Thinking about how to ask your bridesmaids and groomsmen to be in your wedding party? If you’re searching for creative, meaningful, and unforgettable ways to propose to your wedding party, you’re in the right place. We've been to the end of the Internet and back for you and make a handy guide packed with 20 unique wedding party proposal ideas that go far beyond the basic — perfect for couples planning a wedding who want to make their besties feel special from the very start. From personalized gifts and sentimental surprises to funny and playful bridesmaid proposal ideas and even low-stress ways to include long-distance friends, this list has something for every couple and every vibe. Whether you’re looking for how to ask your bridesmaids to be in your wedding or planning a thoughtful groomsmen proposal gift, we're sharing real-life inspiration and expert tips to help you pull it off — with heart, style, and a whole lot of love. Another step in planning your wedding is asking those closest to you to share in the day by your side in your wedding 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 a part 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's wedding planning advice post, we're sharing tips you need to know for proposing to your wedding party plus 20 fun ways to ask! ********* TIPS FOR PROPOSING TO YOUR WEDDING PARTY Before we get into the proposal ideas, first a few tips from us to you. We've been through this many (many!) times before and we wanted to share a few things for you to keep in mind so you don't get too overwhelmed or too stressed out. After all, this is supposed to be fun, not filled with drama. You have way too much on your plate with all the wedding planning! Tip #1 - Don't spend too much money. Remember, you have a wide range of expenses coming up for the wedding. From wedding fashion to venue fees and even desserts, there are many items you'll be paying for during your wedding planning. Wedding party proposal ideas can 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 text your 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? This might be 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 thoughtful proposal 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. ********* 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, choose a proposal idea that shows you care about them! ********* 20 WAYS TO ASK YOUR WEDDING PARTY 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. ********* #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 this Groomsman Proposal Gift Box by XC House ********* #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 a movie night Stream your 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. ********* #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 this Meet Me At The Barre Tank by Spunky Pineapple Co ********* #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 this Bridesmaid Proposal Card by The Sunshine Garden ********* #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. ********* #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! ********* 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 for blue, vintage, classic and modern garter heirlooms anytime in my garter shop or get in touch with me at info@thegartergirl.com for information on custom designing a garter just for you! If you have any more garter questions, check out my garter 101 blog series or find all of my wedding planning advice here on my blog. With love, The Garter Girl Some of the above product links are affiliate-connected and purchasing through these links helps to support the blog.
