Back from your honeymoon and feeling like all the wedding planning and celebrating is over? For some of us, that is a very freeing feeling and for others it's rather sad. Fear not newlywed, although your wedding was a huge celebration of combining your life with your spouse's there are many things to celebrate during your first year as newlyweds. Knowing about newlywed milestones in advance gives you the option to plan for them or simply anticipate them before you celebrate!
Your First Large Joint Purchase -- Did you receive a few checks as wedding gifts? Pool them together and then decide as a couple what to purchase. Purchases can range from a new sofa, to a treadmill or patio furniture. Whatever you buy, come home with it (assemble if necessary) and then take a photo of yourselves enjoying it! You could even include the photo in your thank you notes to the guests who gave you the checks.
Your New Name -- Making the switch to Mrs.? If you decide to change your name after marriage, that is something worth celebrating! Skip long office lines with an online name change service, and then commemorate your switch with Kate Spade Mrs. Jewelry or something featuring your new monogram. You should also pour some champagne for you and your spouse to toast your new moniker!
A New Address -- Did you move locations or save up with your spouse to purchase a home as newlyweds? Celebrate your new address with a custom framed key or a sweet key chain that commemorates the date you moved in. You can also throw a housewarming party to include your friends and family in the celebration of this milestone.
Six Month Mark -- Celebrate achieving half a year as a married couple! Plan a weekend getaway and spend together time talking about all of the good times you've had as well as the struggles you have overcome together. It is important to realize how much work and compromise has gone into your newlywed relationship and to build on that in the coming years of marriage. Kudos!
A Fuzzy Addition -- Whether it purrs, barks or is simply adorable, a pet is a new member of your newlywed family and his/her addition should be anticipated and celebrated. Taking time as a couple to decide what type of pet is best for you is a great first step in "family planning." You'll learn more about each other's needs and hopefully find the perfect furry friend for you.
One Year Anniversary -- You did it... you grew together through 12 months of marriage with your spouse! Defrost the top layer of your wedding cake (or simply put your topper on a fresh cake), and watch your wedding DVD to re-live your big day 365 days later! Depending on your reception venue, you could also celebrate with dinner reservations in the same spot.
These are only a few major milestones in the myriad you'll experience as newlyweds. Whatever your personal milestones may be, take time to savor them and if possible record them via photos or in your journal. Time goes by so quickly and the milestones you're experiencing now will become treasured memories of your marriage. Enjoy!