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Your Name, Your Way: Everything You Need to Know about Changing Your Name in the UK 

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Lyubov and Juan‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Fergie Medar Photography 

If you’re a bride-to-be, chances are people have started asking you whether you’re planning to change your name once you’re married. Even today in 2023, when changing your name is very much a choice, this can be a fraught topic. 

But the good news is, it is a choice. And you’ve got lots of options, far beyond just keeping your original name or changing over to your spouse’s. Personally, I opted to stick with “Cinnamon” professionally, but double barrel with my new surname legally and in my personal life. 

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Ella and Joel‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Matt Parry 

I sat down with NameSwitch, who I wish was around back when I got married, to go over the most popular choices and some of the things you might want to consider as you make your decision. NameSwitch are the only UK based company to offer such a unique name-changing service that makes it so much easier.

No one knows more about the ins and outs of changing your name in the UK than NameSwitch – and if you do decide to make a change, their streamlining service can save you hours of research and admin. NameSwitch’s extensive knowledge and liaison with government bodies ensures you get it right the first time, and their UK-based customer service team is always on hand to help. And as a Smashing The Glass reader, you’ve got access to a £5 discount off any NameSwitch  package – just enter the code “SMASHING-FIVE” at checkout. 

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Amy and Andrew‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Mike Staff Productions 

9 of the Most Popular UK Name Change Options

These days, we’re lucky to have such a range of choices when it comes to changing your name (or not). I’ve put together a list of nine of the most popular choices, from double-barrelling to picking a totally new surname for the both of you. 

  1. Keep your given name.
  2. Take your spouse’s name.
  3. Have your spouse take your name.
  4. Take your spouse’s name legally, but keep your given name professionally.
  5. Make your given surname your middle name and take your spouse’s last name.
  6. Take each other’s surname as your middle name.
  7. Double-barrelling your names.
  8. Blend your last names into a new hybrid name.
  9. Create a totally new last name.

Obviously, some of these options are more common, while others – like creating a totally new last name for the two of you – may raise a few eyebrows. But the most important thing is to make the choice that feels right to you and your partner – after all, this is the name you’ll proudly carry for the rest of your life!

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Darah and Yoni‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Michael Segal

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How to Plan a Stress-Free Jewish Wedding Your Way {with Events by Natasha}

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Photo by Rafe Abrook

Wedding planning is such an exciting time in your life – but there’s no denying that it can be stressful, too. Between decision overload, family drama, budget challenges, and more, it’s all too easy to get bogged down in the details and lose focus on the big picture: you’re marrying the love of your life!

It doesn’t have to be that way. It’s not always easy, but with some smart decisions you can keep wedding planning joyful and, yes, low-stress – and I sat down with Natasha Levine of Events by Natasha, one of London’s top Jewish wedding planners, to chat through some top strategies for keeping wedding planning fun and drama-free.

In her years in the wedding industry, Natasha’s seen it all – and I’m so happy she’s sharing her hard-earned wisdom with us. 

Photo by David Pullum Photography

Top Tips for Low-Stress Wedding Planning    

When I asked Natasha for her very biggest tips to keep wedding planning stress-free, she shared four bits of wisdom – all of which speak to some of the most common struggles I hear from Jewish brides and grooms. 

First off, when it comes to selecting suppliers and planning various elements of the day, break it down and isolate each element. If you look at the big picture, it can be very overwhelming, but focusing on one individual component at a time feels much more manageable.

Second, try to not take on board too many opinions from friends and family members. It’s natural that your loved ones will want to help and guide you as best they can, but everyone has different experiences, tastes, and expectations. What might be a wonderful band for one couple might not be the best for another. Too many opinions can lead to confusion, overwhelm, and stress.  

I wasn’t at all surprised when Natasha reported that the most common wedding planning stressor among her couples is family. So many of us have a natural desire to keep the peace and try to please all the major players in the big day – but sometimes that’s just not possible, and letting go of that need to satisfy everyone is one of the hardest yet most essential steps toward a joyful wedding planning experience. 

Photo by David Pullum Photography

Third, delegate where possible. Don’t take on too much of the planning yourselves if you don’t have to. Ask a trusted family member to help source some suppliers or assist in gathering names and addresses for sending out invitations. Alternatively, you could hire a professional like Natasha to assist you with the entire planning production – a great planner will always be on hand at the other end of the phone, and they’ve got years of experience and contacts that can smooth the process (and save you money, too).

