What's in a Name: Is Taking His for You?
FromLife as Mr. & Mrs.on ColinCowieWeddings.com
No doubt about it, the leap into marriage is a game-changer. But should it also be a name-changer?
It's a question that may be harder than ever for a bride to answer.
After a few decades where more and more women held onto their maiden names after marriage, a 2009 study shows that the tide is turning. These days, only 18 percent of newly married ladies are keeping their old name.
Is taking your groom's name for you? Here are the pros and cons:
THE PROS
It symbolizes a new family identity. Many women take their husband's name as a representation of the future family unit they'll build together. Since your children will carry your husband's name anyway (unless you both go the route of sharing a hyphenated last name to create a brand new surname), many brides start off their marriage by taking their husband's name for this reason.
It's easier in the long run. Whether it is a hotel concierge or your great-aunt, over the years, people will be calling you by your husband's surname anyway.
You're not attached to your maiden name. If you feel no special connection to your birth name, your marriage allows you the opportunity to start afresh with a new nomenclature of sorts.
THE CONS
You want to maintain your professional identity. After years of hard work to make a name for yourself in your chosen field, a lot of women find it daunting to give it up, even symbolically, on their wedding day.
The paperwork is a nightmare. Officially changing your name requires filling out a plethora of forms. Plus, the process varies from state to state. While there are online sites like www.missnowmrs.com and www.namechangeexpress.com that will do the paperwork for you for a small fee, there are still lots of other items (like your business cards, magazine subscriptions or personal email address) that may bear your maiden name and need switching.
His last name sounds awful with your first. You couldn't help falling in love with someone whose last name rhymes terribly with your first. But you can stop others from repeating that tongue-twister--by retaining your maiden name.
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