WEDDING BLOG

Post-Wedding Checklist: Your Guide to Wrapping Up With Intention

June 27, 2025 | Junebug Weddings

Image by By Siv-Elin

Your vows have been exchanged, the cake has been cut, and the last dance is behind you. So—what comes next? After the celebration winds down, there are still a few meaningful tasks to complete. From practical to-do’s like finalizing paperwork and payments to more thoughtful gestures like preserving your dress or donating your flowers, this post-wedding checklist will help you tie up every last detail. You’ve spent months planning a day full of love and meaning—now’s the time to close it out with that same care and intention.

Your Post-Wedding Checklist

1. Set Aside Items for a Keepsake Box

While you can’t keep everything, you can keep a little. We love the idea of creating a small keepsake box filled with details from your day—like a dried boutonnière, a copy of your invitation, a cocktail napkin, or a handful of toss petals. These tiny tokens can spark vivid memories for years to come. It’s perfectly fine to recycle most of your paper goods and resell any decor you no longer need, but don’t hesitate to tuck away the items that feel especially sentimental. Knowing a few special pieces will stay with you can make it easier to let go of the rest.

2. Donate Leftover Food and Flowers

One of the most overlooked post-wedding tasks? Deciding what to do with all the leftover food and flowers. Start by asking your caterer to package up any surplus that’s safe to donate. You can then coordinate with a local food rescue or nonprofit organization to arrange a drop-off the following morning. Some venues or caterers may even have donation partners already in place—just ask!

As for your flowers, don’t toss those gorgeous blooms. Donate them to hospitals, senior care facilities, or local charities that can repurpose them. You might also keep a bouquet or a single arrangement for yourself. For ideas on how to preserve your bouquet, check out this guide.

wedding reception dinner alfresco at night

Image by Teri B Photography

3. Return Rentals

Maybe a no-brainer for your post-wedding checklist, but make sure all your rentals—linens, glassware, suits, signage, and more—are returned on time. If you’re heading off on your honeymoon right away, assign this task to a trusted friend or family member to avoid late fees or replacement charges.

4. Finalize Wedding Payments

With the big day behind you, now is the time to square up any remaining balances with your vendor team. Many vendors require final payment shortly after the event, so review your contracts, track down outstanding invoices, and make sure everyone is paid in full.

Image by Katherine Elyse Media

5. Leave Vendor Reviews

One of the best ways to thank your wedding team is by leaving thoughtful reviews. Your kind words go a long way—especially for small businesses that rely on client testimonials to grow.

We recommend writing your reviews while the experience is still fresh. Not sure where to start? Choose three words to describe the professional (like “creative,” “organized,” “genuine”), explain how they made you feel during the planning and on the big day, and share how well they brought your vision to life. You can leave reviews on Junebug’s vendor portfolios, Google, or the vendor’s preferred website.

6. Preserve Your Wedding Attire

Whether you hope to pass your outfit down one day or simply want to preserve it as a meaningful keepsake, consider having your wedding attire professionally cleaned and preserved. Skip the standard dry cleaner—specialty preservation services will clean your gown or suit with expert attention to detail, then use archival techniques like acid-free materials and UV-protected packaging to keep it in pristine condition for years to come.

Image by Ana Hinojosa

7. Handle the Legal Details

There are a handful of legal tasks to take care of after your wedding. While not the most exciting part of newlywed life, they’re important—and entirely manageable.

Here’s what to consider:

Certify your marriage license or certificate
Update identification documents if you’re changing your name (Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, etc.)
Review and update insurance policies (health, auto, life)
Update beneficiary designations on financial accounts
Create or update your will
Consider creating a postnuptial agreement

8. Start Planning for your Wedding Photos

We strongly believe your wedding photos deserve more than a folder on your desktop. Start researching wedding photo albums and print services so that once your gallery is ready, you’re prepared to create something tangible and lasting.

9. Send Thank You Notes

Now’s the time to express your gratitude to everyone who celebrated with you. Whether you’re sending handwritten notes that match your wedding stationery or choosing a digital option for sustainability and speed, a heartfelt thank you goes a long way.

Love a good checklist? We’ve got more to help you stay organized. Check out our wedding planning checklist, decor checklist, and honeymoon checklist to keep everything on track from start to finish.

