How to Ask Bridesmaids to be in Your Wedding (2024)

There’s an insane amount of excitement after the question has been popped and you’ve said “yes.” But, after a few weeks (or days?), that excitement begins to wane and the to-do list begins to overwhelm your every waking thought.

Some things on that to-do list are more important than others, though. Like the friends and family members you’ll have standing alongside you on the most important day of your life. You know who you want on your team. Now all you have to do is invite them to join.

Are you wondering how to ask bridesmaids to be in your wedding? And not just to ask them, but to make it a meaningful and memorable moment for each of you.

Well, you’re not alone. Here’s a look at 3 approaches you can choose when wondering how to ask bridesmaids to be a part of your big day.

1) Send Them Something Customized

We’re living in a highly customizable world, and those customization options even extend to gifts perfect for proposing to your bridesmaids. You can choose an item that holds special meaning in your relationships with your prospective bridesmaids, or you can pick one that just seems fun. Your options include:

Wine or Champagne Labels: You can quickly, easily and affordablybuy awine or champagne and add a “Will you be my bridesmaid?”customized label. The quality of the wine or champagne is often a function of how much you want to spend — but keep in mind that the bottle will likely serve more as a keepsake that’s never opened.

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Puzzles: Here’s something unique: Create a custom puzzle that, once assembled, spells out a message inviting the assembler to be your bridesmaid. This is a fun, quirky and unexpected way to handle asking friends and family to serve as bridesmaids, but maybe that’s exactly what you’re looking for?

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Jewelry Boxes: Add aphoto or acustom card to a jewelry box, and stash a customized necklace or bracelet inside. Not only does this make a great way to ask bridesmaids to join your wedding part, it also gives them something they can use long into the future.

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Picture Frames: Picture frames are a great way to blend a customized gift with a meaningful memento. Find a great picture with each of your bridesmaids, and then place inside a frame that includes an invitation message. Again, this is something that will last your bridesmaids well beyond the wedding day.

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Fortune Cookies: This one is fun: Write out your invitation to be a bridesmaid, and then have it printed and placed inside a fortune cookie. You could even pair this with a fun night out with your future bridesmaids, sharing the fortune cookies as an after-dinner surprise.

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2) Make Something Yourself

    Are you the artsy and creative type? Or, are you just feeling artsy and creative at the moment? Remember that there’s something extra meaningful about items that are handmade, so don’t be shy about making your own invitation for bridesmaids. Here are a few options:

    Cookies, Cakes or Other Pastries: If you’re at all good at baking, you can make your favorite treat and then use the icing on top to ask prospective bridesmaids to join the party. Of course, this gets a little bit tougher if your invitees are out of town, but it gives them something to enjoy along with your ask.

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    Friendship Bracelets: Bring back something old school by creating a friendship bracelet with letter beads that spell out your question: “Will you be my bridesmaid?” Or, if space is limited, just “Bridesmaid?” It’s a fun and creative way to ask the question, and the friends and family you ask will appreciate the time, effort and thought you put into it.

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    Cards: There’s nothing quite like a handmade card. Use anything you like to create your card, but don’t forget the most important part: Add a meaningful, from-the-heart message inside. There are few moments in life when we get to share with the people we love just how much they mean to us. Use this opportunity as one of those moments.

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    3) Take Them Out

    If most of your bridesmaids-to-be live in the immediate area, why not plan a fun outing for everyone? Here’s a look at a few different activities you can plan, as well as how you can ask during each:

    Brunches: Make a reservation for a big table at your favorite restaurant. Then, after a mid-morning’s worth of amazing food and a few drinks, propose a champagne toast — that includes personalized champagne flutes for each of your prospective bridesmaids.

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    Mani-Pedis: You can now order personalized nail polish on which you can customize the label. Choose a wedding color, or pick out a different shade for each of your bridesmaids. And then share the personalized nail polish at the outset of your mani-pedi outing.

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    Spa Days: Who doesn’t like a nice spa day? Get your girls together for some all-important rest and relaxation, and then gift them each a personalized robe or facemask upon arrival.

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    Final Thoughts on How to Ask Bridesmaids to be in Your Wedding

    A phone call (and certainly a text message) just won’t do. When it’s time to ask bridesmaids to invest the time, money and energy into helping you celebrate your big day, you need to do something meaningful.

    Just make sure you stay true to yourself and to your friendships and relationships. If making something doesn’t feel like you, try something else. If sending a customize product doesn’t seem right, go another direction.

    As you can see above, there is no shortage of different ways to approach how to ask bridesmaids to be in your wedding. Pick the one that feels most natural, and have as much fun as possible inviting your favorite women to be a part of your big day.

    Check out our complete collection of Will You Be My Bridesmaid Gifts.

    How to Ask Bridesmaids to be in Your Wedding (2024)

    FAQs

    How do you ask your bridesmaids to be in a wedding party? ›

    If your 'maids are far away, a thoughtful package is a great way to pop the question and say thanks in advance for all their help. Pick a theme or color scheme, and then fill a box with little gifts like lip balm, nail polish, jewelry, pajamas, champagne flutes, hair ties, or a clever custom t-shirt. 8. Just ask!

