I sometimes forget that my surname will be changing really soon and I must admit, I will miss my current name. It’s something that I don’t think is written about all that often because brides are so unbelievably and over-the-top excited about becoming Mrs…Whatever. And don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly one of them.
But I do think it’s a little sad that most brides are so rushed to become their married counterpart, that they forget the family they leave behind (metaphorically I mean, no-one is going to war here people).
I suppose it’s a case of not wanting to offend the husband-to-be and their wonderful family (wonderful in my case at least – I read a lot about unwelcoming in-laws and I am incredibly fortunate not to be in that situation – Hello Carolmum and Peterdad!)
I’m getting married in a whopping 3 weeks (breath, Karen, breath) and I can’t wait to become the latest Mrs Clough. But it will bring with it a new identity. Nope, I’m not going to shave my head and take up knitting or anything crazy like that. I’m going to be the same person, but probably a stone heavier (thanks wedding cake). With a new name though, comes with it a new history and a new family that you will forever represent and it’s something I’m really conscious of. I want to do it proud.
I may have mentioned it before but I’m in a Facebook Group dedicated to “Brides in 2013” – we get to talk about ideas, get feedback on wedding decorations and – more importantly – dress choices, as well as vent about general wedding planning when it gets tough so our normal friends and family don’t think we’ve become a Bridezilla overnight.
It’s a great little community. In terms of their name changes though, quite a lot aren’t taking their husband’s name and a fair few will be double-barrelling.
Although I know that changing your name is a hassle, I’ve never even considered any option other than taking Joe’s name. Not to mention the fact I already have 4 names, and double-barrelling for me would have been quite the mouthful – Urgh, I’m tired just thinking about it! I think there are feminists out there who think it goes against Girl Power and all that. I politely disagree.
Clough is the name Joe & I will one day give to our kids. I will spend hours of my life politely telling people “It’s GH not UFF” and “No it doesn’t rhyme with plough you silly sausage” and I’m okay with that. I look forward to telling people how to spell MY name.
I do think that the “Mrs” label sounds a little older than my 26 years but it’s a label I’ll wear proudly.
But here’s to Past Me and to the name I was given by my parents. I salute you Past Me. We had a good running. And here’s to Future Me. I’m sorry in advance for not yet practising our new signature. And I’m sorry you’re a bit squidgier round the edges than Past Me. It’s something we’ll work on…
