Tag: wedding planning

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Wedding Trends for 2024

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

At the heart of every wedding is the love between the couple. At GSW, we encourage you to honor your authentic selves and plan things that speak to you, no matter how unique or offbeat it is. The below is a list of ideas that may speak to you, or maybe they won’t. Whatever you want to incorporate in your wedding is up to you and no one else (you hear that, parents?).

Converse Wedding Shoes
This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to be able to produce new content and products.

Giant Sheet Cakes

Move on over tiered cakes, it’s time for sheet cakes to take center stage. Not just any sheet cakes, mind you, but GIANT sheet cakes. We’re talking sheet cakes upwards of EIGHT FEET LONG. 

Perfect for a large guest list, these mega cakes offer a unique wow factor and have already been trending on TikTok. Once you find a baker willing to turn your extra long cake into a reality, you can truly customize it. Maybe it’s 4 different flavored cakes frosted together? Maybe you want to decorate it with flowers that match your decor? Maybe you want it shaped in a semi-circle instead of a rectangle? The options are endless and can truly reflect your own style and vibe. It’s sure to be one of the most photographed pieces at your event because chances are, your guests haven’t seen anything like it!

 

Giant sheet cake from Julia Gallay/Gallz Provisions
©Julia Gallay of Gallz Provisions Micro Bakery
Mega Sheet Cake for Wedding
©Julia Gallay of Gallz Provisions Micro Bakery
Extra long wedding sheet cake
© Roxanne Rosensteel
Extra Long Sheet Cake by Saltedrye and I Bake Mistakes
©Saltedrye, made with @IBakeMistakes

Flower Lapels

Girls don’t have to have all the fun when it comes to flowers! While the boutonniere has been around since the 16th century to ward off bad luck and evil spirits (Wikipedia), a “buttonhole flower,” as it’s called in English, doesn’t have to be the limit. If the groom is into it, why not have his whole lapel be FULL of flowers?

This accessory choice is bold, but can really complement the bridal bouquet or general floral aesthetic of the wedding. There’s tons of different flowers and greens to suit every groom’s taste and personality. This is a fresh and fashionable twist to the standard menswear.

 

Flower Lapel by Esther Griffin Photography
© Esther Griffin Photography

Custom Crests

A quick search on Etsy will provide you with a number of different artists who are ready to customize your own wedding crest! This crest can be used on your invitations, website, programs, beverage napkins, etc. It’s a piece of art that you can have printed and framed in your house for years to come.

We actually opted for a personalized crest for our wedding and used LanaDreams on Etsy. This crest includes imagery that is meaningful to us. In our welcome bags, I included a little information pamphlet including the meaning behind all the different elements in the crest. 

Wedding Crest by Lana Dreams on Etsy
©Lana Dreams, Etsy

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

Matchy matchy is out. It’s time to let the personalities of your individual bridesmaids shine (while still honoring your wedding aesthetic). Instead of everyone wearing the same dress in the same color, there are lots of unique variations:

  1. The same dress in different shades of one color for a nice ombre effect (would only recommend if the singular style is flattering on everybody).
  2. Different style of dress (picked by each person wearing it) in the fabric and color of your choice.
  3. Different fabrics with complementary colors to give some more visual interest and texture.
  4. Patterns! I am a sucker for a floral print and Birdy Grey recently came out with SO MANY MORE.

If you are going to have different colors or get dresses from different shops, make sure you take advantage of all the swatches to ensure they look good together!

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
These are my bridesmaids' dresses from my own wedding. All chiffon but different patterns and/or texture for each. Each dress was from a different store.

Not sure where to start on your hunt for mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses? Take a look at these options!

Kennedy Blue bridesmaid dress swatches
Kennedy Blue
mix and match bridesmaid dresses
Dessy Group
Birdy Grey
Birdy Grey

Sustainable Practices

With a growing emphasis on environmental consciousness, sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of modern weddings. From eco-friendly decor to locally sourced cuisine, couples are making conscious choices to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize waste. Reusable decorations, biodegradable confetti, and eco-conscious favors are just a few ways couples are incorporating sustainability into their special day, leaving a positive impact on the planet while celebrating love.

Ides for sustainable practices include:

  1. Silk flowers
  2. Renting bridal accessories, such as veils
  3. Digital invitations and RSVPs
  4. Finding vendors who prioritize sustainability and limit waste
  5. Vintage jewelry
Premium Silk Bouquet from Something Borrowed Blooms
Premium silk bouquet from Something Borrowed Blooms, available to rent or purchase.
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Wedding Ceremonies and Customs

Wedding Ceremonies and Customs Blog Post
This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to be able to produce new content and products.

Your wedding day is a special moment that represents the union of two people and the start of a beautiful journey together. While traditional weddings are timeless and beautiful, many couples nowadays are choosing to infuse their ceremonies with unique and meaningful customs from various cultures and traditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore some captivating and unconventional ceremonies you can incorporate into your wedding, making it a day to remember for both you and your guests.

If you incorporate any of these ceremonies into your wedding, be sure your officiant is aware and has a script ready.

