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Gifting a check to a newly married couple is a great way to deliver a monetary gift. However, addressing a check to two people has its quirks. When writing a check to a newly married couple, it is important to use their current legal names and avoid using and between their names. Instead, use “or” to ensure that either party can cash or deposit the check without any delays or inconvenience. It is also a good idea to use their pre-married names, especially if one or both partners are planning to change their last names after the wedding. This way, the couple can cash the check before the name change process, which can take time. Additionally, including both pre-married names allows either member of the couple to cash the check without needing a joint bank account.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of "and" or "or" | Use "or" to allow either person to deposit the check. Use "and" if both parties need to endorse the check. |
| Names | Use current legal names. Avoid using "Mr. and Mrs." |
| Name changes | Use pre-wedding names to allow the couple to deposit the check as soon as possible. |
| Address | Mail the check to a permanent address where you know one or both members of the couple will receive it. |
| Gift cards | Consider giving a gift card to a store or restaurant that has personal meaning to the couple. |
| Cash | Avoid giving cash as it can be lost or stolen. |
| Amount | The average person spends $50 to $100 on a wedding gift. The amount can vary based on the relationship and cultural expectations. |
| Timing | Avoid dating the check too early as checks expire after a certain period. Deposit the check soon after the wedding to ensure the funds are available. |
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What You'll Learn
Use 'or' not 'and'
When addressing a cheque to a married couple, it is important to consider the use of "or" instead of "and" between the couple's names. Using "or" provides flexibility and convenience for the couple in depositing the cheque.
For example, writing "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia" allows either individual to deposit the cheque into their respective accounts. On the other hand, using "and" (e.g., "Kim Jones and Jackie Garcia") typically requires both parties to be present and identified, which can cause delays, especially if one person is unavailable or if name changes are still in process.
It is also worth noting that some couples may not share a bank account or have different plans regarding name changes. By using "or," you respect their individual choices and avoid potential complications. Additionally, the couple may prefer to receive the gift promptly and use it for their honeymoon or other expenses.
However, in certain business contexts, using "and" might be preferred to ensure that both parties endorse the cheque, providing an extra layer of security for significant transactions.
When writing the cheque, it is recommended to use the couple's pre-married names to avoid delays associated with name changes. You can also address the card or envelope with "Mr. & Mrs." or similar titles while using "or" between their pre-married names on the cheque itself. This strikes a balance between formality and practicality.
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Use current legal names
When addressing a cheque to a married couple, it is important to use their current legal names to avoid any delays or inconvenience. While it may be cute to write "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" on a cheque as a wedding gift, it is not practical. If you write "and" between their names, both parties must be present in person at the bank and properly identified. Using "or" between their names, such as "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia", allows either party to cash or deposit the cheque. This is especially important if the couple has separate accounts or if one person is unable to go to the bank.
Using the couple's pre-married names is also a good idea because it may take time for the name change to be official, and the couple may want to cash the cheque before or after the wedding. Additionally, not all women change their names after marriage, and some couples may choose to create a new surname together. By using their current legal names, you can ensure that the couple can access the funds without any issues or delays.
If you are unsure about the couple's names or name preferences, it is best to ask them directly or consult with a close family member or the wedding planner. It is also important to remember to write your name and address on the envelope and card when giving a wedding cheque. This will help ensure that the couple knows who to thank for the gift.
To legally change one's name after marriage, individuals must contact various government agencies and provide specific documentation, such as a marriage certificate, Social Security card, driver's license, birth certificate, or passport. The process may vary depending on the state or country, so it is essential to check the relevant laws and requirements.
In conclusion, when addressing a cheque to a married couple, using their current legal names and avoiding "and" between their names will make it easier for the couple to cash the cheque and access the funds. This simple consideration can help ensure that your wedding gift is convenient and beneficial for the newlyweds.
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Avoid the gift table
If you're giving a check as a wedding gift, it's best to avoid the gift table. This is because checks are small and lightweight, and can easily be lost or misplaced during the wedding. Instead, you can give your monetary gift to a close family member of the newlyweds, a wedding party member, or the wedding planner, who is usually responsible for collecting all the gifts and getting them to the couple.
