Asking your closest friends to be your bridesmaids is an opportunity to show them how important they are to you. While some brides prefer to ask their friends in person, others opt for a text message. If you're in the latter group, here's how to go about it.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Proposal method | Text, call, in-person, via gift |
Proposal timing | 2-3 months after getting engaged, 10 months out from the wedding, or within a week of asking the first bridesmaid |
Proposal gift | Macarons, personalised puzzles, balloons, jewellery, bouquet of flowers, gift box, champagne, cookies, etc. |
What You'll Learn
Gifts to include in your proposal
There are many creative ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids, and including a gift in your proposal is a great way to show how important they are to you. Here are some gift ideas to include in your bridesmaid proposal:
Self-Care Packages
A self-care package is a perfect way to show your appreciation and help your bridesmaid unwind and relax. You can include items such as:
- Luxe bath sets with soaps, hand washes, and candles
- Face masks
- Aromatic bath bombs
- Scented candles
- Essential oils
- Nail polish
- Lip balm
- Hand lotion
Food and Drinks
Edible treats are always a great option, and you can include items that are both delicious and aesthetically pleasing. Some ideas include:
- Bottles of champagne or sparkling wine with custom labels
- Chocolate or candy with customised packaging
- Cookies with "Will you be my bridesmaid?" iced on top
- Macarons
- Gourmet candy boxes
- Tea sets
Accessories and Jewellery
Accessories and jewellery are not only a great way to propose to your bridesmaids but also something they can use on the wedding day and beyond. Some ideas include:
- Personalised jewellery cases
- Bracelets with "bridesmaid" or "I do crew" inscribed on them
- Monogrammed cosmetic cases
- Personalised compact mirrors
- Customised tote bags or clutches
- Hair accessories, such as silk scrunchies or hair ties
- Sunglasses
Sentimental Gifts
Sentimental gifts are a thoughtful way to express your excitement and show how much you value your friend's friendship. Some ideas include:
- Personalised candles with heartfelt messages
- Customised wine glasses
- Framed photos or photo albums
- Handwritten notes expressing your admiration and gratitude
- Customised keychains
- Personalised hangers for their bridesmaid dresses
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How to ask without a gift
Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is a big deal, and while gifts are a popular way to do it, they're not necessary. If you're looking to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids without a gift, here are some ideas to make your proposal memorable and special:
In-Person Proposals
- Gather your friends and pop the question in person. You could do this at a get-together, a dinner party, or even a fun night out.
- Host a game night, a movie night, or a spa night at your place and pop the question as a fun surprise.
- Meet each friend individually for a coffee or lunch date and ask them in person. You could even ask the barista to write "Will you be my bridesmaid?" on their cup as a cute surprise.
- Organise a floral workshop, a candle-making class, or a dance class and ask your friends during the event.
- Take your friends out for a boozy brunch and pop the question over breakfast drinks and bacon.
Virtual Proposals
- If meeting in person isn't possible, consider a virtual proposal via video call. You could even send them a bottle of bubbly in advance and toast to your friendship and their new role.
- Send a heartfelt card via mail with a handwritten note expressing your thoughts and asking the question. Include a photo of you and your friend for a personal touch.
- Send a bouquet of flowers to your friend's home or office with a card containing your proposal.
- Host a virtual book club and choose a wedding-themed book to discuss. Use this as an opportunity to propose to your friends.
- Send a scratch-off card via mail with a custom message underneath, asking your friend to be your bridesmaid. Include a penny in the envelope for scratching.
Remember, while gifts are a fun addition, the most important part of your proposal is expressing your thoughts and feelings to your friends and letting them know how much their presence would mean to you on your big day.
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What to write in the card
There are many ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids, and a card is a great way to do it. Here are some ideas for what to write in the card:
Paragraph 1
As my wedding day approaches, I can't help but think of all the people who have been there for me through thick and thin. You have been an integral part of my life, and I would be honoured to have you by my side as I say "I do". I hope you will be my bridesmaid and help me celebrate this special day.
