Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is a special moment and one that your nearest and dearest will treasure forever. While there is no right or wrong way to pop the question, there are a few things to consider to avoid any hiccups. Firstly, don't rush into it. Take some time before asking to iron out the logistical details and prepare for any questions your friends and family might have. It's also a good idea to create a solid plan and be prepared for any response—you may want to add more people later on, or someone might decline. It's also worth discussing your decisions with your partner first and deciding whether you want the wedding party to match on each side.
When it comes to how you ask, this will depend on what suits you best. You could ask your bridal party all at once and make an event out of it, or ask them separately. If you're looking for creative ways to ask the question, you could give your loved ones a special gift box with goodies and a card, bake cookies with the question iced on them, send a scratch-off card, or even surprise them with a bouquet of flowers and a note. If you're on a budget, a simple phone call or in-person ask can be just as meaningful.
What You'll Learn
In-person or over the phone
Asking your bridesmaids in person or over the phone is a simple and heartfelt way to involve your closest friends and family in your wedding. Here are some tips and ideas for popping the question in person or over the phone:
In-Person
Asking your bridesmaids in person allows for a more intimate and meaningful conversation. You can choose to have a one-on-one chat with each friend, or gather your group together for a special outing or event. If you opt for a group ask, you can make it a fun and interactive experience by organising a workshop or class, followed by a celebratory toast. This also gives your bridesmaids-to-be a chance to meet each other if they haven't already. If you're feeling crafty, you could even customise some t-shirts or tote bags with "bride tribe" or similar, for your group to wear with pride.
Over the Phone
If you and your friends live far apart, or if it's difficult to get together in person, a phone call is a great alternative. A phone call allows you to share your excitement and gives your friends a chance to ask any questions they may have. You can make the moment feel extra special by sending a handwritten card or a small gift beforehand, so they can open it while you're on the call. This could be a simple card, their favourite treat, or a small gift like a candle or a scrunchie with a tag that pops the question.
Things to Keep in Mind
Whether you ask your bridesmaids in person or over the phone, it's important to be clear about your expectations. Outline the pre-wedding events they'll be expected to attend, your general expectations for purchasing their outfits, and whether you'll need their help with any wedding-related tasks. It's also crucial to respect your friends' decisions if they decline your offer. Being a bridesmaid is a significant time and financial commitment, so if someone says no, gracefully accept their answer.
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With a gift box
Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is a special moment and one that you and your nearest and dearest will treasure forever. If you're looking for a fun and creative way to pop the question, why not try a gift box? This is a safe and thoughtful way to ask your friends to be by your side on your big day.
What to Include in Your Gift Box
Gift boxes are a great way to combine small gifts that go well together. You could include a mini bottle of bubbly, nail polish, sheet masks, and other sweet treats, along with a handwritten note from you. If you want to add a personal touch, you could include their favourite snacks, a framed photo of the two of you, or even bake some cookies with "Will you be my bridesmaid?" iced on them.
When to Give Gift Boxes
It's important to give your bridesmaids-to-be ample time to plan for your big day, so most couples ask their wedding party within two months of getting engaged. This gives your crew plenty of time to budget and prepare for the celebration.
Where to Buy Gift Boxes
You can find pre-made bridesmaid proposal boxes online, or you can make them yourself. If you're short on time, websites like Amazon, Uncommon Goods, and Happy Box offer a variety of adorable options that you can ship directly to your bridesmaids.
How to Make Your Own Gift Boxes
If you want to add a personal touch, you can create your own DIY gift boxes. Choose a theme that suits your wedding palette or the interests of your bridesmaids. Fill the boxes with items like customised drinkware, getting-ready robes, or a piece of sentimental jewellery. Don't forget to add a filler like tissue paper, crinkle paper, or confetti to elegantly display the gifts and protect them during transport.
How to Ask
You can give the gift boxes to your bridesmaids-to-be in person or send them in the mail. If you're asking in person, consider making an event out of it or surprising them out of the blue. You could also plan a special coffee date or invite them over for a movie night and pop the question during the evening.
So, get creative, have fun, and don't forget to capture the moment when they say "Yes!"
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With a card
Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is a special moment and one that you and your nearest and dearest will treasure forever. While some people prefer to ask their friends and family in person, others like to make a creative gesture of it. If you're looking for ideas on how to ask your bridesmaids with a card, here are some suggestions:
Scratch-off cards
Add a playful element to your card by including a custom scratch-off section. Your friends will need to scratch off the card to reveal the hidden message: "Will you be my bridesmaid?" Don't forget to include a coin in the envelope so they can scratch it off!
