Choosing My Bridesmaids: My Special Girl Gang

Choosing your bridesmaids is an important part of your wedding planning. It can be a daunting task, especially if you have many people you want to include. The first step is to consider your budget, as this will determine how many bridesmaids you can afford to have. Next, make a list of your closest friends and family members, keeping in mind that bridesmaids are usually peers such as sisters or cousins. Remember, there's no rule saying you can't have a male friend as a 'bridesman'! Think about the availability of your potential bridesmaids and how well they get along with each other – you don't want any drama on your big day. It's also important to choose people who are supportive, friendly, and easy-going, and who you can delegate tasks to. Finally, don't feel pressured to choose certain people out of obligation – pick the people who will make your day special and who you can see yourself still being friends with in years to come.

Cards

Asking your loved ones to be your bridesmaids is a special moment, and a "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" card sets the tone for your wedding party. Whether you're after a standalone gesture or the finishing touch to a bridesmaid proposal box, there are many card options to choose from.

Card Ideas

• Custom Photo Bridesmaid Proposal Card: Personalise the cover with a nostalgic picture of you and your bridesmaid-to-be, along with their name and the question.
• Whimsical "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" Card: Ask your loved ones to be part of your wedding party with a light pink card decorated in pretty florals and rose gold foil.
• "Now Act Surprised" Bridesmaid Card: If your bridesmaids already knew they'd be in your wedding party, this card is perfect. The front says, "Now act surprised like you had no idea this was coming," and the inside pops the question.
• Bridesmaid Proposal and Thank-You Cards: Get a set of cards with proposal and thank-you cards for bridesmaids and maids of honour.
• Silk Ribbon Maid of Honour Proposal Card: This elegant folded card has a silk ribbon in pink, sage, dusty blue, white, or black.
• "Pop the Question" Bridesmaid Card: Personalised cards with the wording, "It's my time to pop the question," and a party balloon-inspired design.
• Bridal Party Proposal Card: A fun proposal message: "Without you, it wouldn't be a bridal party."
• Friends Bridesmaid Card: This card takes inspiration from the TV show Friends, with an illustration of Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe in wedding dresses.
• Scratch-Off Bridesmaid Card: Send this card with a penny—your bridesmaid-to-be will need it to scratch off the heart and reveal the card's message.
• Custom Illustration Bridesmaid Card: The cover features a custom illustration of you and your bridesmaid in classic getting-ready robes, holding champagne or a bouquet.

Where to Buy

You can find "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" cards at:

• Amazon
• Minted
• Zazzle
• The Knot
• Greetings Island

Gifts

Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids is an exciting milestone in your relationship and a thoughtful gesture to kick off wedding festivities. A bridal party asking gift, whether big or small, shows your squad how much you appreciate their support and how excited you are to have them be a part of your special day. Here are some gift ideas to accompany your proposal:

• Customisable stickers and cards: These can be added to your bridesmaid proposal box or gifted on their own. Etsy has a range of customisable stickers and cards, including "Will You Be My Bridesmaid" stickers, "Will You Be My Bridesmaid" cards, and even "Will You Be My Bridesmaid" scratch cards.
• Bridesmaid puzzle: A fun way to ask your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding is by gifting them a puzzle that they'll have to assemble to figure out the message. You can even add a gift box for an additional fee.
• Bridesmaid jewellery: Jewellery is a tried-and-true option for bridesmaid proposal gifts. You can gift each member of your entourage a dainty beaded bracelet, a necklace with their initials, or even a ring.
• Bridesmaid self-care package: Gifting your bridesmaids a self-care package is a great way to show your appreciation. This can include items such as scented candles, bath bombs, hand lotion, or a self-care-themed bridesmaid proposal box.
• Bridesmaid robe and sleep mask: Luxe bathrobes and sleep masks are not only comfortable but can also be embroidered with each of your bridesmaids' names.
• Bridesmaid tote bag: Tote bags are back in fashion, and they make great bridesmaid proposal gifts. You can fill them with other goodies for your squad or give them on their own.
• Bridesmaid wine and champagne: Wine and champagne are classic gifts for bridesmaids. You can get creative by decorating the bottles with cute labels or gifting glittery mimosa cubes to create instant mimosas.
• Bridesmaid cookies and candy: Edible gifts are always a hit, and what better way to ask your bridesmaids to be part of your wedding than with a cute tin of cookies or a box of customised candies?
• Bridesmaid coffee mug: A coffee mug with a fun message or your crew's names is another great way to ask your bridesmaids to be part of your special day.

