Bridesmaids: Personalized Gifts And Heartfelt Notes For Your Girls

Asking your closest friends to be your bridesmaids is a wonderful opportunity to show them how much they mean to you. It can be a fun process, but it's also a big deal, so you'll want to be sweet, sincere, and sentimental when asking your friends to be part of your wedding party. Whether you're known as the sappy friend who wears their heart on their sleeve or the funny one with a dirty sense of humour, your bridesmaid proposal should reflect your personality and that of your group of besties.

How to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids

Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is a special moment, and you'll want to make it memorable. Here are some ideas on how to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids, with a focus on what to write and include in your proposal.

The Ask

The first thing to consider is how you will ask. You could opt for an intimate conversation, a fun brunch or even a creative bridesmaid proposal box. If you're looking to write them a letter or card, here are some ideas on what to include and the tone to set.

Tone and Greeting

The tone and greeting you choose will depend on your personality and the nature of your relationship with your friends. If you're the sappy friend, lean into that. If you're known for your humour, write something funny. Start with a greeting that suits the friend you are writing to. You could keep it formal, or address your friend by a nickname. You could also hint at what's to come, as your friends might suspect they will be included in your big day.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

A great way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids is to take a trip down memory lane. Recall some hallmark moments from your friendship. Remind them of the time they stuck by you through tough times, or the adventures you've been on together. This will add a touch of emotion to your proposal.

Pop the Question

After the build-up, it's time to pop the question. You can be as creative or straightforward as you like. You could say something like, "I can't imagine taking this big step without you. Will you be my bridesmaid?" or "I'd love nothing more than to have you by my side. Will you be my bridesmaid?"

A Look into the Future

Give your friends a glimpse into the exciting journey ahead. From the wedding shower and bachelorette party to the destination and duration of the wedding, let them know what to expect. This will get them excited about the honour of being a bridesmaid and all the fun that comes with it.

Gifts and Cards

You can also include gifts and cards with your proposal. Some gift ideas include mini bottles of champagne, customised wine glasses, "Bridesmaid" t-shirts, nail polish, or a bottle of their favourite polish to wear on your wedding day.

For cards, you can include quotes or heartfelt messages such as:

• "It's my turn to pop the question."
• "I can't say 'I do' without you."
• "I'll only be a happy bride if my best friend is by my side."
• "My wedding day wouldn't be complete without you standing beside me. Be 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."

Remember, this is a special moment, so get creative and make it memorable!

What to include in your bridesmaid proposal card

A bridesmaid proposal card is a great way to ask your best friends to be a part of your wedding party. Here are some ideas on what to include in your bridesmaid proposal card:

Greeting and Introduction

Start your card with a greeting. This could be formal and sophisticated or lighthearted and funny, depending on your personality and your relationship with the recipient. You could address your friend by their nickname or a fun variation of their name. You can also include a hint about what's to come, as your friends might already suspect that they will be included in your big day.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Include a heartfelt message about your friendship and take a trip down memory lane. Recall some hallmark moments from your friendship, such as how you met, fun adventures you've been on together, or how they've supported you through life's challenges. This will add a touch of sentiment to your card.

The Big Ask

Clearly and directly ask your friend to be your bridesmaid. You can add some "fluff" to your question by telling them you can't imagine taking this step without them. Make sure to be explicit about what you are asking so that there is no room for confusion.

A Peek at the Future

Give them a glimpse of the exciting journey ahead as part of your wedding party. Mention the wedding shower, bachelorette party, and any other fun events you have planned for them to be a part of. Let them know that their participation is officially cemented and they will be standing by your side on your big day.

A Personal Touch

Include a favourite photo of the two of you together or a fun illustration. You could also add a small gift, such as a mini bottle of champagne or a sweet treat.

Examples

"I can't believe I'm writing you this card! You've been there for me through it all, from bad first dates to meeting the love of my life. I can't thank you enough for all the support you've given me. There's just no way I can walk down that aisle without you by my side. Will you be my bridesmaid? I can't wait to start planning all the fun stuff with you!"

"You're my sister and my best friend, and I'm so grateful that time and experience have made us so close. You've been there for every important moment in my life, cheering me on and supporting me endlessly. I hope that as I marry my partner, it will bring joy to your life too. I'd love nothing more than to have you by my side. Will you be my bridesmaid? I couldn't do it without you!"

Creative bridesmaid proposal ideas

There are many creative ways to propose to your bridesmaids. Here are some ideas for how to pop the question to your bridal party:

Gifts

• A candle with a personalised label, such as "Bridesmaid: Partner in crime, dream supporter, secrets keeper and someone a bride's big day would be incomplete without."
• A custom wine label on your friend's favourite bottle of wine.
• A custom travel jewellery case, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or bachelorette party.
• A plant in a personalised pot.
• A ring, such as a dainty bauble with a love knot design to symbolise your friendship and commitment.
• A personalised makeup bag with a secret message inside, such as "Will you be my bridesmaid?"
• A silk sleep mask embroidered with "Bridesmaid".
• A set of boozy gummies, such as wine or champagne-flavoured gummies.
• A denim jacket with their last name, a timeless phrase like "babe", or a fun nickname.
• A zodiac nail polish set.
• A birthdate candle, with a unique candle for every day of the year.
• A set of ring pops.

