Specializing In Memorable
Traditional & Custom Wedding Ceremonies

This age old saying signifies that a marriage is not promising if the groom's last name begins with the same letter as the bride's. Unless you're totally superstitious, this probably should not be considered a deal-breaker.

Options

As you wed your future to your fiance's, you have several options concerning your last name:

1. Keep your own name. This is a very popular option, particularly for women who have established a career under their maiden name. You don't need to change any records and you can decide later how to name your children (your name, his, or both?).
2. Take your fiance's name. This is the more traditional option. You assume your fiance's name after the wedding--keeping your middle name as is or taking your maiden name as a new middle name. Once you are married, you will need to change a number of documents to make your new name official.
3. Hyphenate your and your fiance's names. This is a compromise between the first two options. You keep your maiden name and hyphenate it with your fiance's last name. Depending on your names, it could be quite a mouthful, but it is a good compromise if you can't decide on one name or the other.
4. Use both names. This option is popular among women who have established a business name for themselves and want to maintain that professionally but who also would like to use their husband's name socially and later, when children may be involved. You continue to use your maiden name professionally but change your name to your husband's last name socially and outside of work.

Keep in mind that you may feel pressure from family or friends to make a certain choice regarding your name--ultimately, it is your decision, in consultation with your fiance. Be confident with whatever you decide and enjoy your new married status!

Disclaimer

While a great deal of care has been taken to provide accurate and current information, the ideas, suggestions, general principles and conclusions presented at this web site are subject to local, state and federal laws and regulations, court cases and any revisions of same. The reader is thus urged to consult legal counsel regarding any points of law--this web site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice.