They helped you swipe right on The One, celebrated your engagement, and have been there through all of life's moments—big and small. Now it's time for another milestone: asking them to be your bridesmaid!
From personalized gift boxes to heartfelt messages, we've gathered all the creative ways to pop the question: "Will you be my bridesmaid?” Whether you love grand gestures or sweet simplicity, consider this your complete guide to making this moment one your future wedding party will always remember.
Photo by Anna Perevertaylo Photography
Creative Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas
Before we dive into all of the sweet treats and heartfelt messages you can include when asking your friends to be your bridesmaids, let’s explore a few fun ways you can pop the question.
- Write a heartfelt message (more on this soon) to each person in a stylish “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" card and include a favorite photo of the two of you.
- Blow up a confetti-filled balloon and put a safety pin inside of a note that they can use to “pop!” the question.
- If all your bridesmaids-to-be live nearby, invite them over for pizza night or a dinner party and then raise a toast—and pop the question to them with personalized champagne glasses and bottles of bubbly.
- Set up a one-on-one coffee date with each person and ask the barista ahead of time to write “Will you be my bridesmaid?” on the cup instead of your friend's name.
- Give each person a special dress hanger that’s been personalized with their name, or a bridesmaid robe for them to wear on the wedding day.
- Invite everyone to a wine and paint night, pottery class, or flower-arranging workshop and pop the question there.
- Treat your pals to mani-pedis at the nail salon and gift them with a bottle of Essie’s "Bachelorette Bash" polish along with a card explaining that you’d like them to wear the color on your wedding day.
- Create a handwritten recipe card for "The Perfect Bridesmaid," listing all their wonderful qualities as ingredients (like "2 cups of loyalty," "1 tablespoon of sass," "A dash of adventure")—then ask if they'll add their special ingredient to your wedding day.
- You can never go wrong with flowers! Pick out bouquets you know each of your bridesmaids-to-be will love and have them delivered.
- Create a personalized time capsule filled with cherished mementos from your friendship and invite them over for a walk down memory lane. When they reach the final item, they'll find your bridesmaid proposal tucked among the photos and ticket stubs.
- For a meaningful yet budget-friendly option, compile voice messages from friends and family sharing their favorite memories of your friendship—invite them for coffee and press play to reveal your heartfelt proposal at the end of the montage.
- Create a custom puzzle with a photo of you and your friend. Minted offers tons of fun (and easy!) options that can be customized with text like “Be my bridesmaid?” and your wedding date.
- Everyone loves a fortune cookie surprise! Order custom ones with your proposal message inside and plan a cozy takeout night. Come dessert time, make sure they get the special cookie that pops the question when cracked open.
- Design a custom filter for Instagram or Snapchat that reveals your proposal, then meet for coffee and suggest taking a selfie—watch their reaction when your question appears on screen.
- Make it seasonal and festive! Fill a Halloween candy bucket with treats and your proposal, or surprise them with a Christmas stocking stuffed with thoughtful gifts leading to your big question.
- Tailor your proposal to their interests—hide your question in a custom bookmark for your bookworm friend, or write it on a decorated pot with a new plant for your garden-loving pal.
Bridesmaid Proposal Cards: What To Write Inside
Asking your best friends to be in your bridal party via a bridesmaid proposal card lets them know how much their friendship means to you—and gets them excited for what's to come. Deliver the card in person if you can, or send it in the mail with a gift box or small gift (a mini bottle of champagne or a sweet treat, if that’s in your budget).
Not sure what to write in the card? Here are some ideas
- “It’s my turn to pop the question.”
- “Help me keep my shit together.”
- “I’ll only be a happy bride if my best friend is by my side.”
- “I can’t say ‘I do’ without you.”
- “Plan with me, stand with me, cry with me, laugh with me. Will you be my bridesmaid?”
- “My ‘I do’ would not be the same without you.”
- “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—and you.”
- “It wouldn't be a bridal party without you.”
- “Will you help make the best day ever even better by being my bridesmaid?”
- “Half of the groomsmen are single. Be my bridesmaid?”
- “By luck we became sisters; by love we became friends. I couldn’t imagine getting married without you by my side!”
