What's In A Name?

Thinking long and hard about "officially" changing your name?  Did you know that there is nothing "official" about it? 

Except for the Social Security Administration (soon to be extinct), there is no government agency that cares to know whether or not you are, have, or will ever be taking the name of your beloved as your own.  When you apply for your marriage license, the relevant documents will be printed with your "maiden" name on it.  The clerk will not inquire as to whether or not you will be changing your name and there is no special box to check. Then, when you receive your "official" marriage certificate from the county clerk after your wedding, a record of your marriage will now be housed in a new governmental cyber file, but your name will remain unchanged.  No pomp and circumstance. Just the personal option to let your bill collectors know what to call you and where to find you in the here after your wedding date.  Your mom, friends and  business colleagues may be interested to know if they should now call you by another name, but you are not officially obligated to inform them. Official line on name changing?  Nothing "official" about it. Nuh-thing!

This is shocking news for many brides. And rather disappointing for those who have toiled over what to do, coming to a decision only weeks before their wedding date.  But don't let that distract you from deepening your celebration.  I recommend a "Name Changing Ceremony" within your wedding ceremony.

Taking a new name is a widely respected rite of passage.  In spiritual traditions around the globe, teachers will give the student a new name as a bridge to a new beginning or as an acknowledgment of taking on a new way of life with deep commitment.  Marriage sure constitutes a whole new way of life and definitely requires abiding dedication, so changing your name in the name of marriage deserves special attention. 

Ideas for a "Name Changing Ceremony" will be posted soon.