Would you take your husband’s name after you get married? 

For generations of Irish women, it was almost unheard of not to do otherwise. 

Now, in an era of greater gender equality, fewer and fewer women are bothering to do so. 

In Britain, a YouGov poll found that only 35% of young women planned to do so. 

On Lunchtime Live, Jessica O’Sullivan, Head of Content for One Fab Day, said she was “not surprised at all” by the poll’s finding. 

“We’re seeing so many wedding traditions going by the wayside,” she said. 

“Any of the wedding traditions that are rooted in patriarchy; the bride feeling that she needed her Dad to walk her down the aisle. 

“Or even wearing a white wedding dress - we’re seeing lots of brides now in pink, blue was a big one last year. 

“Just colour in general.” 

A couple cutting their wedding cake at their wedding reception. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Ms O’Sullivan said relationships are “more feminist leaning” than they were in previous generations and women are less interested in conformity. 

“It really just is something we ask women,” she said. 

“Are you changing your name after marriage or not? The guys don’t get it. 

“And same-sex marriages, they don’t get asked either. So, it really just is a thing for heterosexual women.” 

Paper work

Ms O’Sullivan said people often forget the “amount of hassle to change your name” for those who do decide to go through with it. 

“I don’t think people actually realise you have so much admin to do - I’m exhausted even just thinking about it,” she said. 

“Your bank account, your public service card, your driving licence, your Revenue, your healthcare provider - and that’s before you even [change] your Instagram handle. 

“It costs you up to €200 as well; to get a new passport is €110, to get a new driver’s licence is €65. 

“All these things start adding up and would you be bothered? You’ve enough to be doing.” 

Main image: A bride and groom with guests at wedding reception. Picture by: Alamy.com