Fortune cookies
Invite your friends over for a night of Chinese food and a movie. When it's time for dessert, hand out custom-made fortune cookies with a special message inside: "Will you be my bridesmaid?"
Photo cards
Ask your nearest and dearest to join you on your special day with a custom photo card. You can personalise the card with a nostalgic picture of you and your friend, along with their name and the question.
Whimsical cards
Ask your loved ones to be part of your wedding party with a whimsical card decorated with pretty florals and rose gold foil. Keep the inside blank so you can handwrite a personal note that they can treasure forever.
Pop culture cards
Take inspiration from your favourite TV show or movie for your bridesmaid proposal card. You can find cards that feature iconic scenes and quotes from shows like "Friends" and movies like "Bridesmaids."
Custom illustration cards
Make your proposal extra personal with a custom illustration card. The cover of the card can feature a drawing of you and your friend in classic getting-ready robes, holding champagne or a bouquet.
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With a balloon
Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is a fun and thoughtful way to let them know how much their support means to you as you plan your wedding. Here are some creative ways to pop the question using a balloon:
DIY Balloon Pop
A fun way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids is through a DIY balloon pop. You can create a balloon with a message inside, such as "Will you be my bridesmaid?". You can add a bow, or place it in a box, and then have your friend pop it. It's unique, short, and sweet! If you love balloons, you can continue the theme on your wedding day with a festive balloon arch.
Balloon and Flower Bouquet
Deliver a balloon or flower bouquet to each maid, along with a personalised note. You could even include a first glimpse of your wedding colour scheme!
Balloon Box
There are many balloon box options available, with some including a "pop me" balloon inside. You can also add a personalised note, such as "Will you be my bridesmaid?". Some boxes include a "pop me" balloon, a proposal card, and a diamond ring-inspired pen. You can also add your own personal touches, such as a bottle of sparkling wine, cute flip flops, or a diamond ring-inspired pen.
Balloon with a View
If you want to make a statement with your proposal, why not combine a balloon with a beautiful view? You can write your proposal on the balloon and then find a scenic spot, such as a beach or a park, to pop the question. This will create a memorable moment for you and your friends.
Balloon Brunch
If you'd like to address all your bridesmaids-to-be at once, why not invite them to brunch and surprise them with a balloon pop? You can prepare a toast or short speech to make your announcement once they've had a glass of champagne or two. This is also a great way for your maids to meet and mingle if they don't know each other.
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With a bouquet of flowers
Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is a special moment and one you'll remember forever. While there are many ways to pop the question, here are some ideas for how to do it with a bouquet of flowers.
DIY Flower Bouquets
One idea is to make your own flower bouquets and attach a note asking your friends to be your bridesmaids. You could even use the flowers to announce your wedding colours. This is a fun, creative way to ask your friends and lets you add a personal touch.
Send a Bouquet of Flowers
You could also send a bouquet of flowers to your friend's home or office address, with a card popping the question. This is a great way to surprise your friends and make them feel special. Just make sure to ask them where they would prefer to receive the flowers.
Floral Workshop
Another idea is to propose to your bridal party over some blooms at a floral workshop. You can arrange a private event and stock each station with your friends' favourite flowers. Then, attach a note to each station asking them to be in your wedding party. This is a fun, creative way to propose and lets your friends keep the flowers as a memento.
Wildflower Bouquets
If you're having a bohemian woodland wedding, wildflower bouquets of eucalyptus and foraged finds could be a beautiful choice. You could even forage for the flowers yourself! This is a unique, natural way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids.
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Frequently asked questions
It's a good idea to wait until 8-12 months before the wedding. If you have a shorter engagement, make sure you give your bridesmaids at least 5-8 months' notice.
It's entirely up to you! Asking them all at once can be a fun event, but asking them separately means you can tailor your proposal to each person.
You don't need to spend a lot of money on your bridesmaid proposal. A heartfelt card or phone call is often enough. If you want to give a gift, you could send a bouquet of flowers, a box of treats, or a personalised item like a mug or a candle.
Before you pop the question, chat with your prospective bridesmaids about the responsibilities and costs involved. Outline which pre-wedding events you'd like them to attend and which ones they'll be responsible for planning. Discuss costs, including dresses, and give them a heads-up about any destination events.