With planning a wedding, there are certain things that come up that you never actually fully thought about before. One of my best friends (& bridesmaid) got me the most amazing wedding planning binder and I’ve been flipping through it nearly every day just trying to make sure I have a grip on things and know what to expect. Regardless of the fact that I have yet to set a date and therefore have no official timeline yet. But hey, better to be ahead then falling behind right?
I came across a chapter in the binder all about how to change your name, what you need to do, how much it’s going to cost, etc. While I was flipping through I couldn’t help the bittersweet feeling that krept up. My days as a Smith are officially numbered. HOLY COW. I’m not going to lie, I’ve obviously practiced writing Amanda Franco in dozens of day planners for years now (I’ve had an “A+J Wedding” Pinterest board for a mere 3 years to say the least) but I still never really thought about what changing my name would really feel like.
I’m such a daddy’s girl and being so close to my dad, and my uncles; I’ve grown up with great pride in being a “Smith,” as did my sister and my cousin. Even mentioning this mere transition to my sister literally makes her cry. She’s so sad that we won’t both be Smith’s anymore, but don’t worry Amilee, we’ll forever be the Smith Sisters no matter what 🙂
I’m also aware of the whole hyphenated name thing and still being able to keep my father’s name, but I do consider myself more traditional in that sense and while I love my current last name, I cannot wait to legally have my new one and to begin a life as a Franco with my amazing soon to be hubby!
What are your thoughts about changing your name?!? Does anyone feel the same way? Even if you’re not yet getting married, have you ever thought about what it would feel like saying adios to the name you’ve always known??
Let me know in the comments!
xoxo,
Amanda
On Another Coast 
I’ve never thought about how it would feel to change your last name. I feel like it would feel kind of weird, after writing it so many times of school papers, saying it to people you just met, sticking in your mind. But even changing doesn’t affect your bonds with your family, ya know?
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Yea, very true. I feel like it’s just going to be a little weird not saying it and something to get used too for sure. But it doesn’t change your family! 🙂
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I really think it depends on the person. I had no problem changing surname, but it was a little weird and also exciting at first. When I do think about once in a while, I do miss my family name, but it’s all just sentimental. I actually prefer my husband’s last name because my maiden name was just too long and hard for people to pronounce and spell. Now, I just have people wondering what my background is with my married last name. I’ve got Italian and Filipino before. Just recently, someone was able to guess that it was European, but of course, that person was European herself. Lol. Hyphenating wasn’t an option for me because it would be too long. I think yours wouldn’t be bad as Smith-Franco, but since you’re traditional like me, having the hubby’s last name will be extra special. You’ll see when it’s official. 😉
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Glad you felt the same way and that it all turned out great! I’m really excited I just know it’s something I’m going to have to get used too for sure lol
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I think if I get married it’ll totally be weird getting rid of my last name but mine is hyphenated right now with both my parents’ last name so I actually can’t wait to just have one! Hahah. Amanda Franco has a nice ring to it. 😉
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I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! 🙂 thank you girlie!
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My mother never changed her last name. Not hyphenated or combined, just the same as it was before she was married. So I don’t think I would ever change my name. Plus, we assume women changing their name is the norm, but it’s not in many cultures! In Spanish speaking countries, women don’t change their names and kids take one last name from each parent (which is why they’re names are so freaking long but also it seems pretty fair!).
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I had no idea about that! WOW! They really do have really long names now that I’m thinking about it lol
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I struggled with this thought early on because my dad only has sisters, so he was the only one to continue the family name. I have a brother, but he’s a self proclaimed lifelong bachelor- he’s never had a girlfriend even (but I feel I should also note that he lives with a couple of swingers…). Because of that I felt like I had to continue the family name, but after thinking about it, I realized that I didnt want to not take Fella’s last name, nor did I really want to hyphenate our names. It’s a little sad knowing that my family name will end with me and my brother, but I’m going to do what makes me happy. 😊
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Exactly!!! That’s the same position I’m in too! My dad has two brothers and both of them only had daughters so once we’re all married, the family name will end as well. It’s a super bittersweet feeling. I’m glad I’m not the only one who felt this way! I definitely did not want to go the hyphenated route as well. AND OH MY GOSH! YOURE ALMOST MARRIED!!!
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Right!?!?!!!! 12 days to go! 😀
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