Asking Bridesmaids For Money: Etiquette And Tips

Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is a big deal. These are the women who will be helping you plan, celebrate, and support you throughout your wedding journey. Asking your friends to be bridesmaids should be just as special as they are. Here are some creative ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids:

- Send a personalized gift box

- Do a DIY balloon pop

- Set up a scavenger hunt

- Create customized wine bottles

- Personalize a puzzle

- Customize some cookies

- Personalize a tote bag

Gifts: Send a personalised gift box or a DIY balloon pop

Sending a personalised gift box or a DIY balloon pop are two thoughtful ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. Here are some ideas for how to do it:

Gifts: Send a personalised gift box

A personalised gift box is a great way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids as it shows that you've put time and effort into creating something unique for them. You can fill the box with items that are personal to each friend, such as their favourite candy or a personalised note. You could also include a bridesmaid proposal card, asking them to be a part of your special day. This is a perfect way to show your friends how much they mean to you.

• A mini heart-shaped picture frame with a photo of you and your friend
• A pair of sunglasses
• A "Will you be my bridesmaid?" card
• A "XOXO" trinket dish
• Thematic magnets
• A candle with a clever "Bridesmaid" definition label
• A small towel folded into a teddy bear shape
• Two bath bombs
• A flower hair clip
• An insulated, stemless champagne flute with a lid and straw
• A bridesmaid invitation card
• A satin pyjama set and matching sleep mask customised with each member's name
• Fuzzy slippers with their title
• A scrunchie
• A glass tumbler with their birth flower

DIY Balloon Pop

A DIY balloon pop is a fun and unique way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. You can create a balloon with a message inside, such as "Will you be my bridesmaid?". Then, gift the balloon to your friend, either by adding a bow and handing it to them or by sticking it in a box. This idea is short and sweet but is sure to be a memorable way to ask your friends.

Scavenger Hunt: Set up a scavenger hunt with clues leading to different locations

A scavenger hunt is a fun and interactive way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. Here are some steps to create a memorable and engaging experience:

Step 1: Choose a Theme

Select a theme that reflects your wedding or your friendship with the bridesmaids-to-be. Some theme ideas include:

• Nature-themed: Perfect if your wedding has a natural or outdoor setting.
• Food-related: A fun option, especially if your crew loves to eat and try new cuisines.
• Sherlock Holmes: A mysterious and intriguing theme with hidden riddles and clues.
• Harry Potter: A magical theme that can incorporate spells, potions, and other whimsical elements.
• Bridal-themed: Celebrate all things bridal with this theme, from veils to bouquets.

Step 2: Define the Hunt

Consider the following aspects:

• Location: Choose a safe and accessible location for the scavenger hunt. It could be an iconic attraction, a park, or even your hometown.
• Age: Ensure the hunt is appropriate for the age group of your participants.
• Time: Determine how much time the participants will have to complete the hunt.
• Date: Pick a date that works for everyone and consider if it aligns with any special occasions.
• Number of participants: Know how many people will join the hunt to plan accordingly.

Step 3: Create Clues and Riddles

Crafting clever and engaging clues is essential for a successful scavenger hunt. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Picture clues: Take pictures of the locations where the clues are hidden. For younger players, provide a full picture, while for teens and adults, crop the image to make it more challenging.
• Puzzle clues: Create rebus puzzles, where pictures or symbols represent words or phrases. For example, a picture of an apple minus a picture of an ape, followed by a picture of an ant, could lead to a plant ("apple - ape = PL + ant = PLANT").
• Rhyming clues: Write clues in the form of rhymes that provide hints about the next location. For instance, "Roses are red, violets are blue, you'll find the next clue in one of your shoes."
• Scrambled words: Scramble the words of the clue to make it more challenging.
• Coded messages: Use numbers or symbols instead of letters to create secret codes that need to be deciphered.
• Trivia and general knowledge: Create trivia questions with multiple-choice answers, where each answer is associated with scrambled letters that form the next hiding location.

Step 4: Prepare the Locations and Hide the Clues

Choose hotspot areas that are challenging yet accessible for your players. Ensure the clues are hidden in places that are not too difficult to reach, considering the mobility of your participants.

Step 5: Create the Treasure

The treasure is the final reward or surprise that awaits your bridesmaids-to-be at the end of the hunt. It could be a special gift, a heartfelt note, or even a fun activity that you all enjoy together.

Step 6: Invite Your Bridesmaids

Send out themed invitations to your bridesmaids, including details such as the date, time, location, and any special instructions. Give them enough time to RSVP and confirm their attendance.

Step 7: Make it Memorable

On the day of the scavenger hunt, do a final check to ensure everything is in place. Go over the following checklist:

• Weather conditions: Ensure the weather is suitable for the outdoor activity.
• Clues and locations: Double-check that all clues are prepared and hidden in the correct places.
• Treasure or prize: Confirm that the final treasure or prize is ready and protected from any potential damage.
• Safety: Inspect all locations to ensure they are safe for the participants.
• Supervision: Have people assist in supervising the scavenger hunt to ensure a smooth experience.

By following these steps and adding your personal touches, you'll create a unique and fun way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!

Customised wine bottles: Create custom labels with a message asking them to be your bridesmaid

Customised wine bottles are a fun and unique way to ask your bridesmaids, "Will you be my bridesmaid?". You can create custom labels with a special message asking them to be a part of your bridal party. Here are some ideas and tips to help you get started:

Choosing the Wine

Firstly, select the wine or champagne for your customised bottles. You can choose your bridesmaids' favourite variety or a special bottle that holds significance for you. Consider the size of the bottle, as some labels may be designed for mini or standard-sized bottles. If you want to include a photo on the label, a larger bottle may provide more space for your design.

