Crafting Wedding Checks: A Step-By-Step Guide For Couples

Writing a wedding check can be tricky, but it's a great way to ensure the newlyweds get exactly what they want. When writing a wedding check, it's important to use the correct names and format to avoid any issues with the bank. Here are some tips on how to make a wedding check:

- Use the couple's full legal names. Avoid using honorifics like Mr. or Mrs. and instead, opt for their pre-wedding or maiden names. This is because name changes can take time, and the couple may want to cash the check before the paperwork is finalised.

- Separate the names with or instead of and. This ensures that either partner can deposit the check into their individual or joint account without requiring multiple signatures.

- Follow the standard check-writing guidelines. Use permanent ink, write the exact date, fill in the numeric gift amount, and don't forget to sign the check.

- Include the check in a greeting card. This adds a personal touch and ensures the check doesn't get lost or misplaced.

- Mail the check or give it to a trusted person at the wedding. Mailing the check is safer, but if you're giving it at the wedding, avoid the gift table and hand it to a close family member or the wedding planner.

Use their pre-wedding names

When writing a wedding check, it's important to use the couple's pre-wedding names. Here are some reasons why:

Firstly, using their pre-wedding names will ensure that the couple can cash the check without any issues. Even if one or both partners are planning to change their last names after the wedding, the name-changing process can take time. By using their pre-wedding names, you avoid any potential delays or snags with the bank. This is especially important if the couple needs to access the funds quickly, such as for honeymoon travel.

Secondly, using both partners' pre-wedding names allows either member of the couple to cash the check. This is particularly convenient if only one person is available to go to the bank. Including both pre-wedding names gives them the flexibility to deposit the check into either of their individual accounts or a joint account.

When writing the check, be sure to separate the names with the word "or" instead of "and". For example, write "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia". This ensures that either person can deposit the check into their account without requiring both of their signatures or a joint account.

Additionally, it's important to double-check the spelling and accuracy of the names on the wedding check. Don't assume that a heterosexual couple has followed traditional heteronormative naming conventions or that a couple has hyphenated their last names in alphabetical order. If you're unsure, ask someone close to the couple to confirm their official names.

Finally, remember that a wedding check should be accompanied by a thoughtful card with a personal message. This adds a meaningful touch to your gift and ensures the couple knows who to thank.

Use or instead of and

When writing a wedding check, it's important to use the word "or" instead of "and" between the names of the two recipients. This is because, if you use "and", both recipients will likely need to endorse the check to deposit it, and their bank may require them to have a joint account. Using "or" means that either recipient can deposit the check into their individual account without the endorsement of the other.

• "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia"
• "John Smith or Jane Pierce"
• "Jane Jones or John Smith"

Using "or" is less restrictive and gives more flexibility to the couple in terms of how they can manage the check. It's a small detail, but it can make a big difference and help ensure a smooth process for the couple when depositing the check.

It's also important to use the couple's full pre-married or maiden names on the check, as they may not have updated their names with their bank yet. This will avoid any potential issues or delays in depositing the check.

Include a memo

Memos are optional, but they are encouraged. You can 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're close with the couple, you can write something more sentimental, such as "May all your dreams come true" or "I love you both". The 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 really worried about making a cheque out to just one person, you could consider writing two cheques for equal amounts, although that makes it seem more like you are splitting the money.

If you're mailing the cheque, make sure you write your name and address on the envelope, card and wedding cheque.

Sign the check

Signing the check is the most important part of the process. Your signature authorises the check to be cashed by the indicated party, so don't forget to autograph it before you pop it in your wedding card.

It's also important to use permanent ink when signing the check. This is to prevent check fraud and ensure that only the intended recipient can cash the check.

If you are mailing the check, it's a good idea to include a note with your signature, congratulating the couple and wishing them well. This adds a personal touch and ensures the couple knows who to thank for the gift.

It's worth noting that some banks may require both members of the couple to be present to deposit the check, especially if it is made out to both of them. In this case, the couple would need to endorse the check by signing the back. Therefore, it is essential to use the correct names on the check and consider using "or" instead of "and" between their names. This will give them more flexibility when depositing the check.

Finally, remember to follow the basic check-writing guidelines, such as using the correct payee line and ensuring the words and numbers match the written amount.

Put it in a card

Putting your wedding check in a card is not only an etiquette-approved, thoughtful touch, but it also keeps your check in a secure place. It's a good idea to write a meaningful wedding card message to the couple, regardless of your monetary gift.

If you plan on giving the check to the couple on their wedding day, ensure it's placed in a secure location, such as a locked wedding card box. By placing it in a secure location, it won't get stolen, blown away, or misplaced.

Many guests wish to give their cards or checks to the couple directly, but it's actually best not to do this. The couple will be speaking with tons of people, drinking, dancing, and a host of other activities. They may forget about it or set it down in an unknown location while celebrating their wedding festivities.

If you're mailing the check, it's appropriate to do so any time before the wedding or shortly after. Do not wait more than three months post-wedding to mail the check. Sending the wedding check to the couple in the mail is the safest way to give it to them.

If you're travelling to a destination wedding, giving a check can solve much of the hassle associated with bringing a gift to a distant location.

Frequently asked questions