Early Wedding Gifts (Checks)--to cash or not to cash?

kmatola18

Hello everyone-- I posted this on my local board yesterday but only got a few responses...

So, with the Wedding about 6 weeks away, the RSVPs are coming in nicely and we've also started receiving Wedding gifts/$$ from those who cannot attend. (SO sweet of them!)

My question to all of you is whether I should start depositing the checks as I receive them OR if I should wait until after the Wedding.

I've read that you are supposed to open the gifts/envelopes, write/send a thank you, and then cash the check so that the sender knows that it arrived ok and it reconciles/balances with their bank account right away.

I've also read that you aren't supposed to use/cash anything until after the Wedding *in case* the Wedding does not occur. 

Sidenote:  We weren't planning on using any shower gifts/early wedding gifts until after the wedding anyway in case we get any duplicates or change our mind on something.  The money would DEFINITELY come in handy right now as we begin sending in final payments-- but I also don't want to look money hungry or greedy if I cash the checks.

What do you all suggest??

Stackeye210

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_early-wedding-gifts-checks-cash-not-cash?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:23b87ffa-5439-4488-8cd9-4a903860ffd5Post:4bf49734-f333-4846-8c11-7b5f3ffb95f7">Early Wedding Gifts (Checks)--to cash or not to cash?</a>:
[QUOTE]Hello everyone-- I posted this on my local board yesterday but only got a few responses... So, with the Wedding about 6 weeks away, the RSVPs are coming in nicely and we've also started receiving Wedding gifts/$$ from those who cannot attend. (SO sweet of them!) My question to all of you is whether I should start depositing the checks as I receive them OR if I should wait until after the Wedding. <strong>I've read that you are supposed to open the gifts/envelopes, write/send a thank you, and then cash the check so that the sender knows that it arrived ok and it reconciles/balances with their bank account right away</strong>. I've also read that you aren't supposed to use/cash anything until after the Wedding *in case* the Wedding does not occur.  Sidenote:  We weren't planning on using any shower gifts/early wedding gifts until after the wedding anyway in case we get any duplicates or change our mind on something.  The money would DEFINITELY come in handy right now as we begin sending in final payments-- but I also don't want to look money hungry or greedy if I cash the checks. What do you all suggest??
Posted by kmatola18[/QUOTE]


The bolded is correct.  You return the money if the wedding does not occur, but definitely cash the check as you receive it.

Calumet

Cash it, but certainly do not spend it. In case of the worst, or some unforeseen circumstances, you will need to return it.

twilight.rose

Ditto Calumet. You should cash checks given early when you receive them so that you don't interfere with the giver's accounting.

InfamousQBert

Nth-ing the "Cash but don't spend". Can you open a second checking acct at your bank for free? You could deposit them into that so that it's really clear what money is gifts and what is not.

frenchy730

Definitely cash them.  Some people might be unhappy if a check takes a long time to clear from their account. 

Like PPs said, not that we expect this to happen, but if for any reason the marriage does not take place, return the money to the giver.

kmatola18

Thanks for clearing that up! 

Audrey&Austin

Cash the check and set the money aside. The easiest thing would probably have a seperate savings account that you can put any future money into and not worry about touching it.

MommyMarta08

I'd cash it for sure... it's annoying when people hold on to checks and it confuses my accounting. Besides, you can use it to pay or tip your vendors- why not? Unless you think there is a chance you will get jilted or something- haha but I doubt it. 

[Deleted User]

Cash them, set money aside and send a thank-you note. I stayed on top of mine bc we received a lot of checks and presents before hand, so we had less to do after the wedding. Keep a list of what you receive and who you have thanked so you don't lose track and forget someone.

emyinpink

Definitely cash! (and write the thank-you asap as well ). And whatever you do, don't lose the check, find it over a year later, and then ask if it's okay to still cash it (okay, it's fine if you do, but know that they will be annoyed ).