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Tag: Name Change

  • Game of Thrones Character Development over the past 8 Seasons

    Game of Thrones Character Development over the past 8 Seasons

    Here at HitchSwitch, we know the significant value behind a name. Whether it’s a name given to us at birth, a name we’ve chosen for ourself, or a name we’ve taken from our partner, we know a name is a whole identity. It is how people come to know us, to identify us, and to remember us. The value a name holds goes beyond the characters it consists of. A great example of the importance of name can be found in HBO’s Game of Thrones, where a character’s House name says everything about them.

    According to HBO, the most epic fantasy show ever created has gathered a staggering 17.4 million viewers on the night of its premiere, breaking any previous records it held! If you’ve seen GoT news, memes, or spoilers all over your feed and have yet to watch the Emmy award-winning show, then you seriously need to get on it now.

    The show’s power to trigger all emotions has left its audience invested and engaged. Since the first season aired in 2011, people from all over the world watched as their favorite characters started as weak and powerless,  to overcoming their vulnerability. Some of our favorites made it through and rose back into power, and others got their genitals cut off and almost died.

    Thanks to George R.R Martin’s unwavering will to kill off any character I’ve loved, I have spent the majority of the first seven seasons with a box of tissues glued to my lap. But I will tell you this; it is immensely satisfying watching the characters of the show go from being in a dark and vulnerable place to reclaiming what is rightfully theirs and demanding their right to power.

    Here’s how our favorite characters evolved over the past eight seasons.

    House Stark:

    Names play an essential role in this show. Characters will always present themselves with the title of their House. There’s no doubt that names affect how others will perceive them. The sigil of the Starks is a direwolf on a white field (snow), a fierce creature that emerges from the depths of the cold, and is forever loyal to their owners. The Starks are also obnoxiously loyal, but their loyalty is what got most of them killed. The words of House Stark are some of the most prominent throughout eight seasons: Winter is Coming.

    Jon Snow: So beautiful. So innocent. His whole life, Jon has been playing the bastard and downplayed by everyone. After joining the Night’s Watch, becoming a spy beyond the wall, dying and coming back to life, Jon is ready to head back home to Winterfell in a scrumptious man bun and few battle scars where he’s named King in the North. After befriending Dany, we have yet to see what’s in store for the rightful heir to the Iron Throne.

    Sansa Stark: Sansa starts out a foolish young girl, who was in love with the queen’s son. After witnessing her father’s execution at the hand of her future husband, her character undergoes a drastic change. Sansa goes through hell as she was held prisoner at King’s Landing, but eventually escapes. Her shift in wardrobe hints that she’s not that foolish little girl anymore, but a leader ready to take back her power and kill for revenge.

    Arya Stark: By far, Arya Stark has undergone the most changes. She was one of the youngest characters to debut on GoT, and she has survived on her own after her father’s execution. She disguises herself as a boy and befriends The Faceless Man. She is taught sword fighting, and how to be a trained assassin. In fact, she avenges her family by killing Walder Frey for what happened at The Red Wedding. We see her in season 8 all grown up, her weapons on her side, and ready to kick some ass.

    House Targaryen:

    When someone says Targaryen, you automatically think white hair and the Mother of Dragons. The sigil of this House is a three-headed dragon on a black field. There’s a long history behind the Targaryen rule, which yes, ended mostly in fire. After their nation of Valyria was destroyed, Aegon Targaryen and his sisters flew to Westeros on three dragons and destroyed anyone and anything that stood in their way. Their House words are “Fire and Blood,” so maybe it’s best to give them what they want…

    Daenerys Targaryen: The definition of “started from the bottom; now we’re here.” Dany started out meek and submissive, and unable to get her way. After marrying a Dothraki, she found her inner power and took control after her Khal Drogo died. With three baby dragons behind her, Dany begins preparation to take back the Iron Throne. Little by little, she builds an army and makes a name for herself. We see her in the eight seasons with Jon Snow, planning to fight the Night King.

    House Lannister:

    Throughout the seasons, you hear the common phrase “A Lannister always pays their debts,” but did you know their House words are “Hear me Roar”? Talk about obnoxious. We learn that a Lannister always does pay their debts, and not always in money. Their sigil is a golden rampant lion on a red field, to show off their royalty, wealth, and strength. Don’t forget that the lion is the king of the jungle. If you’re going to pick an animal to represent your strength and power, it might as well be that.

    Tyrion Lannister: Tyrion’s character was immediately lovable from the very beginning. He was the ugly duckling of the family, but his sharp wits knew no bounds. He stood for what was right, and his kind nature made him tolerable to others. After being falsely accused of Joffrey’s murder, he fled to Essos where he’d later become Hand of the Queen to Daenerys Targaryen. At the beginning of the show, we see that he was desperately trying to uphold the Lannister name, but feeling unwanted, he paved his own path to power.

    Jaime Lannister: If you were to tell me that this guy was going to be my absolute favorite character by the end of the show, I would not have believed you. Jaime was extremely loyal to Cersei, and his love for her is what made him a prisoner of Robb Stark. After getting his right hand cut off, Jaime barely escaped with his life and traveled back to King’s Landing. With some help, he was taught to sword fight with one hand. Due to the journey he experienced on the road back home, Jaime’s perspective has changed, and he’s not the same person we loathed in season one.

