Expressing Gratitude To Your Bridesmaids On Your Wedding Day

Asking your closest friends to be your bridesmaids is a wonderful opportunity to show them how much they mean to you. It's also a chance to have fun with the process of popping the question. From creative proposals to heartfelt cards, there are many ways to ask your friends to be by your side on your special day.

But what should you say to your bridesmaids on the wedding day itself? It's always nice to say something to make your bridesmaids feel appreciated. A simple thank you goes a long way, and you can also compliment them on their looks, their outfits, or even ask how they're feeling. Remember, it's an emotional day for them too!

So, whether you're popping the question with a confetti-filled balloon, a custom illustration, or a funny card, don't forget to express your gratitude to your bridesmaids on your wedding day. They will surely appreciate your kind words and the sentiment behind them.

Asking your bridesmaids

Creative Ways to Pop the Question

You can ask your bridesmaids in a number of fun and creative ways. Here are some ideas:

• Write a heartfelt message in a stylish card and include a favourite photo of the two of you.
• Invite your bridesmaids-to-be over for a pizza night or a dinner party and pop the question with personalised champagne glasses and bottles of bubbly.
• Set up a one-on-one coffee date and ask the barista to write "Will you be my bridesmaid?" on the cup.
• Give each person a special dress hanger that has been personalised with their name.
• Treat your friends to manicures and gift them with a bottle of nail polish in a shade you'd like them to wear on your wedding day.
• Create a custom puzzle with a photo of you and your friend and add text such as "Be my bridesmaid?".

What to Include in Your "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" Card

When asking your friends to be your bridesmaids, it is important to include a personal message that reflects your relationship. Here are some ideas for what to write:

• "It's my turn to pop the question."
• "Help me keep my sht together."
• "I'll only be a happy bride if my best friend is by my side."
• "I can't say 'I do' without you."
• "My 'I do' would not be the same without you."
• "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—and you."
• "It wouldn't be a bridal party without you."
• "Will you help make the best day ever even better by being my bridesmaid?"
• "You're not just a friend, you're also a sister to me. I would be so grateful if you would be my bridesmaid and help me create lifelong memories."

Thanking your bridesmaids

Gifts

A small gift is a great way to show your appreciation. You could give them something related to your wedding, such as a piece of jewellery they can wear on the day, or something more personal, like a photo book filled with pictures of the two of you. Other gift ideas include:

• A bottle of champagne
• A silk scarf
• A personalised clutch bag
• A candle
• A robe
• A necklace
• A bracelet
• A compact mirror
• A framed photo of you both
• A gift box filled with treats

Cards

A heartfelt card is another way to show your bridesmaids how much you care. You could include a funny memory, a special message or a quote about friendship. Here are some examples:

• "I can't say 'I do' without you."
• "I'll only be a happy bride if my best friend is by my side."
• "I can't say 'I do' without you by my side, LITERALLY."
• "Thank you for making my big day extra special. I could not imagine saying 'I do' without my bestie by my side."
• "I love you and I like you. Thank you for helping me say 'I do'."
• "You've been by my side for years, thank you for standing by my side again."
• "I don't know what I'd do without you, thank you for doing me the honour of being my bridesmaid."

Speeches

If you're giving a speech at your wedding, be sure to mention your bridesmaids and thank them for their support. You could tell a funny story about your friendship or simply raise a toast to them.

Other ways to show your appreciation

• Treat your bridesmaids to a spa day or a fun activity before the wedding.
• Offer to pay for their hair and makeup on the day.
• Send them a thank-you card after the wedding, along with a printed photo of the two of you.
• Ask them to be your bridesmaids in a creative and personalised way.

Bridesmaid duties

Being a bridesmaid is a fun and special role, but it also comes with a few responsibilities. Here are some duties you can expect as a bridesmaid:

Before the wedding

• Attend the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
• Help the bride with any wedding planning tasks, such as addressing invitations or picking out decorations.
• Go dress shopping with the bride to find the perfect bridesmaid dress. You may also need to pay for your own dress and any alterations.
• Be there for the bride emotionally and offer support during the stressful wedding planning process.

