There's a moment at every charity presentation, prize-giving, or fundraising event that everyone remembers — the big reveal. The moment the recipient holds up a giant cheque, grins for the camera, and the room erupts. That moment doesn't happen by accident. It happens because someone ordered the right novelty cheque.
If you want that moment to land perfectly, this guide is for you. Whether it's your first time ordering or you've done it before and want to do it better, here's everything you need to know to get a novelty cheque that truly impresses.
Choose the Right Size for Your Event
Size matters — a lot. A novelty cheque that's too small gets lost in photos. One that's well-proportioned commands the room, photographs brilliantly, and gives your moment the visual weight it deserves.
Most providers offer a range of sizes, and the right choice depends on your venue, your audience, and how the photos will be used. A smaller "Mini" cheque works well for intimate indoor presentations or table-top displays. A "Maxi" is a popular all-rounder — big enough to photograph well, easy enough to handle. Go for the largest "Mega" size if you're presenting on a stage, at an outdoor event, or want maximum visual impact.
You can compare giant cheque sizes, dimensions and pricing to find the best fit before you commit to anything. It's worth taking a few minutes to think about where you'll be standing, who'll be in the photo, and how far away the audience will be.
Single Use or Reusable — Pick the Right Type
This is one of the most important decisions you'll make, and it's simpler than it sounds.
If you're organising a one-off event — a charity auction, a sponsored run, a prize draw — a single use novelty cheque is exactly what you need. It's fully branded with your colours, logo, and the exact amount you're presenting. It looks polished, professional, and purpose-built for that single moment.
If you fundraise regularly — think monthly charity collections, an ongoing community challenge, or a school that holds annual events — a reusable dry-wipe cheque is a far smarter investment. Your logo, branding, and any fixed details are printed permanently onto the cheque. The amount and recipient name are written on with a dry-wipe marker, wiped off, and updated for the next event. You get a consistently professional look every single time without reordering.
Ask yourself honestly: is this a one-time thing, or will you be doing this again? The answer tells you exactly which option to go for.
Get the Design Right First Time
A novelty cheque lives or dies by its design. A well-designed cheque looks sharp in photos, reflects your brand, and makes the whole presentation feel polished. A poorly designed one can look cheap even when it's printed large.
Here's what to think about before you submit your order:
Your logo. Send a high-resolution version — ideally a PNG with a transparent background or an SVG file. A pixelated logo printed at giant size will be obvious and disappointing.
The amount. Double-check it. Triple-check it. It sounds obvious, but errors on the cheque amount are more common than you'd think, and once it's printed, it's printed.
The recipient name and payee details. Make sure the spelling is exactly right. If you're presenting to an organisation, confirm the official name they'd like displayed.
Your brand colours. If your organisation has brand guidelines, share them. A cheque that matches your colours looks far more intentional and professional than one that doesn't.
Any additional text or messaging. Some organisations include a website address, a campaign hashtag, or a short message. Keep it concise — the cheque should be instantly readable at a glance.
Once you've gathered all of this, the ordering process itself is straightforward. See how ordering and design proofing works so you know exactly what to expect from submission through to delivery.
Think About the Presentation, Not Just the Cheque
A great novelty cheque is a prop — a brilliant, attention-grabbing prop — but the presentation around it matters just as much.
Lighting. If you're indoors, position the presentation near natural light or under good overhead lighting. Flash photography on a glossy surface can wash out the design.
Background. A plain or branded backdrop makes the cheque and the people holding it pop in photos. Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds if you can.
How you hold it. Two people, one on each side, holding the cheque straight and at chest height. It sounds simple, but it's the pose that photographs best every time. Make sure neither person's hands are obscuring key text.
Timing. Let the photographer get into position before the cheque goes up. Rushing this moment is the most common reason great presentations don't get great photos.
Want to see how others have done it? Browse the giant cheque gallery for real-world examples and presentation inspiration.
Make Your Moment Count
A novelty cheque isn't just a fun prop — it's a powerful communication tool. It tells a story in an instant: someone raised money, someone gave generously, something good is happening. When it's designed well and presented with care, it creates a moment that gets shared, remembered, and celebrated.
The good news is that ordering one doesn't have to be complicated. Pick the right size, choose between single use and reusable based on your needs, send over quality artwork, and give the presentation itself a moment's thought.
If you're ready to order or have questions about what's right for your event, get in touch with the Mega Cheques team — they'll help you get it right from the start.