30 Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas: Gifts and Fun Ways to Ask

Bridesmaid proposals are the perfect way to kick off your wedding day festivities and celebrate with your closest friends. While they’re totally optional, they’re a fun way to show your friends and relatives how much they mean to you. Yet, knowing what to put in your proposal box can feel a little overwhelming.

So, we’ve pulled together 30 fantastic bridesmaid proposal ideas, plus tips on how to ask, “Will you be my bridesmaid?”

What is a bridesmaid proposal?

A bridesmaid proposal is a unique way to ask close friends or relatives to be part of your bridal party on your wedding day. A relatively new (and optional) trend, it's usually done with a small gift or a card that expresses your appreciation and excitement for them as an important part of your life.

How to create a bridesmaid proposal box

Sure, you want to get your bridesmaids-to-be together to give them cute proposal boxes. But what if they’re a little more spread out geographically? Send them a classic proposal box instead! They’re easy to customize and ship, and there are literally hundreds of proposal box ideas you can explore to build the perfect gift for each member of your bridal party.

23 bridesmaid proposal ideas

If you know you want to send a proposal box, but you’re still looking for the perfect gifts for your bridesmaids, these 30 bridesmaid proposal box ideas are cute, customizable, and easy to ship.

1. I do proposal cards

Not all bridesmaid proposal ideas are expensive. Sometimes, the most budget-friendly are the most effective. No matter your style, the perfect proposal card is out there waiting to be found! Choose your favorite design (we love these adorable proposal cards) then customize your proposal for each of your friends. Share a memory, an inside joke, or a favorite photo to let your bridesmaid know just how special they are.

2. Party photo props

Was there even a party if you didn’t take pictures? Send your bridal party a fun photo prop (like these wedding photo props) so they can take their own proposal selfie, and you can get a group photo of your I do crew.

3. Filled candy boxes

Gourmet candy and uniquely flavored treats will surely be a hit with your wedding party. Consider flavors that match your wedding cake combination, or ask your bridesmaids if they prefer chocolate or fruit flavors. Fill boxes like these glittery gold boxes with all of your favorite sweets.

4. Knot jewelry

Jewelry is a great way to propose to your wedding party while giving them the perfect wedding day accessory. You can choose matching bracelets or a thoughtfully chosen necklace for each bridesmaid to love for years to come. Or what about these statement knot earrings? This is one of the best bridesmaid proposal gifts if you know your bridesmaids will be contributing their time and money towards your big day.

5. Champagne

Send a little bubbly to enjoy at your virtual proposal party or over a one-on-one call with your bridesmaids. Don’t forget the bridal party champagne flutes (these classic champagne glasses are pretty stylish) that double as a prop for your getting-ready photos.

6. Mason jar candles

Candles are an easy gift anyone can enjoy, but they’re also easy to elevate. Find a candle to match the scents of your wedding flowers, make your own candle with custom scents and colors, or create a custom label asking your wedding party to join your big day. Or, keep it simple (yet effective) with these peony-scented jar candles.

7. Nail polish

Give your loved ones the gift of a fresh manicure with nail polishes that match your wedding colors—or go neutral with this bridesmaid-inspired polish. You can also build a gift basket with cuticle oil and lotion or include a gift card they can use to buy their own manicure supplies. This is one of our favorite “be my bridesmaid” ideas if you’re on a budget.

8. Spa day essentials

Help your bridesmaids recharge with a spa day gift box of relaxing scents, moisturizing lotions, and beautiful bath essentials like this predone spa gift box set. It’s the gift that keeps giving any time they need a break!

9. Luxurious robe

Bridal robes are a classic favorite when it comes to bridesmaid proposal ideas that can help your wedding party feel fabulous every morning. Try a silky robe in your wedding colors (or a classic shade like this lovely satiny robe), or match the bridesmaid dresses with each individual’s name embroidered to help your party feel extra special.

10. Matching t-shirts

Concerning bridal box ideas, this one is a classic choice. Bridal party t-shirts, like ones with cute sayings, are perfect for photos, the bachelorette party, and even the after-reception party. Plus, your bridesmaids can love them long after the parties are over.

11. Drinking glasses

Your bridal party will love a custom wine or drinking glass to add to their barware, like these stunning quality flutes. Have your glasses etched with each bridesmaid’s initials or name for a beautiful gift they can bring to every wedding party. Put these in boxes for bridesmaid proposals when you’ll be gifting them IRL, as they may be fragile!

12. Hair accessories

Who couldn’t use more hair accessories? Ask your bridesmaids to help you tie the knot with bridal party pins, themed hair ties, or other fun accessories. Zola’s collection of bridal hair accessories are super cute. Put these in bridal boxes for bridesmaids who live further afield to save on expensive (heavy) postage costs.

13. Succulents

Succulents are easy to love and hard to kill, making them an ideal gift for almost any occasion. Send a little greenery, like a thriving potted succulent, to make your wedding party’s day.

14. Ring pops

Now that you’ve said yes, it’s your bridal party’s turn! There are few more fitting ways to pop the question than with your own ring pop proposal. They don’t even have to be edible, like these fun light-up rings. For an affordable bridesmaid proposal box, these fun gifts tick all the boxes.

15. Makeup bags

Give your bridal party the perfect accessory for your wedding morning with proposal cosmetic bags. Stuff them with lipsticks, makeup wipes, moisturizers, and more for the perfect getting-ready gift. This monogrammed makeup bag is one of our favorites.

16. Coffee gifts

Local coffee beans, cute espresso cups like this tiny espresso mug, and coffee shop gift cards are all thoughtful ways to propose to the coffee lovers in your life. Don’t forget the monogrammed coffee mug to make each morning a little brighter.

