar](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choosing-signature-wedding-cocktail "How to Choose a Signature Wedding Cocktail | Zola") at a wedding reception. Unfortunately though, you may be held liable for any damages from alcohol-related accidents that your guests cause after they leave the wedding. Car accidents and emergency room visits can easily cost thousands of dollars. While some wedding liability insurance may come with it, others will sell it separately. In some instances, the venue serving the liquor will be responsible for maintaining this coverage. 

### Common Optional Riders
If there is a chance that either of you may be deployed suddenly, a military rider will cover you. Some policies allow you to protect your gifts, if they are stolen or damaged within a specific time frame of the wedding ceremony. There is also a rider that covers damages to your wedding attire. You may also consider adding honeymoon insurance to recoup your costs, if you are unable to travel. 

## Shopping for Wedding Insurance
[As soon as you start putting down deposits and booking venues](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist "The Ultimate Wedding Checklist & Timeline Tool | Zola"), you should start shopping for wedding cancellation insurance. Bear in mind, though, that a lot of companies will place limits on how far in advance you can purchase a wedding insurance policy. Some states require that you buy a wedding or special event insurance at least two weeks in advance for it to cover extreme weather cancelations.

If you've already put down any non-refundable deposits towards your wedding, ask the insurance agent if you can add it to the coverage. Many policies will honor things you've paid for ahead of time, as long as you have documentation to back it up. 

Liability insurance doesn't need to be purchased ahead of time. In fact, it might be a good idea to find out how many people RSVP to your wedding before you decide on how much liability insurance to buy. 

No matter what kind of insurance you are buying, the only way to know if you've gotten the best value for your money is to shop around. When comparing quotes from one company to another, it's a little more complicated than finding the price tag that feels right to you. You need to make sure that you take into account details like the cost of the deductibles and any named exclusions. If you can't afford a deductible, or you're missing vital coverage, it's not worth your money. 

## The Bottom Line
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Event insurance may seem like one more expense to add to the list when you’re planning your wedding. It’s true that not everyone will need it, but it’s one of those things that is better to have and not need. The more time and money you have invested in your special day, the more stressful it will be if something goes wrong. 

Investing in wedding insurance can give you some peace of mind, so you don't need to stress as much at the prospect of something going wrong. Once you’re able to put the worst-case scenarios to rest, you’ll be able to focus and better enjoy the days before your ceremony.

![Wedding Insurance Resources for the Happy Couple](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2CoKzqseJrK3x9Q1VEF2o1/1766664261dcfa8ab8acd8f705d20f28/INLINE_WeddingInsuranceResourcesfortheHappyCouple_AshleyCox.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Ashley Cox