Creative & Memorable Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas

Your partner said yes, you’ve set a date, and now the organisation swings into top gear. Part of the process is asking your best friends to play a key role in your wedding, which is why in this article, we’re looking at unique bridesmaid proposal ideas. If you’ve never heard of a bridesmaid proposal, we’ll take you through the basics in this blog, as well as give you some inspiring and creative bridesmaid proposal ideas that will make your bestie feel special (and more likely to say yes to wearing that bridesmaid’s dress, too!)

We’ll explain what a bridesmaid proposal is and why it’s become a genuinely meaningful trend in recent years. We’ll give you a list of ideas, including some for budget-friendly plans that still convey a special message but won’t mean you have to skimp on the catering instead.

We’ll also answer some of your most frequently asked questions about bridesmaids proposal ideas, too, so when you do ask your best friend to be at your side on your special day, they’ll be happy to say yes.

What is a bridesmaid proposal?

If you’re getting married and want someone special to be there with you, a bridesmaid proposal is the way to ask them to be part of the process. It’s a special way for a bride to invite her closest friends or family members to be part of her bridal party.

These days, instead of just blurting it out over a couple of bottles of prosecco, it’s a more thoughtful process and a much more meaningful gesture that makes the potential bridesmaid feel far more valued. It turns them into the bride’s confidant, the person who will help make the day memorable in so many ways, and who will be there at the moment the bride and bridegroom declare their love for one another.

That’s a role that comes with a certain measure of responsibility, and rather than just assuming a friend will step up to the occasion, bridesmaid proposal ideas demonstrate that the bride truly values the bridesmaid’s friendship and involvement.

Creative bridesmaid proposal ideas often involve a small gift, a card, or a surprise to make the question “Will you be my bridesmaid?” feel even more special and memorable.

Why is a bridesmaid proposal popular?

In recent years, we’ve all become a lot more aware of how we treat those around us. Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword any more, it’s a deeply ingrained concept that means we’re all a little kinder, a little more thoughtful, and a little more appreciative of those around us.

Being a bridesmaid comes with a lot of responsibility, and making someone feel valued in the role is just as important as seating plans, flowers for the tables, and a thousand other elements that go into making the perfect wedding. The people we care about are far more important than any of those, and a bridesmaid proposal helps bring that into perspective for everyone. Besides, it’s a chance to tell your bestie you really care about them and to treat them to something nice!

What are the foundations of a bridesmaid proposal?

To come up with a genuinely creative bridesmaid proposal, you need to plan ahead and consider not just your own approach, but the personality of the person you’re asking to be your bridesmaid, what would mean most to them, and if you want to include a gift. Consider whether it should be a low-key affair or a more extravagant party. Foundations to consider include:

Where and when – Your bridesmaid probably already knows about your upcoming nuptials, so they may or may not be expecting a bridesmaid proposal from you. Picking the right moment and the right place is essential, as it sets the tone for your relationship as bride and bridesmaid right up to the moment you walk down the aisle.

Do you want to give them a gift? –  A bridesmaid proposal may include a gift to say thank you for accepting the role of bridesmaid. This could include a piece of jewellery they can wear on the day, such as a necklace or earrings.

Public or private? – A bridesmaid proposal could be something you do in public, or in a one-to-one setting in private. Think about the kind of person your potential bridesmaid is – if they’re the reserved type, a public show of affection may make them feel pressured and uncomfortable. If they’re the gregarious, outgoing type, a public creative bridesmaid proposal is perfect.