Paragraph 2
I am so excited to ask you to be my bridesmaid! I know that you live far away, and I understand if you are unable to make it. But if you can, I would be thrilled to have you standing beside me on my big day. We have shared so many memories together, and I can't think of anyone else I would rather have by my side.
Paragraph 3
It's my turn to pop the question! I am getting married, and I would love for you to be my bridesmaid. I know that being a bridesmaid can be a big commitment, so please take some time to think about it. I hope that you will be able to join me as I celebrate this special day.
Paragraph 4
I am writing to ask if you would be my bridesmaid at my upcoming wedding. I know that it is a lot to ask, but I couldn't imagine getting married without you by my side. I hope that you will be able to join me as I take this next step in my life. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend.
Paragraph 5
I am so excited to be planning my wedding, and I would love for you to be a part of it! I am hoping that you will be my bridesmaid. I know that it is a big responsibility, but I am confident that you are up for the task. I can't wait to hear your ideas and have your support as I plan the big day.
Paragraph 6
As my maid of honour, I know that you will be busy planning my bridal shower and bachelorette party. But I also want to include my bridesmaids in the fun! So, I am asking you to be a bridesmaid and help me create lifelong memories. I am so grateful for your friendship, and I can't wait to celebrate with you!
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Proposal ideas
Asking your closest friends to be your bridesmaids is a great opportunity to show them how important they are to you. Here are some creative and unique ways to do it:
- Write a heartfelt message to each person in a stylish "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" card and include a favourite photo of the two of you.
- Blow up a confetti-filled balloon and put a safety pin inside with a note that they can use to "pop!" the question.
- If your bridesmaids-to-be live nearby, invite them over for a pizza night or a dinner party and then raise a toast, popping the question with personalised champagne glasses and bottles of bubbly.
- Set up a coffee date with each person and ask the barista to write "Will you be my bridesmaid?" on the cup instead of their name.
- Give each person a special dress hanger that's been personalised with their name, or a bridesmaid robe to wear on the wedding day.
- Invite everyone to a wine and paint night, pottery class, or flower-arranging workshop and pop the question there.
- Treat your friends to mani-pedis and gift them with a bottle of nail polish in a shade they can wear on your wedding day, along with a card explaining your request.
- Create a custom puzzle with a photo of you and your friend and a message asking them to be your bridesmaid.
- Send them a bouquet of flowers with a personalised note.
- Take your bridal squad out for a workshop or class where you can collectively ask everyone at once with a celebratory toast.
Remember, you can never go wrong with a thoughtful and personalised gift or message!
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When to ask
Ideally, you should ask your bridesmaids anywhere between a year to eight months before your wedding date. This gives your bridesmaids ample time to prepare and ensures they have a better idea about whether they can commit to the role. Knowing your wedding date beforehand is crucial, as the date might clash with their personal commitments or other wedding events.
If you're eager to ask your closest friends right away, it's advisable to wait at least 60 days after getting engaged. During this grace period, you can start planning the number of bridesmaids you want and thinking about gifts for when the time comes to pop the question.
It's also worth noting that you don't have to ask all your bridesmaids at once. You can opt for a more intimate approach by asking them one at a time. If you go down this route, try to ask everyone within a week to avoid making anyone feel left out.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. You could ask them in person, via a phone call, or through a video call. You could also send them a gift box with a note, or a simple card with a heartfelt message.
You could write something like: "It's my turn to pop the question", "I can't say 'I do' without you", or "My wedding day wouldn't be complete without you standing beside me. Be my bridesmaid?"
Sending a gift is not necessary, but it is a nice gesture. You could send a small gift, such as a candle, a personalised puzzle, a piece of jewellery, or a bottle of wine.
It is recommended that you ask your friends to be your bridesmaids anywhere between a year to eight months before your wedding. This gives your bridesmaids enough time to plan and prepare for the wedding.