Most brides think that after they’ve made it down the aisle, said those fateful vows and capped it all off with a massive party that their wedding responsibilities come to an end. But no–you’re wrong. Your to-dos have not ended just because the last guest has come and gone. As a Mrs. there are several tasks you must tend to before you jet off on that magical honeymoon. Yes, we know you are exhausted from all the schmoozing, chatting, dancing, and smiling, but if you fail to take care of these last must-dos you’ll miss out on some true goodies down the road. So don’t go comotose on us yet!

Drop Off Wedding Gown To Cleaner

Drop off wedding gown to be cleaned. It is going to be dirty–trust us. It has been dragged around a dance floor, through grass, across bathroom tiles, you name it. Any chance of preserving the gorgeous gown means getting it to a proper cleaning company ASAP. Unfortunately, they sometimes suggest you cut off the bottom if it is really bad. Just make this a number one task after the big event.

Preserve Top Layer of Cake

Preserve the top layer of your wedding cake. Assign someone, like your mother-in-law or your coordinator, to save the top tier of your cake before the wedding. Right after, you will want to store it properly in a freezer. Properly means removing any edible flowers (they will rot) or other non-food details and wrap the box in Saran wrap followed by a layer of tinfoil. On your one-year anniversary, bust that bad boy out and enjoy with champagne!

Collect Your Gifts

Collect all gifts left at venue. Again, this task should be assigned to someone or a space should be set up to collect envelopes and gifts (yes, people may hand you actual gifts at the reception). Make sure these are scooped up post-wedding by either yourself or a family member or friend. Don’t you want that cold, hard cash?! We thought so. Plus, you’ll have thank you notes to write.

Collect Floral Decorations

Collect all floral arrangements and decor accessories. Many times, your florist will come back the next day to collect any vases, candle holders, etc. that they have provided. But sometimes, this task falls on you. Wedding venues tend to clean up very quickly, which means if you leave it, they will trash it. Make sure you get that nice cake cutter you brought or the church urns your coordinator brought to the reception for flowers.

Pick up lost goods

Pick up any lost goods. There will always be those guests who leave behind essentials (uncomfortable shoes, ties, suit jackets, etc), especially if the dance floor is cray. If your venue is near your hometown, do everyone the favor of collecting the lost goods and bring them home for owners to collect. Or have the venue keep them in a safe space until they can be picked up. Your guests will thank you. Plus, you or your hubby may leave things behind, too!

Check For Damages

Check for any damage to property. This is super important. Most wedding venue contracts will have a clause relating to property damage caused during your event. And you can guess who that bill gets sent to. If you are too tired to do it the night of, make a quick stop there the next day to walk around and inspect. (This is also a good time to look for any lost items.)