Finally, take breaks. Even with the best of intentions wedding planning can be overwhelming at times, and it’s important to remember to take breaks and engage in activities that help you relax and rejuvenate. It could be spending time with your partner, going for a spa day with your girlfriends, a weekend away, or any fun days out in your nearest city.Continue ReadingContinue Reading

My Weekend in Kosher Paradise at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas

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I couldn’t have imagined back in 2019, as a member of Brides Club planning my own Jewish wedding, that one day I would be a part of the incredible team here at Smashing the Glass. As luck would have it, I joined the team back in 2020, and these last three years as a Features Writer have been such a blast. This July, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to take part in the Kosher Fam weekend, sponsored by the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas with other amazing Jewish influencers and to see what it was like to spend a proper Shabbat in the Caribbean. 

The First Kosher Restaurant in the Caribbean 

What makes a stay at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar so unique is that it boasts the first 100% certified kosher restaurant in all of the Caribbean as well as a fully kosher food truck and other kosher options throughout the resort. Cinko, their Asian Latino fusion inspired restaurant, is not only kosher, but each dish is so unique and delicious that you could have a new item on the menu for every meal in a week and still not run out of tasty options to try. One evening for dinner, I ordered the Korean beef kimchi tacos, the salmon ceviche, and for my main course a stunning red snapper in an aji amarillo and coconut Thai sauce with succulent bites of yuca.

Shabbat Accommodations at a 5 Star Hotel

Whenever I’ve traveled and need to account for Shabbat or kosher meals, it’s usually whatever pre-packaged options I have on hand. I’ve never seen the luxury of a 5-star hotel take into consideration its kosher guests with such preparation and care. Cinko closes its doors to general hotel guests every Friday night through Saturday unless you make special reservations for Shabbat dinner and takeaway lunch, securing your kosher meals ahead of time. 

From Cinko’s candle lighting setup and hand washing station, to the beautiful Shabbat table with challah and wine the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar thinks of everything in making sure all you need is accounted for and you can just enjoy the beautiful Shabbat feast that’s been pre-prepared. Shabbat lunch is just as thoughtful with takeaway boxes filled with scrumptious food, and your own personal challah roll and grape juice for kiddush. The local Chabad Rabbi also has wonderful resources online and does his best to gather a minyan for Shabbat every week. 

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What Happened When I Spent a Day at a Top London Bridal Boutique

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Photo by Voyteck Photography

Mirror Mirror has long been one of my very favourite London bridal boutiques – from their fabulous range of handpicked designs to their bespoke service to their familiarity with all the ins and outs of Jewish weddings, there’s really no place like it. And it isn’t just me who thinks so – Mirror Mirror is a fan favourite with Smashing The Glass’s UK brides, and we’ve been privileged to feature many of their weddings right here on the blog. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to spend a day at Mirror Mirror living out the dream wedding dress shopping experience myself and filming some fun Reels about it – and everything was so fabulous, I truly wish I had occasion to get married all over again (to Mr. STG, of course!) just so I could take home one of their exquisite gowns for my very own. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

If you have ever wondered what it’s like to wedding dress shop at THE go-to destination for London’s Jewish brides, I’m so thrilled to take you along with me – read on to check out the fab Reels I created with the Mirror Mirror team and to hear why Mirror Mirror’s truly got it all!

A Day in the Life

With an exceptional range of 8 international designers, showcasing styles from classic minimalism to soft boho vibes to super-glam opulent gowns, plus in-house alterations, accessories, stunning chuppah cover-ups and 34 years of excellence dressing brides and celebrities, Mirror Mirror is one of the very best boutiques for Jewish brides. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

I’ve visited Mirror Mirror many times since founding Smashing The Glass, but this was the first time I’d had a chance to try on one of their lovely gowns.  From the warm welcome I received the moment I walked in, I couldn’t have felt more at home. 

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Spend Your Honeymoon in Caribbean Paradise at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, the Caribbean’s Ultimate Kosher Travel Destination

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If you’re looking for a positively swoon-worthy honeymoon destination that combines luxury, romance, fine kosher dining, and adventure, let us introduce you to Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is not only one of the most stunning properties in the Bahamas but is also the only luxury hotel in the Caribbean offering a full range of in-house kosher dining options. Continue ReadingContinue Reading