    As the characters developed, they’ve grown to realize the meaning of honor, integrity, and the power a name can hold. With the last season in play, it’s challenging to foreshadow what will happen. After all, this is a show that killed off its main character in season one (Ned Stark). Regardless, it’s best to wait and see, and pray your favorites don’t get killed off.

  • 5 Options To Consider When Changing Your Name

    5 Options To Consider When Changing Your Name

    Of all the things to think about when planning a wedding, a name change might be at the top of your list. In today’s modern world, it is more socially acceptable to change your name to whatever you want. When it comes to the final decision regarding changing your name, here are a few options to consider.

    Stick With The Name Your Mama Gave Ya

    You decide to stick with the name given to you at birth because of obvious reasons. Every person has an idea as to why they keep their name as is and there’s nothing wrong with that. By keeping your maiden name, you’ll save yourself the trouble of filling out countless applications and visits to the happiest place on earth: the DMV. It’s widely known that in many parts of the world, a woman taking her husband’s last name is not only mandatory but what makes a marriage last. With the numbers of women seeking a part in the work field quickly on the rise, the percentage of women keeping their maiden name for professional reasons is a prominent one.

    Pragya Agarwal, a researcher the University of Liverpool and business owner of Hedge and Hog Prints states that her name is a “huge part” of her identity and being responsible for several academic publications, “it did not make sense to change it.” It also makes that women will keep their maiden name to be credited for the professional work they present in their field.

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    Take Your Spouse’s Name

    The most common-traditional route. Several women in today’s world choose to take their spouse’s last name after marriage. The procedure is a long one but can be fairly explained here.

    First, the couple needs to obtain an official copy of their marriage certificate. Depending on which state you reside in, you’ll end up paying a different fee for a copy (you will probably need more than one). You will then need to apply for a new SSN (completely free) along with your ID and marriage certificate. You can either choose to mail in your form or head over to the nearest Social Security office.

    Next up is your driver license and passport. Again, depending on where you live, fees will vary. Be sure to fill out the appropriate forms for a new passport after the name change. If you are a frequent traveler, you don’t want your ID stating a different name than your passport. That won’t look too good when you’re trying to board that plane to Bora Bora for your honeymoon.

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    Click here if you need to update your passport photo from the comfort of your home.

    Hyphenate Your Names

    If you want to hyphenate your name-taking both maiden names and combining them to make two family names- you will still have to go through the same name change process and fill out the same applications. Read more about the process here.

    Some people choose to hyphenate their names as soon as they get married, and some like Nicole Bradley-Bernard decided to change it after six years of marriage. In her article, she states that her long-awaited decision came after the realization of self-importance. She goes on to say how one’s name shouldn’t be tossed out just because of outdated traditions.

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    By choosing to have your husband’s name does not mean you need to give up yours. It’s always been expected of women to give up their identity after marriage, and alas, women are stepping up and holding on to their original status. Hyphenating your last names is a great way to keep your name and take your husband’s name. It’s also a great example of unity within a family once couples decide to bring children in the picture.

    Change Name Legally, But Keep It Professional

    Hannah Montana said it best: you get the best of both worlds.

    This is the route I took because my career depends on my name. I’ll admit, it has not been easy because it causes some confusion among my peers and friends. It’s like having two identities and of course, people constantly asking why I don’t just use my husband’s last name.

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    Imagine working your butt off for the work you do, just to put it under a different name that isn’t even you! I mean, that’s how I saw it, at least. Like I said above, more women are becoming part of the work field, and most nowadays are keeping their maiden name because it is their professional name. If this the route you want to pursue, be sure to consider all the pros and cons of the decision.

    Create A Hybrid Last Name

    Yes, this is an actual thing. If all the above options aren’t to your liking, you can make up your last name. I mean, seriously, how fun would that be? If I knew about this option, I would’ve changed my last name to Stark nine years ago. With the eighth season of Game of Thrones coming out, it becomes more tempting as the days go by…

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    Winter is officially here, you guys. If Jon Snow doesn’t end up on the throne, my life will officially have no meaning.

    For a list of people who completely changed their last name and didn’t have a single regret, click here.

    Make sure to let your work of employment, government agencies, your bank, and social media know of your name change after changing it.

  • The Ultimate List of of the Most Expensive Wedding Dresses

    The Ultimate List of of the Most Expensive Wedding Dresses

    Ladies, let’s admit it, the best thing about being a bride is heading to every David’s Bridal in your town and trying on dresses waaaaay out of your budget. I mean, it’s all fun in the end, and it’s an experience some of us only experience once in a lifetime.

    So how much did you end up paying for that white gown of glory? A grand? Two? Hell, maybe it exceeded the threshold of ten grand?

    Maybe you did what I did and googled “David Bridal Discount Dresses” and bought a Vera Wang wedding dress that cost $300 instead of three thousand. Hey, I was looking to save as much as I could and had to be clever about my spending.

    Side note: I looked auh-mazing.

    The list of expensive wedding dresses is a tough one, but I eventually found a few jaw-dropping ones that will have you craving another wedding!

