You've opened all of your wedding gifts, written thank-you notes, and unpacked suitcases from your honeymoon travels. What next?

After the honeymoon, many couples find themselves in an unexpected slump. With the excitement of the wedding over and the reality of married life settling in, it's common to feel a bit ho-hum at this early stage in your marriage.

To avoid the post-honeymoon slump, consider the following tips:

1. Organize and store your wedding memorabilia right away. Many couples return from their honeymoon to face unresolved wedding tasks that bog down the transition from the wedding to wedded bliss. As much as possible, try to deal with leftover wedding tasks as soon as you return from your honeymoon. This includes cleaning and storing the bride's wedding dress, storing wedding memorabilia (leftover ribbon, candles, invitations, napkins, party favors, etc.), and closing the loop with vendors.

2. Admire your wedding photos. If your photographer is willing, ask him or her to assemble your wedding photo album while you're on your honeymoon. You will enjoy reliving your wedding as soon as you get back.

3. Set up your home. Decorating your home together will keep you engaged and communicating as you plan this important aspect of your life together. To avoid racking up debt, use gift cards received as wedding gifts on home decor.

4. Draft short- and long-term goals, with plans for how to accomplish them. Goal-setting is a great way for a couple to get excited about the future. Possible goals could include running a half marathon together, taking dancing lessons, hosting a party, or adding a pet to your household.

5. Pursue individual goals. Newlyweds often identify themselves as one half of a couple. However, getting married doesn't mean you have to postpone pursuit of your dreams and goals. To keep life interesting and to avoid the post-honeymoon slump, continue to tackle projects on your own. Pursuing individual dreams will keep conversation with your partner exciting as you share details of your day and support each other's goals.

6. Plan your next trip together. Nothing beats the post-honeymoon slump like planning your next vacation. To avoid breaking the bank, plan a trip in your own town or in an adjacent city. Try a renowned bed and breakfast, go to a sports event, or take a ferry ride. Having a trip on the calendar, even an extended weekend away, will keep the newlywed spark alive.

Balancing the day-to-day practicalities of married life with dreams for the future, newlyweds can avoid the post-honeymoon slump and settle into wedded bliss.

Learn more about this author, Kristen M. Anderson.
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