Many brides have told us they struggle with finding a unique way to propose to their bridesmaids.These are after all, your closest friends and family, so it's only natural that you want to make it special. Here are some things to consider when preparing your wedding party proposals:
Budget. Expenses for wedding attendant gifts are often overlooked by couples, and can really add up, especially if you have a large bridal party! A great way to keep expenses under control is to focus on one quality gift, rather than a lot of extra fillers your bridesmaids probably don't need or want. It's okay to enhance your box with inexpensive fillers like a packet of confetti or candy, just don't spend a lot of money on things that will likely wind up in a landfill somewhere.
The golden rule. Your bridesmaids are probably a lot like you, so giving something you would like or use is your best bet. If you wouldn't want another personalized water bottle or picture frame, your bridesmaids probably won't either. We suggest sticking with gifts that will be consumed or used rather than something that will sit on a shelf or nightstand. You can never go wrong with edible gifts like cookies or wine, or gifts that need to be replaced like candles or lotions.
Thoughtful. When it comes to bridesmaid proposals, it truly is the thought that counts. You don't have to spend a lot of money to make your bridesmaids feel special. Nostalgic gifts never go out of style, so you can't go wrong incorporating special memories you have with your friends and family in your proposal. With a little imagination and effort, you can create a bridesmaid proposal that will wow your friends and family!
Here are some of our favorite bridesmaid proposals grouped by price to help you stick to your budget.
(Almost) Free Bridesmaid Proposals
Send a card or letter. Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note to let friends know how much they mean to you. The handwritten part is critical here. An email may be more convenient, but it will not convey the same heartfelt sentiment you get from snail mail. Glow up your proposal by adding some confetti or this cute scratch-off card we found on Etsy.
Create a playlist. Taking time to pick songs that remind you of special times with your family and friends will not only be appreciated by your bridesmaids, it will be fun for you too! Trust us, this trip down memory lane won't cost you a thing, but it will make your friends and family feel like royalty. Want to add your playlist to a cute, custom card? We've got you covered at the Copper Boom Etsy store.
Bake some goodies. No money for a custom decorated cookie proposal? No problem. Homemade baked goods and candy are just as delicious, and your bridesmaids are sure to appreciate the extra effort. Combine this with a handwritten note, and you're sure to please! Or, add a custom recipe card from the Copper Boom Etsy store to really sweeten the deal.
Around $25 Bridesmaid Proposals
Create a Cameo video message. We recently used the Cameo service to send a custom birthday greeting, and it did not disappoint. And then we thought, how fun would it be to have a celebrity record a bridesmaid proposal? While the video messages can get pricey depending on the celebrity you choose, we're confident that with some creativity, you can find someone who fits your vibe at an affordable price. And remember, since you can use the same video for all of your bridesmaids, you can use your entire gift budget for this one.
Wine is never wrong. "I have too many bottles of wine!", said no woman ever. When it comes to bridesmaid proposals, a bottle of wine or champagne is always a winner. Replace the label with a custom wine bottle label from the Copper Boom Etsy store, and your proposal is complete. Bachelorette fans, will swoon over this cute themed wine label , but there are many others to choose from. Add a candle and some snacks for a proposal that'll have your friends buzzing!
Brunch with your bridesmaids. In our opinion, there's no better way to ask your friends and family to stand with you on your wedding day than gathering them all together for a good meal, especially brunch. Whether you decide to host friends at your home or dine at your favorite restaurant, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. We've got a perfect brunch invite for you at the Copper Boom Etsy store.
Send a cookie message. Who can say no to a cookie or two or three? There are a lot of cute cookie proposals on Etsy, but these macarons will not disappoint. We are also big fans of decorated cookie proposals, and you will LOVE the Instagram responses they generate!
Make a proposal toiletry bag. Every girl needs a good make-up bag, and this clear bag from the Copper Boom Etsy store is not only cute, but since it can also be used for travel, it's practical! Fill it with some colorful tissue, your favorite lip gloss, lotion, or hair tie to complete the gift. Be careful of your budget with this one. You could go overboard on fillers, and it's not necessary.
Around $50 Bridesmaid Proposals
Personalize these cute bracelets. There are a lot of bracelets on Etsy, but this personalized skinny cuff is our favorite. It looks great on it's own, but even better as a pair. And, since you can engrave on both sides, you can add a special quote on the outside and your bridesmaid proposal on the inside. This is a gift your friends will wear for years to come.
Bag a proposal. Every girl needs a good tote, and these personalized beach bags from the Copper Boom Etsy store are both adorable and practical. You can fill them with anything you like, but they also stand alone. If you really want to kick it up a notch, add a beach towel, sunglasses, and a tank with a sweet proposal message rolled up inside a bottle.
Customize a jean jacket. At first, we thought this one might not be practical enough to make our list of favorites, but then we remembered all the cute photo ops leading up to your big day. How cute would personalized jean jackets be at your bachelorette party, shower, or in a wedding photo? You can't go wrong inviting your bridesmaids with a cute, jean jacket from the Copper Boom Etsy store. Pick one up for yourself, while you're at it!
We'd love to hear about your favorite bridesmaid proposal! Leave us a comment below.