The only thing slightly more exciting than being proposed to, is getting to ask your best gals to be your bridesmaids! Cue the bridesmaid proposal planning!
If I’m being honest, I didn’t think I would have bridesmaids. Furthermore, I definitely never gave much thought to how I’d pop the question! Here’s the thing, I’ve seen and heard so many horror stories. I am not exaggerating. Who in their right mind would want to experience half the things some of these brides and bridesmaids speak of? Not I.
So, why did I change my mind?
Well, I truly know the women I’ve asked to be in my corner. Now, I’m not saying it excludes us from unpleasant experiences. Instead, I know when situations arise, we’d be able to figure them out without wanting to annihilate each other. (Fingers crossed at least.) I chose women who were somewhat already tied to me, and people I’d be sure I’d communicate with for the rest of our lives. VERY IMPORTANT. My marriage, God’s willing, is a lifelong commitment, and so I need to know that these women will also stick by me for that long, ok!
So who did I ask?
Yep, I asked my cousins to be my bridesmaids! I also included my first two lifelong friends as part of my tribe. I don’t think anyone is surprised I asked them, lol.
Okay, so how did I ask?
Knowing me, I probably would’ve just sent a cute text and that would be that. (I know, I know 🙈) But when I thought about the time and money that probably would be spent on wedding shenanigans, I knew I had to ensure they knew their worth to me. Let’s be real, no one HAS to be anyone’s bridesmaid. You are literally asking a group of women to spend money for your special occasion 🥺. The least I could do was write a heartfelt letter begging them – and so I did! Well, kinda…
For each girl, I wrote a short letter highlighting their importance in my life, as well as their significance to my fiancé and I. This was thee most important part of the proposal for me. It plainly expressed why I chose that individual to be apart of our moment. At the very end of the each letter I asked my scary question – “will you be my bridesmaid/bride tribe?” I printed each on decorative paper. Looking back, I wish I used paper that coordinated with our potential wedding decor. I didn’t, but you definitely should. Keep everything on theme and cohesive as possible. The letter served as the ‘keepsake’ aspect of the proposal.
Everything from here, onward is optional and quite frankly for ‘show.’
Next up – proposal cookies!
My spectacle and I guess the ‘instagrammable‘ aspect of my bridesmaid proposal, were the cookies! My bridesmaid cookies were very exciting. I got to add a sneak peek of the color palette along with a personalized cookie for each girl. I was also able to enlist the help of a good friend and local business. My process was very simple. Research shapes and color palettes on Pinterest – (are we surprised? Follow me!)
Next up, holla at Batter and Doughs. I really enjoy their ornamental cookies, so it was a no brainer. To be honest, they taste considerably better than others I’ve tried. I was able to work with Nicole on the color and shape after we agreed on a appropriate price.
We decided on two cookies per girl. The first was a circular cookie with gold, white and peach embellishments, with the question “will you be my bridesmaid/maid of honor/bride tribe,” in emerald writing. The second cookie was an engagement ring with each girl’s name on it. Simple, cute and to the point. Both cookies were placed in a kraft window brown box with shredded brown paper cushioning them.
Last but not least, an accessory for the big day!
Each of my loves were gifted a gold maid of honor/bridesmaid/bride tribe bracelet. I was able to do this knowing the color palette of our bridal party and wedding decor. I got engaged in the midst of the pandemic, and we weren’t sure if we’d be able to have a bridal party. It was important to me that whether or not we had a wedding, that this specific group of ladies knew they would’ve been my intended bride tribe. The bracelet signifies that as well as doubles as an accessory for the day of. I preordered and purchased my bracelets from Mod Project, a local jewelry retailer. They were extremely affordable.
Packaging all three items into one was pretty simple!
I, of course, placed each letter into an envelope with each girl’s name on it. When I received the bracelets, each were cutely tucked into small netted bags. I was able to fit each into the varying envelopes. The brown boxes were tied using brown string allowing me to slip each named envelope under to cover the clear front. The only visible parts of the packages at that point were the named envelopes.
I presented my cousins, (excluding one) with their packages at a random family get together. IYKYK. The day after I gave my friends, theirs. The entire experience was fun, but I must admit, a bit nerve wrecking.
BTW, they all joyously said yes. Phew! 😃
And there you have it – my bridesmaid proposal!
My version of a bridesmaid proposal may seem extra to some and not enough to others – but I think each part of the proposal served a specific purpose. One was a keepsake, one a bit showy, and the other a reminder and accessory. Please to do what’s best for you and your tribe. It isn’t a competition but instead, an honor to those you’ve chosen. Here’s to hoping my take on this gesture serves as an inspiration to you and your adaptation.
How do you feel about a bridesmaid proposal? Have you ever had to create one? Or maybe you’ve received one? How did I do? Please let me know your thoughts! I’d love to get your insight.
If you’re looking for other cute ideas such as dates, click here!
Thank you so much for reading, and commenting!
Until next time,
Charissa xx