- “My wedding day wouldn’t be complete without you standing beside me. Be my bridesmaid?”
- “As I prepare for the day I’ll be a bride, it would mean the world to me to have you by my side!”
- “A toast to us being lifelong friends. Will you be my bridesmaid?”
- “You’re not just a friend, you’re also a sister to me. I would be so grateful if you would be my bridesmaid and help me 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?”
- "Warning: Saying yes means months of Pinterest boards, cake tastings, and putting up with my wedding drama. Still interested in joining my wedding party?"
- "Searching for a partner in crime who can handle champagne tastings, outfit fittings, and occasional planning meltdowns. Interested in the job?"
- "Through bad dates, good times, and everything in between, you've been there. Now I'm finally marrying The One, and I need my Always-Right by my side."
- "You've been there for every important chapter of my story so far. I can't imagine writing this next one without you. Will you be in my wedding party?"
- "Some people walk into your life and leave footprints on your heart. You've left yours on mine, and I'd be honored to have you walk down the aisle with me as part of my wedding party."
- "You're the Leslie to my Ann, the Christina to my Meredith, the Rachel to my Monica. Will you be part of my special day?"
- "We've been friends since [specific memory/year]. That's [X] years of laughter, tears, and adventures. Ready for one more big adventure as part of my wedding party?"
Photo by Katy Grant Photo
What To Put In A Bridesmaid Proposal Box
Treat your besties to a box of thoughtful goodies they can use before the wedding and on the big day. (Pro tip: Use this as an opportunity to help set the tone for what you want the vibe of your wedding to be. Not sure what your wedding style is? Take our quiz to help you pin it down.)
40. Theme: Let's Celebrate
- A framed photo strip-style print with pictures of the two of you
- Mini bottles of champagne
- Customized wine glasses or tumblers
- Confetti poppers
- Mini disco balls
- “Bridesmaid” T-shirts or sweatshirts
41. Theme: Movie Night
- Personalized popcorn bowl
- Gourmet popcorn sampler
- Custom ticket stub memory holder
- Streaming service gift card
- Cozy blanket with the wedding date
- Movie-themed cozy socks
42. Theme: Music Festival Vibes
- Custom festival-style wristband
- Light-up flower crown
- Portable phone charger
- Metallic temporary tattoos
- Neon hair accessories
- Music-themed enamel pins
43. Theme: Coffee Lovers
- "Wedding Party" ceramic mug
- Local coffee bean sampler pack
- Mini French press
- Coffee-scented candle
- Chocolate-covered espresso beans
- "But first, coffee" sleep mask
- Reusable coffee sleeve
44. Theme: Foodie Favorites
- Gourmet chocolate tasting set
- Handwritten recipe book of shared favorites
- Artisanal spice collection
- Engraved wooden spoon
- Local honey or jam sampler
- Mini cheese board and knife set
- Personalized apron
45. Theme: Prepped & Pampered
- Nail polish or press-on nail kits
- Sheet masks and under-eye patches
- Lip gloss
- Fizzy bath bombs
- Floral-print robes
- Monogrammed slippers
- Matching or personalized claw clips
- Dried floral arrangements
- Sweet treats, like champagne gummies or truffles
46. Theme: Rustic
- Personalized tin mugs
- Matching beanies
- Cozy socks
- Spiked hot cocoa kits
- Vintage compact mirrors
- Personalized tote bags
- Mini jars of jam
47. Theme: Luxe
- Personalized jewelry (initial necklaces, lockets, or signet rings)
- Custom candles
- Mini bottles of their favorite perfume
- Cozy wraps or silk scarfs
- French macarons
- Silk scrunchies or hair ties
- Forever roses
48. Theme: Bohemian
- Friendship bracelets
- Air plants
- Affirmation, tarot, or conversation-starter card decks
- Their favorite tea or coffee
- Customized key chains
- Monogrammed journals
49. Theme: Destination Wedding
- Personalized passport covers or luggage tags
- Travel-size toiletries
- Mini travel journals
- Airplane cocktail kits
- Silk eye masks
- Polaroid cameras and film
50. Theme: Outdoorsy
- Heart-shaped or customized “bridesmaid” sunglasses
- Fun-in-the-sun essentials (mini sunscreen, hair ties, cute Band-Aids, etc.)
