The Bridesmaid Proposal Box Guide for Australian Brides


Getting married? Congratulations!

Before your big day, we know there’s a lot to do, so as an early wedding gift to you, we’ve put together this article to make one crucial part of your wedding planning easier – some inspiring ideas for what to put in a bridesmaid proposal box.

But why are bridesmaid proposal boxes such a big deal? Bridesmaid proposal boxes have gained popularity in recent years. They are a fun way to ask your best friends to be part of your special day. While you can always just pick up the phone to ask them, a proposal box can create a fun opportunity to make a memorable moment out of asking, ‘will you be my bridesmaid?’

Being a bridesmaid is a fun but important task.  From taking time off work to help before the wedding, the day of and even after the wedding, bridesmaids need to fulfil important duties and even spend on their own bridesmaid expenses that will help make your wedding a success.

And for that extra work and costs involved, it’s only right to pop the bridesmaid question with personalised bridesmaid proposal boxes that are unique, creative, meaningful and something your bridesmaids-to-be will treasure for years to come.

A bridesmaid proposal box doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Make sure that each box expresses your love and appreciation with items that celebrate the importance of the women you’re asking to stand by your side on your wedding day.

Even better, a special bridesmaid box can be used to store wedding keepsakes and gifts for many years to come. 

Ready to put together your very own bridesmaid proposal box? Dive into this article and get ready to be inspired. And as a bonus, find out a bit more about this fun, photogenic wedding trend that’s definitely here to stay.

WHAT IS A BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL BOX?

When thoughtfully crafted and carefully prepared, bridesmaid proposal boxes are definitely Instagram-worthy and will become treasured mementos for years to come. This variant on the traditional proposal ring box lets you celebrate your gal pals as a treasured part of your special day.

There is no exact info about when exactly bridesmaid proposal boxes became a modern wedding trend, but in the last few years, we’ve seen more and more of them making rounds on social media. And we love it!

It’s also pretty straightforward to prepare once you’ve planned what to include in your bridesmaid proposal box. It’s no different from organising any other gift box except that more thought and care is put into its preparation.

These boxes can be as elaborate or as simple as you want them to be, but they typically have a few things in common:

  • A theme or colour scheme to match or complement your wedding theme.
  • Different items with the following qualities: sentimental, practical, fun, useful, cute and, of course – personalised gifts

Bridesmaid boxes can be sent via mail or delivered personally. They can be given all at once or separately. However you decide to give them, it is bound to be a cherished moment. 

WHAT DO YOU PUT IN A BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL BOX?

The possibilities are endless when it comes to filling a bridesmaid proposal box! The best way to curate items for your bridesmaid boxes is to make them personalised to each person.

A key factor to consider is that you’ll want each box to make the recipient feel valued and get the heartfelt message across, “I deeply appreciate our friendship. I know this is a huge thing to ask of you but my wedding simply won’t be complete without you. Will you be my bridesmaid?”

And while you can contact a specialty company to create memorable bridesmaid proposal boxes for you, it can be extra special to make your own DIY bridesmaid proposal box. Making your own bridesmaid proposal box is not that different from making a gift hamper and can be a fun and easy DIY project.

There are so many options when it comes to choosing items for your proposal box. But, don’t forget the items don’t have to be extravagant. You can find bridal good luck charms across a variety of stores and price ranges, which make fantastic items to include in a gift box.

Remember that whether you’re asking your sister or your best friend, proposing for someone to be by your side on your wedding day is a big deal – so to elevate the bridesmaid proposal experience, it’s naturally best if each box contains items that are meticulously hand-picked and put together by you, the bride!

WHERE TO BUY AN EMPTY BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL BOX IN AUSTRALIA

If you’re looking for a bridesmaid box that’s simple, beautiful, and will last years, these Custom Engraved Wooden Boxes from Pretty Little Gift Box are a perfect choice.

Handmade in Queensland, Australia, each wooden box is engraved with individual names, phrases, logos and messages of your choice to make each box personalised and extra special. 

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and your bridal party will include the most special people in your life. This is why bridesmaid proposal gifts deserve to be packaged in more than just any cardboard gift box. 

