Getting engaged is one of life’s most exciting moments. However, it also kicks off a flurry of things to do. While tasks like finding the dress, picking the venue, and honing in on a honeymoon location may take center stage, one of our favorite parts of wedding planning is selecting — and celebrating! — the people who still stand beside you at the altar.
This brings us to one of 2023’s biggest wedding trends: bridal party “proposals”!
Here’s a closer look at this creative way to ask your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other wedding party members to join you on your big day, along with ideas and inspiration for proposing to your wedding party, including the importance of choosing the perfect bridesmaid proposal box for your gift.
What’s a Wedding Party Proposal?
Bridesmaid status may be more symbolic now, but the origins of this tradition may surprise you. While bridesmaids have always assisted brides, they were tasked with much more than this in ancient times when they were supposed to protect the bride from evil forces ranging from malignant spirits to dowry-seeking bandits.
Today, bridesmaids and groomsmen are more focused on helping the happy couple. They perform various duties, from planning showers and other parties to making speeches. Perhaps even more importantly, they serve as a vital support system — in the hectic days leading up to the wedding and for life.
That’s where wedding party proposal gifts come in. In facilitating the official “ask,” they add fun pomp and circumstance to the occasion while conveying your appreciation and gratitude. Based on the type of gift, they can also set the tone for your wedding.
Wedding party proposals are far from one-size-fits-all. Depending on your budget, location, and other logistics, they can be extravagant affairs or smaller, more intimate occasions.
And while delivering your present (and proposal) might ideally be face-to-face, it’s not always possible in our far-flung world. In this case, sending a proposal package through the mail is an excellent alternative.
Wedding Party Proposal Ideas
There’s no right or wrong way to ask people to stand up for you at your wedding. Nor is there any one particular gift that is appropriate or expected. Rather, the sky’s the limit.
Some popular proposal presents include:
- A gift box full of wedding party essentials, such as lip balm and mints
- Bath bombs, scented candles, and other self-care goodies
- Lip gloss, nail polish, and other cosmetics
- Hair ties, scrunchies, and other fun accessories
- Personalized accessories, such as sunglasses, socks, and sleep masks
- Jewelry
- Custom-made, freshly baked cookies bearing your proposal message
- Travel kits containing sunscreen, passport holders, portable thermoses and tumblers, etc.
- Matching pajamas, robes, or tee shirts
Before deciding on bridal party proposal gifts, spend a few minutes thinking about your intent for the gift. Is it something to be enjoyed right away, like chocolate and champagne, or at a later occasion, such as on a bachelor party weekend? Other proposal gifts are for use on the wedding day or intended to be keepsakes.
If you do have a special occasion or intent in mind, be sure to convey that expectation when presenting the present.
Tips for Making a Wedding Party Proposal
Wondering how to pull off the best wedding party proposal? Here are some tips to keep in mind when recruiting your crew:
Ask Early
Life is busy. Asking early isn’t just a sign of respect but also helps to prevent scheduling conflicts. Experts recommend asking within two to three months of your engagement — or sooner!
Make it Personal
Personalization is a demonstration of thoughtfulness and closeness. It’s a special and sentimental touch that turns an ordinary gift into an extraordinary one. This can be as simple as a handwritten note or something more formal, like a monogram.
Don’t forget the packaging!
In the current unboxing era, packaging can be just as memorable as the gift. The right bridesmaid proposal box also adds a sense of anticipation and excitement while complimenting its contents.
Being in a wedding party is a big honor and commitment! Proposal gifts are a wonderful way to acknowledge the importance of the role and your appreciation for the people filling it.
Once you’ve decided on your wedding proposal gifts, let DIYPack help you present them in the most meaningful way. From wedding favor boxes to subscription boxes and beyond, we specialize in helping people design the just-right packaging guaranteed to make special occasions even more special!
To start customizing the perfect bridesmaid proposal box for your wedding party, use our handy design tools today.
