Check, Please!" – A Guide To Writing Wedding Checks And Mor

Writing a cheque as a wedding gift is a thoughtful gesture, but it's important to get it right. Here's how to ensure your gift is received with ease.

Firstly, it's best to write the cheque to only one person, using their pre-married or maiden name. This avoids any complications with name changes and means the couple won't need to wait for a joint account to be set up before depositing the cheque. Use the word or between names, rather than and, so that either person can deposit the cheque without the other needing to be present.

It's also a good idea to include the cheque in a greeting card, rather than a plain envelope, with a personal message inside. This adds a thoughtful touch and reduces the risk of the cheque being misplaced.

Use the couple's pre-married names

When writing a wedding check, it is important to use the couple's pre-married names. This is because, after the wedding, one or both parties may change their last names, and the name-changing process can take time. Using their pre-married names ensures that the couple does not encounter issues with the bank when trying to cash or deposit the check. Additionally, if only one person from the couple goes to the bank, including both pre-married names will allow either one of them to cash the check.

When addressing the check, use both members of the couple's pre-married names and separate them with the word "or." For example, write "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia." This ensures that the couple can deposit the check into either of their individual accounts. If you use "and" instead of "or," the bank may require both individuals to be present at the time of deposit or require that the account used be in both their names.

It is also important to avoid making assumptions about name changes. Always double-check the names on the wedding check and do not assume that a heterosexual couple has gone the traditional route of the bride taking the husband's last name. If you are unsure about their official new names, ask their parents or someone close to the couple to clarify.

Using the couple's pre-married names on the wedding check is a practical way to ensure that they can easily cash or deposit the gift without any delays or complications.

Stick to using or

When writing a cheque as a wedding gift, it is best to stick to using the word "or" between the names of the couple. This is because, if you use "and", both people will need to endorse the cheque. If one of them has changed their name, the bank may not recognise them, and the cheque could be rejected. Using "or" means that either person can deposit the cheque into a joint or separate account. This avoids any hassle for the couple, who may not have set up a joint account yet, or may be waiting for a name change to be legally recognised.

It is also a good idea to write the cheque using the couple's pre-married or maiden names. This is because the name-changing process can take time, and the couple could hit a snag with the bank if your cheque is addressed to their not-yet-official new name(s). Using their pre-married names also allows either member of the couple to cash the cheque.

If you are unsure of the couple's names, the best option is to ask a member of the wedding party or a close family member. Otherwise, it is safest to use their pre-married names.

Don't make assumptions about name changes

When writing a wedding check, it's important to avoid making assumptions about the couple's name changes. While traditionally, the bride takes the husband's last name, some couples may opt for a different approach. For example, the bride may choose to hyphenate her last name or keep her maiden name. In some cases, couples may even decide to create a new last name together or adopt each other's last names.

To avoid any mistakes, it's recommended to ask the parents or a member of the bridal party about the couple's official new names. This is especially important if you're writing the check after the wedding and the couple has already changed their names. By taking the time to confirm the couple's name choices, you can ensure that they will be able to cash the check without any issues.

Additionally, when writing the check, use the couple's pre-married or maiden names. This is because the name-changing process can take time, and the couple may need to cash the check before the name change is officially processed. Using their pre-married names ensures that either member of the couple can deposit the check into their account without any delays.

Furthermore, when addressing the check, use the conjunction "or" instead of "and" between their names. For example, write the check to "Kim Jones or Jackie Garcia" instead of "Kim Jones and Jackie Garcia." This way, either member of the couple can cash the check into their account without both of them needing to be present or having a joint account.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding check is written correctly and avoid any potential issues or delays for the newlyweds.

Ensure you have the funds in your account

Ensuring you have the funds in your account is crucial when writing a check for a wedding gift. You don't want the check to bounce when the couple deposits it, which may occur a few weeks after the wedding. Therefore, it is essential to verify that your account has sufficient funds before sending the wedding check.

To avoid any issues, you can follow these steps:

• Check your account balance: Before writing the check, log in to your online banking or check your latest bank statement to ensure you have the necessary funds available.
• Consider the timing: Keep in mind that the couple may not deposit the check right away. It is common for newlyweds to enjoy their honeymoon or adjust to their new life together before tending to financial matters. Therefore, ensure that your account has the required funds not only when you write the check but also for a reasonable period after sending it.
• Allow for processing times: Remember that deposited funds may take time to become available in your account. If you are planning to write a check soon after making a deposit, be aware that the deposited amount may not be immediately accessible. Check with your bank to understand their specific processing times.
• Avoid overdraft protection confusion: When checking your account balance, be cautious of any amounts listed under "overdraft protection." While this may be included in your available balance, it does not represent funds you can use freely. Relying on these funds could lead to unintended overdrafts.
• Factor in other transactions: When writing a check, consider other recent transactions that may not have cleared yet. For example, if you recently wrote another check or made a large purchase, ensure that your account can cover both that transaction and the wedding check.
• Keep track of your checks: Maintain a record of the checks you write, including the check number, date, payee, and amount. This practice will help you monitor your account activity and ensure you have sufficient funds to cover each check.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you have the necessary funds in your account when writing a check for a wedding gift. This will prevent any embarrassment or inconvenience caused by a bounced check and ensure that your gift is delivered smoothly to the happy couple.

Mail the check to avoid it being misplaced

Mailing a check is a convenient way to ensure your gift is not misplaced at a wedding. It is also a good option if you are travelling to the wedding and don't want to carry a bulky gift with you. However, it is important to note that mailing a check is not the safest option, as it could get lost, stolen, or misplaced. If you do decide to mail a check, here are some steps you can take to minimise the risk:

Use a secure envelope: Consider using a security envelope designed to conceal the contents of your mail. Alternatively, enclose the check in a folded piece of paper before placing it in the envelope. This will make it less obvious that the envelope contains a check.

Drop off at a secure location: Instead of leaving your mail in an unsecured mailbox, consider dropping it off at a secure location such as an official locked post office mailbox, or directly at the post office. You can also hand it to your mail carrier.

Send via certified mail: Sending the check via certified mail will require a signature upon arrival, and you will receive a receipt as proof of delivery.

Restrict the check: You can add "deposit only" at the end of the check, which means the recipient can only deposit it into their bank account. You can also fill out the check to transfer the money to a specific bank account by adding "Pay to the Order of [Bank Name]" followed by the recipient's account number and their signature.

Use a greeting card: Hiding the check in a greeting card will make it less likely that someone will "misplace" it.

Use online services: If you are still concerned about the safety of mailing a check, you can use online services to send the check electronically. This method is faster and more secure than mailing a paper check.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your wedding gift check reaches the intended recipient securely and without delay.

Frequently asked questions