Another option is to mail the check to the couple's permanent address, either before or after the wedding. This is a convenient option if you're travelling for the wedding, as it can be impractical and expensive to bring a large, bulky gift. It's also a good idea to put the check in a greeting card, rather than simply sticking it in an envelope, as this can come across as impersonal. You can enclose a personal message inside, addressing the card to both the bride and groom, and include a handwritten message that references a shared memory.
If you're writing a check, it's important to get the names right. While it might be tempting to use playful formats like "Mr. and Mrs. Carter", this could cause issues with the couple's bank. It's also important to remember that not all women change their names after marriage, and that this heteronormative tradition doesn't apply to same-sex marriages. Instead, use the couple's pre-wedding names, and use "or" instead of "and" between their names. This will ensure that either member of the couple can deposit the check into their account. For example, write "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia", instead of "Kim Jones and Jackie Garcia".
Finally, remember to include the date, the full numeric gift amount, and your signature. You can also include a memo, such as "To the newlyweds!".
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Include the date
When addressing a cheque to a married couple, it is important to consider the date of the cheque and when the couple will be able to cash it. Banks are only legally required to honour a cheque for six months after the date of issuance, so it is best not to date the cheque too long before the wedding. If you are writing a cheque for a wedding gift, it is a good idea to write the date of the wedding on the cheque, or a date shortly after, to ensure the funds are available. This also means the couple can deposit the cheque promptly and avoid any issues with name changes.
If you are writing a cheque as a wedding gift, it is best to use the couple's pre-wedding names, as it can take time to change names on bank accounts. Using the word “or” between their names will allow either person to deposit the cheque into their account. For example, "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia". This is especially important if the couple does not share a bank account or if one person is unable to go to the bank.
If you are writing a cheque to a married couple after their wedding, it is best to use their married names. However, be aware that it may take some time for the name change to be official, so there could be a delay in cashing the cheque.
It is always a good idea to include your name and address on the cheque, as well as the envelope and card, to ensure the couple knows who to thank.
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Put the cheque in a greeting card
If you're giving a cheque as a wedding gift, it's important to know the correct way to address it to a married couple. While it may be tempting to write "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", doing so may cause major delays and inconveniences for the newlyweds. When you write "and", both parties must be present and properly identified at the bank. To avoid this, use “or” between their names, for example, "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia". This allows either person to deposit the cheque into their account without the need for a joint account.
Another option is to address the cheque to only one person. This avoids any complications that may arise if one spouse changes their last name after the wedding. It also allows the couple to deposit the cheque without having to wait for a joint account to be set up. If you choose this option, you can reference the other half of the couple in the memo portion of the cheque by writing "To the newlyweds".
Now that you know how to address the cheque, it's time to put it in a greeting card. Avoid simply sticking the cheque in an envelope and mailing it, as this may come across as impersonal and lazy. Instead, enclose the cheque in a nice greeting card and handwrite a personal message inside. Address the card to both the bride and groom, congratulating them on their wedding and including a personal statement or a shared memory. Don't forget to include your name and address on the envelope and card, and if you're mailing the cheque, consider using a tracking number to ensure it arrives promptly.
If you're attending the wedding, you may also give the cheque directly to the couple or to a close family member, a wedding party member, or the wedding planner. However, avoid placing it on the gift table, as it may get lost. Additionally, if you're travelling to a destination wedding, giving a cheque can be more convenient than bringing a bulky gift.
Remember, it's a good idea to decide on the delivery method beforehand and to write your name and address on the cheque, card, and envelope. By following these steps, you can ensure that your wedding gift is both thoughtful and practical.
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Frequently asked questions
It is best to use the couple's pre-wedding names and use “or” instead of “and” between their names. This allows either person to deposit the cheque without having to wait for a joint bank account to be set up.
If you are unsure of whether the person will be changing their last name, use their maiden name or the last name they had before the wedding.
Giving a cheque as a gift is a great way to delight the couple by recouping some of the money spent on the wedding. It is also a convenient option if you are travelling to a destination wedding as it is less bulky than a physical gift.
According to Zola, the average person spends $50 to $100 on a wedding gift. This amount can vary depending on your relationship with the couple, with closer friends and family expected to spend more.
