Writing Wedding Checks: A Guide To Properly Making Them Out

Giving a cheque as a wedding gift is a great way to ensure the newlyweds can spend the money on whatever they please. However, it's important to make sure you write the cheque correctly to avoid any hassle for the couple or yourself. Here are some tips on how to make out a cheque for a wedding:

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

- If writing the cheque to both partners, separate their names with or instead of and. This ensures either partner can deposit the cheque into their account without the other's endorsement.

- Stick to using the couple's pre-wedding names. Even if they plan to change their names after the wedding, they may want to cash the cheque before the paperwork is filed.

- Write the exact date. Use the date you are writing the cheque, or the wedding date if you are giving the gift on the day. Do not backdate the cheque.

- Fill in the numeric gift amount and write it out in words. For example, for $150, write One hundred fifty and 0/100.

- Use permanent ink to prevent cheque fraud.

- Include a memo. Write something like Congratulations! or To the newlyweds! in the memo field, especially if you've only made the cheque out to one person.

- Don't forget to sign the cheque. Your signature authorises the cheque to be cashed by the indicated party.

- Put the cheque in a greeting card. This adds a personal touch and makes it less likely to be lost or thrown away.

- Mail the cheque to a permanent address. Sending the cheque by mail is safer than bringing it to the wedding, where it could be misplaced.

Use their pre-wedding names

When addressing a wedding cheque, it's important to use the couple's full, legal pre-wedding names. This is because, even if they plan to change their names after the wedding, they will likely want to cash the cheque before the paperwork is filed. Using their pre-wedding names is also important because the name-changing process takes time, and the couple could hit a snag with the bank if your cheque is addressed to their not-yet-official new names.

If you're writing a cheque to the couple, separate their names with "or" instead of "and". This is because "or" is less restrictive than "and" and means that either partner can endorse and deposit the cheque into their own account without the other's endorsement. Using "and" would require multiple signatures.

• Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia
• Mr. John Doe or Ms. Lisa Simpson
• Celine Elgin or Jacqueline Purcell
• Mr. Aaron Triguiero or Mr. Gabriel Reyes

Remember to use permanent ink, write the exact date, fill in the numeric gift amount, and sign the cheque. You may also want to include a memo, such as "To the newlyweds!".

Use or instead of and

When writing a wedding check, it's important to use the word "or" instead of "and" between the couple's names. For example, write "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia" instead of "Kim Jones and Jackie Garcia". This ensures that either member of the couple can endorse and deposit the check into their individual account without the other person being present. Using "and" would require both signatures and possibly a joint account.

Using "or" is especially important if the couple has different last names or if one partner is planning to change their last name after the wedding. That way, the check can be deposited before any name change paperwork is filed. It also avoids any issues with assumptions about name changes, as not all women change their last names when they get married.

In addition to using "or", it's important to use the couple's full, legal pre-married names on the check. Avoid using playful formats like "Mr. and Mrs. Carter" or honorifics like "Mr." and "Mrs.". Using their full names ensures that the check can be easily deposited and avoids any potential hassles or delays.

Here's an example of how to write a wedding check:

Pay to the order of: Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia

Amount: $150.00 (numeric value)

One hundred fifty and 00/100 (written out value)

Date: MM/DD/YYYY (current date or wedding date if given on the day)

Optional memo: "To the newlyweds!"

Signature: Your signature

Remember to use permanent ink and avoid backdating the check. Also, ensure that you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the amount.

Include a memo

Including a memo in the check for a wedding gift is optional but encouraged. It is a good idea to write something like "To the newlyweds!" in the memo field, especially if you've only made the check out to one person. This reinforces the idea that the gift is for both parties.

If you are mailing the check, you can also include a separate note with the check. Address the card to both the bride and groom, and congratulate them on their wedding. Include a personal statement, such as addressing a shared memory.

Mail the cheque

Mailing a cheque as a wedding gift is a great way to ensure that your gift doesn't get lost in the shuffle during the wedding reception. It's also a convenient option if you're travelling to the wedding, saving you the hassle of having to transport a large, bulky gift. Here are some tips for mailing a cheque to the happy couple:

Timing

It's considered good etiquette to mail your cheque before the wedding or shortly after. It's best not to wait more than three months after the wedding to send your gift.

Address

Make sure to address the envelope to a permanent address where you know one or both members of the couple will receive the cheque.

Names on the Cheque

When writing the cheque, use the couple's pre-wedding names, especially if one of them is planning to change their last name after the wedding. This will make it easier for them to deposit the cheque without having to wait for the legal name change to go through. If you're writing the cheque to both individuals, use "or" between their names instead of "and". This will allow either person to deposit the cheque without the other's endorsement. For example, write the cheque to "John Smith or Jane Garcia" instead of "John Smith and Jane Garcia".

Gift-wrapping

Consider gift-wrapping the cheque to make it feel more special. Put the cheque in a small box and wrap it with nice paper and a ribbon. Don't forget to include a personal note or card with your congratulations and well wishes.

Amount

Give an amount that is meaningful to you and the couple. Instead of a generic amount, consider giving them enough money for a special dinner or another activity they would enjoy. You can also refer to traditional etiquette guidelines, which suggest giving $50-75 to an acquaintance, $75-100 to a relative or friend, and $100-150 to a close relative or friend.

Put it in a greeting card

Giving a cheque as a wedding gift can be tricky to do successfully. It can feel impersonal, so it's important to find a way to make the gesture meaningful. One way to do this is to put the cheque in a greeting card.

Do not simply stick a cheque in an envelope and mail it. Instead, enclose the cheque in a nice greeting card and handwrite a personal message inside. Address the card to both the bride and groom, congratulate them on their wedding, and include a personal statement, such as a shared memory.

If you are close to the couple, you may want to consider gift-wrapping the cheque. Find a small box, put the cheque inside, and wrap the box in nice paper with a ribbon. Even if you gift-wrap the cheque, still include a note card with a personal message.

If you are concerned about the couple misplacing the cheque, you can mail it to them. This is especially practical if you are travelling to the wedding, as cheques are small and lightweight. If you do mail the cheque, address it to a permanent address where you know one or both members of the couple will receive it. It is appropriate to mail a cheque any time before the wedding, or shortly after the wedding, but do not wait more than three months post-wedding to mail it.

Frequently asked questions