Another step in planning your wedding is asking those closest to you to share in the day by your side in yourwedding party. Your nearest and dearest friends and family will play a significant role in your dream wedding, so let's have fun with the proposals!
These creative and heartfelt ways to ask your wedding party to be apart of your 'I do crew' are perfect for fun wedding planning moments and photo ops, of course. Get your camera and your tissues ready because in today'swedding planning advicepost, we're sharing tips you need to know forproposing to yourwedding party plus 20 fun ways to ask!
Shop thisBridesmaid Proposal Gift Box byMod Party
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TIPS FOR PROPOSING TO YOUR WEDDINGPARTY
Tip #1 -Don't spend too much money.
Remember, you have a wide range of expenses coming up for the wedding. Fromwedding fashion to venue fees and even desserts, there are many items you'll be paying for during your wedding planning. Wedding party proposal ideascan be affordable! Consider printables and downloads that you can print yourself at home for fun budget friendly ways to propose to your wedding party.
You can even use free graphic design sites like Canva.com to make your own graphics and textyour fun - and free - proposal graphics to your friends.
For more wedding fashion help, be sure to check out our post on "Beyond the Dress: All of the Outfits the Brides Needs For Wedding."
TIP #2 - Think about what they need and would like.
When you're trying to decide how to propose to your wedding party and ask them to be in your wedding, it's best to think about them first. What would they like? Thismightbe different for each of your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, maid or matron of honor (and more!), and that's totally okay.
There are likely lots different people. ages and personalities in your wedding party so it might be tough to find a gift or proposal idea that is perfect for everyone. Your wedding party will really appreciate thoughtfulproposal gifts that they can actually enjoy or use. (The last thing you want is for the gifts to be tossed in the trash, or worse, re-gifted!)
TIP #3 -Try to ask about 8 months to a year before your wedding.
Make sure that you give your crew enough time when proposing to your wedding party, such as bridesmaids and groomsmen. About 8 months before your wedding is the ideal timeframe to make your proposal.
This far in advance will give your wedding party enough time to plan for being a part of your big day. Your wedding party will be expected to participate in many pre-wedding events for you and your partner, so giving your wedding party ample time before these events begin is just plain nice.
TIP #4 -Expect that they might say no.
When you're proposing to your wedding party and you're asking them to be in your wedding, expect that they might decline your proposal and decide to not be in your wedding. Yep, you heard that right.
You need to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally in case they say 'no.' They may have a lot going on in their personal life, a major life change or can't afford it at the time - and that's all OK. Try to not take is personally, as it probably has absolutely nothing to do with you.
If you do receive a 'no' from one of your wedding party proposals, be courteous and understanding. They may still be able to join as a guest at your wedding and celebrate along side of you, just in a different way.
Shop thisPersonalized Frosted Iced Coffee Glass TumblerbyHappily Chic Designs
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TIP #5 -Try to ask everyone around the same time.
When proposing to your wedding party, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls and more, it is best to ask everyone at the same time or around the same time.
If everyone is proposed to at the same time, this is a key tip to be sure there are no hurt feelings or confusion. It's easy to misunderstand things if you find out someone else was asked and you weren't yet. So, to the best of your ability, try to ask everyone around the same time.
TIP #6 -Family members welcome, but not required.
It is nice to include family members in your wedding party, but it's certainly not required. Do not feel obligated to include all of your siblings, in-laws, aunts, uncles, and all of your cousins and cousins of cousins. Those days of huge wedding parties are long gone.
Choose those who 'fit the bill' for your wedding party, that's your nearest and dearest. Those family members who are not invited to be in your wedding party will all be invited to celebrate alongside you and your partner on your wedding day and that's all that matters.
TIP #7 -Just because you were in someone's wedding, doesn't mean you must be in theirs.
Things change from year to year, or wedding to wedding. If you were included in a friend's wedding party don't feel obligated to include them in yours. Often times, they will be key friends or family in your life that are included in your wedding party, but not always, and that's totally fine.
Just like asking your entire extended family, do not feel obligated or guilted into having anyone in your wedding party that you don't want to have them. We mean it!
TIP #8 - Whatever you do, do it from the heart.
However you decide to propose to your wedding party, the most important thing is to make sure they know how much they mean to you. Proposing to your bridesmaids or groomsmen is a special moment to let them know you'd like them by your side on the most important day of your life.
Whether you get a gift, or write a sappy latter, choosea proposal idea that shows you care about them!
Shop thisWill You Be My Bridesmaid GiftbyMod Party
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20 WAYS TO ASK YOUR WEDDINGPARTY TO SAY 'I DO' TO YOU!
Now that we've giving you all of the wedding party proposal etiquette and the tips for who to ask and when to propose, it's the fun part - ways to ask your besties to be in your wedding party.
Get creative with these fun ideas for how to propose to your wedding party, including your bridesmaids. Your bridal crew of besties will love these special touches - and we have some ideas for how to ask your groomsmen too!
#1:Relax with a mani-pedi
Relaxed friends are the best friends.
#2:Tag them in a post on social media
Do an Insta-story telling why you love them or a fun TikTok video.
#3: Host a wine night
Friends that sip wine together, stay together.
Shop thisWine and Charcuterie TablebyDalio Handmade
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#4:Make a .gif or a meme
Use a free .gif maker or Canva.com and make your own funny meme or .gif video just for them.
#5:Order take out food
Slip the proposal into the fortune cookies.
#6: Send them a gift box
Collect their favorite items and send them a gift.
Shop thisGroomsman Proposal Gift BoxbyXC House
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#7:Set up a coffee date
The perfect way to use your new 'engaged' mug with your besties. (Shop here for our favorite 'does this make me look engaged' merch!)
#8:Host amovie night
Streamyour favorite flick and pop the popcorn.
#9:Make them a friendship bracelet
So cheesy, but so fun to relive your childhood during this wedding era of your life.
Shop thisBridal Party Friendship BraceletsbyBeaded Buns
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#10:Go for a Target run, together
Run your errands and be with your friends, what's better?
#11:Surprise them at work
They will be so excited to see you during a long day at the office.
#12:Take a barre or yoga class
Working out is way better with friends.
Shop thisMeet Me At The Barre TankbySpunky Pineapple Co
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#13:Make a brunch date
Look for a place with bottomless mimosas, obviously.
#14:Bake them cookies
Everyone loves a batch of freshly baked cookies.
#15:Write them a letter
Everyone loves getting something handwritten and from the heart.
Shop thisBridesmaid Proposal CardbyThe Sunshine Garden
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#16:Bring them their favorite drink
They will love that you know their order.
#17:Get your lashes done
Nothing better than a gorgeous set of lashes with a friend.
#18:Pop the bubbly
If they love the bubbles, they will love this.
Shop thisMini Champagne Bottle LabelsbyThe Ivory Shoppe
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#19:Have a bestie date night
Take them for a girl's date night out on the town.
#20:Throw a slumber party
Snuggle up with a good old fashioned sleep over. Don't forget the games and the matching bridesmaid PJ's!
Shop thisBridesmaid PajamasbyMod Party
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For more tips and advice on bridesmaid gifts & matching outfits, you might like:
- Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas
- Unique and Useful Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
- Matching Bridesmaid Shirts, Tanks and Tees
Remember, you can shop forblue,vintage,classicandmoderngarter heirlooms anytime inmy garter shopor get in touch with me atinfo@thegartergirl.comfor information oncustom designing a garterjust for you!
If you have any more garter questions, check out mygarter 101 blog seriesor find all of mywedding planning advicehere on my blog.
With love, The Garter Girl
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