While tradition dictates the woman take her husband’s last name after the marriage, many modern couples are eschewing this tradition if favor of keeping their maiden name. If you plan on keeping your name, how do you let people know politely?
Patience!
Even if you’ve sent thank-you notes with your maiden name on them, many people aren’t going to realize you’ve chosen to keep your given name. Have patience with your friends and family if they don’t get it right away; tradition says the woman takes the man’s last name, and some people honestly don’t realize others choose to do something different!
Act Appropriate
It’s not appropriate to shout from the rooftops that you’ve kept your maiden name. It is appropriate, however, to keep using your maiden name when you send cards or letters. You can also bring it up in conversation if someone asks, but it’s not polite to be rude or yell.
Even if others don’t understand why you’ve chosen to keep your maiden name, it is a personal decision – no one needs to understand! You do, however, have the responsibility to act appropriately about it.
Choosing to keep your maiden name after the wedding is your decision, and it can be understandably frustrating when people contine to refer to you as your husband’s last name. Just keep using YOUR name on everything you send, and eventually people will get the hint!