Your big day is coming faster than you though, and you need to know your options. There are many options out here for brides-to-be to change their name upon marriage. However, when considering to change the name you have had your whole life, the process might require considerable thought.
Wife takes her husband's last name: (Joanne Manson becomes Joanne Jackson) Most woman prefer to change they name to their husbands. Reasons for this are that society relates relationships to last names, makes it easier on children, and he may have a better sounding last name than yours. Society views last names as a connection between couples. Without the same last name, others may mistake you as not married, friends, or separated. By changing your last name, you will not have to decide if your children will take one of your two last names, or a hyphenated version. Your last name may not be the best sounding or even hard to pronounce, like Sockenketsky, however his is not, like Matton. Other reason that might prompt you to change it is that you can use monograms and paint the mailbox with one last name.

Wife and husband keep their own birth names: (Joanne Manson stays Joanne Manson) Women not changing their last names are increasing. This could be because they value their name since they had so long; it is their identity. Maybe they also feel it's unnecessary, overly traditional, and sexist. Keeping your last name makes it easier for old friends and family to find you (this could be a good or a bad thing). Even professionally, this could be a name that a lot of people know you by; like a trade name. Maybe your future husband's last name sounds bad with your first and middle names. If you are the last person of your family remaining, you may want to go with this option to preserve your heritage. Remember, even though you do not change your last name, there will be many times others will address you and write you with his last name. Unless corrected, some may remember to address you in your last name, but others will not. Do not be angry at these people, as they were brought up thinking that if Joanne Manson is married to Mike Jackson than they should address her as Mrs. Mike Jackson. Even though this is a just a title, this is also your name and what people will know you as. Being Mrs. Mike Jackson may not be for you if you want to be addressed as your own person. Either your future husband or you will have to change the last name on all documents and identification cards; when one dies, or if you get divorced, you do not have to concern yourself if whether or not you should change your last name again.

Wife hyphenates the two names: (Joanne Manson becomes Joanne Manson-Jackson) You get to keep your last name and add his after yours with a hyphen. Remember to always use the hyphenated name, because over time you may end up just using his last name, leaving your last name in the dark. The fact is that about ¼ of brides choose this option, even though as some people may find this overly complicated to write, pronounce, or might even sound bad. If you have children, or plan to later, you must consider either hyphenating or using your husband's last name for them.

Wife and husband both hyphenate: (Joanne and Mike become The Manson-Jackson's) This is when both the bride and the groom use the hyphenated version. Both must always use this hyphenation so that it preserves both original last names. Doing this maintains the single-name family, while not giving up either original last name. When deciding to use this version, you may have to think about what the children will use when it is their time to marry. Remember that if they choose only one of their original last names you should not get offended. It is helpful when the time comes, to tell them that no matter what they choose, you will not be offend if they do not carry on your original last name.

Husband takes wife's name: (Mike Jackson becomes Mike Manson) Even though this is rare for a husband to do, it is an option, and a modern one at that. Reasons that a husband may change his name are: not liking his own last name, to make his wife feel strongly about her last name, or just wanting to prove that women are equal to men and should have the same options. In some states the man must pay a fee, separate from the marriage license, to legally change his name. Where a women's family normally expects a name change, a man's usually does not, and may react harshly to you both. At first, many people will be confused, however, with time, most will get used to his name change, even though his friends may tease him a bit now and then.

Wife uses birth name as middle name: (Joanne Manson becomes Jane Manson Jackson, with no hyphenation) Even though this way you can keep your last name, you lost your middle name in the process. Loss of a middle name may not be favored by parents, because sometimes the middle name was a name or abbreviation of someone that was important to them, or was the mom's maiden name. This way, just as the hyphenated version, you must always use your full name, or with time, people will just refer to you by your first and last name. While most people did not know your middle name, not many will know your middle name when you change it, or even know that your middle name was your birth last name.

Wife and husband take each other's last names as middle names: (Joanne becomes Joanne Jackson Manson, Mike becomes Mike Manson Jackson) This way both last names are used, and each can keep their own birth last name. Most will not notice the change in names though. When full names are always used this way it can get confusing.

Wife takes husband's name socially, keeps own name professionally: (Joanne Manson is Joanne Manson at work, but Joanne Jackson all other times) This is the best option for women that do not mind changing their name to her husband's but need their name for their professional reputation. Women using this option change their name legally, and use it all the time outside the office. However, when in the office, they still sign office papers, and are known in the office by her maiden name. If you are interested in this option, then it may be best to retain your original name, hyphenated original name with husbands, or use it as a middle name; reason being that when you need to verify your legal last name at work, people will not get confused.

Wife and husband pick a new name: There are three ways you can pick a new name: one where you combine both your last names (Janson or Macks), mix all the letters, of both your last names (Jamansocknson), or think up a whole new last name for the both of you. If you choose to start form scratch, try using a name of a place where you met, or a word that sounds good with both your first names. By doing this, they don't have to choose whose name to use, or who will use which last name for their middle name. This maintains matching last names, and makes both partners go thorough the name changing hassle. This is the way that seems the best in a modern world, however, not taking either last name may offend families.

Whatever both of you choose, you need to tell everyone now. The best way to do this is by enclosing a small card with the invitation or in the wedding programs. The card should include your married name and your husband's married name, your address, and when you are getting back from your honeymoon.

For the brides and grooms deciding to change their name, here is a short helpful list:

So, you decided to change your name, now what?

Marriage License: Without this done first you cannot change anything else.

Driver's License: One of your most important ID's. To change this, you have to go to the nearest DMV with your certified marriage certificate, your old license, and in some states, another form of ID like a Passport, or birth certificate (social security cards may not work). Since you are making the trip, you might as well have your car title and registration changed as well. DMV is usually busy and you may have to stand in more than one line to get all this done, therefore bring something to read

Social Security Card: You will need to bring proof of your original last name and your new one. Download the PDF document on www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html for a replacement, fill it out, and mail it in, to the supplied address along with your documentations. Or, if you prefer not to part with your original documents, go to your local SSA office. IRS: When you do your Social Security Card this will be handled as well

Passport: Go to www.travel.state.gov and look for the Passport Amendment/Validation Application, Form DS-19. Once you fill out the form, mail it along with your documentation, and your current valid passport to your nearest passport agency, which can also be found on this site. The documentation you sent in will be returned to you with your new passport.

Voter Registration: By calling the local registrar of voters, you can ask them to mail or fax you a name-change form, and ask what type of ID is required, (this varies from state to state). You could also find the nearest office to discuss the matter in person.

The best way to change all your other documents is to type up letters; include your name, account number, social security number, new address, new name, copy of marriage license and anything else they may need. Letters would be sent to places like the bank, employment office, insurance policies, hospitals, subscriptions, credit cards, all utility offices, the post office, property records, creditors, and organizations of which you are a member. All changes are free, but take a lot of time and hassle. On the other hand, if you like convenience, you could look into buying a name change kit. These have all the instructions and forms you need to change your name.