Asking New Friends To Be Bridesmaids: Is It Acceptable?

Asking someone to be a bridesmaid is a big deal. These are the women (or men) who will be helping you plan, celebrate, and say I do. They are the VIPs of the wedding and should be treated as such. But what if you want to ask a new friend to be a bridesmaid? Is it okay to do that?

Well, the answer may depend on a few factors. Firstly, it's important to consider the depth of your friendship and how long you've known each other. While there is no time requirement for friendships, you may want to think about the longevity of the relationship. Are you confident that this person will still be in your life in 10, 15, or 20 years?

Secondly, it's worth evaluating your existing bridal party. Do you have a large wedding party with several bridesmaids already, or are you keeping it small and intimate? If you have a big bridal party, adding one more person may not be an issue. However, if you're keeping it small, you may want to consider the impact of including a new friend.

Finally, it's essential to trust your instincts and go with your gut. If you feel close to this new friend and believe they would add to your wedding celebrations, then go for it! Ultimately, it's your decision, and you can make it without worrying about breaking any hard-and-fast rules.

There are creative ways to propose to your bridesmaids, from personalised cards and gifts to fun outings and workshops. Remember to give yourself enough time before the wedding to assemble your bridal party and don't be afraid to pop the question!

How soon should you ask someone to be your bridesmaid?

Asking your friends to be bridesmaids is a big deal. These are the people who will be helping you plan, celebrate, and say "I do". They are the VIPs of the wedding and should be treated as such. But how soon is too soon to ask someone to be your bridesmaid?

Firstly, it is important to note that you should wait until you know your wedding date. Knowing the date will allow your bridesmaids to have a better idea of whether or not they can commit to the role. It is also a good idea to wait at least 60 days after getting engaged to give yourself time to think about who you want to ask. If you have a long engagement, it is recommended to wait until eight to 12 months before the wedding to ask your bridesmaids. This will give you time to get to know new friends and decide if you would like them to be part of your bridal party. If you have a shorter engagement, five to eight months is enough time for your bridal party to plan and commit to being at all the events.

You should also take some time to think about the kind of bridal shower and bachelorette party you want, as this may determine how big your bridal party should be. It is also important to discuss your decisions with your partner first and decide if you want the wedding party to match on each side.

Once you have decided on your bridal party, there are many creative ways to propose to your bridesmaids. You can ask them all at once or separately, with a gift or a phone call. However, it is important to make the moment special and put thought into it to show your appreciation for their help.

Should you ask a new friend or an old friend?

Asking someone to be your bridesmaid is a big deal. These are the women who will be helping you plan, celebrate, and say "I do". They are the VIPs of the wedding and should be treated as such. Asking a new friend or an old friend to be a bridesmaid is a personal choice and there are several factors to consider when making your decision.

One factor to consider is the timeline of your friendship. If you have a new friend who you feel close to and see a long-term future with, it may be worth asking them to be a bridesmaid. On the other hand, if you have an old friend who you have drifted apart from, it may be better to reconsider. It is important to evaluate the longevity of your relationships and choose bridesmaids who you are confident will still be in your life in the years to come.

Another factor to consider is the level of comfort and compatibility between your friends. If you have a new friend who you click with and feel comfortable around, they may be a good choice for a bridesmaid as they will likely get along well with your other bridesmaids and add to the fun of the wedding party. However, if you have an old friend who you have grown apart from or had a falling out with, it may be better to choose someone else.

Additionally, it is important to think about the practical aspects of having a new or old friend as a bridesmaid. If your new friend lives close by and is available to help with wedding planning and pre-wedding gatherings, they may be a good choice. On the other hand, if your old friend is busy or lives far away, they may not be as involved in the process.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to ask a new or old friend to be a bridesmaid is a personal one. It is important to consider the strength of your friendship, the level of comfort and compatibility between your friends, and the practical aspects of their involvement. Go with your gut and choose the people who you feel closest to and who will add to the joy and celebration of your wedding day.

