One of the most exciting parts of getting engaged and kicking off your wedding planning process is the act of asking your favorite people in the world to be in your bridal party. Chances are, you've thought long and hard about who you want to stand beside you up at the altar as you get ready to say "I do." You've probably even already thought about the style of bridesmaid dress that would look good on your group of gal pals as they transform into members of your bridal party.
So the next step, the fun step, is finally asking them a question that's filled with excitement, emotions, and great expectations: Will you be my bridesmaid?
Plans Can Change
The key is to not do it too soon. Oftentimes, brides wonder when is the best time to pop this question. A newly engaged bride may be so excited for what is to come, that she starts asking her friends the first week she is engaged. The problem with this is that plans change. At first, you may think you want 12 bridesmaids, but as you begin to plan your wedding and consider the size, you may see that 12 is way too much and you're better off with three.
Ask Your Spouse
You may even want to wait to see how many groomsmen your fiancé wants to have and come up with a joint number together.
Take Your Time
If the wedding you are planning is two years away, you may want to wait a longer amount of time before asking your bridesmaids to be your bridesmaids—since sometimes how close you are with certain people changes over the years.
Rule Of Thumb
The best rule is to ask your friends and family members to be your bridesmaids anywhere between a year to eight months before your wedding. That will give them enough time to plan the bachelorette party and get their dresses. Any less time may not be enough for them to be able to make the commitment.
Next Steps
Once you figure out timing and who you're going to ask, then you can brainstorm how you want to pop the question to your best mates.
FAQs
The best rule is to ask your friends and family members to be your bridesmaids anywhere between a year to eight months before your wedding. That will give them enough time to plan the bachelorette party and get their dresses. Any less time may not be enough for them to be able to make the commitment.
How early is too early to ask your bridesmaids? ›
How Soon is Too Soon? If you have a long engagement period, it's a good idea to wait until 8-12 months before the wedding. Unfortunately, how close you are to certain people can change. Surely you wouldn't want someone you feel you hardly know anymore at your bridal table instead of a new best friend.
Do you need a wedding date before asking bridesmaids? ›
Choose your wedding date before anything else. The date will dictate availability for many people and you don't want someone to commit to being in your wedding party only to find out they are unable to make it due to a prior commitment or a major life change they are expecting such as a baby or a big move.
How early should bridesmaids arrive before wedding? ›
For the bride and a bridal party of four, we suggest starting to get ready four to five hours before the ceremony begins. This will provide ample time for hair, makeup, and photos. Add an hour and a half for each additional bridal party member (or subtract the same amount of time for smaller wedding parties).
How soon do you propose to your bridesmaids? ›
The bridesmaid and groomsmen proposal is generally done 1 year to 7 months out and you must start asking yourself some important questions before even thinking about the proposal. WHO TO ASK: Your closest friends and family members are often the first candidates that come to mind.
Is 18 months too early to ask bridesmaids? ›
The recommended time for asking your bridesmaids is around 12 months before the wedding date - around the same time you should be setting off in search of your gorgeous wedding gown.
How late is too late to ask bridesmaids? ›
The best rule is to ask your friends and family members to be your bridesmaids anywhere between a year to eight months before your wedding. That will give them enough time to plan the bachelorette party and get their dresses. Any less time may not be enough for them to be able to make the commitment.
When to ask the best man? ›
Grooms should start planning on selecting, and proposing to, their wedding party about 8-10 months prior to the wedding. This gives your best man and groomsmen plenty of time to get everything in order for your big day, from making sure he has his suit to planning and booking your bachelor party.
Do bridesmaids stay with bride night before wedding? ›
Many brides opt to stay with her girls before wedding, staying at a hotel with their maids of honor or with all of their bridesmaids. It is the LAST night for girls.
Who gets ready with a bride? ›
– Bridesmaids should be dressed and ready when the bride is ready to get in her own dress! (along with the Mother of the Bride!) – Only 2-3 bridesmaids will actually be able to help the bride get into her dress but the other gals can surround the bride, block distractions and still be a part of the process!
“It has been my experience with clients that getting your makeup done before doing your hair is best,” says Voight. She further adds, “This way, the makeup artist has the chance to blend the makeup into the hairline and around the jaw area without worrying about messing up the beautiful work of the hairstylist.
When should you pick your bridesmaids? ›
Of course, they were probably some of the first people you called after the proposal, but you don't need to rush to figure out when to ask your bridesmaids to join your wedding party. The rule of thumb is to ask one year to eight months before the actual wedding, so you have time to plan out related activities.
Should you have a wedding date before asking bridesmaids? ›
Before popping the question to your bridesmaids-to-be, first, wait until you know your wedding date. Knowing your wedding date will let your bridesmaids have a better idea about whether or not they can commit to the role.
How much should you spend on bridesmaids proposal? ›
As a general rule, you should expect to spend $75 to $150 per bridesmaid. Naturally, you'll want to be a bit more extravagant when it comes to the maid of honor, as she is a key figure in the wedding party and has a great deal of responsibility.
Do you give a gift when asking someone to be a bridesmaid? ›
The first occasion you might give your bridesmaid or bridesman a gift is when you are asking them to be a member of your bridal party. While etiquette doesn't require you to give a present in this moment, it is a lovely gesture to get your bridal party excited about all the events to come.
How far before wedding should you ask your bridesmaids? ›
The best rule is to ask your friends and family members to be your bridesmaids anywhere between a year to eight months before your wedding. That will give them enough time to plan the bachelorette party and get their dresses. Any less time may not be enough for them to be able to make the commitment.
How far in advance should you tell your bridesmaids about dresses? ›
When to order bridesmaid dresses. About six months before the wedding is the right time to make your final decision on the bridesmaid dress or dresses that you want your girls to wear.
What is the etiquette for choosing bridesmaids? ›
How to Choose Your Bridesmaids: 7 Golden Rules
- Here's how to create your perfect wedding party.
- Rule 2: Keep it manageable.
- Rule 3: Choose friends, not frenemies.
- Rule 4: Feature your family.
- Rule 5: Reflect on responsibility and reliability.
- Rule 6: Consider your theme.
- Rule 7: Trust your instincts.
- Ready for Your Big Day?
- 30 minutes per person for bridesmaids' makeup. - 45 minutes per person for bridesmaids' hairstyling. - 15-20 minutes for junior bridesmaids and flower girls hairstyling (we don't typically do a lot of makeup). - 60 Minutes per person for Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom hair and makeup.
