WhatsApp message templates
Why WhatsApp invitations need an approved template, how to use Shereko's shared templates, and how to write and submit your own.
WhatsApp only lets businesses start a conversation with an approved message template. In Shereko, the template is the message that goes out with your card: the wording, the guest's name, and the RSVP or contribution buttons. You can use a ready-made Shereko template or write your own.
Where to find templates
Open Templates in the menu (the page is called Message templates). It has two lists:
- Your templates: the ones you wrote. Only you can use these.
- Shereko templates: approved by Shereko and free for every organizer to use.
Use the filters for Language, Occasion (Invitations, Reminders, Contributions, Other) and Buttons (RSVP, Contribute, None) to find the right one. Tap Preview to see exactly what guests will receive.
Create your own template
- Tap New template.
- Purpose: choose Invitation, Reminder, Thank you or Start blank. Shereko starts you with suggested wording you can change.
- Message: write naturally and use the field buttons to insert personal details, such as the guest's name or the event date, at the cursor. Then choose:
- Start with an image? Pick Yes, use event card image for invitations, so each guest's card is attached.
- Add RSVP reply buttons? Guests tap ✓ Coming or ✗ Can't make it and their RSVP updates automatically, at no extra cost.
- Include payment link button? Adds a Contribute button that opens the event's payment page. Only useful if contributions are on.
- Tap Next: Name it. Give it a Template name you'll recognise and check the Language. The footer stays as Shereko's while you send from the shared WhatsApp number.
- Tap Submit for approval.
Watch the Live preview as you go; it uses example values, and each guest gets their own personalised message.
Approval status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Draft | Not submitted yet. |
| Needs review | A word was flagged. Shereko checks it before submitting to Meta. |
| Meta review | Meta is reviewing it, usually for a few minutes. |
| Approved | Ready to use in sends. |
| Rejected | Read the reason shown on the template, fix the wording and submit again. |
| Paused | Temporarily disabled by WhatsApp. |
Use a template when sending
You pick the template when you create the event, or later when you tap Send card in the card editor. Shereko then asks what fills each blank: guest or event information, or fixed text that every guest receives. Check the filled-in preview and complete any empty fields. You can change the template later in the card editor.
SMS doesn't use templates: you write the SMS text directly.
FAQ
How long does approval take?
Usually a few minutes. If a word is flagged it goes to Shereko first, which can take longer. Check back on the Templates page.
Why was my template rejected?
Meta rejects wording that looks like spam, promotions or misleading content, or that has formatting problems. Read the reason, adjust the message and submit again with Retry.
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