Proposals on a budget: You’re engaged!! The champagne has been popped and the countdown is officially on. There are many lists on Pinterest that you can follow to make sure you have everything prepped and that you’re not forgetting anything. One of the first things on your to-do list, is to pick your bridal party! With various wedding costs, you definitely want to consider keeping those proposals on a budget.
In days gone past you would pick up your landline, dial your friend’s number (that you had memorized) and ask them to join your bridal party; or you would catch up over lunch, the question would be popped and then you would hug. Although this method is still the simplest (and let’s face it the least expensive), in the last 10 years we have seen an explosion in proposals that are a little more elaborate and include some sort of token or gift.
Did you know that over 90% of weddings have a bridal party? By definition “bridal party” extends past the witnesses (i.e Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor), and includes additional bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls and ring boys.
With the rise in popularity, we’ve put together a guide for creating these proposals on a budget; taking a look at how you can speak volumes without spending too much of your wedding budget right off the bat.
For your blushing bridesmaids
Chances are that when it comes time to select which bridesmaids you’d like by your side you may have an idea already, and in turn they might be anticipating the proposal with lots of excitement. But don’t get carried away! Instead keep it personal to keep your costs down.
Use mini items, focus on beautiful packaging and sentimental items. Here are a few things we love to include, pick and choose a few things and you’ll keep your proposals on a budget!
- A mini frame showcasing your favourite photo together
- A sweet note explaining their importance in your life, funniest or oldest memories, a look back at your moments in your lives that have brought you closer together
- Single-wick scented candle – a scent that you may both love, or something that will brighten up their days whenever they light it
- 200 ml of sparkling wine; at your local liquor store you can sometimes even find packs of 3 for less than $15
- Customize just about anything: mugs, wine glasses, t-shirts, take-away mugs; usually when you are order more than one you can get a little bit of a discount – only thing we say here is to be weary of customization as it isn’t as long lasting, so stick with names!
- A small plant – low maintenance, but remember to think about who you’re gifting as some people swear they kill everything!
- A nail polish bottle, many lighter shades are bridal related or choose a color that you know will look great on them
- Their favourite or your favourite sheet or clay mask for when they want to relax and look their best. Maybe the night before your wedding even?
- Sweets & treats – do you have any chocolate lovers? Is your sister a big beef jerky fan? Does someone love a good sour candy? Include some mini packs of their favourites
For your dependable groomsmen
Generally, the groom doesn’t get as excited as his bride when it comes to selecting his side of the bridal party. Either he has family members or long-time friends that will be an easy and much less ceremonial procedure. A call or text will usually suffice. But of course that is not always the case. It is nice for everyone to get a little something.
Here are a few items that keep your groomsmens’ proposals on a budget:
- A 200 ml bottle of their favourite whiskey, bourbon or really anything they enjoy to have a shot with you and your upcoming nuptials
- A good ol’ cigar – celebrations seem to go hand in hand with cigars, and many tobacco shops will offer variously priced options. To be smoked either as engagement celebration or on the wedding day!
- Socks! Either customized, with fun designs and patterns that reflect the groomsmen or all matching!
- A tie or a pair of cufflinks that can be worn past your wedding, a little reminder of a special day
- sweets & treats red just like your bridesmaids, the groomsmen may also fancy chocolates, candies and other yummy treats that can be included.
Are you recently engaged or know someone who is getting ready for their big day? If you are starting to get your bridal party together we invite you to take a look at our Portfolio so that you can check Wedding Photographers off your to-do list nice and early!
You can also follow us along on both Instagram and Facebook where we are constantly updating our content with our latest weddings, engagement shoots and family photography.