Writing Wedding Checks: Payable To?

If you're planning to give a cheque as a wedding gift, it's important to make sure that the newlyweds can easily cash it. Here are some tips to ensure your gift goes smoothly:

- Use the couple's full, legal names. Avoid using Mr., Mrs., or any other honorifics.

- Separate the names with or instead of and to ensure either person can deposit the cheque into their account.

- Avoid using and unless the couple has a joint bank account, as both signatures may be required.

- Use permanent ink and fill in the date, numeric gift amount, and written-out amount.

- Include a memo such as To the newlyweds! especially if you've only made the cheque out to one person.

- Sign the cheque to authorise it to be cashed.

- Put the cheque inside a greeting card with a personal message.

- Mail the cheque or give it to a family member or wedding planner at the wedding to avoid it being misplaced.

Use the couple's pre-married names

When writing a wedding check, it's important to use the couple's full, legal pre-married names. This is because, even if someone does decide to change their name, filing and finalising the paperwork takes time, and the couple may wish to use the money sooner. Writing their pre-married names will ensure the couple can cash the check right away.

It's also important to check the spelling of the names and get them right. Many designed wedding invitations and websites use first and middle names, which could be misleading or unhelpful if you're not familiar with both spouses. When in doubt, use the first and last names you know best.

If you're writing a check to the couple, separate their names with "or" instead of "and". This is because if you use "and", the couple will likely need to endorse the check together in order to deposit it, and their bank may be more stringent in checking identities or require a joint account. Using "or" means either person can deposit the check into their account without the endorsement of the other.

If you're still unsure of what names to use, a simple solution is to address the check to just one person. People don't always have joint bank accounts, so this can make it easier for the couple to cash the check. If you do this, use the memo line to indicate that it is a wedding present.

Write or between names, not and

When writing a wedding check, it is important to use the correct format to ensure the couple can easily deposit and access the funds. One key detail is to use the conjunction "or" instead of "and" between the names of the couple. For example, write "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia" rather than "Kim Jones and Jackie Garcia".

The use of "or" provides flexibility and ensures that either member of the couple can deposit the check into their individual account or a joint account. If you use "and", both individuals may be required to be present at the time of deposit, and the account used must be in both their names, exactly as written on the check.

Using "or" is especially important if the couple does not have a joint account or if one partner has changed their name and is in the process of updating their documentation. This way, either person can endorse and deposit the check without any restrictions or delays.

It is also recommended to use the couple's pre-married or maiden names on the check, as name change processes can take time, and the couple may wish to cash the check promptly. Always double-check the spelling of the names and avoid making assumptions about name changes. If you are unsure, it is best to use the names you know best or confirm with the couple or someone close to them.

Additionally, when writing the check, be sure to use permanent ink and fill in all the necessary fields correctly, including the date, the numeric gift amount, and your signature. You may also want to include a memo, such as "Congratulations!" or "For the honeymoon", to add a personal touch.

Include a memo

Writing a memo is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding check. It's entirely optional, but it's encouraged to write something like "To the newlyweds!" especially if you've only addressed the check to one person. This reinforces the idea that the gift is for both parties. You can also use the memo to indicate that the check is a wedding gift, especially if you've addressed it to only one person.

The check memo is also a great place to add a short and sweet message for the new couple. You can write something simple like "Congratulations!" or "For the honeymoon." If you're close with the couple, you can write something more sentimental, such as "May all your dreams come true" or "I love you both."

If you're unsure about what names to use on the check, you can also use the memo to clarify who the check is intended for. For example, you could write "For John and Jane's wedding" to indicate that the check is intended for both John and Jane, even if the check is only addressed to one of them.

In addition to including a memo, it's also a good idea to put the check inside a greeting card with a personal message. This adds a thoughtful touch and ensures that your check is delivered securely.

Don't date the check too early

When writing a wedding check, it's important not to date the check too early. Checks expire after a certain amount of time, and there's no way to know when the couple will be able to cash it. They may be going on a month-long honeymoon and not sorting through their gifts until a few weeks after they return, for example. If the check is too old, it may be invalid by the time they try to cash it.

Therefore, it's best to try to date the check as late as possible. If you're writing the check a month in advance, be sure to date it a few days before the wedding. However, never date it after the wedding day.

If you're unsure about when to date the check, consider giving the couple a gift card or cash instead. That way, there's no expiration date to worry about. You could also ask the couple if they'd prefer to receive gifts in electronic forms, such as Venmo or Zelle.

Sign the check

Signing the check is a crucial step in the process of making a wedding check payable. It is the authorizer's signature that allows the recipient to cash the check. Without a signature, the check is essentially worthless, so it is important not to forget this step.

When signing a check, it is important to use permanent ink. This is a basic tenet of check-writing, but it is especially important for wedding checks, which may be one of the few opportunities you have to use a check in this day and age. Using permanent ink helps to prevent check fraud.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the signature on the check matches the signature on the associated bank account. If the signatures do not match, the bank may not honor the check. This is another reason why it is a good idea to use permanent ink, as it reduces the likelihood of signature discrepancies.

If you are concerned about your signature being forged, you may want to consider adding a "security feature" to your signature. This could be a simple mark or shape that you include as part of your signature. This way, even if someone attempts to forge your signature, it will be difficult for them to replicate the exact shape and style of your signature, including the security feature.

It is also worth noting that, in some cases, the couple may prefer to receive cash instead of a check. Cash can be more convenient for the couple, as they don't have to go to the bank to deposit it. However, checks do offer more security if the gift is lost or stolen. If you choose to give cash, consider placing it in a sealed envelope or card to reduce the risk of it being lost or stolen.

Finally, remember to include a heartfelt message in the wedding card that accompanies the check. This will add a personal touch to your gift and let the couple know how much you care about them.

Frequently asked questions