    Just kidding, at this point, I just crave some sleep.  

    1. Angela Yueng

    The first time I’ve heard of this Chinese actress/singer/model (sheesh), it was about how she’s tied the knot with her boyfriend and her $31 million wedding. She wore a custom made Dior gown that took nearly five months to create! According to Forbes, the dress was  “Crafted out of 115 feet of ivory satin organza and 165 feet of tulle, the intricate piece features a 10-foot-long train, and nearly a hundred hand-cut rose bouquets made of Chantilly Lace”.

    Xinhua Press

    Now, the price of the dress was actually never disclosed, which leaves one to wonder: Out of that $31 million, how much did that dress really cost?

    These are the things that keep me up at night.

    2. Kate Middleton

    You better believe a royal wedding is going to make this list. I am utterly in love with Kate Middleton. Her incredible sense of style, her modest looks, her role in several charities, and obviously, that smile. When she wore an Alexander Mcqueen on her wedding, I was in tears. The lace of the dress was crafted at the Royal School of Needlework. I know that sounds fake, but it’s the UK,  so I promise it’s a real thing.

    Kirsty Wigglesworth

    The dress was long sleeve, hand embroidered with flowers on both the bodice and hips and Kate’s train was over eight feet long. The dress reportedly hit a six-figure price and cost $434,000.

    3. Mariah Carey

    ‘Cause when you love someone, you just don’t treat them bad, you messed up all we had, probably thinking I’m coming back.

    See more: Mariah Carey Burns Wedding Dress

    Those are the lyrics of Mariah Carey’s “I Don’t,” where in her music video, she burned her $335,000 Valentino wedding dress to ashes. The singer was engaged to billionaire James Packer at the time, but the two broke off their engagement before we got to see Mimi flaunt her stuff in Bora Bora (planned wedding destination).  You see, ladies, we can all learn a little something here. Next time your man pisses you off…you know what to do.

    4. Diana Spencer

    Really? Another royal?

    Yes, you guys, these guys are flushed with cash, so they’re at the top of most lists.

    Shutterstock

    Lady Diana Spencer wed Prince Charles in 1981 and wore a dress so beautiful that it is still talked about till this day. The dress was embroidered with ivory silk taffeta and antique lace, with a 25-foot train and valued at $115,000. Elizabeth Manuel and her husband created it at the time. Lady Diana herself worked with the designers to ensure that the dress was kept modest and up to expectations.

    5. Victoria Adams

    Formerly known as Victoria Beckham, a world renowned style icon. Now, if you want a reminder of what the nineties were like, then Victoria and David Beckham’s wedding is the perfect visual. The Spice Girl and former England football captain wed in 1999 in a castle in Clonsilla. That’s what happens when you have friends in high places, people.

    Pinterest

    And you’re a famous football player with a successful artist for a partner.

    Regarding Victoria’s dress, she wore a Vera Wang with a 20-foot train that was estimated to have cost $100,000.

    6. Kleinfeld

    You might have heard or seen the name Kleinfeld in movies, magazines, and tv shows including the popular TLC show “Say Yes to the Dress.”

    Fun fact: Kleinfeld wasn’t always a bridal retailer. It started as a fur salon in 1941, until the Kleinfeld realized there was a demand for wedding dresses in NYC. Kleinfeld is known for accommodating to every bride’s request and spending several hours putting in work (and love) into every dress.

    Kleinfeld

    Although their prices vary, the most expensive dress that left Kleinfeld’s doors was custom made Pnina Tornai and cost the bride $80,000.

  • Must-Have Furniture for Newlyweds That Most Couples Miss

    Must-Have Furniture for Newlyweds That Most Couples Miss

    Every week, my husband and I reserve two days for movie night, but since he was out of town, I spent my movie night at a girlfriend’s house. Whoever hasn’t watched The Revenant needs to get on that right now. I’m dead serious, you guys, I’m basically a survival expert now..

    Anywho, as I was watching Leo eat raw buffalo meat (spoiler alert), I noticed something I usually wouldn’t have noticed before. My friend- a newlywed by the way- did not own a coffee table. You see, if it were any other day, I wouldn’t have cared because I’m too busy other days to care. At that moment, I didn’t know where to place my beer or my pint of Ben and Jerry’s (we go hard). When I asked her about it, she claimed she was “getting to it” but Kayla, I’ve known you all my life.

    You’re not getting to it.

    For all my newly married couples out there, don’t be a Kayla and don’t slack on necessary furniture. Here are a few furniture pieces every couple should have in their home.

    1. Coffee Table

    Yes, we need to talk about it some more because a coffee table is the center of your living room. Without it, it’s just a giant space that will haunt you in your sleep. Imagine Superman without the giant S on his chest…that’s how your sofa feels without a table. It’s where guests will place their cups (and beers!), where you’ll dump your stack of magazines, the place where your partner will put up their feet at the end of a long day, and so much more!

    It’s a great addition to any home and thanks to our friend the internet; you can choose amongst thousands of different styles. You can want something as extravagant as this

    Brianna Coffee Table- $189.99

    or something simple like this

    Spurgeon Modern Simplistic Criss-Crossed Coffee Table- $44.99

    2. Extra Chairs or Beanbags

    It’s bound to happen. It will be your turn to host Thanksgiving and someone will almost always bring along a friend, a co-worker, or their mom. You never really think about it, but sometimes things don’t go as planned.

