Across Africa, wedding deposits increasingly move by phone. MTN MoMo in Ghana, M-Pesa in Kenya and Tanzania, and bank transfers in Nigeria have made paying a caterer or photographer quick and easy. They have also made it easier to lose money. Here is how to pay wedding vendors with mobile money safely.
Check who you are paying
When you enter a mobile money number, most services show the registered name before you confirm. Read it. If the name does not match the business or the person you have been dealing with, stop and ask why. Be cautious about paying a relative’s or friend’s number “because the business line has a problem”.
Beware of fake vendors online
Scammers copy photos from real vendors’ Instagram pages, create new accounts and offer low prices. Warning signs include accounts with few followers, no tagged posts from real weddings, pressure to pay quickly and refusal to meet or video call.
- Ask for references from couples they have worked with recently.
- Visit their studio, shop or office if they have one.
- Search their name and number online and in wedding groups.
Pay in stages
Avoid paying the full amount upfront. A common structure is a deposit to secure the date, a second payment closer to the wedding and the balance on or after delivery. Put the schedule in a written agreement, including what happens if either side cancels.
Keep every receipt
Mobile money confirmations are your proof. Screenshot each one, save it in a shared folder with your partner or planner, and note what it was for. Ask vendors to acknowledge payments in writing, even by WhatsApp message.
Watch transaction limits and charges
Daily and per-transaction limits can block large payments, and charges add up. Plan bigger payments ahead, and consider bank transfer for large sums. If family members are contributing, collect contributions into one account managed by a trusted person, rather than many people paying vendors directly.
If something goes wrong
If you send money to the wrong number or suspect fraud, contact your provider’s customer service immediately. Quick reporting gives the best chance of a reversal. Report scam accounts to the platform where you found them, and warn others in wedding groups.
Spotting red flags early protects your budget, and a careful payment trail protects your peace of mind on the day.
Mobile money: common questions
How do I avoid scams when paying wedding vendors with mobile money?
Check the registered name before confirming, avoid paying third-party numbers and verify vendors with references. Mobile money is fast, so mistakes are hard to undo.
Should I pay wedding vendors in full upfront?
No. Pay a deposit, a second payment closer to the date and the balance on delivery, all in a written agreement.
What should I do if I send money to the wrong number?
Contact your provider’s customer service immediately and keep every receipt.