Image by EFEGE

This Intimate Indian Wedding in Napa Included Dinner in a Wine Cave

June 26, 2025 | justine

Is it possible to blend vibrant Indian wedding traditions with the charm of wine country? Pooja and Sameer’s wedding in Napa proves that not only is it possible—it’s downright magical. Set against the serene backdrop of Hans Fahden Vineyards, their day was filled with laughter, color, and personal touches that reflected their fun-loving bond and deep connection.

They met in undergrad, shared the same classes, and quickly realized that life was just better together. “It’s cliché, but we’re best friends,” Pooja shared. “Being able to laugh together all the time means there’s never a dull moment. And that seemed like a pretty good way to spend the rest of our lives.”

What We Love About This Wedding in Napa:

A colorful Indian wedding ceremony held in a lush garden setting
A custom-built floral frame held by the bride’s closest friends during her entrance
The groom’s musical entry, complete with a guitar performance
An unforgettable wine cave dinner reception that guests are still talking about

Featured Vendor:

Apollo Fotografie

Choosing a Wedding in Napa for Its Beauty and Convenience

For Pooja and Sameer, selecting a wedding location started with logistics. “We initially narrowed down our venue options largely based on travel convenience for guests,” they explained. Once they settled on Napa and Sonoma, they toured several spots before landing on Hans Fahden Vineyards.

“We loved their wine cave dinner arrangement,” Pooja said. “We toured the venue the morning they were hosting a wedding and saw the wine cave all set up—it completely sold us.”

The couple opted for Hans Fahden’s all-inclusive package, which turned out to be a huge help. “Vanessa, the coordinator, helped us secure vendors and organize day-of details. It really took away the stress,” Pooja added. “She works with a great list of pros who are already familiar with the venue.”

Adding Personal Touches to an Indian Wedding Ceremony

Though they embraced the convenience of the venue’s vendor list, Pooja and Sameer made sure to add thoughtful, custom details that made the day their own. From DIY floral installations to unforgettable entrances, their ceremony was packed with heart and creativity.

“We wanted an outdoor ceremony, and the lake and garden at Hans Fahden felt intimate and beautiful. Indian weddings are colorful, so I wanted bright flower arrangements. Bella Vita Floral Productions did a great job with the wedding arch.”

For her entrance, Pooja walked under a handmade floral frame held by her closest friends—a touching moment that brought emotion and meaning to the ceremony. Sameer’s entrance had a musical twist: he played his guitar, adding a fun, unexpected element that reflected his personality.

Embracing Tradition and Personality Through Wedding Fashion

Pooja and Sameer’s wedding in Napa beautifully showcased how fashion can strike the perfect balance between honoring tradition and expressing personality.

For the ceremony, Pooja wore a breathtaking blush pink lehenga adorned with intricate embroidery and shimmering beadwork. Her bridal look was completed with layered necklaces, delicate bangles, and a netted dupatta draped gracefully over her head. An ensemble that felt both timeless and radiant against the vineyard backdrop. She carried a bouquet bursting with bold colors, a nod to the vibrant spirit of Indian weddings.

Sameer complemented her look in a classic ivory sherwani with gold accents and a bright boutonnière, striking just the right note of elegance and celebration.

For the evening celebration, the couple opted for a more modern look. Pooja changed into a striking red gown with subtle sparkle, while Sameer wore a classic black tuxedo. The outfit change offered a simple yet stylish contrast to their traditional ceremony attire.

Hosting a Reception in a Wine Cave

While a wine cave wasn’t originally part of the plan, seeing it in person changed everything. “I didn’t initially envision a wine cave as the setting. But the tour really sold us. We had guests raving about it long after the wedding!”

The wine cave provided a cozy, romantic setting for dinner that felt both refined and refreshingly untraditional.h. Paired with great food and vibrant conversation, it became the perfect close to an already unforgettable day.

Advice for Couples Planning a Wedding in Napa

For couples considering a wedding in Napa, Pooja’s advice is simple: “If you choose Hans Fahden, consider the all-inclusive package. It saves you from having to hunt down vendors, and the team already knows how to make the day go smoothly.”

