I am keeping my name (how to introduce?)

I am keeping my name but I don't want it to be an issue... but I won't just go along with it for the day... I know why be difficult? But I guess that's me. I was think of this... Now for the first time as husband and wife James and Tara What do you think? I know I should just go along with it for the day b/c if his family new I was keeping my name they would be very MAD but this way I feel that they don't really know... As always thanks

I am keeping my name (how to introduce?)

I think you had the best solution for when you are announced at the reception, 'Please welcome now for the first time husband and wife: James and Tara!'. The last names should not be featured in this announcement since they remain the same. Nobody will notice except for perhaps his family and they are likely to think that it was a slip up on the MC's part. You will definitely have to tell his family when the questions arise though....for your own sake. It will be easier in the end to avert any dishonesty.

I am keeping my name (how to introduce?)

Even if you do keep your own name you can be sure that other people will call you Mrs.Whatever your husband's last name is. It just happens and it becomes easier to go along with than to explain your decision(not that you should have to). Also if you are having children, once they are in school, you will notice the same thing happens. I went back to my maiden name after my divorce and even though the school has my name I still get everything using my son's last name. As for the intro..I think using first names is just fine. I agree with everyone else though that you should at some point let his family know.

I just want to say thanks for the helpful advise...

As far as telling his parents as far as they are concerned I will have to be Mrs....XXXX - If I told them they wouldn't speak to me (very very old fashioned) and obviously I'm not. I agree about the whole children in school - what I would like is for them to use both our names (it's imp. to me.) I really don't understand why if your joining your two families together why you only take one name (and why the man??)

Announcing your name & history of last names.

Using the first names is good for the intro at the reception. Some brides have the traditional 'informals' printed for Thank You notes and other correspondence and this can have both your names printed on the front. James XXX and Tara XXX Another option is to send an 'at home' card announcing that Mr. James XX and Ms. Tara XX will be residing at XXXX following their marraige - espcially useful for sharing your new address if you have not previously lived there. As for the last names - the NY state marraige license actually says you can take either the husband`s name, the wife`s name, or a new name either a combination of parts from both, or a hyphenated combo. It doesn't have to be just the husband's name. One version I`d heard is that way back when, many last names developed because people would refer to Jim the Tailor, or Mark, James` Son as a way to identify which Jim or Mark they were referring to. That later evoleved into Jim Tailor or Mark Jameson. I guess having all the family members take one name just became a way of showing that they were part of the 'same team'. Things have changed but tradition is slow to follow.