Invest in our custom wooden box and show your best girls how special they are by lovingly arranging all your proposal goodies in something that they can keep and cherish forever.

17 BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL BOX GIFT ITEMS & IDEAS YOU’LL LOVE

We’ve put together sixteen sweet ideas and split them into two categories – cheap and luxury. Whatever budget you’re on, we’ve got something for you. 

Feel like mixing and matching? Go right ahead. Either way, our ideas will surely make a beautiful bridesmaid-to-be say yes! 

Cheap Bridesmaid Proposal Box Ideas (Under $30)

  1. A Sentimental Keepsake: Personalised Vintage Alloy Necklace With Custom Initials Pendant by JJ’s House Australia

    Starting at under $6.50, this custom minimalist necklace from JJ’s House is an easy, meaningful keepsake that’s perfect as a bridesmaid proposal memento.

    Crafted from vintage alloy, this necklace adds a feminine finish to any bridesmaid’s ensemble. More importantly, it’s a touching proposal gift that will make them think of you every time it’s worn. Go ahead and pop it in the box with everything else you’re giving them!
  2. A Sweet Treat: Bride Tribe Set of 3 Cookies by Sweetcheeks Cookies + Cakes 

    Starting at just $18 for a set of 3 pastel-coloured, custom cookies, you can add a dash of sweetness to your bridesmaid proposal box with Sweetcheeks Cookies + Cakes Bride Tribe Cookies.

    Including these sweets in the bridesmaid proposal box is a fun and yummy way to let your closest girls know how much you would love for them to be your bridesmaid.
  3.  Practical Gift: Personalised Travel Tumbler from Engraving Kings via Etsy Australia

    Starting at just $23, every girl on the go needs this Engraving Kings travel tumbler that’s stylishly inscribed with her name on it.

    Perfect for staying hydrated during pre and post-wedding day preparations, this is a practical proposal gift for your future bridesmaids that’s useful even years after.
  4. An Everlasting Floral Accent: Pretty, Rustic Dried Flower Arrangements by The Bridal Box Co.

    Starting at just $6, a beautiful, sustainable alternative to fresh flower arrangements are these dainty Dried Flower Arrangements by The Bridal Box Co.

    Dried flowers can be a lovely finishing touch to the actual bridesmaid box. After the wedding, it can be tucked away in fragrant potpourri as a keepsake or used as home decor.
  5. A Relaxing Memento: I Can’t Say I Do Without You Bridesmaid Proposal Pink Soy Candle by Bridesmaid Boxes 

    Starting at $29.95, these personalised, scented soy candles from Bridesmaid Boxes come in four luscious fragrances.

    Candles are beautiful, symbolic proposal gifts to let her know ‌you can’t say ‘I do’ without her because she’s been such a light in your life. After the wedding, scented candles can become a relaxing memento for the happy day and make any space smell magical.
  6. A Set of Chic, Satin Robe & Slippers: Custom Bridesmaid Robes by Handmade By Saurabh and Bridesmaid Slippers by Cinderollies via Etsy Australia

    Starting at $12.89 for Handmade By Saurabh Satin Bridesmaids’ Robes and Cinderollies Satin Slippers at $12.89, for around ‌$25, you can include a soft satin sleepwear set in your bridesmaid proposal box that’ll look beautiful on your bridesmaids and gorgeous in the wedding photos.
  7. A Beauty Gift Certificate: A Beauty & Wellness Gift Card from Best Gift Cards Australia

    With prices starting at $25, you can browse gift certificates from hundreds of spas and salons all over Australia to gift to your favourite ladies and include them in your bridesmaid proposal box.

    With spa and salon time booked and paid for, it’s one less thing your future bridesmaids will have to worry about before the wedding, and they’ll have the beauty treatment they deserve. How can they say no?
  8. A Timeless Tray for Trinkets: Monogram Ceramic Ring Dish by Andrea’s Atelier Co via Etsy Australia

    Starting at $24, you can include this dainty, classic monogram ring dish by Andrea’s Atelier Co in each bridesmaid box.