    When should I ask my bridesmaids to be in my wedding? ›

    How Soon is Too Soon? If you have a long engagement period, it's a good idea to wait until 8-12 months before the wedding. Unfortunately, how close you are to certain people can change. Surely you wouldn't want someone you feel you hardly know anymore at your bridal table instead of a new best friend.

    What do you write when asking bridesmaids? ›

    Need help asking the most important women in your life to stand by your side on your wedding day?
    • I love you and I like you. ...
    • You're my best friend, there's no one else I'd rather stand beside me.
    • As the friend who will be in my life forever, will you help me marry your new best friend?

    How do you ask bridesmaids in a text? ›

    “You're not just a friend, but a sister to me. I would be so grateful if you would be my bridesmaid and create lifelong memories.” “I am so grateful for your friendship. Will you help me create a day full of love and joy by being my bridesmaid?”

    Do you need a wedding date before asking bridesmaids? ›

    Before popping the question to your bridesmaids-to-be, first, wait until you know your wedding date. Knowing your wedding date will let your bridesmaids have a better idea about whether or not they can commit to the role.

    Do you give gifts when asking bridesmaids? ›

    The Bridal Party Proposal

    While etiquette doesn't require you to give a present in this moment, it is a lovely gesture to get your bridal party excited about all the events to come.

    How does a bride choose her bridesmaids? ›

    Start With Your Siblings

    If you have a really big family, it may be best to choose those closest in age to you or to cut the party off at the teenagers. For those wondering how to choose bridesmaids when you have no friends, siblings and other family members are a great option.

    Do bridesmaids stay with bride night before wedding? ›

    It all depends on what the bride needs and wants. Some brides want that night to be about them and their girls, others want a quiet night. Sometimes there are out of town bridesmaids and they stay with the bride. Sometimes it's a destination wedding and the bride and groom will share a room with their entourage.

    Will you be my bridesmaid box ideas? ›

    Proposal gift boxes often include a personalized, thoughtful message. They can even have a photo of the bride and her friend. Other popular items include candles, a personalized wine glass, personalized tumblers, jewelry, makeup bags, hair ties, nail polish, sweet treats, and mini champagne bottles.

    What do you ask bridesmaids to pay for? ›

    Who pays for the bridesmaids' accessories? Similar to the shoes, it's usually the responsibility of the bridesmaids themselves to pay for any accessories they might want to wear, such as any jewellery or bags.

    How do you host a bridesmaid proposal? ›

    Activities
    1. Painting and wine (you could even paint “Will you be my bridesmaids?” as a surprise proposal)
    2. Outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, kayaking, etc.
    3. Craft party.
    4. Spa treatments.
    5. Scavenger hunt.
    6. co*cktail mixing.
    7. Essential oil mixing.
    8. Yoga or dance class.
    Jun 11, 2018

    Do you give wedding invitations to bridesmaids? ›

    The decision to send formal invitations to your bridal party is ultimately up to you. However, traditional etiquette dictates sending invites to show appreciation for their special roles. Skipping invites could be perceived as rude or hurtful.

    Who should you ask to be your bridesmaids? ›

    Your sisters, favorite cousins, nieces, or even that cool aunt can all make terrific additions to your bridesmaid squad. Plus you could also embrace your new family by including a sister-in-law to be.

    How do you say yes I will be your bridesmaid? ›

    Best instagram captions for saying yes'' to being a bridesmaid
    1. Forever friends and bridesmaid duties.
    2. Honored to stand by her side on the big day.
    3. A happily ever after starts with a 'Yes! ...
    4. Showered in love as a bridesmaid.
    5. Making memories with the bride tribe.
    6. Supporting and celebrating love as a bridesmaid.

    How do you ask bridesmaids virtually? ›

    The Virtual Option

    If you have bridesmaids who live far away, a virtual proposal may be the best option. You could send a video message, set up a virtual chat, or even plan a virtual party. This is a great way to include your long-distance bridesmaids in the moment and make sure they feel included in your big day.

    How do I ask someone to be in a wedding party? ›

    Say it with Sweets! There are so many delicious ways out there to ask, “Will You Be My Bridesmaid/Groomsmen?” Try saying it with customized frosted cookies, colorful cupcakes and even personalized fortune cookies. They'll think you are sweet as sugar and say yes!

    How do you ask a bridesmaid to be your bridesmaid? ›

    12 Fun Ways to Ask Someone “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?”
    1. Give a “Bridesmaid” Keepsake Gift. ...
    2. Send a Letter in a Bottle. ...
    3. Surprise Them at Their Doorstep. ...
    4. Create a Personalized “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” Print. ...
    5. Surprise Them with Personalized Jewelry. ...
    6. Send Cookies or Cupcakes. ...
    7. Ask Them Over Dinner.
    Sep 15, 2022

    How involved should bridesmaids be? ›

    The list of bridesmaids' responsibilities includes: Emotionally supporting the bride at all times throughout the wedding planning and ceremony. Assisting the Maid of Honor in planning and paying for the bridal shower and bachelorette party, and of course, assisting the Maid of Honor throughout the wedding day.

    Do you ask bridesmaids before or after engagement party? ›

    No matter what, wait 60 days following your engagement to put your proposals into action. Don't rush into asking your friends and family members to be in your bridal party.

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