Navigating Bridesmaid Proposals: Saying Yes To The Ask

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a daunting task. It's a chance to be part of a special day and celebrate a friend or family member's love. But where do you even start with planning? How do you say yes in a way that's both heartfelt and fun? Well, there are lots of creative ways to accept a bridesmaid proposal and get the bridal party started. Whether it's a simple card, a gift, or a fun activity, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, get ready to pop the question and say yes to a memorable experience!

Be sentimental

Being sentimental is a great way to ask your besties to be your bridesmaids. Here are some ideas to help you pop the question:

Write a heartfelt card

A card is a simple yet meaningful way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. Start with a greeting and nod to the meaning behind the card. Take a trip down memory lane and recount some hallmark moments from your friendship. You can also add some "fluff" to your question by telling your friend that you can't imagine taking this big step without them. Be sure to end with a clear and direct question, such as "Will you be my bridesmaid?".

Give a framed photo

A picture is worth a thousand words, and it can be a perfect way to ask your bestie to be your bridesmaid. Give them a framed photo of the two of you (or the group of you) in one of your favourite memories. When giving the gift, let them know that you can't wait to create new memories with them by your side on your wedding day.

Send a bouquet of flowers

Remember the thrill of receiving a bouquet of flowers? Why not give that same feeling to your soon-to-be bridal crew? Send handpicked flower arrangements to their home or office address, with a card that pops the question: "Will you be my bridesmaid?".

Host a special dinner

Tell your bridal dream team that you want to get together to celebrate your engagement. Coordinate with the restaurant to insert a card with the handwritten question into each menu or, even better, have a server deliver small boxes (or envelopes) with your note as they pour each guest a glass of wine.

Plan a themed movie night

Gather your crew for a night of popcorn, candy, and your favourite wedding-themed film. After the movie ends, let them know that you have something important to ask them. Pop the question by referencing a character or scene from the movie. For example, after watching "27 Dresses", you could say, "Will you be my Katherine Heigl?".

Give a meaningful gift

A bridesmaid proposal gift is a popular and thoughtful way to show your friends how much you care. From personalized wine glasses and jewellery to monogrammed cosmetic cases and robes, there are many options to choose from. You can also include a handwritten card with your gift to add a sentimental touch.

Include a gift

Including a gift with your bridesmaid proposal is a great way to make your request extra special. Here are some ideas for gifts to include in your proposal:

Personalised Gifts

A gift with a personalised touch is always a good idea as it shows you've put extra thought into your proposal. You could include a personalised candle, compact mirror, or a piece of jewellery such as a necklace or bracelet. If you're planning a destination wedding, you could also give your bridesmaid a personalised travel jewellery case or passport cover. For a fun twist, you could include a personalised puzzle with a photo of you and your friend, or a custom label on a bottle of wine.

Self-Care Gifts

Self-care gifts are always a good option, especially if you're planning a spa day with your bridesmaids. You could include a candle, bath bomb, or a set of luxury soaps. For an extra touch of luxury, you could give your bridesmaid a silk sleep mask, silk scrunchies, or a satin robe.

Food and Drink

Food and drink are always a good option for gifts, especially if you're planning a boozy brunch or dinner to celebrate your engagement. You could include a bottle of champagne with a personalised label, or some champagne-flavoured treats such as gummy sweets or macarons. For non-alcoholic options, you could give your bridesmaid her favourite tea or coffee, or a box of chocolates.

Practical Gifts

Practical gifts are always useful, especially if they can be used on the wedding day. You could give your bridesmaid a personalised makeup bag, a set of claws or hair ties, or even a silk robe to get ready in on the morning of the wedding. For a destination wedding, you could give your bridesmaid a set of luggage tags or a travel journal.

Sentimental Gifts

Sentimental gifts are a great way to show your bridesmaid how much she means to you. You could give her a framed photo of the two of you, or a personalised caricature. If you're both book lovers, you could inscribe a personal message inside a novel.

Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune on your bridesmaid proposal gift. The most important thing is to choose something that shows your bridesmaid how much you value her friendship and how much it would mean to you to have her by your side on your wedding day.

Make it personal

Making your bridesmaid proposal personal is a great way to show your friends how much you care about them and value their friendship. Here are some ideas to make your proposal unique and special:

Gifts

• A framed photo of you and your friend, or your friend group, is a thoughtful way to commemorate your relationship and create new memories.
• A piece of jewellery, like a dainty beaded bracelet or a love knot ring, is a tried-and-true option that your friends can wear on your big day and cherish forever.
• A travel jewellery box is an especially thoughtful gift if you're planning a destination wedding. You can include a personalised note inside, such as "Be my bridesmaid?".
• A silk sleep mask and plush bridal party slippers are perfect for ensuring your bridal party is well-rested before the big day.
• A silk robe is a comfy gift your friends can wear while getting ready on the wedding day and relaxing at home afterward.
• A customised mug or water bottle with your friend's name or a playful message, like "Bride's Babes".
• A bottle of your friend's favourite wine or bubbly with a custom label that pops the question.
• A tote bag with a colourful floral print and your friend's name or wedding title.
• A candle with a personalised label that defines the title of "bridesmaid" and includes a sweet message.
• A birthstone wellness tea set that includes an apothecary-style jar and a shiny tea strainer.
• A zodiac sign candle, customised to each friend's birthday, is a unique gift that doubles as an icebreaker for your bridal party.

