Once you’ve got that ring on your finger and signed the marriage papers, you’ve officially become the ‘Mrs’.  You’ll go through a period where you won’t be able to stop referring to yourself as Mrs so and so, to the point where your friends and family may grow tired; however, until you’ve sorted out the relevant documentation, you’ll still be a Miss.
 
What you need to decide is whether or not you are actually going to change your name. You may actually decide to keep yours or have a double barreled surname, either way you need to have this conversation with your fiancé so there aren’t any misunderstandings. 

Okay so you've made the big decision to change your name, but now what?

Before the wedding

• Tell your employer as soon as you know what name you’re going to take, so they can start the process of  changing your details
• Tell your friends and family that you're changing it too. After all they’ll need to know who to make the cards out to!
• Make sure your honeymoon reservations are made using your MAIDEN name. You won't be able to have a passport or drivers license in your new name yet, so you'll need to make sure your tickets match your documentation.

After the wedding

• Get a new Passport
• You’ll need to obtain a new passport. Remember this is your main proof of identity so it is the first thing you’ll need to change.
• Get a new drivers license
• You'll also want to change your name on the other main form of identification – your drivers license. Most DMVs will change it with a copy of a marriage certificate, although others require you to wait until your social security card has been changed. Check with your local DMV for their rules.
• Inform the following:
  
  Doctor
  
  Dentist
  
  Bank/ Building Society
  
  Credit card companies including store card companies
  
  Professional Institutes and Bodies
  
  Internet service provider – you may also wish to change your email address and screen name on social networking websites such as Facebook.
  
  You can do this easily by writing a letter with all of your information on it, including name, address, new name, account number, and include a copy of your marriage license. No one should charge you money to change your name.
• Start using it
  
  It’ll take a bit of getting used to and  will probably sound funny at first, but as you start using your new last name, everyone else will catch on. No doubt you’ll relish telling everyone your new married name.  Don't be afraid to courteously correct people when they incorrectly use your maiden name.

By following these steps, your transition to ‘Mrs’ will be a smooth one. You’ll be well prepared by avoiding all the hassle and annoyance of having to sort out your paper work last minute.