Personalized Proposals: Asking Bridesmaids, Your Way

Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is a big deal. These are the women who will be helping you plan, celebrate, and say I do. Asking your friends to be bridesmaids (or maid of honour) is an important and exciting part of wedding planning. There are many ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids, from a simple personalised card to an edible treat or a meaningful keepsake. You could even ask them in person, over dinner or at a fun workshop.

Bridesmaid proposal gifts

There are many ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids, and giving them a thoughtful gift is one of them. Here are some bridesmaid proposal gift ideas to help you pop the question to your bridal party:

Gifts to pamper your bridesmaids

• A spa set, including a scented candle, lip balm, hand cream, and bath salts.
• A self-care package with a luxe robe, face masks, and sweetly scented bath bombs.
• A wellness tea set with loose-leaf tea that changes to the recipient's birthstone colour.
• A set of skincare products, including hydrating mist, facial oil, moisturising cream, and a brightening mask.
• A set of botanical-flavoured lollipops that can be planted to grow flowers or herbs.

Sentimental gifts

• A personalised puzzle with a custom picture and a message asking your friend to be your bridesmaid.
• A customised wine or champagne bottle with a label that pops the question.
• A heartfelt letter or card expressing your thoughts and feelings.
• A photo frame with a picture of you and your friend.
• A piece of jewellery, such as a bracelet, necklace, or earrings, with the bridesmaid's initials.

Practical gifts

• A tote bag, makeup bag, or travel pouch with a personalised message.
• A set of customised cookies or cupcakes with "Will you be my bridesmaid?" written on them.
• A bottle of their favourite wine or a gift card to their favourite place.
• A silk sleep mask and a pair of plush slippers.
• A compact mirror, sunglasses, or a set of hair clips or ties.

Creative ways to ask

There are many creative ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. Here are some ideas:

Gifts

• A "Bridesmaid" keepsake gift, such as skincare gift sets, jewellery and pretty hair ties (to wear on the wedding day), tote bags, personalised tumblers, stemless wine glasses, or notebooks.
• A personalised jewellery box or monogrammed towel.
• A piece of jewellery, such as a delicate gold bracelet or necklace with the bridesmaid's initials.
• A bridesmaid beaded bracelet with "bridesmaid", "maid of honour", or "I do crew" inscribed on it.
• A personalised wine or champagne bottle with a customised label that says, "Will you be my bridesmaid?".
• A set of cookies or cupcakes with "Will you be my bridesmaid?" written on them in icing.
• A "Will you be my bridesmaid?" puzzle.
• A "Will you be my bridesmaid?" balloon.
• A "Will you be my bridesmaid?" card.

In-Person

• Customise bathing suits, t-shirts, or tote bags with iron-on letters for your "Bride Tribe".
• Host a dinner party and bring out a cake iced with the question, "Will you be my bridesmaid?".
• Invite your friends to a wine-tasting night and present a bottle of wine with a custom label that asks them to be in your wedding party.
• Meet for afternoon tea and share how much it would mean for them to stand alongside you as you say "I do".
• Host a floral workshop and attach a note to each person's station asking them to be in your wedding party.
• Host a tattoo or piercing party.
• Write vows to each friend or family member as you pop the question.
• Host a dance class and announce that you hope this will serve as "practice" for all the dancing they'll do as bridesmaids at your wedding.

By Mail

• Send a letter in a bottle with a handwritten note that says, "Will you be my bridesmaid?".
• Send a bouquet of flowers with a note that ends with, "Will you be my bridesmaid?".
• Send a "Will you be my bridesmaid?" print.
• Send a "Will you be my bridesmaid?" card.

Dinner party invitations

Timing and Guest List

It is ideal to pop the question to your bridesmaids at least six months before your wedding day so they have ample time to prepare. Consider inviting your closest friends whom you want to be your bridesmaids and, if possible, your maid of honour or matron of honour. This will be an excellent opportunity for everyone to bond and get to know each other before the wedding.

Theme and Decor

Add a creative touch to your dinner party by incorporating a theme or special decor. You can go for a simple yet elegant setup with coloured taper candles, tissue paper spheres, and crepe paper flowers. If you want to make it more fun and playful, try using oversized balloons with confetti and handwritten notes inside. These decorations will not only create a festive atmosphere but also add a unique element to your proposal.

Food and Drinks

When it comes to the menu, you can opt for a homemade meal or order from a restaurant, depending on your preference and budget. If cooking is your forte, impress your guests with a delicious dish. Otherwise, ordering from a restaurant or catering service can save you time and ensure a variety of food options. Don't forget to include some bubbly to toast to your special occasion!

The Proposal Moment

Now for the moment you've been waiting for – popping the question! Towards the end of the dinner, bring out a cake with "Will you be my bridesmaid? written on it. Alternatively, you can propose with a heartfelt speech, expressing your excitement and gratitude for their presence in your life. You can also prepare personalised notes or cards for each guest, asking them to be a part of your special day.