Designing the Label

The label is where you can get creative and personalise your proposal. Many websites offer templates or customisation options to help you design the perfect label. Here are some elements you may want to include:

• A special message: The label can be as simple or creative as you like. You can include a heartfelt message expressing your sentiments and asking the question, "Will you be my bridesmaid?".
• Names: Personalise the label with your bridesmaid's name and your name. You can also include the role you are asking them to take on, such as "Maid of Honour".
• Wedding details: If you already have your wedding date set, you can include it on the label to build anticipation for the occasion.
• Photos: Adding a photo of you and your bridesmaid is a wonderful way to make the proposal extra special. It can be a recent photo or a throwback picture to reminisce on your memories together.
• Colours and themes: Consider incorporating your wedding colours or themes into the label design to tie everything together.

Putting it All Together

Once you have your wine and labels ready, it's time to put them together. Carefully remove the original label from the wine bottle, if desired, and replace it with your custom label. Some labels are designed to go over the original, so you can choose the option that works best for your bottle. If you're using waterproof labels, you won't have to worry about accidental splashes ruining your design.

Presentation Ideas

Now that your customised wine bottles are ready, you can decide how you want to present them to your bridesmaids. Here are some ideas:

• Host a gathering: Plan a get-together with your bridal party and present the wine bottles as a surprise. It can be a casual dinner, a themed movie night, or even a wine-tasting event.
• Pair it with other gifts: You can include the wine bottle as part of a bridesmaid proposal box filled with other treats and goodies.
• Send it as a surprise: If your bridesmaids live far away, you can have the custom wine bottle shipped directly to them, along with a thoughtful card or note.

Remember, the most important part is to make your proposal sincere and heartfelt. Your bridesmaids will surely appreciate the effort and personalised touch you put into asking them to be a part of your special day.

Customised cookies: Get custom cookies made with a message asking them to be your bridesmaid

Cookies are a sweet way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. You can get creative and bake them yourself, or order custom cookies online. Here are some ideas to inspire your bridesmaid proposals:

Customised Cookies with a Message:

Get creative and bake your own cookies, or order custom cookies with "Will you be my bridesmaid?" iced onto them. You could even include each recipient's name and their role, such as "Sarah - Flower Girl". If baking, allow enough time for the cookies to be made and decorated, and ensure safe delivery or pick-up.

Bridesmaid Proposal Kits:

Create a bridesmaid proposal kit with customised cookies as the centrepiece. Include other small gifts such as a mini bottle of bubbly, nail polish, sheet masks, and other treats, along with a handwritten note. You could also add a gift card for a spa treatment or a cute "Bride Squad" item like a cosmetic bag or a silk eye mask.

Cookie and Candle Combo:

Pair your customised cookies with a scented candle. You could include a candle with a label that defines the title of "bridesmaid" and its significance, or opt for a gemstone-themed candle with a bright colour scheme. Alternatively, send your bridesmaids a bouquet of flowers with a card that pops the question.

Themed Movie Night:

Host a movie night with a wedding-themed film like "27 Dresses" or "Bridesmaids". As the credits roll, pop the question by referencing a character or scene. For example, "Will you be my Katherine Heigl?" Include customised cookies during the movie as a fun treat.

Fortune Cookies:

Invite your friends over for a night of Chinese takeout and a movie. When it's time for dessert, hand out custom fortune cookies with "Will you be my bridesmaid?" on the little white fortune paper inside. It's a quirky and unexpected way to pop the question.

So, get baking or start browsing for the perfect customised cookies to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. It's a sweet gesture that your friends will surely appreciate!

In-person: Ask in person or via a phone call

Asking your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding party is an exciting milestone in your relationship and should be celebrated! While you may be eager to ask your closest friends, it's important to give this decision the thought and consideration it deserves. Here are some tips and suggestions for asking your bridesmaids in person or via a phone call:

Timing is Key:

Wait until you have more details about your wedding date and plans before approaching your friends. This will allow your bridesmaids to make an informed decision about their availability and commitment. It's also a good idea to give yourself a grace period of at least 60 days after getting engaged to make your selections.

Personal Approach:

Meet with each prospective bridesmaid in person or schedule a video call if meeting face-to-face is not feasible. This intimate and low-key approach allows you to have a one-on-one conversation and gauge their response. You can also use this opportunity to ask about their budget and what they are comfortable contributing financially.

Be Considerate:

Remember that being a bridesmaid can be financially demanding, so be sensitive to your friends' budgets. Instead of dictating a set amount, inquire about their comfort level and work together to find a contribution that suits their means. This approach ensures everyone feels valued and included.

Creative Proposals:

While a simple in-person chat is effective, you can also add a creative twist to your proposal. For example, you could pop the question with fortune cookies and ring pops or deliver a bouquet of flowers with a personalized note. These unique gestures will make the moment memorable and special.

Follow-up Conversation:

After the initial excitement, it's important to have a follow-up conversation with each bridesmaid to discuss their role and responsibilities. This ensures everyone is on the same page and gives them an opportunity to voice any questions or concerns.

Remember, the most important aspect of asking your bridesmaids is to approach it with thoughtfulness and consideration. Be mindful of their time, budgets, and commitments, and always express your gratitude for their support and participation in your special day.

Frequently asked questions