Rhiannon Hendricks
Writing a cheque as a wedding gift is a thoughtful gesture, but it's important to make sure that the newlyweds can easily deposit the money. Here are some tips to ensure your gift doesn't cause any hassle for the happy couple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use both couple's names | Use both the couple's pre-married or maiden names |
| Use "or" instead of "and" | "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia" |
| Avoid making assumptions about name changes | Double-check the names on the wedding check |
| Ensure you have the funds in your account | Make sure you have the funds in your account before writing the check |
| Use permanent ink | Use permanent ink to prevent check fraud |
| Write the exact date | Write the date of the day you write the check or the wedding date if giving the gift on the day |
| Fill in the numeric gift amount and write it out | Write the full numeric value ($150.00) in the box and write out the dollar amount |
| Memos are optional but encouraged | Write "To the newlyweds!" in the memo field |
| Don't forget to sign | Your signature authorizes the check to be cashed |
What You'll Learn
Use their pre-wedding names
When writing a wedding check, it is important to use the couple's full, legal pre-wedding names. This is because, even if one or both of them plan to change their names after the wedding, they may want to cash the check before the honeymoon or before the name-changing process is complete. Using their pre-wedding names will also avoid any issues with the bank, as the name-changing process can take time, and the couple could hit a snag with the bank if the check is addressed to their not-yet-official new name(s).
If you are writing the check to both members of the couple, use "OR" between their names. This will ensure that either person can deposit the check. For example, "Kim Jones OR Jackie Garcia". If you use "AND" between their names, both people may be required to be present at the time of deposit or for the account used to be in both of their names.
If you are writing the check to just one member of the couple, it is still recommended to use their pre-wedding name. This is because it will take time for their name change to be processed, and it is likely that the couple will want to deposit the check as soon as possible. You can reference the other member of the couple in the memo portion of the check by writing "To the newlyweds".
It is also important to note that you should avoid using any honorifics, such as Mr. or Mrs., when making out a wedding check. Stick to the couple's full and legal names.
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Separate names with or
When writing a cheque as a wedding gift, it's important to make sure you get the names right so that the couple can easily cash the cheque. Here are some tips for when you want to separate the names of the couple with "or".
Firstly, always use the couple's full, legal names. While one or both of them may plan to change their names after the wedding, they will most likely want to cash the cheque before that happens. Using their pre-wedding names will also avoid any issues with the bank if their account is not yet updated with their new, married names.
If you are writing a cheque to the couple, separate their names with "or" instead of "and". This ensures that either partner can endorse and deposit the cheque into their own account without requiring multiple signatures. For example, write "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia" instead of "Kim Jones and Jackie Garcia".
If you are unsure about the couple's names, it is best to ask someone close to them to clarify.
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Use permanent ink
When writing a cheque as a wedding gift, it's important to use permanent ink. This is because permanent ink seeps into the paper, making it harder for fraudsters to tamper with your cheque.
Permanent ink is typically found in gel pens, which are much harder for scammers to remove ink from than regular ballpoint pens. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends using black gel ink that is "indelible", or long-lasting. This type of ink is difficult to clean off with household chemicals, making it harder for scammers to erase the original name and dollar amount written on the cheque.
In addition to using permanent ink, there are other ways to protect yourself from check fraud. The BBB recommends bringing mail containing cheques to a U.S. Post Office and depositing it inside, making payments online from a secure computer, picking up incoming mail promptly, and not leaving mail in your mailbox overnight.
It's also important to note that while gel pens can help deter check fraud, they are not enough to stop it completely. Fraudsters can still create counterfeits using the information from the check, so it's important to take other precautions as well.
By using permanent ink and following these other tips, you can help ensure that your wedding gift cheque reaches the couple safely and securely.
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Write the exact date
When writing a cheque as a wedding gift, it's important to include the exact date. This is part of check-writing 101 and will ensure that the couple can cash the cheque without any issues.
Always write the date of the day you are writing the cheque. If you are giving the cheque to the couple on their wedding day, you can also write the wedding date. However, do not use the wedding date if you are sending the cheque after the wedding. This is called backdating and is illegal or fraudulent in some situations.
If you are writing a cheque for a wedding gift, it's important to follow the other check-writing best practices to ensure a smooth process for the couple. Use permanent ink and fill in the numeric gift amount and write it out in words. The full numeric value goes in the box in the right upper section of the cheque. On the line below the "Pay to the order of" field, write out the dollar amount, which should look like this: "One hundred fifty and 0/100". Strike out the remainder of the field with a line that runs to the word "dollar" at the end.
Memos are optional but encouraged, especially if you've only addressed the cheque to one person. You can write something like "To the newlyweds!" in this field. This reinforces that the gift is for both parties.
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Include a memo
Memos are optional, but they are encouraged. You can write something like "To the newlyweds!" in the memo line, especially if you've only made the cheque out to one person. This reinforces the idea that the gift is for both parties. If you know the couple has a strong preference for being addressed a certain way, the basic tenet of good etiquette is to address people how they want to be addressed. If you're unsure, you can always ask the couple or someone close to them.
If you're writing a cheque to the couple, separate their names with "or" instead of "and". This ensures that either person can deposit the cheque into their account without the other's endorsement. If you use "and", multiple signatures are typically required for the cheque to be processed.
If you're writing a cheque to one person, you can still indicate that it's a wedding gift in the memo. You can also write the couple's names in the memo line, e.g. "for John and Jane".
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Frequently asked questions
A check is better than cash because only the person the check is made out to can deposit it. This is particularly helpful if it is stolen or lost in the mail.
Sending the wedding check to the couple in the mail is the safest way to give it to them. If you are worried about the check getting lost in the mail, you can always follow up with the couple if it hasn't been deposited within a few weeks.
It is best to use both of the couple's pre-married or maiden names. For example, "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia". Using "or" instead of "and" between their names will ensure that the couple can cash the check into either of their accounts.
If you are unsure what the couple's pre-married names are, it is best to ask someone close to them. If you are unable to find out their pre-married names, address the check to one person and indicate in the memo line that it is a wedding gift.
It is important to use permanent ink and fill in the date, the exact amount in numbers and words, and your signature. It is also a good idea to write your name and address on the envelope and card.