    Every woman’s essential, this monogrammed ceramic ring dish is printed with high-quality lettering available in different colours with each bridesmaid’s name and initials. This is another useful and thoughtful bridesmaid proposal gift that will last for years.
  9. A Personalised Hanger for Their Dress: Engraved Personalised Wedding Hanger from Bridal Box Co

    This is such a practical and affordable addition to your bridesmaid proposal box. These personalised wooden hangers are a wonderful keepsake for your bridesmaids for only $15.50

    They can be used to hang and display your bridal party’s dresses on the morning of your wedding day. This makes for some beautiful photo opportunities. After the wedding, your bridesmaids can use the hanger to store their dress at home and remember your beautiful wedding day when they stood by your side.

Luxury Bridesmaid Proposal Box Ideas (Over $40)

  1. A Wooden Box For Keeps: Custom Keepsake Boxes from The Bridal Box Co

    Starting at $69, the Custom Engraved Wooden Boxes are the perfect personalised boxes to encase your hand-picked bridesmaid proposal gift items.

    Fill it with pampering beauty products, delicate accessories, and other bridesmaid proposal goodies. Our custom boxes are a beautiful and meaningful way to ask your best girls, ‘Will you be my bridesmaid?’

    They come in small, medium and large sizes, so whether you’d like to use it as a gift box for a small memento or as a bridesmaid proposal box itself, you can pick a size you need for the intended purpose.
  2. A Personalised Place for Jewellery: Leather Jewellery Travel Case by JM Leather Studio

    Starting at $98, your future bridesmaids will love this compact, customisable jewellery travel case by JM Leather Studio.

    A chic, safe place to store jewellery on the go – how can a girl say no to that! You can customise the case with initials, a name or a date. It makes a very special proposal gift for equally special future bridesmaids.
  3. A Luxury, Ready-Made Bride Tribe Box: The Amelia Bridal Gift Box by Miss Poppy Design

    Starting at $186, The Amelia Bridal Gift Box includes a 200 ml bottle of Moet, a Rose Quartz Face Roller, and more luxurious goodies.

    Thoughtfully curated and assembled, this ready-made bridesmaid box is the perfect proposal gift that your bride tribe will love. You can add your own curated items or a special proposal note for a custom feel.
  4. A Chic, Fun Bath Set: #BUTTERMEUP Moisturising Bath Bundle by Bath Box

    Starting at $87, the Butter Me Up Bath Set is a luxurious way to experience love and self-care. 

    Complete with a Butternut Bath Bomb, Nourish Salts, Bath Dust, and more bath time goodies, this gift set is a thoughtful addition to any bridesmaid proposal gift box. It is the perfect, self-care treat for pre or post-wedding celebrations.
  5. A Gift As Special As She Is: Pandora Moments Bracelet 

    With the Pandora Moments Bracelet for $89 and $49 for the Flower Bow & Heart Charm, you’ll be treating your soon-to-be bridesmaids to a gift they’ll never forget.

    With this gift included in her bridesmaid proposal box, she’ll know exactly how much she means to you with this gift included in her bridesmaid proposal box.
  6. A Beautiful, Lasting Floral Keepsake: Personalised Box of Preserved Roses by Orly Bee Designs via Etsy Australia

    Starting at $128, you can include a beautiful set of real, preserved roses by Orly Bee Designs. They never require watering and can last over one year!

    Propose to your future bridesmaids in the sweetest, most meaningful way by including everlasting roses in your bridesmaid proposal box.
  7. A Way To Try New Tea Blends: Personalised Tea Subscription from Tea Tasters Australia

    Starting at $80, Tea Tasters Monthly Tea Subscriptions are an excellent way for tea-loving future bridesmaids to try new, premium blends of tea each month for half a year!

    An ideal gift for ladies who love a relaxing cuppa and the perfect way to de-stress with quiet tea time before your wedding day celebrations.
  8. A Fun, Denim Gift Idea: Personalised Evie Denim Pearl Jacket by Envious Dreams via Hard to Find Australia

    Starting at $169, surprise your best girl gang with this Evie Personalised Denim Pearl Jacket.

    This super-soft denim jacket, complete with stunning pearl buttons, is the perfect proposal gift for your bridesmaids. And think of how great you’ll look in the photos!