Unique and creative bridesmaid proposal ideas

• Make-up kits – If your potential bridesmaids-to-be love make-up, a kit with everything they’ll need for the big day is a smart idea and a very personal gift. Include a luscious lipstick, eye shadow and eye eyeliner, mascara, and blusher, so they have everything they need to look gorgeous for the photos.
• Bath bombs – Bath bombs are always appreciated, and are a fantastic gift for a bridesmaid who just loves that home spa treatment. Just right for the night before the big day, they’re a creative bridesmaid proposal gift that doesn’t cost the earth.
• Chocolate – Who doesn’t love a little bit of chocolate? Whether it’s a box of delicious treats or a bar of dreamy Dubai chocolate packed with pistachios, luxury chocolate is always a winner when it comes to bridesmaid proposal ideas.
• Cosy socks and matching PJs– There’s going to be a few girls-nights-in before the wedding, so turn an evening with your bridesmaids into a snuggly sleepover with cosy socks and bridesmaid pyjamas. If you’re travelling abroad for your wedding, they’re a great addition to your bridesmaids’ bags too.
• A getting-ready robe – It’s not just the bride who needs to get ready on the day, so do the bridesmaids. Silky, personalised getting-ready robes are a clear way to let your besties know you want them at your side on your wedding day.
• Personalised candles – Candles are a creative bridesmaid proposal idea that is guaranteed to be appreciated. Scented candles with a personalised message on the side are an affordable and simple gift idea that any bridesmaid-to-be will love.
• A bridesmaid bracelet – Matching bridesmaids’ jewellery is a tradition, and a bracelet is a sure-fire winner, no matter how old or young they are. It’s a keepsake they can wear after the wedding too, celebrating both the day and your friendship in one beautiful piece.
• An escape room adventure – An escape room is an exciting way to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. The final clue could lead to a “bridesmaid ask” idea, such as a banner dropping down that pops the question, or a blackboard in the final escape room with the words, “Will you be my bridesmaids?” written on it.
• Beautiful earrings – If you know your colour theme for your bridesmaids’ dresses, presenting them with matching earrings is an excellent way to ask your best friends to be your bridesmaids. Our top tip: make sure your bridesmaids aren’t allergic to particular metals to avoid any nasty itching or rashes on the day.
• Travel essentials – Heading abroad for your wedding? Another unique idea is to present your bridesmaid with custom-made travel essentials, such as a passport holder, ticket pouch, travel toiletries, or a suitcase with a message inside asking them to be your bridesmaid.
• Afternoon tea – What could be more elegant than a traditional afternoon tea? It’s a total treat and the perfect opportunity to ask your guests to join you at the wedding reception too. Arrange with the restaurant to have ask-cards on each bridesmaid-to-be’s plate, so when they remove their napkin, they get the big reveal.
• Gift cards – If you’re genuinely stuck for bridesmaids proposal ideas, a gift card that lets your bridesmaid choose her own items is an easy option. You can personalise it as much as you want, but still allow the bridesmaid the choice of what to buy.
• Luxury coffee –  A simple gift that’s guaranteed to be appreciated, especially on the morning of the wedding, luxury coffee gets everyone off to a great start. Include a card that asks, “Will you be my bridesmaid?” and insert it into the box.
• Pandora charms – Charm bracelets are back in fashion, and a gorgeous charm they can keep as a memento and wear on the day is a unique bridesmaid proposal gift idea that’ll be treasured for years to come.
• Eco-friendly items – A jute tote bag filled or a reusable water bottle are unusual gifts for those who love anything green, or if your wedding has an eco-friendly theme.
• Boogie nights dance class – Dance your way to a bridesmaid proposal with a dance class with the girls. At the end of the session, you can let them know that it was practice for your wedding reception, as they’re all invited to be your bridesmaids.
• Gift boxes – Bridesmaid gift boxes can contain all those little things your bridesmaids will need on the day, such as decorated hair combs and clips, as well as a few little luxuries such as personalised jewellery, cosmetics and anything else you can think of that will entice your friend to be your bridesmaid.
• A scrapbook full of memories – Create a scrapbook filled with pictures of your journey together, with the last pages left blank for photos of the wedding and a bookmark asking your best friend to be your bridesmaid.
• Plan a spa day – A pampering day at a spa gets everyone relaxed and presents a unique opportunity to ask your girlfriends to be your bridesmaids.
• Tasty cupcakes – If you love baking or know a bakery that can custom-make cupcakes for you, this is a unique bridesmaid proposal idea that anyone with a sweet tooth will love. Get your baker to add the word, “Bridesmaid?” in icing to get the message across.

Budget-friendly bridesmaid proposal ideas

If you’re on a tight budget, you can still come up with some affordable but memorable bridesmaid proposal ideas.

Print your own proposals – Go online to find printable online templates and fire up your printer to make your own proposal cards. You can personalise them however you want to with marker pens to make them unique.

A handmade gift – Shop local or go online to Etsy and look for handmade gifts such as wooden plaques, customised mugs or cushions, or other affordable gifts that still have plenty of sentiment behind them.

Say it with flowers – A simple bouquet can say so much. You can add a cheerful card telling the recipient that they’ll need to practice carrying a bouquet for your wedding day as your bridesmaid.

Friendship bracelets – Every knot in a friendship bracelet represents a bond between two friends. They’re simple to make, or you can buy them online and tie each other’s bracelets on your wrists when you ask them to be your bridesmaid.

Dos and don’ts for a bridesmaid wedding proposal

Do – Make it personal. You’re asking someone to play a vital role in your wedding, so make them feel special by making your proposal as personal as possible.

Don’t – Overspend. Bridesmaid proposal gift ideas should be small, personal, and special. If you spend too much on a gift, you may also make your friend feel uncomfortable about accepting it.

Do – Plan ahead. A bridesmaid has duties to perform in the run-up to the wedding, so don’t spring the request on them a week before the event.

Don’t – Make it all about you. Remember, you’re asking a person to share in your journey, so make sure they feel valued.

Do – Consider your bridesmaid’s personality. If they’re the shy, reserved type, keep the bridesmaid proposal intimate and private.

Don’t – Pressurise them into saying yes. They may not feel comfortable being a bridesmaid, may not be able to attend your wedding (especially if it’s abroad), or may not have the finances to cover items such as dresses, shoes, or hotel costs.

FAQs

How much should I spend on a bridesmaid proposal?

That is entirely up to you, but typically, bridesmaid proposal ideas are more about the sentiment than the cost. It can be something as simple as a card or as ornate as a personalised piece of jewellery. It’s your choice how much you spend, but don’t overdo it. 

When do I need to do a bridesmaid proposal?

A bridesmaid proposal should be at two or three months before the wedding. This gives your bridesmaids time to plan their schedules, get ready for the event, and, if you’re heading abroad, make travel arrangements in plenty of time.

Do I need to do the same bridesmaid proposal for all my bridesmaids?

No. Think about the personality of each of your friends and adapt your bridesmaids proposal ideas to suit.

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