I read wedding blogs all the time. I utilize the sites for ideas of what to do and things to avoid and to make sure I am staying on task. One of the major themes in the wedding blog community is the idea of changing your name. I have read countless [at least a dozen] posts arguing back and forth as to why or how or in what manner a name change should take place. I've read stories of brides who get rid of their middle name, hyphen their last name and the ever amusing combo of both last names for both the bride and the groom.
When it came time to fill out our marriage license I wrote it without even thinking. I wrote my middle name and Mr. Yankee's last name. That was it. There was no fuss, no inner turmoil or angst. I was going to take his name- and there was really anything anyone could do about it.
Sure- I have my undergraduate degree in my maiden name and it's going to be a PITA to change everything over. But I am a traditionalist in the realist sense- Mr. Yankee is the man that I am going to spend the rest of my life with. If, I repeat IF we have children they will most certainly carry his last name. So why would I NOT choose his last name? I have no real bond to my last name. It carries no special meaning or weight with me. My mom doesn't have it.
This isn't to say that women shouldn't keep their maiden name. I am sure for every woman it is very different. And I am confident that for many women it is an intensely personal decision, racked with emotion, confusion and a sense of mandated loyalty. But for me- it was about joining my life with Mr. Yankee. To me it signifies the change from us being a dedicated couple who live together to a married couple. A family. Nothing else will really change after we get married- except for my name. And I couldn't ask for a better symbol of unity and family. To share the name of my hubby.
Any brides out there making the switch?! Was it an easy decision for you to make?!
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