A Guide to Wedding Party Proposals: Who to Ask and How to Do It
- SpringHaus Farm Weddings
- Jan 2
- 7 min read
A Guide to Wedding Party Proposals: Who to Ask and How to Do It
When you start planning your special day, one of the first and most exciting tasks is choosing your wedding party. Your wedding party will be your support system through the ups and downs of wedding planning, so it's crucial to select people who will be by your side not just on the big day, but throughout the entire journey. But, how do you go about asking them, and what are their responsibilities that come with this role if they say yes? As local wedding venue owners of SpringHaus Farm, an outdoor and rustic barn wedding venue near Athens, Georgia, this guide will dive into the process of choosing your wedding party, how to ask them, and what expectations come with the "yes." A Guide to Wedding Party Proposals: Who to Ask and How to Do It!
Who Should Be in Your Wedding Party?
At SpringHaus Farm, we think choosing your wedding party is a deeply personal decision, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Traditionally, brides have chosen close friends and family members to serve as bridesmaids, but there’s no dedicated "rulebook" that says who should or shouldn’t be in your wedding party. However, here are some general guidelines that may help you make this decision:
Family Members: Many brides include their sisters, cousins, or their partner's sisters , and sometimes even close aunts in their wedding party. It is important to fully consider your relationship with them and how well they get along with the rest of your group. Keeping in mind those with less drama the better, you want someone with positivity on your special day.
Close Friends: These are the people who have been there for you through thick and thin. Whether you've known them since childhood or you've built a strong friendship later in life, they should be people you trust, confide in, and rely on.
Supportive People: Choose people who have shown support for you throughout your engagement, whether that means helping you with wedding planning, keeping you grounded, or simply being there to lend an ear when you need it.
People You’re Comfortable with: Weddings can be stressful, and you'll want to have people who are calm, positive, and reliable. Think about who in your life makes you feel relaxed and confident.
How to Ask: The Wedding Party "Proposal"
Now that you've narrowed down your list, it’s time to "pop the question," literally. Here at SpringHaus Farm, an outdoor and rustic barn wedding venue near Athens, GA, we are seeing more wedding party proposals and they are become more popular to make the invitation more memorable and heartfelt. Here's how you can ask your potential special group to join your wedding party:
Traditional Proposal: A heartfelt conversation can be the most personal way to ask someone to be in your wedding party. Sit down, whether in person or over the phone, and tell them why you’ve chosen them, how much they mean to you, and how you can’t imagine the big day without them. If possible, make it emotional and genuine!
Creative Gift Boxes: The “bridesmaid proposal box” trend has gained popularity. You can create a custom box filled with small, meaningful items, perhaps something personalized or a special piece of jewelry, or a special bottle of alcohol you have shared in the past, a "Will you be in our wedding party?" card, or a cute little note. If you know your friends/family well, tailor the box to their personalities or the theme of your wedding.
Custom Cards: If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, custom cards with thoughtful messages are always a great touch. You can find a variety of printable options online or create your own to give your wedding party a personal keepsake.
At SpringHaus Farm you could come and ask your wedding party on site if you are a booked couple! Group Proposal: For a fun twist, you could propose to your bridal party all at once, especially if you have a close-knit group. Consider throwing a friend night in or a casual dinner and present everyone with a little gift or note at the same time. This can also be a great way to get everyone excited for the upcoming wedding. As a booked couple at SpringHaus Farm, you have access monthly for your own special time at our Booked Couples Open Haus time frames, you could bring your wedding party to show them the space and have it set up here to ask them together! What a great gesture that would be!
Personalized Experiences: If you have a shared interest with a potential wedding party attendant (for example, a love for wine or hiking), consider creating an experience around it. A vineyard tour or a day hike followed by a surprise proposal with personalized gifts or a heartfelt speech can make the moment even more special.
How Much Should You Spend on Wedding Party Proposals?
At SpringHaus Farm, we think the amount you spend on asking your wedding party is entirely up to your budget and personal style. Here’s a breakdown based on different budget ranges:
Budget-Friendly: If you're keeping costs low, a handwritten card, a simple bouquet of flowers, or even a heartfelt phone call or video message could and should be enough. The key here is the thoughtfulness of the gesture. Many friends/family will appreciate the personal touch over something expensive!
Mid-Range: If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can opt for a small gift box with customized items, such as a piece of jewelry or a small keepsake that is in line with your wedding theme. Expect to spend between $15-$50 per wedding party attendant at this price point.
High-End: If you have the budget for a larger proposal, consider luxury gift boxes, personalized robes, designer items they could wear on the wedding day, or even a custom experience (like a private dinner or spa day). Expect to spend anywhere from $75-$200+ per attendant at this range.
The key is to balance your budget with a gesture that reflects your relationship with each friend/family member. Don't feel obligated to overspend, thoughtful, personalized gifts are often more meaningful than expensive ones.
Wedding Party Responsibilities: What Happens When/If They Say “Yes”?
Once your wedding party accepts the honor of standing by your side on your special day at SpringHaus Farm, there are a few responsibilities that typically come with the role. These can vary depending on your needs, but here are some general expectations:
Attending Pre-Wedding Events: Your wedding party attendants are generally expected to attend showers, bachelorette/bachelor parties, and other pre-wedding events. Keep in mind that not everyone may be able to attend every event, but this is typically part of the commitment.
Wearing the Chosen Attire: Once you’ve chosen a style, color, and fitting, your wedding party are expected to purchase and wear the attire you've selected. This can be one of the more expensive parts of being an attendant, but they’ll typically wear it with pride on your big day. If you know of someone in your wedding party who are struggling financially, plan a small amount that can assist them, like paying for 1/2 of their outfit or purchasing their jewelry or something to help them in the cost.
Help with Planning or Day-of Support: Your wedding party may be asked to help with wedding planning tasks, like addressing invitations or assisting with DIY projects. On the wedding day, they will also play an important role in supporting you emotionally and physically, whether that’s your bridesmaids fluffing your dress and holding your bouquet, or your groomsmen carrying the rings and calming your nerves.
SpringHaus Farm has a wonderful ring box for you to use from the Something Borrowed Closet! Financial Responsibility: While some costs, like the dress and a suit or tux, are expected to be covered by the attendant themselves, other costs, such as travel and accommodations, may be an additional expense. Be sure to communicate with your wedding party upfront about what they will be financially responsible for, and try to be considerate of their budgets when planning events or purchasing gifts.
Being Present and Supportive: This is the most important role of all. Your wedding party attendants are there to be a source of emotional support for you. Whether that’s helping you stay calm on the big day or lending a hand during the planning process, being a good wedding party attendant means being present, supportive, and positive.
At SpringHaus Farm, we think your wedding day is one of the most important milestones in your life, and choosing the right people to be in your wedding party is a big decision. Think about who will be supportive, reliable, and excited to be part of your special day. When it comes to asking them, be creative, thoughtful, and considerate of your budget. Whether you go for an elaborate wedding party proposal or a simple, heartfelt request, what matters most is that it’s a reflection of the bond you share. And once they say a resounding "yes", remember that your wedding party attendants are there to make this journey memorable and stress-free, all while making your special day even more meaningful. We can't wait to support you and your wedding party here at SpringHaus Farm!
Thank you so much for stopping by our SpringHaus Farm blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owned venues. As you plan your wedding we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours here at SpringHaus Farm. You can find locally owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map. Below is a shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country!
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