    If your living space is too tight, you always want to have a few fold-up chairs stored somewhere. You can’t have half your guests on a couch, and the rest sitting on the floor. If you pull out a few chairs (beanbags for bonus points), it will only show how considerate and caring you are towards the people that enter your home.

    3. Bookshelves (or any  shelves in general)

    What can I say about shelves that haven’t already been said? I always felt like they were doing the work for me. Shelves are incredibly versatile furniture, are easy to work with, and can be set up anywhere in the house. You could install them in the hallway, the living room, the kitchen, the bedroom, and the bathroom. Just name any room in the house, and it’ll probably be better off with shelves.

    Why? Because shelves give the room an orderly feel. You can place books, cases, frames, and even treasured antiques for a complete look. They’re inexpensive and you can find thousands of DIY ideas on Pinterest. If you’re lazy like me and somehow always hurt yourself while screwing a nail into a wooden board, then you’re probably better off heading to your nearest IKEA.

    4. Artwork

    The great thing about art is that everyone perceives it differently. Thirty people could be looking at the same painting and each one would have a different story to tell. So why do we need art in our homes?

    For one, art is a form of expression. People can walk in and see a painting of a field of sunflowers and consider you to be a light and joyous person. It gives your guest a bit of intel about the kind of person you are. Any art can breathe life into a room and spark conversation amongst you and your guests. If you’re a painter yourself, hang a piece of your work at the entrance or living room.

    If you’re a lover of art, but are on a budget, Minted is a great website that offers incredible paintings and supports independent artists.

    5. A New Mattress

    Let’s be honest here.

    A new mattress should have been on top of the list. Your old mattress has seen better days, and your partner’s probably isn’t better off. Purchasing a new bed is not only the adult thing to do, but it’s also undoubtedly the best thing to do. When you’re a newly married couple, you want to bring comfort into your new home, and mattresses are the epitome of comfort!

    Mattresses can be expensive, but with the power of the internet, I found the perfect store. It caters to all your mattress needs at an affordable price.

    6. Plants

    Not sure if this one counts as furniture, but I’m going to add it to the list, anyway. Everyone on the planet should have planets in their home! They are literal symbols of life and wellness! They purify the air, they’re refreshing, and they make your house feel like a home.

    That last one is a big one, but I personally believe that by bringing life into a house, it will feel more like a home. You can find potted plants at your local grocery store and even your 99 cent store. Your choices are endless!

    Happy shopping!

  • The Importance of Sharing a Surname with Your Kids: What to Consider

    The Importance of Sharing a Surname with Your Kids: What to Consider

    The Importance of Sharing a Surname with Your Kids: What to Consider

    In today’s evolving landscape, many people are thoughtfully deciding to keep their maiden name after marriage. The reasons are diverse and deeply personal, often stemming from a desire to maintain independence, preserve a professional identity, or simply avoid the societal pressure to change. Some feel a strong connection to their birth name, seeing it as a vital part of their identity that they wish to preserve.

    But as families grow and children enter the picture, a new question often arises: Will your children carry your last name, your partner’s, or a combination of both? While the decision about surnames is entirely personal, it’s widely recognized that having a different last name from your children can present unique considerations and, at times, unexpected challenges.

    It’s widely known that having a different surname from your children will produce a few problems. The most prominent one (which is actually not that big of a problem) would always be correcting people’s assumptions about you. Most people will assume you’re divorced, considering that your child has a different name than yours.

    Everyday Perceptions and Identity

    Perhaps the most common experience is the frequent need to clarify assumptions. When your child has a different surname, people may often presume you are divorced or not the biological parent. While this isn’t a “major problem” in the grand scheme, consistently correcting these assumptions can become tiring over time. As children grow older, they become more observant. They might notice that their surname doesn’t match yours, leading to questions about family identity. While many parents are comfortable addressing these inquiries, it’s a conversation worth being prepared for.

    Considerations for Travel and Official Situations

    Beyond daily interactions, more significant issues can arise, particularly when traveling internationally or dealing with official documentation. Consider the experience of Hannah Marshall, who was stopped by border control because her daughter did not share her last name. She was suspected of attempting to abduct the child. This highlights a serious concern: authorities are highly vigilant about child trafficking and abduction.

    Due to these safeguards, if you’re traveling with children who have a different surname from yours, you may be asked to provide additional legal documents. This could include:

    • The child’s birth certificate (listing both parents).
    • A consent letter from the other parent (if they are not traveling with you).
    • Your marriage certificate or divorce decree, depending on the situation.

    UK Home Office clarified this procedure is in place to safeguard children, but it can lead to significant delays and stress if you’re unprepared.

