All of that planning for a single day that ends in five hours can be a bit of a let down after all of the excitement. Here are five things to do after your wedding to keep the hoopla alive and not get the post-wedding blues.

1. Go on your honeymoon
Having a honeymoon planned is the most important thing you can do for the beginning of your marriage and provides something to look forward to after the hoopla! You’ve spent months planning a wedding to accommodate others, have had some disagreements in the planning process, and an abundance of stress settle on your shoulders over the past months or years. After all of that planning and the stress you have endured, get out of town with your hubby. Enjoy each other’s company with no other distractions and get some much-needed rest and relaxation.

2. Save your cake
Yes, you can keep your Instagram-worthy wedding cake. Take out any flowers and adornments for easy keeping. Chill the cake, so the icing becomes hard, making it easy to wrap in plastic wrap. Do not use foil; this can cause freezer burn! After you wrap your cake in plastic, put it in an airtight bag or container and be sure to label it correctly, so you know what it is!

3. Conserve your bouquet
There are two ways to keep your beautiful bouquet forever. The first option is to choose a few blooms to press and seal into a picture frame. The other way is to dry and preserve your entire bouquet in a shadow box or glass dome. Hire a professional for this one to ensure your bouquet is vacuum sealed in glass casing, and you have a picture-perfect result that will last forever.

4. Preserve your dress
Your gorgeous gown deserves a little TLC after your big day. And, we’re sure you have plans of passing down the gown to your daughter, or other family member or keeping it for sentimental reasons. First, ask the shop where you purchased your gown if they have any recommendations for a cleaner to clean your dress. If you are going on your honeymoon directly after your wedding, have your MOH or Mom and make sure they point out all the stains! After your dress is clean, store it in a dark place, wrapped in a clean sheet until you can get it professionally preserved. When searching for a professional to professionally preserve your dress, shop around. Get quotes, ask about the procedure and the warranty. Once the process is complete, store your box in a dark place, away from moisture and sunlight!

5. Send out your thank you’s
Last but certainly not least, remember to thank everyone who personally gave or sent you a wedding gift. Rule of thumb is to do this within the first two months of being married. Although it is a tedious task, it is well worth it. Your guests will be so happy to receive a personal sentiment from you expressing your gratitude!