Bridesmaids: Writing About The Ladies Who Support The Bride

There are many different ways to write about bridesmaids, from heartfelt speeches to creative bridesmaid proposal ideas. Bridesmaids play an important role in the wedding process, and asking your closest friends to be a part of your special day is a memorable moment. Whether you're looking for tips on writing a bridesmaid speech or unique ways to propose to your bridesmaids, there are plenty of resources available to help you craft the perfect message.

How to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids

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". Asking your friends to be bridesmaids should be a special moment for them, and there are plenty of unique and creative ways to make it truly memorable. Here are some ideas to help you pop the question to your bridal party:

In-Person or Over the Phone

The first rule of asking someone to be your bridesmaid is to ask in person or via a phone call. This shows that you are willing to put in the effort and allows for a more meaningful conversation. If you live close to each other, you could even gather your friends together and propose in style.

Be Clear About Your Expectations

Being a bridesmaid requires a significant time and financial commitment. It's important to be clear about your expectations so that your bridesmaids understand what is expected of them. Outline key details such as when they'll be asked to attend pre-wedding events, your general expectations for purchasing the bridesmaid dress, and if they'll be helping with any wedding-related tasks.

Send a Personalised Gift Box

A creative way to ask your friends to be bridesmaids is through a personalised gift box. Fill the box with items that are personal to each friend, such as their favourite candy, a personalised note, or a bridesmaid proposal card. This is a thoughtful way to show your friends how much they mean to you.

DIY Balloon Pop

Create a balloon with a message inside, such as "Will you be my bridesmaid?". Gift your friend the balloon and have them pop it to reveal the question. It's a unique and memorable way to ask.

Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a fun and interactive way to ask your friends to be bridesmaids. Start the day at brunch, then create clues that lead your friends to different locations, with each location holding a special message or item. At the end of the scavenger hunt, have a proposal card asking them to be your bridesmaid.

Customised Wine Bottles

Create custom labels for wine bottles with a message asking, "Will you be my bridesmaid?". If you enjoy a good joke, look for a label with a cute phrase before the ask. Your friends can enjoy the wine and keep the bottle as a memento.

Personalised Cards

A heartfelt, personalised card is a simple yet effective way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. Write a personalised message such as, "I couldn't do this without my best friend. Be my bridesmaid?" or "Excited to tie the knot with you close by. Will you do me the honour of being one of my bridesmaids?".

Dinner Party

Invite your friends to a dinner party at your place. Prepare a homemade meal or order from a restaurant, and don't forget the bubbly! As dinner comes to a close, bring out a cake iced with the question, "Will you be my bridesmaid?".

Remember, when asking your friends to be bridesmaids, the most important thing is to make the ask personal and heartfelt. Let your friends know how much it would mean to have them by your side on your special day.

How to write a heartfelt bridesmaid speech

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a huge honor, but it also comes with some responsibilities, like delivering a heartfelt and memorable speech. Crafting the perfect speech can be daunting, but with a few tips and a bit of practice, you'll be well on your way to creating a meaningful tribute. Here are some steps to guide you:

Step 1: Know Your Role

As a bridesmaid, you play a significant role in the wedding, and your speech should reflect that. Your goal is to celebrate the couple's love and make them feel special. Keep in mind that your speech is about the couple, not just the bride, so be sure to include the groom as well.

Step 2: Structure Your Speech

A well-structured speech will help you stay organized and ensure you cover all the key points. Here's a simple outline you can follow:

• Introduction: Start by welcoming the guests and expressing your joy at being part of the celebration. Introduce yourself and explain your relationship with the bride.
• Share Memories: Include 2-3 brief stories or anecdotes that showcase your bond with the bride and your support for the couple. Avoid anything too embarrassing or disrespectful.
• Express Love and Admiration: Talk about the bride's wonderful qualities and how happy she is with her partner. You can also share your hopes and wishes for their future together.
• Close with a Toast: Invite everyone to raise their glasses and offer a heartfelt toast to the happy couple.

Step 3: Keep It Short and Sweet

Aim for a speech that is concise and to the point. A good length is around 3-5 minutes, which gives you enough time to cover the essentials without losing the audience's attention.

Step 4: Be Yourself

The most memorable speeches come from the heart, so be authentic and sincere. Focus on expressing your genuine love and admiration for the couple. There's no need to force jokes or try to be someone you're not. Let your unique personality shine through!

Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice

The key to delivering your speech with confidence is to practice. Write out your speech and then rehearse it aloud until you feel comfortable. You can even record yourself to get feedback on your pacing and tone. Practicing will help you feel more at ease when the big moment arrives.

Step 6: Avoid Taboo Topics

While a little gentle humor is fine, be careful to avoid any stories or topics that could be offensive or embarrassing. Steer clear of anything related to ex-partners, bachelorette party antics, or adult humor. Keep your speech positive and focused on celebrating the couple's love.

Step 7: Include a Quote or Two

Incorporating a meaningful quote about love or marriage can add a special touch to your speech. Choose a quote that resonates with you and the couple, and use it to elevate your message.

Step 8: Celebrate Their Unique Bond

Every couple is unique, so personalize your speech by highlighting what makes their relationship special. Talk about how they complement each other, how they've supported each other, or how their love has grown over time.

Step 9: Add a Touch of Humor

While your speech should be heartfelt, including a bit of humor can engage the audience and make your speech more memorable. Share a funny story or anecdote, but be sure to keep it light and appropriate.