- Small art print of your favorite places
- Personalized water bottles
- Custom stickers for their water bottles
- Locally made granola or honey
Looking for more ways to show your appreciation? Get gift-spiration with our bridesmaid gifting guide for presents your squad will adore.
Bridesmaid Proposal Etiquette & FAQ
When should you propose to your bridesmaid?
Typically you want to pop the question two to three months after you get engaged. Asking your friends to be your bridesmaids early gives them plenty of time to block off time (and potentially save money) for all of your bridal events, including your engagement party, bachelorette party, bridal shower, and more.
Do you need to propose to your bridesmaids all at once?
It’s totally up to you; if you prefer something more intimate, feel free to ask them one at a time. If you go the individual route, aim to ask everyone within a week so no one feels left out. This could mean lining up a few friend dates or arranging for gift boxes to be delivered on the same day.
How do you ask someone who lives abroad to be in your wedding party?
Distance doesn't have to get in the way of a special proposal. Mail their gift box early to account for international shipping, or plan a video call to pop the question in person (just be mindful of time zones!). Be upfront about which pre-wedding events they absolutely need to attend and which ones are optional. Consider including local treats from your area in their proposal box—it's a sweet way to make them feel included from afar.
How much should you spend on your bridesmaid proposals?
There’s no minimum; what matters is that you feel comfortable with the cost. When deciding how much to spend, keep in mind that it’s traditional to also give your bridesmaids a thank-you gift on your wedding day. And don’t feel pressured to put together an Instagram-worthy bridesmaid proposal; a cute card with a heartfelt message can be just as meaningful as a basket of goodies.
Photo by Rebecca Sigety Photography
What information should you share right after they say yes?
Once the happy tears are dried and the champagne is poured, give your squad a heads-up about:
- Key dates to save (engagement party, shopping trips, shower, bachelorette celebration)
- General timeline for choosing attire
- Contact info for other wedding party members
- Any wedding-related social media hashtags or group chats
- Your preferred method of communication for wedding planning
Should you discuss expected costs upfront?
Yes! While it might feel awkward, your friends will appreciate your transparency. Give them a general idea of costs for attire, travel, pre-wedding events, and any other expected expenses. Being open about the financial commitment early on lets them make an informed decision and budget accordingly. You can always brainstorm ways to help minimize costs if needed.
What if someone says no to being in your wedding party?
Remember that saying no doesn't mean they love you any less! Between travel, finances, and other life commitments, sometimes the timing just isn't right. Thank them for their honesty and let them know you still want them to be part of your celebration. There are plenty of other ways they can participate in your big day (more on that below!)
What special roles can you offer friends who aren't in the wedding party?
There are so many meaningful ways to include beloved friends in your celebration. Consider asking them to:
- Do a ceremony reading
- Host the guest book
- Perform during the ceremony
- Give a reception toast
- Help with DIY projects
These roles let them know how much you value them while respecting their decision about being in the wedding party.
Photo by Joshua Supit
Is it appropriate to have different numbers on each side of the wedding party?
Absolutely! Modern weddings aren't about perfect symmetry—they're about having the people you love most by your side. Focus on asking the friends and family members you can't imagine your day without. Your photographer will know exactly how to arrange everyone for beautiful photos, whether you have three people or thirteen.
Should you get your maid of honor a special proposal gift?
Many brides opt to spend a little bit more on a special gift for their maid or matron (or man!) of honor. With that said, even if you don’t have room in your proposal budget to spend more, you’ll likely want to give your MOH a gift or card that’s slightly different from everyone else’s.
Plan Your Bridesmaid Proposals with Minted
Now that you have all the ideas, inspiration, and answers you need, it's time to start planning your perfect bridesmaid proposals! Whether you're creating personalized gift boxes, writing heartfelt notes, or planning an unforgettable moment, Minted has everything you need to make your ask special. Browse our collection of bridesmaid gifts, from custom photo art and puzzles to beautiful proposal boxes that your future wedding party will treasure. After all, this is just the beginning of the memories you'll create together on your wedding journey!