    Administrative Hurdles: School, Medical, and Legal Forms

    The surname difference can also introduce minor administrative complexities in various aspects of your daily life:

    • School Applications and Emergency Contacts: When enrolling children in school or filling out emergency contact forms, a name discrepancy might prompt extra questions or require additional proof of your parental relationship. In an emergency, schools are more likely to verify identity with a matching surname, potentially causing slight delays.
    • Doctor’s Visits and Medical Consent: At a doctor’s office, you might face additional scrutiny when providing medical consent or accessing records if your last name doesn’t match your child’s. Having readily available identification that links you to your child (like a birth certificate) is crucial.
    • Parental Consent for Minors: For situations requiring parental permission, such as a teenager applying for a learner’s permit at the DMV or seeking job employment, you may need to provide robust documentation to prove your legal relationship. While these issues are generally resolvable, they can become roadblocks without proper preparation.

    These scenarios, while often manageable, underscore the importance of understanding potential complications and ensuring you have all necessary supporting documentation readily available.

    Making Your Informed Decision

    Ultimately, the choice of surname for both parents and children is a deeply personal one. There’s no universal “right” answer, and families are increasingly embracing diverse naming conventions. However, being aware of the potential practical implications—from clarifying assumptions to navigating border control—can help you make an informed decision that works best for your family.

    Whatever path you choose, remember that HitchSwitch is here to simplify your name change needs. Whether you’re considering adopting your partner’s surname, creating a new hyphenated name, or ensuring consistency with your children’s last name, our service provides the customized forms and step-by-step instructions to make the process as seamless as possible.

    Ready to simplify your name change journey? Let HitchSwitch take the stress out of updating your identity, ensuring all your documents reflect your chosen surname with ease.

  • WOMEN OF THE WEDDING INDUSTRY, ON CHANGING THEIR NAME & STARTING A PODCAST!

    WOMEN OF THE WEDDING INDUSTRY, ON CHANGING THEIR NAME & STARTING A PODCAST!

    In 2016, Lisa & Rebecca started a podcast called The Secret Life of Weddings.

    On a mission to tell the world’s craziest wedding stories, the podcast is, in their own words, “full of alcohol and bad ideas.” The two real-life wedding photographers have spent 20+ years working in the industry and love dishing out on some unbelievable yet hysterical wedding drama. If you’re engaged, Lisa & Rebecca promise to take you from hot mess wedding planning mode to pee your pants laughing!

    Here at HitchSwitch, we’re not just their #1 fans but are proud to be the official sponsor of The Secret Life of Weddings.

    Read below to get in on our conversation with co-hosts, Lisa & Rebecca!

    Q&A

    What inspired you to start SLOW?

    We have been wedding photographers for so many years and have seen everything that can go right and hilariously wrong! One time we worked together on a particular wedding where someone was acting quite challenging, and over drinks, we thought up the idea of starting a podcast! We figured that this podcast would be a great place for fellow wedding vendors, brides, guests, etc. could anonymously email us their craziest true wedding stories, and we would share with the world! That’s when The Secret Life of Weddings was born.

    What has been the most challenging aspect of starting a podcast?

    Probably always recording and releasing the episodes on-time no matter what.  We understood that in order to be successful, we had to treat running a podcast like a business because essentially, that’s what it is. I don’t think we’ve ever missed a drop date, even if we were sick or on holiday. You learn to handle it! And to do it for over a year and a half is a challenge, but our amazing loyal listeners & sponsors make it worthwhile for us.

    What do you love about working in the Wedding Industry?

    That people genuinely care about the couple getting married and the wedding planning process. It’s really cool to see families come together and become one!

    What is The funniest listener submission.. if you can pick one?

    Oh, that’s like asking to pick a favorite kid, but if we had to pick one, it would probably be the one where a bride fell off a golf cart and got run over. It sounds horrible, I know, but I promise it was hilarious! The fact that you really shouldn’t be laughing …  just makes you laugh even harder! She was 100% okay so we hope the universe will forgive us for laughing.

    Did either of you change your name and what did that mean for you?

    Yes, we both did! I (Lisa) actually added my husband’s last name onto my existing maiden name. It’s important to note I chose not to hyphenate because I didn’t want to create a new name, but only take on his name and maintain my existing last name too. I kept my maiden name for professional reasons and use my full married name for family purposes, as my kids have my married name. It meant a lot to me to take my husband’s name (I like the tradition of it), but my maiden name also still meant a lot to me. This was the perfect compromise and just felt right.

    What is your favorite current wedding trend?

    Late night food, definitely! Weddings are definitely the best excuse to let loose and eat every amazing food in sight! You can dance it off later 😉

    What advice do you have for a brides-to-be in dealing with the stress of wedding planning/ frustrating guests & family?

    Try to keep perspective and accept the fact that something, no matter how small, will go wrong on your wedding day. It’s best to accept this fact and decide it won’t ruin your wedding day. As for unwanted advice from well-meaning friends & family, merely thank them for their thoughts and change the subject. Wedding planning is prime time for people coming out of the woodwork with unwanted suggestions. Let them feel like they helped, and then do what you want anyway. It’s your wedding, not theirs.

    You’re both married. Can you share any advice for newly married HitchSwitch clients?

    Don’t expect marriage to be easy. You will have disagreements, and it’s all about how you handle them. Pick your battles … not everything is worth fighting over. If you fight or argue – don’t worry about it. It means you care about your relationship. Remember always to be each other’s best friend!

