Asking Your Bridesmaids: Australian Wedding Traditions 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 say I do, so it's only natural that you'd want to make your proposal to them special. While you don't have to send your bridesmaids a gift, you should still take a more formal approach when asking them to be part of your bridal party. Here are some creative ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids:

- Send them a card with a personalised message.

- Present them with a gift box filled with treats and a handwritten note.

- Invite them over for a night-in or out to dinner and pop the question.

- Send them a bouquet of flowers with a card containing the question.

- Throw a themed movie night and ask the question by referencing a character or scene in the movie.

- Give them a custom-made fortune cookie with a message inside asking the question.

- Present them with a picture frame containing a photo of you both.

- Host a private floral workshop and attach a note to each person's station asking them to be in your bridal party.

- Send them a scratch-off card with a message underneath asking the question.

Bridesmaid Proposal Gifts

Asking your friends to be bridesmaids is a big deal. These women have been there for you through thick and thin, so it's only natural that you'd want them standing by your side on your wedding day. Asking your friends to be bridesmaids should be just as special as they are. Here are some unique ideas for bridesmaid proposal gifts:

Gifts to Buy

• A box filled with decadent chocolate, hand balm, tea, honey, and bath salts, along with a beautiful card containing your heartfelt thoughts.
• A "you are loved" customised pencil set, leather luggage tag, soy travel candle, and bath soak set.
• A piece of sentimental jewellery, such as a dainty bauble designed with a love knot to symbolise your friendship and commitment.
• A travel jewellery box, especially if you're planning a destination wedding.
• A bottle of bubbly paired with a set of mini essentials for the wedding day, such as a nail file, extra wedding bands, floss, earring backs, and blister balm.
• A silk sleep mask to ensure your wedding party is well-rested before the big day.
• A silk robe for getting ready on the wedding day and relaxing at home.
• A zodiac sign candle, such as one from Birthdate Co., which has specific candles for every day of the year.
• A set of press-on nails so your bridesmaids can feel put together even when they can't make it to a salon.
• A silk pyjama set for a slumber party with your future bridesmaids.
• A customised picture frame with your favourite snapshot together.
• A bottle of wine with a cute label that reads, "Will you be my bridesmaid? I can't say 'I do' without you."
• A set of hair clips to ensure your bridesmaids' hair stays crease-free while they're getting ready.
• A denim jacket printed with each of your friend's names.
• A puzzle that, when pieced together, displays a custom picture of you and your friend, along with a "Will you be my bridesmaid?" message.
• A silk scrunchie with a tag that says, "To have and to hold your hair back" or "I can't tie the knot without you."
• A set of cookies with a cute tin that reads, "Will you be my bridesmaid?"
• A stemless, insulated champagne tumbler decorated with colourful florals.
• A heart-shaped trinket dish to store their favourite jewellery pieces.
• A disposable camera so your bridesmaids can capture the exact moment they become part of your wedding party.
• A silk bucket hat embroidered with the word "Babe".
• A crewneck sweatshirt customised with their wedding title and name over a big diamond ring.
• A pair of "Team Bride" socks.

DIY Gifts

• Customise simple T-shirts, tote bags, or anything else with a relatively flat surface with iron-on letters.
• Create a bouquet wrap with a newspaper template that reads, "Will you be my bridesmaid?"
• Make a card with a polaroid picture that reads, "Will you be my bridesmaid?"
• Bake customised cookies that ask the question for you.

Remember, it's not necessary to give a gift when proposing to your bridesmaids. You can simply ask them in person or via phone, FaceTime, or Skype if they're not local. However, if you do choose to give a gift, there are plenty of options to choose from, and you can always customise them to suit your and your bridesmaids' styles and personalities.

Asking in Person

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 on your big day. Asking in person is a more formal approach and allows for a more meaningful conversation. Here are some ideas for asking your bridal party in person:

One-on-One Chat

Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids in an intimate and low-key conversation is a simple and effective way to pop the question. This can be done in person or over a video call if your friends live far away. This approach ensures that your friends don't feel pressured to say yes immediately and gives them the space to consider the commitment. It also allows you to have a private and heartfelt conversation, expressing how much it would mean to have them by your side.

Family Dinner

If your bridal party includes family members such as sisters and cousins, asking them during a family dinner can be a special way to pop the question. This approach creates a memorable moment within a familiar setting and brings everyone together to share in the excitement. However, it's important to consider the dynamics and ensure that no one feels left out or pressured.

Creative Ways to Ask

There are numerous creative ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids in person:

• Customized T-shirts or Tote Bags: You can customize simple T-shirts or tote bags with iron-on letters or printing, asking the question in a fun and unique way. Your bridal party will proudly wear their new titles.
• DIY Balloon Pop: Create a balloon with a message inside, such as "Will you be my bridesmaid?". Gift each friend a balloon, add a bow, or place it in a box. They will pop the balloon to reveal the question, creating a memorable and interactive moment.
• Scavenger Hunt: Organise a scavenger hunt that leads your friends to different locations, with each location holding a special message or item. At the end of the hunt, propose with a card asking them to be your bridesmaid. This interactive approach also gives your friends a chance to bond and meet each other.
• Customised Wine Bottles: Create custom labels for wine bottles with a message asking, "Will you be my bridesmaid?". You can include cute phrases or puns, and your friends can savour the wine long after the proposal.
• Personalised Puzzle: Design a custom puzzle with a picture of you and your friend, along with a message asking them to be your bridesmaid. Once completed, they can keep the puzzle as a memento.
• Customised Cookies: Order custom cookies with a message written on them, asking your friends to be your bridesmaids. This sweet and delicious approach is sure to be a tasty treat for your bridal party.

