Unveiling Your Bridesmaids: Creative Ways To Ask Your Girls

Asking your friends to be bridesmaids is a big deal. These are the women who will be helping you plan, celebrate, and stand by your side on your big day. While there are no rules, there are a few things to consider when announcing your bridesmaids. Firstly, it is important to decide who will be in your bridal party. Usually, brides pick their siblings and closest friends to join their crew. It is also essential to consider the size of your bridal party in proportion to your wedding. For instance, if you're hosting an intimate wedding, a large bridal party might be unsuitable. Secondly, timing is crucial. It is recommended to ask your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding around 11 months to eight months before the wedding. This gives your bridesmaids enough time to plan and budget for their role. Finally, how you ask your bridesmaids is entirely up to you. While some brides opt for a simple in-person chat, others go for grand gestures, such as customised gifts or a group outing. Whatever you choose, make sure to treat your bridesmaids like the VIPs they are!

Bridesmaid proposal gifts

There are many ways to propose to your bridesmaids, and it's important to make the proposal feel personal and special. While it's not necessary to send a gift, it is a fun way to recruit your bridal crew and make them feel appreciated. Here are some ideas for bridesmaid proposal gifts:

Gift Ideas

• A bottle of wine or champagne with a custom label
• A bouquet of flowers with a personalised note
• A card with a thoughtful message
• A candle with cute packaging and a fun surprise inside
• A plant in a personalised pot
• A pair of silky pyjamas or a robe
• A denim jacket
• A compact mirror
• A makeup bag or pouch
• A tumbler or mug
• A piece of jewellery, such as a bracelet, necklace or earrings
• Hair ties or scrunchies
• A t-shirt or sweatshirt
• A puzzle
• Cookies or macarons
• A plant
• A bottle of perfume
• A keyring or keychain

Proposal Boxes

You could also create a personalised proposal box with a selection of gifts inside. These can be bought pre-made or built yourself. Some ideas for what to include in a proposal box are:

• A card with a thoughtful message
• Sweets and treats
• A bottle of champagne
• Personalised jewellery
• Nail polish
• Bath bombs
• Candles
• Fluffy slippers

In-person or via phone/video call

Asking your friends to be bridesmaids is a big deal, so you should ask them in person if they're local or via phone or video call if they're not. This shows your friends that the role is important to you, and they will take on the responsibility more seriously.

If you're asking in person, you could gather your friends together for a fun get-together, like a pizza night or a trip to the beach, and pop the question in a creative way. For example, you could give them customised t-shirts, tote bags, or even bathing suits with iron-on letters spelling out "bride tribe". Alternatively, you could give them a small gift, like a pouch printed with the word "bridesmaid" filled with trinkets, or a box of treats like chocolate, hand balm, tea, honey, and bath salts.

If you're asking over the phone or via video call, you could send them a gift in advance and then call them to ask the question. You could also send a card with a handwritten note, either on its own or tucked into a bouquet of flowers. If you're feeling creative, you could even send a scratch-off card or a customised cookie with the question written on it.

Remember, it's important to have a follow-up conversation with each bridesmaid to discuss the responsibilities and duties of the role, and give them a chance to ask any questions or voice any concerns.

Timing

The timing of your bridesmaid proposal is important. It's recommended to determine who will be your bridesmaids 11 months before the wedding, and eight months at the latest. This gives your bridesmaids time to plan and budget, and allows you to ask them essential questions about their preferences and ideas for the bachelorette party. It's also a good idea to wait until you know your wedding date before popping the question to your bridesmaids-to-be. Knowing the date will help them decide whether they can commit to the role.

If you're having a short engagement, it's advised to pick your VIPs about a third of the way through planning, giving everyone enough time to keep their calendars free. It's also worth noting that asking your friends to be bridesmaids too early, such as two years in advance, is not ideal. Life changes can happen, and it's a long time for people to commit.

It's suggested that you give yourself at least 60 days after getting engaged to decide on your bridal party. During this grace period, you can start planning how many bridesmaids you want and thinking about any gifts you might want to give them.

Introductions

Once you've decided on your bridesmaids and they've accepted, it's time to introduce your bridal party. This can be done in a multitude of ways, from the traditional to the unique and fun. The most important thing is that you do what suits you and your wedding style.

Traditional Introductions

Traditionally, the bridal party is introduced after the parents of the newlyweds and before the couple makes their grand entrance. Each member of the bridal party is introduced with their name and role, and you can add a brief anecdote about their relationship with you if you wish. The maid of honour and best man are usually introduced last, just before the couple.

Creative Introductions

If you want to make your bridal party entrance more creative, there are many ways to do so. You could introduce them individually, in pairs, or as a whole group. You could have the DJ announce some fun facts about each person as they enter, or even have them walk in with cutout faces of the couple. If you want to make it more interactive, they could ride in on a motorized toy or do a choreographed dance.

Practical Tips

• Coordinate with your MC or DJ: Ensure they know how to pronounce names correctly and that they have a clear understanding of the sequence of introductions.
• Music selection: Choose entrance music that reflects your personality and style as a couple. You can select different songs for the bridal party entrance and the couple's grand entrance.
• Keep it concise: While the introduction of the bridal party is important, it is just the beginning of the celebration. Keep the introductions concise and engaging to maintain the flow of the event.
• Address non-traditional family dynamics: If you have complex family dynamics, such as divorce, remarriage, or stepparents, navigate these introductions tactfully. You can acknowledge stepparents who played a significant role in your life by including them in the introduction.
• Honour deceased parents: If one or both parents have passed away, consider honouring their memory through other elements of the ceremony, such as a mention in the wedding programme, a moment of silence, or a reserved seat with a memento.

Follow-up conversations

Once you've asked your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding, it's a good idea to have a follow-up conversation. This is a chance to address any questions or concerns they may have and ensure everyone is on the same page. It's also an opportunity for your bridesmaids to back out if they need to due to financial issues, major life events, or other conflicts. Here are some tips for having effective follow-up conversations:

• Meet with each bridesmaid individually within the first few weeks of asking. This allows for a more personal conversation and ensures that everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts.
• Start the conversation by expressing your excitement and asking if there is anything they are concerned about or need help with. This opens the floor for an honest discussion.
• Provide details about the wedding vision, including the bridal shower and bachelorette party. This will help your bridesmaids understand the scope of their role and responsibilities.
• Be prepared to answer questions about expenses, traditional duties, and the time commitment involved. It's important that your bridesmaids have a clear idea of what to expect.
• If any of your bridesmaids have financial concerns or potential schedule conflicts, work together to find solutions. For example, you could offer to help with costs or suggest ways to reduce expenses.
• Keep the lines of communication open throughout the wedding planning process. This will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone remains aligned and supported.
• If a bridesmaid needs to back out, handle the situation with grace and understanding. It's better to know early on, and it's important to maintain your friendship outside of the wedding context.
• Use these follow-up conversations as an opportunity to bond with your bridesmaids and create a supportive environment for your wedding journey together.

Frequently asked questions