  • Healthy Habits for You and Your Partner

    Healthy Habits for You and Your Partner

    Do you know when you’re sitting on the toilet and scrolling through your Instagram and see a video with an elderly couple talking about how they’ve been married for 50+ years? How somehow they’ve cracked “the code” to a long, healthy, and fulfilling marriage?

    And you’re sitting there thinking, “how the f— did they do that?”

    via GIPHY

    Those people are my heroes because while marriage is a beautiful experience, it is undoubtedly difficult to keep afloat sometimes. Some days, you have calm waters and a relaxing sea breeze, and others are filled with storms and waves ready to drown you.

    There are simple strategies you can engage in helping maintain a healthy relationship. Here are some of our favorite small habits that will make a huge difference. 

     1. Set in Motion Your Emotion

    I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Being emotionally connected to your partner is far more important than being physically connected to them (AKA sex). If you’re in it for the long-run, then establishing an emotionally connect is very, very important. According to Marriage, creating this bond will not only strengthen your communication skills, but will also help build respect, better sex, and a sense of security.

    How to build that connection?

    Just don’t keep any feelings from your partner. If there are any problems, never shoo them to the side. Always talk about how you feel and get it out in the open. Don’t let the work-life dominate your relationship; always have one day of the week dedicated to your partner. Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you can’t get out there and have fun.

    2. A T-Rex was Once an Egg

    This was my grandpapa’s way of saying, “the little things matter, you dipshit.”

    I can’t speak for all women, but when my husband sends me a hearty text with a bunch of kissing emojis, I smile like a bumbling buffoon. We’ve only been married for three years, but it still gets to me. His job requires a ton of physical labor so the fact that he found the time to shoot me a message just reminds me of why I married this guy in the first place.

    via GIPHY

    It doesn’t have to be a text. It could be buying them lunch, surprising them at work, sending them flowers, cooking them dinner, and leaving post-it notes with flirty messages all over the house.

    The little things keep the sparks flying, trust me.

    3. Communicate EVERYTHING

    By everything, I do mean the good, the bad, and the ugly. As a married couple, we always want the best for each other, and whenever something grand happens, we tell each other right away.

    But what about those difficult conversations that we would rather not talk about? It could be stress, body weight, anxiety, car troubles, and even a pile of unpaid bills. The conversations that are a must have are usually the ones we don’t want to discuss at all.

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    If you’re having trouble starting a difficult conversation with your partner, Very Well Mind has a wonderful article full of incredible advice and helpful tips.

    4. Knowing When You’re in the Wrong

    Me: “I would like to buy a Y.”

    Pat: “There are three Y’s.”

    Me: Is it “I’m Sorry You Feel That Way”?

    Your relationship is not perfect.

    Fights will happen where you will argue and cry and yell. When you are the one at fault in an argument, don’t apologize in a way that makes your partner feel that their emotions are irrelevant (refer to quote above). Please don’t be that dumb.

    You always want to be empathic when apologizing. You need to recognize that you’re in the wrong and let your partner know that you will change your behavior and fix your mistakes. Unsolved arguments lead to more complications and buried emotions. That’s uncharted territory, and we do not want to go there.

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    Dedicating Time for Each Other

    I know it doesn’t need to be said and you should be dedicating time for your partner every day. Unfortunately, life gets in the way, and sometimes, we’re too busy even to call to say ‘hello.’

    Planning to see a movie, going for a stroll in the park, visiting some close friends, and even cuddling are great ways to show your partner you’re there and you care.

  • Why You Should Consider Taking Your Partner’s Last Name?

    Why You Should Consider Taking Your Partner’s Last Name?

    Marriage is one hell of a ride.

    There are numerous things to consider before getting married. Since medieval times, a woman taking her husband’s last name was understandable, no question about it. Luckily for us, those days of patriarchy are over (kinda) and changing your last name is now an independent choice!

    And let’s face it, the world has changed. Same-sex marriage is legal now, more women are in the work field making their name their brand/identity, some couples prefer hyphenation, some prefer keeping their surname as their middle name, and some like to change the last name entirely.

    All in all, there’s no shame in keeping your last name, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with taking your significant other’s last name.

    So the million dollar question: should I take my partner’s last name?

    While only YOU know the answer to that question, we’re here to tell you why you should contemplate changing your last name.

    1. Us Against The World

    Like my four-year-old niece always reminds me, “There’s no “I” in “TEAM.”  She doesn’t even know what it means but her mom persists on making her a “team player,” whatever the heck that means.

    Some marriages work, some don’t. But if you are married, and you are confident that this person is your soulmate, then taking their last name will make you feel like nothing can get you down. It’s just very different after marriage because this person becomes your go-to for everything! You cry to them, complain to them, cook for them, clean for them, and live for them. Plus, you want the whole world to associate you with them. Marriage is love and love is joining as one against the whole damn world.

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    2. Out With The Old, In With The New

    Think of marriage as a door opening to another world, because really, it is. Your whole world gets turned upside down and everything changes.

    You start to pave a path with your partner, and you have to adjust to the new world around you. In a way, you have to leave your “old” life behind and embrace this new adventure with your loved one. Part of that “old” life is your maiden name.

