Asking Bridesmaids: Gifts Or No Gifts?

Bridesmaid proposal gifts are a fun and rising way to recruit your bridal crew. While a face-to-face conversation is still a polite and personal way to ask your friends to be a part of your bridal party, sending a gift is another option. This act, coined the bridesmaid proposal, is an opportunity for the bride to show her squad how much they mean to her with a tangible, thoughtful present.

There are many options to choose from when deciding on a bridesmaid proposal gift. From custom-illustrated puzzles to trendy passport holders, silk sleep masks, and personalized wine tumblers, there is something for every type of bridal party.

Gifts to ask will you be my bridesmaid?

Asking your closest friends to be your bridesmaids is a perfect opportunity to show them how important they are to you. Here are some gift ideas to accompany your proposal:

Gifts for the Sentimental Bridesmaid

• A heartfelt message in a stylish "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" card, accompanied by a favourite photo of the two of you.
• A custom puzzle with a photo of you and your friend.
• A meaningful picture frame with a sentimental picture of you and your friend.
• A handwritten card with a meaningful, heartfelt message.
• A small token, such as a personalised key chain.
• A personalised candle with a message, e.g. "Say you'll be my bridesmaid".
• A zodiac sign candle, with a hidden message inside.
• A personalised piece of jewellery, e.g. a necklace or bracelet with their initials.
• A birthstone necklace with their name initial and birthstone colour.
• A personalised compact mirror.
• A custom illustration or hand-drawn print of you and your friend.
• A silk scarf with a hidden message.
• A custom dress hanger with their name on it.

Gifts for the Practical Bridesmaid

• A tote bag, which can be personalised with their name.
• A passport holder, especially if they have to travel for the wedding.
• A personalised makeup bag, with the message "Will you be my bridesmaid?" hidden inside.
• A silk eye mask.
• A fold-up duffel bag, especially if they have to travel for a destination wedding.
• A weekender bag.
• A set of tote bags with the message "Team Bride" or "Bridesmaid".
• A silk robe, which can be personalised with their initials.
• A pair of slippers, which can be personalised with the message "I Do Crew".
• A set of tote bags with the message "Team Bride" or "Bridesmaid".
• A set of tote bags with the message "Team Bride" or "Bridesmaid".
• A customised water bottle.
• A set of tote bags or cosmetic cases.

Gifts for the Fun Bridesmaid

• A bottle of bubbly with a personalised label, e.g. "Will you be my bridesmaid? I can't say 'I do' without you".
• A set of champagne bath bombs.
• A "Will you be my bridesmaid?" chocolate bar.
• A pair of fun sunglasses.
• A set of colourful poppers, with a label and role in the wedding party.
• A set of custom wine labels.
• A set of wine-flavoured gummy sweets.
• A set of mini champagne bottles.
• A set of custom shot glasses.
• A set of custom wine glasses.
• A set of custom champagne cubes.
• A set of custom champagne gummies.
• A set of custom cookies with "Will you be my bridesmaid?" written on them.
• A set of custom mugs with "Will you be my bridesmaid?" written on them.
• A set of custom denim jackets.
• A set of custom clutch bags.
• A set of custom PJ sets.
• A set of custom scrunchies.
• A set of custom friendship bracelets.
• A set of custom stickers for their water bottles.
• A set of custom phone card holders.
• A set of custom embroidered bathrobes.
• A set of custom embroidered bucket hats.

Remember, it's the thought that counts! You don't need to break the bank to show your friends how much they mean to you.

Gifts to give at the rehearsal dinner

While it is not expected for guests to bring gifts to a rehearsal dinner, it is common for the bride and groom to bring gifts for their parents and wedding party. If you are looking for gift ideas for your bridesmaids to give out at the rehearsal dinner, here are some suggestions:

• Something small and unrelated to the wedding, like a gift card to their favourite coffee shop
• A heartfelt note or letter
• Personalised jewellery, like a bracelet or necklace
• A gift box with a variety of small treats, such as a scented candle, lip balm, hand cream, or a badge
• A robe, pyjamas, or loungewear set, perhaps with their name or initials embroidered
• A bottle of wine with a personalised label
• A compact mirror
• A spa or salon gift card or certificate
• A small gift that represents your friendship, like a piece of jewellery or a candle
• A handwritten note and a few small fun gifts
• A gift that aligns with their interests, such as a book or a plant
• A small gift that is not related to the wedding, like a gift card

Remember, it is not necessary to give your bridesmaids gifts at the rehearsal dinner. You can always give them something more personal in private, or at another time during the wedding week.

Gifts to give on the wedding day

There are a few different approaches to giving gifts to your bridesmaids on your wedding day. One option is to give them a few days before the ceremony, especially if you want them to wear or use the gift on the day of the wedding. Another popular option is to give gifts at the rehearsal dinner. This is also a good choice if you want your bridesmaids to use the gift on the wedding day, and it prevents you from having to worry about distributing gifts right before the ceremony. If some of your bridesmaids are arriving on the day of the wedding, you could also give out gifts at a bridal brunch or luncheon. While it's less common, some brides choose to give gifts on the actual wedding day.

• Personalized tote bags
• Matching PJ sets
• Jewelry, such as earrings or necklaces
• Custom clutch bags
• Silk sleep masks
• Personalized makeup bags
• Wine tumblers
• Constellation signet rings
• Champagne flutes
• Custom illustrated puzzles
• Matching friendship bracelets
• Silk scarves
• Monogrammed coffee mugs
• Custom passport holders
• Zodiac nail polish

Gifts to give after the wedding

It's customary to give your bridesmaids a gift as a token of appreciation for their time, energy and money spent on your wedding. While it's not mandatory, it's a thoughtful gesture to kick off wedding festivities with your loved ones. Here are some ideas for gifts to give your bridesmaids after the wedding:

Practical Gifts

• A tumbler or water bottle to keep them hydrated
• A hand cream or fragrance to feel refreshed
• A travel jewellery case to keep accessories safe and untangled
• A yoga mat for the workout buddy in your bridal party
• A wellness journal for your mindfulness-centred bridesmaids
• A set of pyjamas or a robe for them to relax in

Custom Touches

• Personalised items like embroidered pyjamas, monogrammed tote bags or birthstone jewellery
• Custom jewellery, like a nameplate necklace or a bracelet with their name spelled out in Morse code
• A gift basket with their favourite treats

Sentimental Gifts

• A photo book filled with your favourite memories
• A custom illustration of you and your bridesmaid
• A zodiac-themed gift, like a book about their sign
• A candle with their name written on the box

Proposal cards

When asking your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding, it's a thoughtful gesture to send a small gift and a proposal card. This is a memorable way to pop the question to your bridal party and makes for a lovely keepsake.

Card Design:

Choose a card design that reflects your wedding theme or colour palette.

Frequently asked questions