i'm a mrs.

The results are in from the knot’s annual bride survey – here’s how much was spent on saying ‘i do’ in 2011…

one of the most common reasons people struggle over the name change decision is because they are worried about giving up their identity professionally. it makes sense…most women are now marrying a bit later (average age is 29) and have likely made great headway in terms of developing their career. we are also in a world where everyone is online 24/7…and your digital footprint is important to maintain if you want anyone to find you, validate your career for job opportunities, connect you with old friends on facebook, etc.

Cut-to the hybrid approach.  It’s really popular amongst career-driven women. Essentially, you change your name with all organizations you are associated with, but you keep your name in the workplace (i.e. email address, business cards, title, etc.). The only thing you need to keep in mind if considering this approach is that your HR department needs to know what your plan is.  Your HR department would still need to change your name with group benefits and with government bodies in order to record your income with the powers that be.  Your payroll would also need to be in the name that matches your bank account – so make sure you change that to avoid any hiccups.

Check out i’m a mrs in Canadian Living’s article on changing your name. One thing they didn’t mention in terms of con’s of changing your name was the trend of taking the hybrid approach if you are worried about losing your identity in the workplace – more on that in our next post.

well – for a tech geek at heart I must say I was a little late to the game on Pinterest. After a really busy end to 2011…and a new baby at home…social media has taken a bit of a back seat. when I finally got around to it, i immediately became addicted.  it’s perfect for anyone that’s planning a wedding – you can create boards for all the different aspects of the big day – the dress, decor, invites, food, photography, wedding party…products you love (make sure you pin us there!).  So, if you are looking for the new way to capture all your wedding ideas…then ditch the old school, heavy, wedding binder, and join Pinterest.  If you want an invite to join, drop me a line here. Happy Planning!

It’s the time of year when we start going through our entire database and calling organizations again to make sure that their name change policies haven’t, well, changed.  It’s a huge job…but it’s worth it because it means that our customers get the most accurate instructions.

I’m having an especially frustrating day today as I go through our insurance company list.  Well…I’m actually on day 2…because the list is long and hold times are insane.  Average hold time so far – 33 minutes. We’ve got more than 200 insurance companies on the list.  Still think you want to find all the forms yourself

Best experience so far – Nationwide Insurance

Worst experience so far – hands down, Premera Blue Cross

Very exciting news today…The Knot has made their picks for Best of Weddings 2012…and they picked us! I don’t believe they will officially announce it for a few weeks…but too excited to keep it under wraps. We’ve been working REALLY hard this year to make our site the very best…and it’s great to have it recognized by a leader in the industry.  We’re excited…and will keep working hard to make 2012 even better

We’re running a special promo for holiday season – an i’m a mrs premium package and an i’m a mrs emergency kit – 25 items every bride must have on hand for wedding day mishaps Currently available in the US and Canada, limited quantities. Treat yourself or pick up a useful find for any brides on your holiday shopping list. Click here to get yours.

i’m a mrs name change kit – access to every form in our database – from passports and driver’s license to frequent flyer memberships, alumni associations and magazine subscriptions.

i’m a mrs emergency kit – 25 must-have items for wedding day emergencies, including – mini hair brush with mirror, hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, earring backs, clear elastics, sewing kit, white chalk, double-sided tape, safety pins, scissors, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, tampon, breath freshener, dental floss, adhesive bandages, facial tissue, blotting tissues, bobby pins, antacid, something blue i’m a mrs temporary tattoo, and extra wedding bands