Bridesmaid Proposal Boxes

Choose a Theme:

Decide on a theme or colour scheme for your boxes. This could be something that ties in with your wedding colours or a theme that reflects the interests or personalities of your bridesmaids. For example, a self-care theme could include items like scented candles, bath salts, hand balm, and face masks.

Include a Personalised Item:

Add a personalised touch to your boxes with items like monogrammed cosmetic bags, embroidered robes or bucket hats, or customised jewellery. You could also include a piece of jewellery with a love knot design, symbolising your friendship and commitment.

Edible Treats:

Include some delicious treats in your proposal boxes. You could opt for chocolates, macarons, or even customised cookies with "Will you be my bridesmaid?" written on them. For a fun twist, include botanical lollipops that, once finished, can be planted to grow herbs or flowers.

Sentimental Candles:

A candle with a heartfelt message is a great way to pop the question. Look for candles with labels that define a bridesmaid's role and their importance in your life. These candles often come in various scents, including celebratory options like "Champagne Toast" and "Wedding Cake".

Practical Gifts:

Include some practical gifts that your bridesmaids can use during the wedding preparations and on the big day itself. For example, a "Bridesmaid" tote bag, insulated champagne flutes, or a jewellery travel case. You could also add a "something blue" element with blue scrunchies, which can be tied with a tag that says, "I can't tie the knot without you."

Add a Personal Note:

Don't forget to include a heartfelt note or card in your proposal boxes. Write a message expressing your gratitude and explaining why it would mean so much to have your friend by your side on your wedding day.

Customisable Options:

If you're feeling creative, you can build your own proposal boxes. Start with a DIY box and fill it with treats like chocolates, candles, self-care items, and bridal wear. You can then personalise the box with your chosen colours, embossing, foiling, and bows.

Remember, the key is to make your bridesmaids feel special and loved. These proposal boxes are a wonderful way to celebrate your friendship and create lasting memories.

Creative Ways to Pop the Question

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

• Throw a girls' night: Gather your VIPs for a fun night of wine tasting or drinks and celebrations at your home or their favourite bar. Present them with a delicious drink selection catered to their unique tastes, complete with custom labels that playfully pop the question.
• Bling out your besties: Stage a high tea with scones, strawberry spread, cream, cucumber sandwiches, fruit platters, sweets, coffee, and champagne. Gift them with a personalised piece of jewellery, perhaps their wedding jewellery, or a nice keepsake.
• Set up a coffee date: If it's hard to get the whole squad together, organise a special coffee date at your favourite coffee house. Bring a personalised mug wrapped in a beautiful gift box of goodies. Ask the barista to do some latte art in the coffee with the question.
• Custom makeup bag and robe: Ask your friends with a simple, customisable makeup bag and a beautiful silk robe. They can use these while getting ready on the big day.
• Sign up for a floral workshop: Get creative with your girls and take them to a floral workshop. Propose to your bridal party over some amazing-smelling blooms.
• Personalised duffle bags: Gift your girls with duffle bags personalised with their initials and your bridal colours. Fill the bags with bridesmaid essentials that they can use on the wedding day and beyond.
• Say it with sweets: Give your bestie a cookie trio that says it all, customised to your wedding colours. Or, give them a block of chocolate with a fun message on the front and a scratch card that pops the question.
• Pamper your VIPs: Bridesmaids are a great support for the bride, so why not pamper them with sentimental gifts to help them stay stress-free and relaxed?
• Pop the question: Organise a fun night with your favourite girls, with music, drinks, and games. Have your girls pop a balloon to reveal the question!

Remember, you can be as creative as you want when asking your friends to be your bridesmaids. Whether you go for a simple card, a gift, or a fun night out, they are sure to appreciate the effort!

What to Include in a Bridesmaid Proposal Box

Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is a big deal, so you might want to consider creating a thoughtful bridesmaid proposal box to make them feel special. Here are some ideas on what to include in your bridesmaid proposal box:

A Personalised Card

Include a sweet, handwritten card in your box to make it more heartfelt. Take the time to write a personal note to each of your bridesmaids, expressing your excitement and honour at having them by your side on your big day. You can also include a gift card with a personalised message, such as "Will you be my bridesmaid? I can't say I do without you."

Self-care and Pampering Items

Indulge your bridesmaids with some pampering treats to help them relax and unwind. This could include scented candles, bath bombs, hand lotion, face masks, or a luxurious bath set. You can also add some fun, themed items like "Let's do this sheet" face masks or "Will you be my bridesmaid?" personalised matches.

Robes and Pyjamas

Bridesmaid robes are a staple for getting ready on the wedding day. Include a comfy robe or a pair of personalised pyjamas in your box. You can even add a sleep mask and slippers for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Jewellery and Accessories

Add a touch of sparkle to your proposal box with some jewellery or accessories. Consider a dainty bracelet, necklace, or earrings with a thoughtful note, such as "Will you be my bridesmaid?" You can also include hair accessories like trendy hair clips or silk scrunchies.

Drinkware and Edibles

Add some celebratory drinks and treats to your box. Include a bottle of bubbly or some mini bottles of rosé with customised wine labels. You can also add edible goodies like champagne-flavoured gummies, chocolate, or botanical lollipops. For a unique touch, try edible glitter or champagne-flavoured lollipops that can be planted to grow flowers.

Personalised Gifts

Make your bridesmaids feel extra special with personalised items such as wine glasses, tumblers, coffee mugs, or cosmetic bags with their names or wedding titles. You can also include friendship bracelets with both of your initials or a gift with their birthstone or birth flower.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to creating your bridesmaid proposal boxes. Feel free to mix and match items that you think your bridesmaids will love and that reflect your unique style. Happy proposing!

Frequently asked questions