Step 10: Rehearse and Relax

Don't stress too much about your speech. Remember, it's the sentiment behind your words that matters most. Take a deep breath, speak from the heart, and enjoy this special moment!

How to deliver a funny bridesmaid speech

So, you're a bridesmaid and you want to write a funny speech? Here's how to deliver it and ensure your audience is laughing out loud.

First, get inspired. Brainstorm ideas while watching your favourite sitcom or funny movie, or listening to a stand-up comic. You don't want to copy jokes word for word, but they may spark your creativity. While it's tempting to steal a great punchline, remember that you'll get a better response from an original joke. Keep it concise. Wedding speeches only need to be two or three minutes long. If you go any longer, you'll start to lose people's attention, and your humour could fall flat. Practice your speech beforehand, even the most well-written, hilarious speech will tank if you can't deliver the lines clearly or with the right inflection. The more you can memorise your speech and deliver it naturally, the better it will sound.

Next, some tips for when you're delivering your speech. It's charming to admit you're nervous – guests will be more receptive and forgiving of what you're about to say. Start your speech with a question to get everyone to tune in, for example, "Has anybody here..." and then include something amusing or hysterical that the bride has done. Talk about the first time you met the bride – first impressions can be haphazard and ridiculous, making for great anecdotes. Keep your speech relevant to the happy couple – everyone in the room is there to support them, so don't stray into personal anecdotes or inside jokes that most people won't understand.

Now, how to craft your speech. Be self-deprecating – talk about how the bride excels at something you don't. Poke fun at yourself to keep the speech relaxed and compliment the couple at the same time. You can tease the bride, but only a little and keep it light. Talk about something that will leave her giggling, not furious with you. You can also go over-the-top so people know you're joking – if you're not sure you're walking that line correctly, skip it. Bring a prop – this can take some of the focus and pressure off you while boosting your story. If there's an old photo or childhood toy that will illustrate the main points of your speech, use it!

Finally, some things to avoid. Don't mention exes, tell embarrassing stories or revisit drunken nights. Don't be unflattering to anyone in attendance – insulting someone, even in jest, will make people uncomfortable when they're supposed to be celebrating. End on a high note – even if your speech is 99% funny, finish on a sentimental note. Wish the couple well, express your love for them, and then raise your glass.

Maid of honour duties

Being a maid of honour is a privilege and a responsibility. The role of the maid of honour, sometimes referred to as the 'chief bridesmaid' or 'matron of honour', is to act as the bride's right-hand woman throughout the wedding planning process. The role can vary from case to case, but it typically involves more responsibilities than a bridesmaid.

Before the Wedding

• Organise the engagement party.
• Go dress shopping with the bride.
• Help choose the bridesmaid dresses.
• Organise the bridesmaids.
• Plan the hen party.
• Get hands-on with wedding planning.
• Provide emotional support.
• Plan non-wedding-related activities for the couple.
• Finalise details with vendors and guests.

On the Wedding Day

• Help the bride get ready.
• Be a point of contact for the couple.
• Hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony.
• Be a witness when the newly-weds sign the register.
• Stand in the receiving line at the reception.
• Ensure the gift table is organised.
• Sit at the top table.
• Give a speech or a reading.
• Keep the bride looking fabulous.
• Clear the wedding suite.

After the Wedding

• Return hired clothes.
• Help with thank you notes.

How to propose to your bridesmaids

Planning a wedding and choosing your bridesmaids is an important task. It is a way to thank your loved ones who will be there to support you on your special day. While you can simply text them, it is more fun to be creative and make it a unique and memorable experience. Here is a guide on how to propose to your bridesmaids.

Ways to Propose

There are many creative and unique ways to propose to your bridesmaids. You can go the DIY route and create personalised items such as custom-made jewellery or matching robes. Alternatively, you can plan a fun and quirky proposal, like a scavenger hunt or a surprise party. You could even use social media to create a personalised proposal video or post.

Bridesmaid Proposal Cards

Bridesmaid proposal cards are a popular way to ask someone to be your bridesmaid. There are many different types of cards available, from funny and quirky to sentimental and heartfelt. You can even create custom cards that fit your wedding theme. When writing your card, be sure to include a greeting and nod to the meaning behind the card. It is also a good idea to include a trip down memory lane, recounting some hallmark moments from your friendship. Of course, don't forget to pop the question! You can also add some "fluff" to your question, such as telling your friend that you can't imagine taking this big step without them.

Bridesmaid Proposal Gifts

Giving your bridesmaids a small gift when you ask them to be in your wedding party is a thoughtful gesture. There are many unique and creative ideas for bridesmaid proposal gifts, from customised champagne glasses to personalised makeup bags. You can also consider budget-friendly options like a thoughtful handwritten note or a small trinket that has special meaning. Some other gift ideas include:

• Nail salon gift cards or press-on nail kits
• Sheet masks and under-eye patches
• Monogrammed slippers or tote bags
• Personalised jewellery (initial necklaces, lockets, or signet rings)
• Mini bottles of their favourite perfume
• Vintage compact mirrors
• Friendship bracelets
• Custom stickers for their water bottles

Timing and Budget

Typically, you should propose to your bridesmaids two to three months after you get engaged. This gives them plenty of time to block off time and save money for your bridal events. When deciding how much to spend on your bridesmaid proposals, there is no minimum; just ensure that you feel comfortable with the cost. Remember that it is traditional to also give your bridesmaids a thank-you gift on your wedding day. You don't need to put together an Instagram-worthy proposal; a cute card with a heartfelt message can be just as meaningful as a basket of goodies.

Frequently asked questions