By the end of a big West African wedding, there may be hundreds of envelopes in a box, piles of sprayed notes on the dance floor and gifts stacked on a table. For many couples, cash gifts help pay for the wedding or start married life. Yet stories of missing envelopes and lost money are common. A little planning ensures that the generosity of guests reaches the couple.
Trusted people and a secure box
Choose one or two trusted people, often family members, to manage gifts. They should be calm, organised and willing to stay with the gifts throughout the event. Use a sturdy, locked box for envelopes, placed at a gift table that is always staffed. Avoid leaving open baskets unattended. Ask guests to write their names on envelopes. Keep a book or list to record who gave what, which helps with thank-you notes later.
Sprayed money and mobile money
When guests spray money on the couple, assign people to gather the notes quickly into bags. In Nigeria, the law prohibits abusing the naira, including some forms of spraying, so guests may hand money over instead. Many guests now prefer to send gifts by mobile money or bank transfer. Display account details discreetly or include them on digital invitations.
Count the money in a private room with at least two people present. Seal it and hand it to the couple or a trusted family member. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash late at night. Arrange secure transport or deposit it as soon as possible.
Gift items and thank-yous
Keep a list of physical gifts and who gave them. Label boxes so cards do not get separated. Send thanks to every guest who gave a gift, whether by message, card or call. In some families, gifts are shared or used to repay wedding costs. Agree in advance how the money will be used. The MC can remind guests where to drop envelopes and announce the gift table at the right moment in the programme. A clear announcement saves guests from wandering around with envelopes in hand.
Guests give money because they want to help the couple start well. Making sure it arrives safely is the least the couple can do in return.
