I've performed hundreds of weddings...
I've performed hundreds of weddings in my 26 years as a pastor. In the counseling sessions before the wedding, we talk about a wide variety of topics related to married life. Early in those conversations, we talk about the goal (or goals) of marriage. One of those goals is that the two shall become one ... and stay together for life. They become one in many ways, including taking one last name. (I know that this is not always the case for every couple, but I've yet to meet any in my experience.) The bride will often say out loud something like: "Hi, my name is Mrs. John Alexander!