Activities

• Take them out to a nice brunch and give a small gift or card.
• Host a spa day and give them custom robes.
• Go out for coffee and give them a personalised mug.
• Have a movie night and give them a box of chocolates.
• Take them out for dinner and give them a cookie cake that says "Will you be my bridesmaid?"
• Go to a winery and give them a stylish wine tumbler.

Wedding party bios

How to Write Wedding Party Bios

When writing bios for your bridesmaids, it's important to keep them short, sweet, and reflective of their personalities. Include some humour, but avoid inside jokes or potentially embarrassing details. Here are some key elements to include:

• Name and Role: Start with the basics and introduce each bridesmaid by name, along with their role in the wedding party (e.g., maid of honour, bridesmaid).
• Relationship to the Couple: Clearly state their relationship to the couple, such as a sibling, childhood friend, or college roommate.
• Occupation: Share their profession or occupation so that guests can understand their background.
• Hobbies and Interests: Mention their hobbies and interests to give guests a more well-rounded picture of their personalities.
• Fun Facts or Anecdotes: Include a touch of personality by adding a fun fact, a witty comment, or a funny anecdote about each bridesmaid.
• Why You Chose Them: Explain why you picked each person to be in your bridal party and what they mean to you.

Examples of Bridesmaid Bios

Short and Sweet Bios

"Taylor is the best bridesmaid any person could ask for. They've known the bride since 2012, which means they've seen the bride at her worst... in a striped peplum top wearing an owl necklace."

"Zack. The Best Man. Groom's older brother. Introduced the happy couple. Coffee connoisseur and unapologetic New Orleans Saints fan."

Throwback Bios

"I met Janice on the first day of high school because our lockers were next to each other. We went from talking about biology homework to being best friends in no time. Now, I can't imagine my special day without her by my side, just like she was on the first day of school."

"Growing up as cousins, Ashley and I were always laughing and scheming against our siblings. Our parents called us long-lost sisters, and she's been a part of so many of my best memories. It's only fitting that she'll be by my side on one of my greatest adventures."

Creative Bios

"A vibrant, colourful, and loving friend, Krystal has always filled my life with music and laughter. If you visit her home, you'll be greeted by the sound of Spanish worship songs and the joy of her family."

"I first met Brette when I was seven years old, swaddled in pink. A lot has changed since then, but one thing remains—she is one of the funniest, quirkiest, smartest people I know. I'm glad to have her right beside me on my wedding day."

These examples and tips will help you craft heartfelt and engaging bios for your bridesmaids, introducing them to your guests in a memorable way.

How to write a heartfelt bridesmaid speech

Writing a heartfelt bridesmaid speech can be a daunting task, but with a few simple tips, you can craft something memorable and authentic. Here's a guide to help you write a heartfelt bridesmaid speech that's sure to leave a lasting impression:

Structure and Outline:

Begin with a warm welcome and acknowledge the joy of the occasion. Introduce yourself and your relationship with the bride briefly. Share 2-3 memorable stories or personal anecdotes that showcase the bride's admirable qualities and your unique bond. Express your love and admiration for the couple and offer them your heartfelt wishes. Finally, invite everyone to join you in a toast to the newlyweds.

Keep it Authentic and Heartfelt:

Speak from the heart and let your genuine personality shine through. Share stories that highlight the bride's positive characteristics and how their relationship has grown. Avoid anything embarrassing or disrespectful. Instead, opt for funny or touching stories that showcase the bride's healthy sense of humour.

Dos and Don'ts:

Keep your speech concise, aiming for 3-5 minutes. Practice beforehand, and consider recording yourself to improve your delivery and pacing. Be yourself and don't force jokes if that's not your style. Avoid embarrassing stories, especially those from the bachelorette party, and steer clear of mentioning any ex-partners.

Injecting Humor and Personality:

While keeping the tone heartfelt, you can add a touch of humour to engage your audience. Use playful puns or gentle teasing, especially if you've known the bride or groom for a long time. Share mildly embarrassing moments that are lighthearted and suitable for the occasion.

For a Sister or Best Friend:

If the bride is your sister or best friend, take a trip down memory lane. Share childhood memories and anecdotes from your shared past, such as playing dress-up or having sleepovers. Talk about how you've witnessed their love story unfold and the special bond you share.

Celebrating Their Unique Bond:

Every couple has a unique story, so celebrate what makes their relationship special. Highlight their shared interests, passions, and how they complement each other. Talk about their shared adventures and how their love has grown stronger over time.

Remember, the key to a great bridesmaid speech is authenticity and speaking from the heart. Your words will be cherished by the newlyweds and will add to the joy of their special day.

Frequently asked questions