The wishlist is ready. The message introducing it somehow feels like the harder part.
Keep it simple: say you are looking forward to celebrating, make gifting optional and offer the link as helpful information. You do not need a rhyme, an apology or an explanation of everything on the list.
A short message you can use:
We’re so looking forward to celebrating with you. If you’d like to give us a gift, we’ve put together a small wishlist of things we would love and use. There’s no obligation at all—we hope it simply makes choosing a little easier. [Wishlist link]
Below are eight original templates for different situations. Replace the bracketed text, remove anything that does not fit and read it aloud before sending. It should sound like you, not a notice from the wedding committee.
1. A warm WhatsApp message from the couple
Use this alongside your invitation or in a conversation about wedding plans.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you! A few people have asked about gifts, so we’ve gathered some things we would love for our home and the plans ahead. If it’s helpful, our wishlist is here: [Wishlist link]. Please don’t feel you need to give anything—we’re simply happy to share the celebration with you.
Keep “a few people have asked” only if that is true. Otherwise begin the second sentence with “If you’d like a little inspiration for gifts…”.
2. A short note for a digital invitation
This works when space is limited and you want the invitation itself to stay focused on the celebration.
Your company is the gift we’re looking forward to most. If you would also like to give something, you’ll find a few ideas on our wishlist: [Wishlist link]. Entirely optional, always appreciated.
Use descriptive link text such as “Our wedding wishlist.” If you include a QR code, add a readable link as well and test both before sharing.
3. A slightly more formal wedding-website note
Use a separate “Gifts” or “Our wishlist” section so the message is easy to find without becoming the centre of the invitation.
We are grateful to celebrate our wedding with the people we love. Your presence and good wishes mean a great deal to us. For anyone who would like to give a gift, we have created a wishlist of things we would genuinely enjoy. Please feel no obligation to choose something; it is simply there if you would find it useful. [Wishlist link]
4. A message parents or family can forward
Keep this in the sender’s voice. Nobody needs to sound like a customer-service desk.
We’re looking forward to celebrating [Names]’ wedding with you. They’ve put together a small wishlist for anyone who would like gift ideas: [Wishlist link]. Please don’t feel obliged—it’s just an easy way to see what would be useful to them.
Ask family members to share the same link, rather than creating several versions of the list in different chats.
5. When someone asks, “What would you like?”
A direct reply can be the most natural place to share your wishes.
That’s so thoughtful of you to ask. We’ve made a little wishlist here: [Wishlist link]. There are a few things for our home and a fund for [plan]. Only if you’d like to, of course—and thank you for thinking of us.
Name the fund only if it is on your list. A specific plan feels more personal than a generic request for money.
6. When you would prefer contributions to physical gifts
You can explain the preference without telling guests what they must spend.
We’re keeping our gift list focused on plans rather than things. If you’d like to give us a gift, a contribution towards [our honeymoon / our new home / our chosen plan] would mean a lot. We’ve added it to our wishlist here: [Wishlist link]. Any contribution is entirely optional, and your good wishes are just as welcome.
For a Hazlnut fund, money is contributed inside the platform and settled to the host after a flat 3% fee. The host arranges the eventual purchase or experience. Do not describe the fund as a booking guests are making with a travel company or retailer.
7. When you already have the household essentials
“We have everything” can accidentally close a conversation you were trying to make easier. Be specific about what would be meaningful instead.
We’re lucky to have most of the everyday things we need. If you’d like to give us something, we’ve made a short wishlist with a few plans and wishes we’re excited about: [Wishlist link]. There’s no need to bring a boxed gift, and no expectation to contribute. We’re looking forward to celebrating together.
Only include “no need to bring a boxed gift” if it reflects your preference. It does not have to become a rule for every guest.
8. When guests cannot attend
Make it clear that the relationship matters more than the transaction.
We’ll miss celebrating with you, and we’re grateful for your lovely wishes. Since you asked about a gift, here is our wishlist: [Wishlist link]. Please don’t feel you need to send anything—we’re looking forward to catching up properly when we can.
For overseas guests, international contributions in major currencies are enabled by default on Hazlnut. Settlements go to the host’s Indian bank account in INR; a guest contributing from abroad does not change that arrangement.
A practical note you can add for Hazlnut guests
You do not need the whole payment explanation in your wedding invitation. Put a short instruction beside the wishlist link or on your wedding website if it would help:
To reserve a gift or contribute on Hazlnut, you’ll need to sign in or create an account. If you reserve a gift, please buy it from the retailer and arrange delivery yourself. If you contribute, the payment is handled inside Hazlnut.
Keep the fee visible on the wishlist or linked information page: cash contributions have a flat 3% deduction before settlement to the host. A ₹10,000 contribution nets the host ₹9,700. Wishlist creation and reservations are free.
What to leave out
- An expected amount per person. Give options across budgets instead of assigning a price to attendance or closeness.
- “Everyone is contributing.” Do not use other guests as pressure, particularly if it is not true.
- Guaranteed reactions. A considerate message cannot promise that nobody will feel awkward. Let people choose another way to give.
- Repeated nudges to buy. Make the link easy to find; you do not need to keep asking people to use it.
- A joke at someone else’s expense. Warmth works better than teasing relatives or dismissing the gifts they might otherwise choose.
Do you have to put the registry on the invitation?
No. You can share it on a wedding website, through a family member or when guests ask. Choose the route that feels comfortable for you and the people receiving it.
There is no single wording that suits every Indian family, language or wedding. A useful template gives you a starting point, not a rule to follow.
A final check before you send
Open the link on your phone. Confirm that the list is published, the message fits your actual wishes and any bracketed placeholders have been replaced. If you are receiving contributions, complete your Indian bank-account setup before sharing.
Then keep the invitation about what it was always about: having your people there, in whatever way they can be.
Need a list to share? Create your wishlist, or follow our step-by-step guide to creating a wedding registry.