How To Execute A Bridesmaid Proposal
Asking your best friends to be bridesmaids is one of the most exciting things leading up to the wedding. Odds are you and your girlfriends have been talking about this day since you were younger and now that it's finally almost here you can’t wait to ask them to officially be a part of it. Let’s be real, most of your best friends already have an inkling they will be standing beside you that day so is it worth it to spend the extra money to formally ask them?
I think it 100% is! This is something that they will remember so while it doesn’t have to break the bank, it can be fun to ask in a cute and sentimental way. Below are just a few of my favorite ways you can be creative with asking someone to be a bridesmaid!
Newspaper Proposal Card
Yes, I’m talking about that new trend where people are asking through crafting up the cutest newspaper clippings to formally ask. What’s great about these is that they pair perfectly with a cute box, gift basket stuffing, a candle, and boom you have the perfect little customized box to ask. These are unique because they are tailored to each bridesmaid using your favorite photo of you two and getting the chance to say a few words as to why it is a necessity they are next to you that day.
2. A Personalized Keychain
What’s fun about these is you can customize them to each bridesmaid being that you know them best! What makes these so fun is that while they can be inexpensive they can also be used for years to come so you will get your money's worth out of them! Whether you want to put the bridesmaid's name on them or even a word that best describes them, this is a keepsake that will remind them of the time you asked.
3. A Succulent
These are some of the most darling ways to ask in my opinion. If you know your bridal party can keep a plant alive that is! I love finding gift boxes on Etsy and there you can find some of the cutest succulents with customized pots. This way you can ask them by customizing the pot with their name, the date of the wedding, or whatever you think is best! What’s fun is if you want to DIY it, lots of stores sell succulents for about $2.00 a piece or even your local farmers market might have them. From there you can head to the craft store grab some mini pots and get to learning some calligraphy!
4. Customized Cosmetic Bag
Just like the bride needs her emergency kit for the day, what about the bridesmaids? A customized cosmetic bag with each woman’s name on it is a fun and inexpensive way to let them know you’re thinking of them on your day so they can keep their lipgloss and setting powder nice and close! This pairs nicely with a customized necklace and together you have the most romantic bridesmaid proposal.
5. A Fitting Candle
Maybe this isn’t normal but I feel like I go through about a candle a week. But, one thing is for sure, I got a candle as a bridesmaid gift once and I have never lit it. It is my way of remembering the gesture and the excitement for the big day. A candle that is customized to each bridesmaid's preferences is a sentimental way to show how much you love her and something she will probably hold onto! Another unique thing you can do is use this as a chance to establish your wedding scent so each candle is the scent you will be using on your big day. Get creative with it, why not?
Now that you have some fun ideas and even some activities to start working on, when is an appropriate time to ask someone to be a bridesmaid?
There isn’t a hard and fast rule as to when you HAVE to ask but I always like to say the sooner the better. Depending on how far out your date is I think around 9 months is an ideal time to ask.
The reason you want to give them time is to start making plans! For them, they need to start considering PTO, babysitters, dog sitters, travel plans and accommodations, etc. The last thing you want to do is spring the ask on them and they just used their last PTO day! Asking in advance with enough time isn’t only the courteous thing to do but it means that they will be more likely to be able to make it work. But, this is just the beginning for them, especially since your maid of honor has a lot ahead of her when it comes to planning the bachelorette trip! This can be one of the most memorable but also one of the most challenging parts. You are trying to coordinate everyone's schedule and get them to answer on time while finding activities and accommodations that align with everyone’s schedule. So, keep that in mind before you put off asking your bridesmaids.
At the end of the day, they will be so excited to have the honor of being a part of the big day, and rather than being stressful it should be a fun part of the planning process getting to do something for each one of your best friends, so soak it in and make the most of it!
