How to Let Your Wedding Guests Know What Gifts to Bring

You’ve been to those weddings. The ones where the couple ends up with seven blenders, four sets of bedsheets in colors they’d never choose, and somehow three wall clocks. Meanwhile, they desperately needed a good cookware set and some help with their honeymoon fund.

The problem isn’t your guests being thoughtless. They actually want to give you something meaningful. They just don’t know what you need—and in Kenyan culture, asking directly feels awkward.

A wedding registry solves this beautifully.

What is a Wedding Registry?

A wedding registry is simply a list of gifts you’d actually like to receive. Instead of guests guessing what to buy (and often duplicating each other), they can look at your registry and pick something they know you want.

It’s not greedy or presumptuous. It’s helpful. You’re making it easier for guests who genuinely want to give you something useful.

How to Create a Wedding Registry on Harusi Hub

Your wedding website includes a Registry page where you can add:

Products with Links – Add items you want and link directly to where guests can buy them. The system automatically detects popular Kenyan stores like Jumia, Kilimall, Hotpoint, Carrefour, and more.

M-Pesa Contributions – Let guests contribute any amount toward items or funds. They send via M-Pesa and enter the reference code to confirm.

Specific Items – Describe exactly what you’re looking for with prices. Guests can either contribute toward it or reserve it to buy themselves.

Fund Categories – Set up contribution funds like Honeymoon, Home, Date Night, Adventure, or create your own custom fund.

What to Include in Your Registry

The Essentials Think about what you actually need to start your home together:

• Quality cookware and kitchen appliances
• Bedding and towels
• Small appliances (actual useful ones, not the seventh blender)
• Home décor items in your actual style

The Experiences Modern couples often prefer experiences over things:

• Honeymoon contributions
• A nice dinner out
• Activity vouchers
• Travel fund

The Upgrades Items you’d buy eventually but would love to have sooner:

• Better quality versions of things you already own
• That fancy coffee machine you’ve been eyeing
• The comfortable mattress you deserve

How to Ask for Cash Contributions (Gracefully)

In Kenya, cash contributions (especially via M-Pesa) are completely normal and often preferred. Here’s how to include them without feeling awkward:

Frame it as a fund with a purpose: Instead of “Send us money,” try:

• “Honeymoon Fund – Help us start married life with unforgettable memories”
• “Home Fund – Contribute to our first sofa, dining table, or that kitchen upgrade”
• “Adventure Fund – Help us explore more of Kenya together”

Include your M-Pesa details clearly: Add your number and name in your payment settings so guests can contribute easily. The system shows them exactly where to send and tracks contributions automatically.

Express gratitude in advance: A simple note like “Your presence is our greatest gift, but if you wish to give, here’s how we’d be most blessed” goes a long way.

Registry Etiquette Tips

Include items at different price points – Not every guest has the same budget. Include options from KES 1,000 to KES 50,000+. Guests can even filter your registry by price range.

Mark your favorites – Use the “Top Choice” feature to highlight items you want most. Guests appreciate knowing what matters to you.

It’s okay to have preferences – If you specifically want the red KitchenAid mixer and not just “any mixer,” say so. Guests appreciate the clarity.

Thank everyone – Whether they gave KES 500 or KES 50,000, acknowledge every gift with genuine gratitude.

Share Your Registry Link

Once your registry is set up on your wedding website, guests can find it easily. They’ll visit your site to get wedding details and RSVP, and they’ll naturally see your registry too.

You can also share the direct link to your registry page when people ask what you’d like—no awkwardness required.

The Real Gift

A registry isn’t about maximizing what you receive. It’s about making the gift-giving experience better for everyone. Your guests get the satisfaction of knowing they gave you something meaningful. You get items and contributions that actually help start your married life.

Everyone wins. Especially you—because you definitely don’t need another wall clock.