On the wedding day

• Arrive early to the wedding venue to help with any last-minute setup or decorations.
• Assist the bride with getting ready, such as helping her into her dress, doing her makeup, or fixing her veil.
• Participate in any pre-wedding photos the bride may want, such as getting ready photos or bridal party portraits.
• Hold the bride's bouquet and straighten her train during the ceremony.
• Help direct guests to their seats, hand out programs, or offer them a glass of champagne.
• Sign the marriage certificate as a witness.
• Give a speech at the reception, if requested by the bride.
• Dance with the groomsmen during the reception to get the party started!

After the wedding

• Help the bride change into her going-away outfit and make sure she has everything she needs for her honeymoon.
• Assist with cleaning up the venue and collecting any gifts or decorations.
• Send a thoughtful thank-you card to the bride to let her know how much you appreciate being a part of her special day.

Remember, the most important duty of a bridesmaid is to support the bride and make sure she feels loved and celebrated on her wedding day!

Bridesmaid gifts

When it comes to bridesmaid gifts, it's a great idea to get creative and put together a proposal box filled with thoughtful goodies that your bridesmaids can use before the wedding and on the big day. Here are some ideas to include in your bridesmaid proposal boxes:

Theme: Let's Celebrate

• A framed photo gift with pictures of you and your bridesmaid.
• Mini bottles of champagne.
• Customized wine glasses or tumblers.
• "Bridesmaid" T-shirts or sweatshirts.

Theme: Prepped & Pampered

• Nail polish or press-on nail kits.
• Sheet masks and under-eye patches.
• Monogrammed slippers.
• Matching or personalized claw clips.
• Dried floral arrangements.
• Sweet treats, such as champagne gummies or truffles.
• Personalized tin mugs.
• Vintage compact mirrors.

Theme: Destination Wedding

• Personalized passport covers or luggage tags.
• Travel-size toiletries.
• Mini travel journals.
• Airplane cocktail kits.
• Heart-shaped or customized "bridesmaid" sunglasses.
• Fun-in-the-sun essentials (mini sunscreen, hair ties, cute Band-Aids, etc.).
• Small art prints of your favourite places.
• Personalized water bottles.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to bridesmaid gifts. The most important thing is to show your appreciation and make your bridesmaids feel special. You can also include a heartfelt note expressing your gratitude and explaining why they are one of your closest friends.

Bridesmaid speeches

Good morning/afternoon/evening, everyone! For those of you who don't know me, I'm [name], and it is an honour to stand here today as [name of bride/groom]'s bridesmaid. I have known [name of bride/groom] for [duration], and it has been a privilege to be a part of their life and share in this special day.

Thank the Bride/Groom

[Name of bride/groom], thank you for inviting me to be your bridesmaid. It has been a joy to support and celebrate you in the lead-up to your wedding, and I am so happy to be here with you today.

Thank the Guests

To all the guests who are here today, thank you for coming and helping to make this day so special. It means a lot to [name of bride/groom] to have you here, and I know that your presence, love, and support will be a cherished memory for them.

Compliment the Couple

[Name of bride/groom], you look absolutely stunning/handsome today. It has been wonderful to see the love and care you have put into the details of this day, and it is a true reflection of the kind of person you are. I know that your attention to detail and thoughtfulness will continue to enrich your marriage, and I am so happy for you both.

Share a Memory

I want to share a quick story about [name of bride/groom]... [Share a personal story or memory that is meaningful and appropriate for the occasion].

Congratulate the Couple

Finally, I want to congratulate [name of bride/groom] and wish you both all the best for your future together. May your love continue to grow and flourish, and may your marriage be filled with joy, laughter, and wonderful memories.

Please raise your glasses and join me in toasting the happy couple!

Frequently asked questions