Your girls have been by your side through thick and thin, so you’ll definitely need them next to you on the biggest day of your life! They’ll be thrilled to be part of your special day no matter what, but why not get creative? This list of easy ‘will you be my bridesmaid’ ideas will help you invite them to share in your excitement in a meaningful way. The bridesmaid proposal is such a huge and trendy thing right now, and it's up to you on how simple or extravagant you want to be. A meaningful note or card will go a long way, or a fun goodies basket full of surprises is just as cute. Whatever you do, check out our list of our favorite bridesmaid gifts for the big moment!

Rachel Marie Photographie

Before you read our inspiration list, you should know the etiquette of asking. First of all, make sure you do it as soon as possible. Your ladies need time to save the date and some money! Not to mention, they’ll feel a bit awkward if you’re talking about your wedding all the time and they are wondering if they’re going to be a part of it. You should also be prepared for them to say “no.” Being in a bridal party may be an honor, but it is also time-consuming and expensive. Depending where they’re at in their own lives, they may not be able to be more than a guest on the big day. This post was originally published on October 14th, 2014.

Pre-proposal questions:

Before selecting your ‘maids, you should also ask yourself the following questions: 1. How many groomsmen does my fiancé want? 2. Do I need a balanced wedding party? 3. Do I want to have a male bridesmaid? 4. Will I be friends with this person years down the road? 5. Is this person ‘maid material? 6. Will she support my marriage? These questions are essential to ask before deciding on your bridal party. If you don’t see a lifelong friendship with the girl, you won’t want to see her in your wedding photos years down the road! You also don’t want the person standing next to you if they’re not 100% committed to celebrating your marriage. Once you’ve settled on a few amazing friends, try one of these ‘will you be my bridesmaid’ ideas and they’ll definitely say “yes!”

10 meaningful gifts your bridesmaids will love

Giving gifts is so much fun. For such an important occasion, proposing to your bridesmaids is even more special. You don't have to give a gift to your bridesmaids, but it does add an extra meaningful touch. Here are our 10 favorite gift ideas on Etsy, perfect for the big moment. Just so you know, this blog contains affiliate links through Etsy. While we can receive commission, opinions are entirely our own. First up: this too-adorable-for-words floral clutch. It’s simple, cute, and totally practical for your ‘maids to use again and again long after the wedding. You can add your bridesmaids’ names onto a classy leather tag, and there’s a wide variety of colors so you can pick out a different style for each girl. You could even slip a note or letter into the clutch for a personalized surprise!

  Shop: boRann Can’t choose just one gift? Send or give your ‘maids a whole goodie box. This one is stuffed full of succulent and cactus themed gifts that will be sure to put a smile on their face.

Shop: MailboxMelodies

These wine tumblers are pretty and practical. Bring along a bottle of wine when you ask your bridesmaids, and you can celebrate accordingly after they say yes!

Shop: TheWhiteInviteGifts

Who doesn’t love jewelry? These earrings are cute and practical, and can definitely be worn again!

Shop: treasures570

Let’s be honest here, being a bridesmaid can be stressful. Gift a cute spa set to your ‘maids for something to help them relax before the big day!

Shop: CrunchyMamaSkincare

Give your bridesmaids a gift that will be perfect to use on the wedding day! Matching floral robes like these ones from the Wedding Shoppe are adorable in the "morning of" photos or for the bachelorette party weekend!

Wedding Shoppe, Inc. 

Socks are fun, functional, and affordable-pretty much the perfect bridesmaid gift. These ones feature adorable succulents.

Shop: shopsockprints

Not only are these candles eco-friendly, but they’re super cute. Plus, your bridesmaids will be reminded of you every time they use these.

Shop: lulusugar

These necklaces and bracelets are sweet and oh-so-chic. Simple and dainty, your ‘maids will be overjoyed to say “yes” after opening these personalized gifts, and will cherish them forever.

Shop: LEILAjewelryshop

Your bridesmaids may not necessarily be the ones with “the” rings, but ring dishes are always a good idea. Cute and handy for holding all their little odds and ends, these dishes are sure to be a win.

Shop: CiaraJCREATIONS

Proposing to your bridesmaids is something you've probably been dreaming about for years. Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and being able to have your most loved people up at the altar with you makes it that much more special. Think carefully of who you want to include in your wedding, and take some time with your decisions. Once you've decided, proposing to your bridesmaids is half the fun!

Do you have more ‘will you be my bridesmaid’ ideas? Share your creative proposals in the comment section below!