You’ve just had one of the most magical moments of your life. The love of your life just asked, “will you marry me.” Of course, as soon as you say “YES!” you want to immediately call up your friends and you begin thinking about who you want with you on your big day. It’s officially time to select your wedding party. Asking individuals to be a part of your wedding is exciting, but it is important to remember that it is a commitment for your loved ones. Your wedding party plays a very important role in your wedding, not just on the big day, but during the wedding planning process. Be sure to be understanding of the role your bridesmaids will play and flexible with the expectations of your wedding party. But, it’s okay to have some fun, too.  Once you’ve decided who you want to stand next to you at the altar, it’s time to get creative! We’ve compiled some of our fav ways, from fellow small business owners, to creatively ask your friends to say “I do” to you!

Denim Jackets: We love us some denim. We’ve seen the denim jacket trend incorporated with our brides, so why not expand the denim throughout the wedding party? Ask your bestie with a fun denim jacket that will not only be a good accessory for the wedding day, but in their everyday wardrobe.

Personalized Clutch: Asking your bridesmaids with something practical and useful can be a nice and thoughtful touch. Monogrammed or personalized clutches can accessorize the bridesmaids dresses on the big day. It is a unique way to tie in your wedding colors and is far from tacky.

Personalized Robes: This pick is one of are all time favorites! Who doesn’t love a comfy robe? Ask your besties with a cost effective, personalized robe. The robes can be a fun, relaxing, yet glamorous way to get ready the morning of, but can be used outside of the wedding day. Plus, they can be incorporated into the getting ready photos and can be customized to fit your wedding vision and theme.

Bridesmaid Proposal Box: Yes, it’s time for the classic go to… bridesmaid proposal box. The best part about this gift, is you can really personalize each box for your bridesmaid. We’ve seen and received boxes that have framed photos, favorite candies, scents, pajamas, and personalized glasses. This is a simple, but heartfelt way to ask your besties to say “yes!”

Get Cozy with some Slippers: Who doesn’t love a comfy, plush pair of slippers. Not only is it on trend, but they are cozy. There’s no way your friends can get cold feet with some cozy slippers. Take it up a notch and get the slippers personalized and they can be used on the morning of or when those dancing feet get tired.

Just a Card will Do: Maybe you’re a simple bride– and we’re here for it.  Simplicity can sometimes be best. Giving your bridesmaids a fun card that highlights your friendship can be a simple, but meaningful way to ask your besties. Create a custom card, ordained with pictures and memories.

Pop the Bubbly: Who doesn’t love some bubbly or rose? Grab your friends’ favorite drink and create a custom label for the bottle. They can save the bottle, or just the label, and enjoy what’s inside.

Sun Squad: Okay, this next one screams poolside fun. It is definitely on trend, and a fun ode to retro fashion. Plus, we love a bride who digs a good sun care accessory. Get your besties some hats, or visors, that can be used for the bachelorette party!

Stay Hydrated: Keep your bridesmaids hydrated with these darling, customized glasses. Perfect for keeping hydrated before the wedding, during, and after. We love the look of these glass tumblers!

Sustainable Options: Are you more of an eco-friendly bride looking for an option with less waste? These seed papers are darling and a fun and sustainable way to ask your friends to support you through your wedding planning journey. Why not have a garden to remember this joyous occasion?

Flasks: For our wedding parties that like a little bit of something extra in their drinks, opt for customized flasks. Now, these aren’t just the traditional flasks you can find in the grocery store, but you can get your flasks glammed up for the big day.

Jewelry Boxes: Adding custom touches to a jewelry box, with even a dainty gift inside, can be a meaningful way to pop the question to your besties. Jewelry boxes are a functional, yet thoughtful gift for anyone that can last way beyond the wedding day.

Pajama Party: Pajamas can serve a dual purpose for this gift! Yes, they can be used just to lounge, but you can ask your bridesmaids to use them to get ready on the morning of. Just be sure you let your ladies know beforehand. 

The Classic Necklace: One of the most popular ways to ask, is to gift your friends a necklace with the question. The best part about this option, is each bridesmaid can have a unique necklace that is special to each individual friendship you have. There are tons of options that you can choose from and they can be used as an accessory on the wedding day!

Classic Crewneck: Crewnecks are hot, hot, hot right now! They’ve taken fashion by storm and are a staple in a lot of our closets. So, why not pop the question with a fun, wedding-inspired crew neck! Keep it simple with a word, maybe an embroidered heart, but these will be sure to keep your wedding party cozy and relaxed.

When selecting your bridesmaids’ gifts, be sure to think about what would resonate and be special for your besties. Don’t just give a gift to check a box, but work to create something just for them. As former bridesmaids ourselves, our favorite proposals have been personalized, and create another memory of our friendship. Get shopping and find something that speaks to you and your besties. Have fun with the process and we can’t wait to hear about all of our bride’s proposals.

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.