The ceremony was beautiful, the reception was perfect, and you just returned from a wonderfully romantic honeymoon. But the party isn't over yet. We're not referring to the rolls of honeymoon pictures you need to get developed. There are post-wedding responsibilities looming. Following are some tips to help you get organized.

Thank You Notes

Your address has become a regular stop for UPS with gifts arriving daily as your wedding approached. Now it's time to show your gratitude for the thoughtfulness of family and friends.

To make this overwhelming task easier, plan ahead. Keep a detailed gift list. Record each gift you receive, whom it is from, and when you received it. Also, order stationery when you purchase your invitations. Many couples choose thank-you cards that match their invitations, but plain cards are acceptable, too. When you're at the post office buying stamps for your invitations and response cards, get an extra roll for the thank-you notes.

Set goals for thank-you note writing. According to proper etiquette, thank-you notes should be sent within three months of receiving the gift. Writing five notes a day for a month is easier than writing 20 a day for one week and will result in better notes. Enlist the help of your hubby. Have him write notes to his family and friends. If that's too much to ask, have him address, stamp, and seal while you write.

Thank you notes should be handwritten and personalized. Generally, the note should include a description of the gift received, how much you like it, and how you will use it. For example, "Thank you very much for the beautiful serving tray. It looks lovely with our dishes. We are looking forward to using it when we entertain." Also, you may want to acknowledge those who attended your wedding, particularly out-of-town guests.

What to Do with the Dress

If you are planning to keep your gown as a remembrance of your wedding day or in the hopes that your daughter will someday wear it, you will want to have it preserved.

Mark Phillips is the owner of Frontenac Cleaners and a licensed wedding gown specialist. According to Phillips, the sooner you can get your gown to the cleaners, the better. "If the bride is going on a two-week honeymoon, I would tell her it is fine to bring it in afterwards, but not much longer," says Phillips. "Studies show that some stains will set outside of three weeks."

On the subject of stains, Phillips urges brides to resist treating stains themselves. This could cause permanent damage to the gown. Point out any stains you are aware of when you take the dress to the cleaners.

Frontenac Cleaners treats all gowns with an anti-sugar stain treatment. "Often brides are unaware of stains that may dry clear, such as champagne and other spills containing sugar, salt, or acid," says Phillips. "These stains aren't removed during ordinary dry cleaning and will turn brown or yellow over time. The anti-sugar stain treatment catches these stains prior to the dry cleaning process."

The way a dress is stored also is important. Once the gown is clean, Frontenac Cleaners wraps the dress in acid-free tissue paper and places it in an acid-free box. According to Phillips, the tissue serves two purposes. It is used to stuff the sleeves and bodice and is placed in the folds of the gown to avoid sharp creases. The paper also draws moisture rather than letting it get to the fabric. Even the box breathes to avoid the accumulation of moisture inside. A window made of one hundred percent acetate allows you to see inside the box.

Phillips warns brides against storing their gown in plastic. Plastic emits fumes that can yellow the gown. Since plastic does not breathe, moisture is easily trapped inside and will damage the dress.

Where you store your gown is as important as how it is preserved. Avoid places that are hot or humid or that experience drastic changes in humidity and temperature. Attics and basements are not recommended. Phillips suggests storing the boxed gown under a bed.

Returning the Tuxedo

The party is over and the honeymoon is ahead. Returning the groom's tuxedo is not on your mind right now. But tuxedos typically must be returned the day after the wedding.

"More than likely the bride and groom are leaving for their honeymoon," says Glenda Lewis, manager of Castelli Formalwear. "We usually suggest the groom enlist the help of the best man or a family member."

Otherwise, you may be facing a hefty late charge when you return. Castelli charges $25 for each day the tuxedo is overdue. When the groom picks up his tuxedo, have him confirm the return day. Some stores are open on Sundays and expect formalwear to be returned. Lewis says Castelli attaches a tag to the tuxedo as a reminder.

Before returning the tuxedo, make sure you have all the pieces. According to Lewis, small items such as studs, cufflinks, and bow ties are most commonly overlooked or misplaced.

Preserving the Flowers

Preserving your wedding flowers provides a beautiful memento of your special day. Having your flowers freeze-dried is the best option if you want them to maintain the look of fresh flowers. This process allows the blooms to maintain their color and shape.

If you are planning to have flowers from your wedding preserved, it is best to make arrangements in advance. The sooner the flowers are preserved, the better they will look, so you don't want to leave them sitting in your refrigerator while you are on your honeymoon.

Jill Carles from Atmospheres, has some advice for brides considering preserving their flowers. She tells brides to come in after they have the final consultation with the florist. "Once the bride knows what flowers will be used in the bouquets, she should meet with us to discuss preservation," says Jill. "The fresher the flowers are the better they will look preserved. Pick-up service is available. We can pick-up your flowers from the reception site in order to get them in the freshest possible condition. Otherwise, the flowers must be kept cool and moist and should be brought to us Monday morning."

If you select how you want the preserved flowers displayed prior to the wedding, you can have your maid of honor or a family member drop off the bouquets. Atmospheres offers a variety of ways to display your flowers, including wall frames, shadow boxes, and table top domes. You can have part or all of your bouquet preserved. Some brides choose to include an invitation in the display as well.

Changing Your Name

One piece of paper is the key to changing your name -- the marriage certificate. Make lots of copies of it. You'll be asked for it over and over and over as you tackle changing your name.

The first step is getting a new Social Security card. This can be done at your local Social Security office. To find the location nearest you, visit Social Security's Web site at www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. You will need to fill out a form that can be picked up at the Social Security office or downloaded from the Web site. Changing the name on your card requires documentation of both your old name and new name. Bring your driver's license, passport, birth certificate or other valid identification, as well as your marriage certificate and old social security card. Be sure to bring original documents, not copies. Your social security number will remain the same. A new card will be mailed to you.

Next you'll need to inform your employer of your name change. Of course, you'll want new business cards and email address, but you'll also need to change the name on your paycheck and 401K accounts. Talk with your human resources department about what steps you'll need to take. The next stop is your bank. You'll need to change the name on your accounts and order new checks. Contact credit card companies and any department stores where you have charge cards. You'll need to change your name on any investment accounts, too. If you have any loans, such as a car loan, student loan, or mortgage, inform them of the change. You also will want to change the name on your auto insurance. Most of these changes can be done over the phone or by mail. You may need to provide a copy of the marriage certificate.

Until you get a new driver's license, always carry a copy of the marriage certificate with you. Many businesses will not cash your check if the name on the check doesn't match your identification. You'll also need to update your passport.

Of lesser importance are utility bills, magazine subscriptions, and memberships such as your gym, alumni association, or video rental. These changes can be made as they arise. For example, send a note and a copy of your marriage certificate with your next phone bill or change the name on your subscription to People when it is time to renew. Changing your name takes time, sometimes up to a year, so be patient. Eventually you will stop receiving mail with your maiden name.

With some planning and organization, post-wedding duties can be easier than you'd expect. The little bit of attention you give these chores before the wedding will pay off later when you have more time to enjoy being a newlywed.

This article was contributed by Saint Louis Bride Magazine. If you have questions or comments about this article, please email their editor at nancy.slade@wheremagazine.com.