Love our ideas? Throw in your own! You can be as creative as you’d like. The main point is to be sure your beautiful future bridesmaids just how much they mean to you. Remember that the goal of a bridesmaid proposal box is less about what you put in the box and more about what you’re trying to say.

Aside from our ideas above, here are a few more bits and pieces of crucial info you need to know about what to put in a bridesmaid proposal box.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SPEND ON A BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL BOX?

Bridesmaid proposal boxes can range from less than $20 per box for smaller boxes with 3 or 4 items each. For high-end bridesmaid boxes with luxurious items, these can set you back from $60 up to $300 per box.

More than just the box itself, the costs depend on the number of bridesmaids you are proposing to, plus shipping, handling, and delivery costs.

Generally speaking, the more bridesmaids you plan on asking, the more you’ll be expecting to spend. When it comes to delivery, this depends on location. Of course, at the end of the day, there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ box with the ‘perfect’ price – only one that’s perfect for you, your budget and your bridesmaids. 

The cost for bridesmaid boxes is definitely flexible, and there are many ways to stay within your budget but still give boxes that are both meaningful and beautiful.

WHAT DO YOU WRITE IN A BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL CARD?

Aside from asking, ‘Will you be my bridesmaid?’, add a short sentence that lets her know how much you’ll appreciate her acceptance. Don’t forget details of the wedding such as date, time and venue.

There’s no right or wrong way to go about this, though! You can get creative by adding quotes, a Spotify playlist code, or whatever you think will win your future bride squad’s sweet yes!

Here are a few fun lines to help inspire you:

  • “I’ve got my guy, now I need my girls.”
  • “Will you help me stay sane on my wedding day?”
  • “Half of the groomsmen are single. Be my bridesmaid?”
  • “Will you do me the honour of being part of my bride tribe?”
  • “I said yes, now it’s your turn. Will you be my bridesmaid?”

WHEN SHOULD YOU DO A BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL?

Like with most bridal etiquette, there’s no rule set in stone here. However, most brides choose to do a bridesmaid proposal once they have set a wedding date! 

Others choose to get in early and will ask their bridesmaids soon after the engagement. However, if you feel that your friends and family may not be ready to give you a definite answer you can do a “soft” announcement of your engagement and wedding date plans via text, email or call. Then once everything is more concrete, you can send invites for a meet up where you can propose to your bridesmaids all at once or deliver the boxes separately.

Will a surprise proposal work in this case? Well – yes and no. A carefully planned surprise will work. Remember, you need to give your future bridesmaids ample time to plan, prepare and rearrange any prior commitments. This way, you’ll get a higher chance of them saying yes!

RELATED QUESTIONS

How Much Should You Spend on Bridesmaid Gifts?

You can spend anywhere from $25 to $200 on a bridesmaid gift, as this depends on your budget and how many bridesmaids you’re planning to ask. Don’t feel pressured to spend more than your budget allows when planning a wedding. Remember, it is the thought that counts! Small personalised gifts for your bridesmaids can make a big impression. 

Do You Have to Give Gifts to Bridesmaids?

No, technically you don’t have to give gifts to bridesmaids, but a thoughtful proposal gift before the wedding and a thank you gift after the wedding will be a memorable way to show your appreciation. Always take into consideration your personal budget when you’re deciding on wedding party gifts. 

BUY PERSONALISED BRIDESMAID BOXES AT THE BRIDAL BOX CO

At The Bridal Box Co, they believe personalised gifts are always the most memorable. When it comes to bridal party gifts and bridesmaid proposals, our handmade, personalised boxes are the best choice. 

All their wooden gift boxes are made from sustainable timber and hand engraved locally in Queensland. They can personalise your bridesmaid proposal with your choice of design, whether you want something classic, floral or fun to suit your wedding theme. 

The best part is you can then choose exactly what you’d like to go inside your boxes! We even have a handy guide on how to create a DIY gift box to help you wrap and decorate to your heart’s content. This allows you to make the most personal and memorable bridesmaid box for your best friends. 

Pauline Mitchell

My signature keepsake boxes encapsulate a memorable story from the carefully selected products sourced from and within Australia, the exquisitely handcrafted artwork, the sustainable materials used, and the luxurious beauty in every keepsake box itself—all for an intimate and personal gift token that will let you speak from your heart.

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