Boxes

There are many ways to create a thoughtful and personalised "will you be my bridesmaid?" box. Here are some ideas to include:

The Box Itself

You can find monogrammed boxes, or opt for unfinished wooden boxes with sliding tops. These are elegant, affordable, and can be decorated with a ribbon.

Something to Wear

Jewellery is a great option, such as a personalised necklace or bracelet. Stella studs made with Swarovski crystals are a good choice, or a "tie the knot" bracelet with a floral card asking "I can't tie the knot without you".

Something for Self-Care

Include a nice-smelling lotion or candle, or opt for personalised bath bombs. You could also add a manicure kit or a sleep mask.

Something to Use

Add something your bridesmaids can use, like a pair of stemless wine glasses or champagne flutes, or a monogrammed journal. A wallet or a tumbler are also good options.

Something Personalised

Write a heartfelt note to your bridesmaid, expressing how much you value your friendship. Include a photo of you both, or a personalised picture frame.

Something for the Day Of

Add something your bridesmaids can wear while getting ready, like a pair of flip-flops or a robe. You could also include a pair of sunglasses with their initials on the arm.

Balloons

One idea is to use a "pop me" balloon box. These boxes contain a balloon with a secret message inside, which the recipient must pop to reveal. You can also include other items in the box, such as a personalised card, a candle, or a piece of jewellery. Etsy offers a range of "pop me" balloon boxes, including options that ask, "Will you be my bridesmaid?", "Will you be my Maid of Honour?", or "Will you be my flower girl?". You can also find similar products on Amazon, such as the "Will you be my Bridesmaid Invitation Balloon" with gold glitter.

Another idea is to use a "pop the question" balloon, which your bridesmaids must inflate to reveal the message. These balloons are a fun way to involve your bridal party in the wedding planning process. You can find these balloons on Amazon, with the text, "He popped the question, now it's my turn! Will you be my Bridesmaid/Maid of Honour/Matron of Honour/Flower Girl?". The balloons are white with metallic gold text and come with gold and white string.

If you're looking for a simple yet elegant option, consider the "Be My Bridesmaid Balloons" gift set from Amazon. This set includes six beautiful, crisp white balloons with the message printed on them. However, one review mentions that these balloons deflated quickly, so keep that in mind if you want them to last for several days.

For a more interactive experience, you can use a scratch-off card with a pink and gold balloon design. Your bridesmaids will need to scratch off the card to reveal the question. This option is perfect if you want to give your bridal party a keepsake they can cherish long after the wedding.

Whether you choose a "pop me" balloon box, a "pop the question" balloon, elegant printed balloons, or a scratch-off card, your bridal party is sure to feel special and excited to be a part of your big day!

Wine

Add a creative touch to your wine bottle with a personalized label that pops the question. Include your bridesmaid's name, wedding details, and a special message. It's a unique way to involve your bridesmaids in the celebration and create a memorable keepsake.

Toast to your friendship with a wine glass that pops the question. Engrave a stemless wine glass with a fun message asking your bridesmaid to join your wedding party. It's a gift they can cherish and use during your wedding festivities and beyond.

Curate a wine-themed gift box that speaks to your bridesmaid's love for wine. Include items like a personalized wine tumbler, a wine bottle stopper, a wine key, and a set of wine-themed coasters. You can also add a bottle of their favorite wine with a custom label as the centrepiece of the gift.

Combine relaxation and celebration with a wine-themed spa gift box. Include a bottle of wine, a wine-scented candle, a wine-infused bath bomb, and a wine-themed face mask. It's a unique way to unwind and enjoy some self-care while celebrating your upcoming nuptials.

If you're feeling extra generous, plan a wine country getaway for your bridesmaids. Invite them to a weekend of wine tastings, vineyard tours, and relaxing spa treatments. Pop the question during an intimate wine and cheese pairing dinner, creating a memorable experience for your bridal party.

Incorporating wine into your bridesmaid proposal adds a touch of celebration and elegance to your special request. Whether you choose a personalized bottle, a creative gift, or a themed experience, your bridesmaids will surely raise a glass to your upcoming nuptials!

Frequently asked questions