    Yes, it could be scary and overwhelming, but it could also be exciting and fun! With a new identity, it feels like you’ve got a second chance to do the things you love with the person you love.

    3. Think Of The Children

    There’s no doubt that every mother or father wants the same surname as their future children. Having different names than your children causes confusions at schools, hospitals, and airports. If you have teenage children, then you’ll know that even your breathing embarrasses them.

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    To make things easier for yourself, in the long run, it’s best to take your partner’s last name and save yourself some trouble. When you think family, you don’t think of each parent having a different last name.

    4. Judge Judy Eyes

    Ok, you’re not going to like this one, but I feel obliged to mention it because I know what it’s like to come from a judgy family. Hey, people are assholes, and that includes family.

    When I told my family I wouldn’t be changing my last name after marriage, they were appalled. It’s become so accustomed in our family for a woman to change her maiden name that when someone questioned it, it seemed corrupt. I had an uncle tell me that if I wasn’t going to change my last name to my husband’s, then I shouldn’t get married at all.

    Yeah, asshole family but I still love them like crazy.

    After a year of marriage, I changed my last name because it felt like the right thing to do and it’s what I wanted to do. There was no pressure from anyone, and my husband never rushed me into it.

    My point is, no matter what you decide to do, there will always be people there to judge you. People’s opinion should never have an impact on your decisions. Honestly, what are middle fingers for if not these moments?

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    5. Stronger Bond

    Do you know who makes me the happiest person on the planet? My partner.

    While changing your last name may not seem like a big deal to you, for some, it means a lot. Once I got the hang of marriage and realized I married the man of my dreams, I decided to strengthen the bond between us. For people from our cultural background, that meant taking his last name. When I finally did it, I felt like the happiest person on the planet. I swear I am not over exaggerating, you guys.

    It just seemed official at last! I was ecstatic, and it felt like one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

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    If you are considering changing your last name, then HitchSwitch is here to help you through the process. Always speak to your partner before making any final decisions, and in the end, always remember that the choice is up to you.

  • Color Me Green! St. Patrick’s Day Activities

    Color Me Green! St. Patrick’s Day Activities

    Saint Patrick’s Day. A day where everyone is seen wearing a green shirt with the quote “Kiss Me I’m Irish.” Unless you’re a six-year-old, then you’ve just been coloring in leprechauns and making pots of gold out of construction paper.

    Do you think those people actually know the history behind St. Paddy’s Day or is it just an excuse to get totally sh*t faced? I mean, it was the rage in my early twenties, but once you’ve tied the knot and pushed a couple of humans heads out of you, you’re lucky to squeeze in a glass of wine.

    Getting off topic, I know.

    So I doubt many people know the story of Saint Patrick so to honor the Saint, here’s a quick summary of the infamous holiday.

    First, he was born in Scotland, and his actual name was Maewyn Succat, and he took the name Patrick after becoming a priest. When he was a young boy, the Roman empire was weak and under attack. By the time he was a young man, he was captured by raiders and sold as a slave. He was taken to Ireland where in his confessions, he mentions spending time with the sheep and finding solace in prayers and God. He mentions seeing God in his dreams and believing he had a mission for him.

    Long story short, he brought Christianity to Ireland and drove out paganism which was the dominant religion at the time.

    The Irish celebrate this conversion on the 17th of March every year. Here are a few activities that are adult and kid friendly to get you in the spirits of this Irish holiday.

    1. Teach Your Kids About The Holiday

    March marks Irish American Heritage Month. The Irish know why they’re celebrating this day, but many American households celebrate it because of the fun and sake of the kids. While it’s always great to take part in a foreign holiday, both children and adults should know the history behind it.

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    Printing out coloring pages with leprechauns, pots of gold, rainbows, and even the flag of Ireland is a great way to hype kids up and get them learning about the holiday. You can also hit them up with some trivia! There are many myths that surround the story of St. Patrick and kids love those! Who knows? You might learn something yourself.

    2. Green Desserts

    I’m talking rainbow cupcakes, shamrock gummies, lucky charms rice krispies, Bailey’s Irish Coffee Caramel Brownies, shamrock pretzels, St. Patrick’s Day cake, and a little something called drunken grasshopper fudge. Good Housekeeping has a ton more recipes but I only picked the ones I’ve personally tried and have fallen drunk in love with, haha.

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    So a majority of these desserts can be done with the help of a pair (or two) of little helping hands. It’s a great way to bond with children because well, it’s a lot of sugar and kids love helping out in the kitchen. There will be a lot of green frosting, and rainbow sprinkles so have them administrate the final touch.\

    3. Gold Hunt

    You create two teams, and each team gets a “leprechaun” bucket (just a tin bucket I got from The Dollar Store). I painted a four-leafed clover on one and a rainbow on the other to make it more fun, but you can paint anything else that’s related to the holiday.

    Both teams have to scour the area and find as many gold chocolate coins as they can before a certain amount of time. Of course, those gold coins would have been hidden by you the night before. If you want the competition to heat up, you can conceal dollar bills and whichever team wins, gets a payday. The other side gets chocolate gold coins! It’s a win-win!

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    4. Leprechaun Relay

    For this activity, you do need a leprechaun costume. You can choose to make it at home or take the easy road and purchase it from your nearest Party City. I love the idea of this activity because it encourages kids to get moving!