More than anything, she and Sameer encourage couples to let their personalities shine through. Whether that’s building your own floral arch, strumming a guitar down the aisle, or choosing a venue with a one-of-a-kind dining experience, your wedding should feel like you.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Apollo Fotografie
Venue – Hans Fahden
Floral Design – Bella Vita Floral Productions
Makeup Artist – Mitasha from M Sutra Bride
Hair Styling – Susmita from M Sutra Bride

From Monterrey to Florence: A TikTok Makeup Star’s Italian Castle Wedding

June 24, 2025 | justine

ivory orange sage green yellow

When makeup artist and TikTok creator Natalia began dreaming of her wedding, she pictured gelato carts, candlelight, and warm Tuscan air. So after 11 years with her partner Patricio, the couple left their hometown of Monterrey behind and brought that vision to life with an intimate Italian castle wedding at Castello di Bibbione.

“I wanted a typical Italian wedding,” Natalia shared. “Warm colors, Italian music, good food and wine—but also something really simple and authentic.”

With just a small guest list, a trusted planner, and two showstopping bridal dresses, Natalia and Patricio’s celebration blended personal touches with timeless romance. Proof that less can be so much more.

What We Love About This Italian Castle Wedding:

The breathtaking views and rustic charm of Castello di Bibbione
Natalia’s two unique Guardiola Bridal gowns—one for the ceremony, one for the celebration
The emotional moment when the priest honored Natalia’s grandmother during the vows
A cocktail hour filled with regional dishes, Italian drinks, and live music
The calm energy Natalia carried, even when wedding-day traffic caused a late arrival

Featured Junebug Vendors:
Amormio
No Ordinary Love

Choosing Italy for a Small Yet Unforgettable Celebration

From the start, Natalia knew she wanted a destination wedding. “I wanted a small wedding, and I thought about Italy because it’s very romantic,” she said. “The first thing I booked was the wedding planner.”

That decision set the tone for everything. With full trust in her planner’s eye and vendor suggestions, Natalia focused her energy on just three things: the venue, food, and photography. The result? A heartfelt and visually stunning Italian castle wedding that felt as special to their guests as it did to them.

“Our guests told us they’d never attended a wedding that was so beautiful and unique,” Natalia shared.

A Church Ceremony Full of Meaning and Emotion

Held in a nearby church, Natalia and Patricio’s ceremony carried extra emotional weight. The day before their wedding, Natalia’s beloved grandmother passed away. During the ceremony, the priest honored her memory in front of family and friends.

“It was very emotional,” Natalia said. “But also very calming.” Even when unexpected traffic delayed her arrival to the church, she stayed composed. “The priest wasn’t in a rush. That helped a lot.”

Two Dresses, One Confident Bride

As a makeup artist with an eye for detail, Natalia approached her wedding looks with intention. She chose two gowns from Guardiola Bridal, each with a distinct feel for different parts of the day.

For the church ceremony, she wore an off-the-shoulder satin gown with long sleeves and a full skirt. The structure of the dress balanced classic elegance with a bit of drama, and her long veil added to the timeless look as she walked through the streets of Florence.

For the reception, she switched to a second dress: a strapless, form-fitting gown covered in delicate floral appliqué. Paired with a neck scarf and soft ponytail, the look felt lighter, more relaxed, and ready for a night of dancing.

Junebug Tip: Wanting to add a little extra touch to your bridal look? A neck scarf or shawl could be just the right accessory.

An Italian Castle Wedding Reception With Heart and Flavor

After the ceremony, guests returned to Castello di Bibbione for a relaxed and festive reception. The couple organized a cocktail hour featuring local bites, traditional drinks, and Italian music that set the mood.

Dinner was held in the castle’s stone courtyard under a canopy of string lights. Long tables were set with neutral linens, gold-rimmed glassware, and soft-toned florals in peach, blush, and ivory. Tall glass taper candle holders added a warm glow as the evening progressed.

The atmosphere was casual yet refined. No over-the-top styling, just thoughtful details that let the venue’s rustic beauty shine. One of the standout moments was the gelato cart that rolled in after dinner, giving guests a sweet (and very Italian) way to cool down and mingle.

“We loved the venue,” Natalia said. “The view was amazing, and we also chose it because of the accommodations for our guests.”

Lessons Learned From Planning an Italian Castle Wedding

“Be ready earlier—especially in Italy, because of traffic,” Natalia advised. Her calmness and clarity were key to enjoying the day, even when things didn’t go perfectly.

She also recommends investing in the team. By trusting her planner and working with vendors who understood her vision, she was able to stay present and soak in the beauty of the moment.