17. Honey

Looking for bridesmaid proposal ideas that really lean into the sweet theme? Local honey is a sweet way to ask your loved ones to share in your big day. Check out local honey producers for unique flavors and quality honey, as well as other bee-made gifts, like candles and lip balms. This honey in a stunning bottle is a yummy choice.

18. Lip balms

Lip balms will keep your bridal party’s smiles moisturized and prepped for photos. You can order custom labels or find boutique lip balms with special flavors (we love this assortment of lip balms) or additives like flower petals for an extra special favor.

19. Mint scents

A pack of mints is a simple gift your bridesmaids can keep with them as a little reminder of how much you mean to them. A beautiful tin can also be repurposed and enjoyed well after the mints are gone. For something a little more luxe, try this lovely, mint-scented candle.

20. Cookies

Order custom cookies from a local bakery to ask your loved ones to join you at the altar on your special day. It’s a sweet treat they’ll love and an extra special way to propose. Looking for something you can buy online? These customizable cookie sets are seriously sweet and can accompany all kinds of other bridesmaid proposal ideas.

21. Keychain

Cute and budget-friendly, buy a personalized keychain for each of your bridesmaids-to-be (like this personalized keychain) when you pop the question. If you’re all about useful gifts, this is a cheap but cheerful option that they’ll use long after the big day.

22. Sustainable confetti

You know your wedding day wouldn’t be the same without them there. Buy them some colorful (or wedding color-themed) confetti (this floral confetti is both timeless and biodegradable) to throw over you and your partner when you’ve sealed the deal.

23. Ring dish

Give them a ring dish to keep all of their jewelry organized, like this you and me ring dish with a message that suggests, "He put a ring on it, now I need you to help me tie the knot. Will you be my bridesmaid?"

7 More bridesmaid proposal ideas

Hopefully, the bridesmaid proposal ideas above will give you some great inspo for shippable presents. If you’re looking for something a little different, try the box surprise ideas below.

24. Proposal puzzle

A proposal puzzle is a fun way to give a gift and a proposal all in one. You can order custom puzzles with a photo of you and your friend with “Will you join my bridal party?” to send to each bridesmaid-to-be.

Puzzles are fun on their own, but you can make them a game with prizes for each place finish—first, second, etc. You may also choose to include a joke or special memory on the puzzle for each bridesmaid to discover and share as an icebreaker.

25. Matching t-shirts

Matching t-shirts are a fan favorite for any “I do” crew. Your bridal party can take selfies and group screenshots while wearing them during your proposal party, then re-wear them for the bachelorette party and other planning celebrations.

Bridesmaid t-shirts can be simple, with labels like “bridesmaid” and “man of honor.” They can also be customized for each person in your party, like “the funny bridesmaid,” or references to your favorite things like a “Feyoncé” shirt for you and matching bridesmaids shirts with lyrics like “I Woke Up Like This.”

26. Bonding games

If you’re hoping to make your asking bridesmaids box a little more inventive, try this idea. Collaborative games double as a fun and engaging way to get your wedding party working together and to deliver the proposal. You can plan in-home scavenger hunts to have your guests find things like rings, white dress, cake, and other wedding hints to piece together the proposal. Trivia and word puzzles also work well, with lines like “Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig star in this 2011 comedy.” (Hint: It’s Bridesmaids)

Get creative to find ways to spell out the question with story problems, secret codes, and more. These clue games create a fun memory, prompt lots of laughs, and help your bridesmaids-to-be get comfortable with each other.

27. Online movie night

Plan a movie night with games, like movie trivia or rom-com bingo. You can add a little spice with custom bingo markers, prizes, or house rules to make it a drinking game. Remember, boxes for bridesmaid proposals are totally optional. If you’d rather just host a cute get-together and pop the question that way, that’s a lot of fun, too.

In addition to the movie and games, pre-plan to send your guests movie popcorn, drinks, and of course, access to whatever movie you choose to watch. This way, no one gets left out, and your guests don’t have to worry about a thing!

28. Bath in a box

What’s more relaxing than a spa day at home? Wedding planning can be stressful, so send your wedding party the gift of relaxation as a special treat from you. Bath bombs, sheet masks, a scented candle, and chocolate are all anyone needs to enjoy a nice night in to refresh. You can include your proposal as a card, on the candle, or even as a surprise hidden in the bath bomb.

29. Box of customized sweets

A box of sweets is sure to make anyone’s day, but you can take it a step further with custom candies or cookies for your bridesmaids. Order cookies from a local bakery with your proposal in icing, or send your party ring pops with a personalized proposal. Then, plan a video call to enjoy your treats with great conversation and sweet wine.

30. Balloon bouquet

Balloons are a fun way to brighten your bridal party’s day, and they can double as props or decor for your virtual proposal party. Send balloons with custom messages and a gift box, or order a stuffed balloon filled with confetti and gifts. Either way, friends will love the presentation!

How should I propose to my bridesmaid?

When proposing to your bridesmaid (s), choose a gift, a card, or a get-together that reflects your friendship and your wedding theme. Some of the best bridesmaid proposal ideas include matching t-shirts, personalized Champagne flutes, boxes of spa products, sweets or cookies, or bath bomb surprises.

What do you write in a bridesmaid proposal?

Pop the question in a fun, creative way that suits your wedding theme and your (and your bridesmaid's) personality. Some popular ways to do this include catchy phrases, puns, or rhymes, like: “You’re the Rachel to my Monica,” “Will you help me tie the knot?” or “Donut make me do this alone!”

No matter how you plan your bridesmaid proposal, your wedding party will love to celebrate your special day and a bright future. Make sure they know how special they are to you with a sweet proposal and happy wedding planning. If you have questions about bridesmaid duties or who pays for bridesmaid dresses, Zola has all the answers for your wedding party needs.