    You split your players into two teams and have them form two lines. You offer the costume to the first player in front. Then, they must run an obstacle course conducted by an adult, return to the line, take off the outfit, and pass it on to the next player. The process continues until one team uses up all its players and win.

    5. Celebrate With Irish Music

    Finally, some dancing.

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    I love watching kids dance because they get so creative with those dance moves! You can play Irish music and even hire a dancer to teach the children (and yourself) some new moves. If you want to make it a game, you can play Freeze Jig. It’s the Irish version of Red Light, Green Light. You play music, and when the music stops, the children stop dancing and freeze. The last person to freeze is the winner.

    There are so many activities to choose from! I promised myself I would never get sucked into the Pinterest Vortex, but Pinterest has a ton of great ideas for activities, food, and fun! It’s a day full of luck so you should be just fine! Good luck!

  • Wedding Budget Saving Tips

    Wedding Budget Saving Tips

    Wedding Budget Saving Tips

    If you could describe a wedding in three words, what would they be? 

    If you’ve never had a wedding of your own, then let me take the words right out of your mouth. Beautiful. Elegant. Fun.

    Yeah, yeah, I get it, being a guest is the frickin’ best because unless you’re the bride or groom, you didn’t pay for anything. You went all dolled up, ate a filet mignon steak with a side of couscous, got drunk, and went home. That’s what guests do, and I know this because I attend over three weddings a month. 

    My three words? Too. Damn. Expensive.

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    According to Business Insider, “The average wedding cost in the US is $33,391”. I’ve been married since 2017, and I am still in debt for the extravagant wedding my in-laws persisted we have. They only have one son so you can imagine how that conversation went.  

    Anyways, there are several things you can do that will help you save hundreds of dollars on your special day.

    Here are our top four.

    1. Scratch Off Anyone You Haven’t Seen In 2+ Years

    Let’s be real. Does your great uncle Paul from your mom’s side that you haven’t seen in over five years really need to be invited? I know when it comes to creating a guest list for your special day, you want the whole world to know, but think of it this way: the more people come, the more money out of your pocket.

    Honestly, I get it. At some point, you feel an obligation to invite some people even though you barely know them. While my husband and I were creating the guest list at the time, we were incredibly stressed out because more than half the people on the list were closer to our parents, not to us. It rounded up to over 200 people. 

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    A word of advice? Cut out anybody you haven’t spoken or heard from in the past two years. Explain to your parents and future in-laws that you would rather save that extra cash for something that will benefit you and your partner in the near future.

    2. You Don’t Need Filet Mignon With Couscous

    You can’t have starving guests. Even though prices vary per guest in every state, you’re looking at an average of $85 per plate. And that’s the not so fancy weddings. If you want a New York wedding, you’re looking at an $80,000 fee.

    Here I thought California was too expensive.

    So what do you do? If you’re looking to save money, then I’ll tell you what you don’t do, and that is hiring a caterer. As soon as you mention the M word (married), anything that will cost ten bucks will jump to a hundred. We know it’s the same product, but we’re under so much stress at the time that we couldn’t give a shit, am I right?

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    If you have any close friends that run family-owned restaurants or if your family is in the food industry, you can always ask them to cater! It doesn’t need to be anything fancy because I promise you, people just want to eat. I had a friend who served chicken thighs on top of basmati rice at her wedding, and you better believe it was the best darn thing I’ve ever tasted.

    So no need to over think the food because you’re not going to look back on this day and think, “I should have gone with the $8000 caterers”.

    3. Mother Nature is Your New Wedding Venue

    Haven’t you heard? That’s, like, totally a thing now.

    Renting out a plaza for your wedding reception is crazy expensive. I know this because mine cost me a thousand for the night.

    Lately, I have been noticing a ton of people planning their wedding in their backyard. There are a few who also use public parks because it’s already fixed up beautifully without costing a dime.

    Bridal Musings does a wonderful job on how to set up a backyard wedding.

    4. Skip The Bouquet and Settle For A Single Rose

    For a few of my brides, this might strike a nerve. If you’re one of those brides who want to preserve your bouquet in a glass frame, then by all means, skip this step. Before I continue, I would just like to state that I have been to weddings without a single flower in sight and I have been to weddings where over $2000 was spent only on flowers.

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    Other than your bouquet, you need to keep in mind the bridesmaids, the flower girls, the corsages, table centerpieces, and much more that I can’t remember at the moment.

    Also, flowers die. Imagine spending $2000 on flowers just for them to die that same night. Holy crap, you can buy a used car with that amount of money. Now, there are alternatives to flowers such as candles, crystal vases, goldfish bowls with petals, and even fake flowers. If flowers are a must, then keep them to a minimal.

    If you’re the DIY’er in the family, then all you need is to pick a few roses from your nearest public park and get to working.

    The list goes on and on…and on. Shop for your dress or tux off the clearance rack, ask family and friends to help with the setup instead of buying professional work, buy affordable wedding rings, stay in state for the honeymoon, set up karaoke instead of hiring a DJ. 

    Ok, maybe that last one isn’t necessary, but you get my point.