Activities

• Host an afternoon tea and share how much your friends mean to you. You can even include some champagne for an extra special touch.
• Sign up for a dance class together, like salsa or private twirling lessons, and announce that it's practice for all the dancing they'll do as bridesmaids at your wedding.
• Plan a movie night with your favourite wedding-themed films, like "27 Dresses" or "Bridesmaids". At the end of the movie, pop the question!
• Invite your friends for a pampering session at a nail salon and gift them a wedding-focused nail polish colour.
• Organise a floral workshop and attach notes to each friend's station, asking them to be in your bridal party. Don't forget to bring some bubbles to celebrate!
• Host a tattoo or piercing party for your friends who love body ink and jewellery. Just be sure to do this in a professional setting to ensure everyone's safety.
• Plan a wine tasting night and save a special bottle for the end, with a custom label that asks your friends to be in your bridal party.

Remember, you can always include a handwritten card with a heartfelt message to make your proposal even more personal.

Be creative

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

Plan a Wine Tasting Night

Gather your friends for a night of wine tasting and save the best bottle for last. Present your favourite bottle with a custom label that asks your friends to be in your wedding party. You'll be ready to celebrate and toast all night long.

Host a Movie Night

Invite your friends over for a movie night featuring wedding-themed films like "27 Dresses", "Bridesmaids" or "My Best Friend's Wedding". As the credits start rolling, announce that you have an important question for them.

Give a Framed Photo

Give your best friend a framed photo of the two of you (or the group) and let them know you can't wait to create new memories.

Treat Them to a Spa Day

Treat your friends to a day of relaxation at the nail salon. Give everyone a wedding-focused nail colour and explain that they'll need to wear it at your wedding because they'll be your bridesmaids!

Gift Them a Personalised Robe

After your spa day, continue the celebration by gifting your friends personalised robes. Think of all the photo ops your wedding album will have of this fun memory.

Invite Them to Afternoon Tea

Wear your favourite floral dress and invite your friends to join you for afternoon tea. Along with scones and cucumber sandwiches, share with your friends how much they mean to you and how much it would mean to have them by your side as you exchange vows.

Send a Scratch-Off Card

Create a custom card with a portion that scratches off, revealing a message asking your friends to be your bridesmaids. Don't forget to include a penny for scratching!

Break Open Fortune Cookies

Invite your friends over for takeout Chinese food 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.

Bling Out Your Besties

Gift your friends a piece of jewellery that they can wear on your big day and ask them to be your bridesmaids.

Stage a Photo Op

Gift your friends floral robes and stage a photo op. This will be a fun memory and they can wear the robes while getting ready on the day of your wedding.

Send a Bouquet of Flowers

Send your friends handpicked flower arrangements with a card that pops the question, "Will you be my bridesmaid?"

Throw a Boozy Brunch

Plan a morning of mimosas, eggs benedict and an important question. Propose to your friends over breakfast drinks and plenty of bacon.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to personalise and customise these ideas to make them even more creative and unique!

Ask in person

Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids in person is a great way to make your request extra special and memorable. Here are some ideas for how to pop the question in person:

Plan a Wine Tasting Night

Gather your friends for a night of wine tasting. Save the best bottle of bubbly for last and present it with a custom label that asks your friends to be in your wedding party. You can then celebrate and toast your friends all night long. This idea can also be adapted for a cocktail night, with the final cocktail of the evening revealing the big question.

Host a Movie Night

Invite your friends over for a movie night featuring your favourite wedding-themed films. At the end of the movie, let your friends know you have something important to ask them. You could even pop the question by referencing a character or scene from the film.

Treat Your Friends to a Spa Day

Arrange a spa day for you and your friends, followed by a mani-pedi at the nail salon. You can then gift them with a bottle of nail polish in a wedding-focused shade and explain that they'll need to wear this colour on your wedding day.

Arrange a Coffee Date

Set up a coffee date with each friend and ask the barista to write "Will you be my bridesmaid?" on their cup instead of their name. Just make sure your friend reads the message before they finish their drink!

Host a Dinner Party

Invite your friends over for a dinner party and then raise a toast – and pop the question! You could even personalise the evening with bridesmaid-themed champagne glasses and bottles of bubbly.

Give a Framed Photo

Give your friend a framed photo of the two of you (or a group photo if you have a squad of bridesmaids) and let them know you can't wait to create new memories together.

Frequently asked questions