Gifts and Favours

To make your dinner party invitations even more memorable, consider giving your guests small gifts or favours. These can be anything from personalised wine glasses, tote bags, or jewellery to skincare gift sets, pretty hair ties, or notebooks. If you want to go the extra mile, create customised gift boxes filled with treats like chocolate candies, face masks, scented candles, or cosy socks. These thoughtful tokens will surely be cherished by your bridal party.

Post-Dinner Activities

After the proposals and celebrations, you can extend the evening by suggesting post-dinner activities. This could be something as simple as enjoying a movie night together or playing fun games like charades or Pictionary. You could even have a themed movie night featuring wedding-themed films like "27 Dresses" or "Bridesmaids." These activities will not only create lasting memories but also strengthen the bond between you and your bridal party.

By following these tips and adding your personal touches, your dinner party invitations will be a unique and heartfelt way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. Enjoy this special moment with your loved ones as you embark on the exciting journey towards your wedding day!

Bridesmaid proposal boxes

Choose a Theme

Start by selecting a theme or colour scheme for your boxes. This could be something that ties in with your wedding theme or simply a colour that you know your friend loves. Having a theme will help you in deciding what items to include in the box and will make the unboxing experience even more special and memorable.

Include a Personal Note

Add a heartfelt, personalised note to your box. You can include a message such as "I couldn't do this without my best friend. Be my bridesmaid?" or "Excited to tie the knot with you close by, [Name]. Will you do me the honour of being one of my bridesmaids?" This will make your friend feel extra special and appreciated.

Select Meaningful Gifts

Now, it's time to choose some gifts to include in the box. You can opt for items that are specifically for the wedding day, such as jewellery, hair ties, or a robe, or go for something more general that your friend can use beyond the wedding. Here are some gift ideas to consider:

• A candle with a personalised label
• A travel jewellery case
• A pair of comfortable joggers or pyjamas
• A tote bag or cosmetic bag with their name or initials
• A bottle of wine or champagne with a customised label
• A set of luxurious bath products or scented candles
• A picture frame with a photo of you and your friend
• A personalised mug or tumbler
• A piece of jewellery with their initials or your wedding colours
• A silk sleep mask or eye mask
• A bridal party coffee mug or water bottle
• Hair accessories, such as scrunchies or hair clips

Add Some Fun Extras

To make the box even more fun and exciting, consider adding some of these extras:

• Confetti or tissue paper in your chosen colour scheme
• Stickers or personalised labels with your friend's name or your wedding date
• A small bottle of champagne and some glittery mimosa cubes for a celebratory toast
• A scratch-off card or a personalised cootie catcher with a fun message
• A small plant or succulent

Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune on these boxes. You can personalise them with thoughtful details and select affordable gifts that your friends will appreciate.

Bridesmaid cards

Asking your closest friends to be your bridesmaids is a perfect opportunity to show them how important they are to you. Whether you opt for a simple card or a creative gift box, there are endless ways to pop the question to your bridal party.

Bridesmaid proposal cards are a great way to invite your friends to be part of your wedding party and show them how much their friendship means to you. You can deliver the card in person or send it in the mail, perhaps with a small gift or gift box. If you're looking for card ideas, here are some suggestions for what to write inside:

• "It's my turn to pop the question."
• "Help me keep my sht together."
• "I'll only be a happy bride if my best friend is by my side."
• "I can't say 'I do' without you."
• "Plan with me, stand with me, cry with me, laugh with me. Will you be my bridesmaid?"
• "My 'I do' would not be the same without you."
• "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—and you."
• "It wouldn't be a bridal party without you."
• "Will you help make the best day ever even better by being my bridesmaid?"
• "You're not just a friend, you're also a sister to me. I would be so grateful if you would be my bridesmaid and help me create lifelong memories."

If you're looking for a ready-made card, there are plenty of options available online. Etsy, for example, offers a wide range of personalised and printable bridesmaid proposal cards. You can also find stylish and funny cards on websites like Zazzle, Hitched, and Minted.

Creative Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas

If you want to go beyond a card, here are some creative ways to pop the question to your bridesmaids:

• Write a heartfelt message and include it with a favourite photo of you and your bridesmaid-to-be.
• Blow up a confetti-filled balloon and put a safety pin inside, along with a note that they can use to "pop!" the question.
• Invite your bridesmaids-to-be over for a pizza night or a dinner party, and then raise a toast with personalised champagne glasses and bottles of bubbly.
• Set up a coffee date and ask the barista to write "Will you be my bridesmaid?" on the cup instead of your friend's name.
• Give each person a special dress hanger or a bridesmaid robe personalised with their name.
• Treat your friends to a mani-pedi and gift them with a bottle of Essie's "Bachelorette Bash" polish, along with a card explaining that you'd like them to wear the colour on your wedding day.
• Create a custom puzzle with a photo of you and your friend, with text like "Be my bridesmaid?" and your wedding date.

Frequently asked questions