How to Properly Make Out a Check for a Wedding

Giving a check as a wedding gift is a common way to celebrate a couple’s union. This monetary contribution offers flexibility, allowing the newlyweds to use the funds for their honeymoon, a down payment on a home, or other significant expenses. Properly completing a check ensures the gift is received smoothly and without complications.

Essential Elements of Writing a Wedding Check

Accurately filling out a check for a wedding gift requires careful attention to ensure the funds can be easily deposited. The payee line is crucial. You can make the check out to both partners using their full, pre-wedding legal names, separated by “or” (e.g., “Jane Doe or John Smith”). Using “or” allows either individual to deposit the check without requiring the other’s endorsement, simplifying the process, especially if one partner plans a name change. If “and” is used (e.g., “Jane Doe and John Smith”), both individuals may be required to endorse the check or be present for deposit, potentially causing delays if they do not yet have a joint account. Another option is to make the check out to just one individual, typically the one you are closer to or whose name is unlikely to change immediately. If one partner is changing their name, using their pre-wedding or maiden name ensures they can deposit the check without waiting for legal name change paperwork.

Writing the numerical and written amount precisely prevents alteration or confusion. In the small box, write the dollar amount clearly, including cents (e.g., “$250.00”), ensuring no space remains for additional digits. On the long line, spell out the full amount, such as “Two hundred fifty and 00/100.” Draw a line through any remaining blank space to prevent unauthorized additions. Using permanent ink, like a gel pen, helps prevent check washing, a form of fraud where writing is erased and altered.

The date on the check should reflect the day you are writing it. While dating it on the wedding day is acceptable, post-dating the check (setting a future date) is discouraged as it can create complications for the couple when they attempt to deposit it. Finally, sign the check in the designated signature area. A legible signature authorizes the bank to process the payment, making the check valid.

Specific Considerations for Wedding Checks

The memo line provides an opportunity to add a personal touch or clarity regarding the gift’s purpose. While optional, writing “Wedding Gift” or “Congratulations” is a courteous gesture that helps the couple track their gifts. If the gift is intended for a specific fund, such as a honeymoon or home down payment, note that on the memo line, making the gift feel more intentional.

Determining the appropriate gift amount depends on several factors. Your relationship to the couple, wedding attendance, and any travel costs are common considerations. Giving within your financial means is encouraged, as a thoughtful note accompanying a modest amount is more meaningful than a strained larger gift. General ranges for wedding gifts often fall between $100 and $200 per person, with closer friends or family often giving more.

Checks can be given at the wedding, sent before, or mailed shortly after the event. While bringing the check to the wedding is acceptable, placing it in a secure card box or handing it to a trusted family member or wedding planner helps prevent loss or theft during the celebration. Mailing the check before the wedding or within a few weeks to a couple of months after is common. Sending the check via mail offers a record and the ability to track delivery, providing more security than cash.