Difficult one, this. My brother recently married, and I was surprised to find myself pleased when his fiance decided to take our family name. In general, it seems to me that marriage is a mysterious idea enough to deal with, without all the surname and Elizabeth Bennett-style joining of families stuff. One weird idea at a time, please, that's what I think. But what do you think? Would you take your fiance's name?
I recently remarried at the age of 50 and have not taken my husband's name. This was partly because his ex-wife still uses it, but mostly because at my time of life I have my own identity and value this. Why on earth change your name just because you've made a commitment to a man? I took my first husband's name as it became complicated with our children and double-barrelled stuff can be burdensome. But as soon as we parted I reverted to my proper name. However I do have a dual identity as an author with a pen name, so maybe it's that the thought of three separate names is just too much for a woman to cope with! It always amuses me at book signings etc when people call my man Mr Berry!