What if you were a bridesmaid at your friend's wedding?

Asking someone to be a bridesmaid is a big deal. These are the women who will be helping you plan, celebrate, and say "I do". They are the VIPs of the wedding and should be treated as such. Asking a new friend to be a bridesmaid is not weird at all. If you have developed a strong friendship with her and see her in your life long-term then go for it. However, it is important to note that being a bridesmaid is stressful and expensive, so it is always better to avoid it if possible.

Now, what if you were a bridesmaid at your friend's wedding? Well, that is a huge honour and responsibility. You will be expected to help the bride with various tasks leading up to the wedding, such as planning the bachelorette party and bridal shower. On the wedding day, you will likely be getting ready with the bride and standing by her side during the ceremony. It is also common for bridesmaids to participate in wedding photos and help with any last-minute details. After the ceremony, you can relax and enjoy the reception, but don't be surprised if the bride pulls you aside for a quick touch-up or photo op! Overall, being a bridesmaid is a fun and memorable experience that will bring you closer to the bride.

How do you decide to cut a friend from your bridal party?

Deciding on your bridal party is one of the most important and fun elements of planning your wedding. While it's exciting to involve your friends in your big day, you don't need to have a bridal party.

• Make a final decision on the size of your bridal party. If you want a smaller bridal party, it's understandable if some friends don't make the cut. However, if you plan to have a large bridal party, you might want to reconsider cutting friends to avoid hurt feelings.
• Pick your VIPs. Choose the people you have always known would be your bridesmaids, such as your sister, lifelong best friend, or a close coworker.
• Consider the weddings you've been in. If a friend's wedding was fairly recent (within the last three years), it's polite to include them in your bridal party. If it was longer ago, you're not obligated to include them unless you want to. However, if you're still close friends, consider inviting them as a guest or involving them in another way.
• Remember the non-negotiables. If a friend is married to your sibling, is your partner's sister, or is your sister, it's common to include them in your bridal party as they are family.
• Be honest and upfront. If a friend assumes they're a bridesmaid or starts asking about details, it's best to gently let them know they aren't in the bridal party. You can suggest other ways they can be involved, such as doing a reading during the ceremony or helping with the rehearsal dinner.
• Communicate how much you value them. Have an open and heartfelt conversation to ensure there's no drama or bad blood. Let them know how much their friendship means to you and how your wedding day wouldn't be the same without them.
• Include them in other parts of your event. There are many ways to involve friends beyond the bridal party, such as asking them to prepare a speech, help with pre-wedding events, or perform a special duty during the ceremony.

Remember, making selections and cuts to your bridal party list is a difficult decision. Take your time to consider all the meaningful people in your life and how you want to involve them in your special day.

What are some creative ways to ask your friends?

While there are no hard and fast rules about asking new friends to be bridesmaids, it is generally considered a good idea to give the role to those who are closest to you. If you are set on including a new friend in your bridal party, there are many creative ways to ask. Here are some ideas:

• Customise simple t-shirts, tote bags, or anything else with a relatively flat surface with iron-on letters.
• Slip your message (and some confetti) inside a balloon.
• Plant your message inside a fortune cookie.
• Write a heartfelt message and place it on a vintage-inspired bottle, which can be left empty or filled with treats.
• Customise pageant-inspired sashes printed on t-shirts.
• Send a floral card asking the question, tucked inside an equally pretty arrangement of fresh blooms.
• Host a slumber party and gift them a set of monogrammed cotton pyjamas.
• Customise bottles of champagne with labels that say "Help me pop the cork and tie the knot. Will you be my bridesmaid?"
• Send a curated gift box filled with wedding essentials and goodies.
• Order customised cookies that ask the question for you.
• Send a card boasting an illustrated bouquet and slip in a favourite snapshot to make it more special.

Frequently asked questions