Ceremony List

Handfasting

Originating from ancient Celtic traditions, handfasting is a beautifully symbolic ritual that involves binding the couple’s hands together with ribbons or cords. Each ribbon represents different aspects of the couple’s life, such as love, trust, and unity. The couple’s hands are then tied together, symbolizing their commitment to each other. Incorporating handfasting into your wedding ceremony not only adds a unique visual element but also serves as a powerful symbol of your bond.

Preserve your handfasting ceremony by putting the knotted cords into a shadow box or special storage box with other wedding memories. Amazon offers many unique cords in a wide variety of colors from which to choose. 

handfasting ceremony
Image Source: https://www.ceotha.com/

Unity Candle Ceremony

The unity candle ceremony is a popular addition to modern weddings. It involves the lighting of two individual candles by the couple’s parents or by the couple themselves. The couple then uses their individual flames to light a single, larger candle, symbolizing their union as a married couple. This simple yet powerful ritual is a beautiful way to represent the joining of two families and the creation of a new one.

You can create your own set or buy a set adorned for wedding use. 

A bride and groom light the center unity candle during their wedding ceremony
Image Source: https://www.theknot.com/real-weddings/a-houstonian-hotel-wedding-in-houston-texas-album

Sand Ceremony

The sand ceremony is another symbolic ritual that signifies the blending of two lives into one. The couple pours different colored sands into a single container, often a glass vase, creating a layered effect. This artwork represents the unique qualities and individual histories of the couple, which, when combined, create something beautiful and inseparable. It’s a wonderful way to visually demonstrate the coming together of two people in marriage.

The resulting art can be displayed in the home as a constant memory of your joyous day. If you prefer something more custom, there are many sand vessels that double as picture frames, such as this one:

Image Source: https://www.koch.com.au/blog/wedding-sand-ceremony

Unity Glass Ceremony

Full disclosure – this is what we did, and we loved it!

The Unity Glass ceremony is a hybrid of the unity candle and the sand ceremonies. The parents and the two partners each have their own set of glass chips to pour into a vessel (minimum of 4 colors), symbolizing the blending of two families. After the wedding, you send the combination of glass chips to the glass blower and they create a beautiful piece of art to display in your home. Each piece of glass art is unique and the colors are a reflection of the couple. Choose colors that coordinate with your home decor or are meaningful to you.

We used Unity in Glass for this and they were wonderful to work with (this is not an affiliate link, just a positive experience I’m sharing). If you don’t want the piece of art, you can opt for a vase for an extra fee. They also offer parent gifts such as Christmas ornaments and paper weights, all out of the same mixture of glass from your wedding. We even have leftover glass that they sent back to us, so if we ever want something else created in the future, we can send it back to them.

unity glass artwork
Our unity glass artwork on display in our home!

Ring Warming Ceremony

Incorporating your guests into the ceremony can be a wonderful experience. In a ring warming ceremony, the couple’s wedding rings are passed from guest to guest, with each person briefly holding and bestowing good wishes upon them. By the time the rings make it back to the couple, they are infused with the love and blessings of their friends and family, making the exchange even more meaningful. Many couples tie the rings together with string or pass them in a small dish. 

Sometimes, the rings are taken in advance to close family members who may not be able to attend the actual wedding, ensuring that their best wishes are bestowed upon the ring.

Image Source: http://withtheseringshandmade.com/wtrblog/2017/8/8/ring-warming-ceremony

Tree Planting Ceremony

In this eco-friendly ceremony, the couple plants a tree together during the wedding. The act of nurturing the tree as it grows serves as a symbol of their love and the growth of their relationship. It’s a beautiful way to represent the longevity and deep roots of their commitment.

Choose a tree that has significance to you, whether it’s a favorite type or one with personal meaning. Consider the climate and location of the venue to ensure the tree can thrive in that environment. Prepare the tree in the days leading up to the wedding to ensure it’s properly potted or wrapped for easy planting. Make sure you have selected a spot ahead of time!

As a symbolic gesture, couples can exchange small containers of soil to represent their individual lives and histories. 

Care for the tree together and revisit it on your anniversary every year. You can water it, exchange notes or messages, and reflect on your journey as a couple.

An alternative is planting a tree inside a large container and taking the container home with you.

Image Source: https://shirleykennedy.ca/tree-planting-ceremony (LCG Photography)

Your wedding day should be a reflection of your unique love story, and including meaningful traditions and ceremonies is a beautiful way to achieve this. Whether you’re inspired by ancient rituals or want to create something entirely new, the ceremonies mentioned in this blog post can add depth and meaning to your wedding day. Remember that the most important thing is to make your wedding a representation of your love and commitment to each other, and these ceremonies can help you achieve that in a distinctive and memorable way. Embrace the beauty of tradition and the uniqueness of your own love story to create a wedding that will be cherished for a lifetime.

mix and match bridesmaid dresses
Posted on by — Leave a comment

These Shoes Saved My Feet During My Wedding

bride wearing sneakers while sitting next to her dress

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through some of my links. This is at no cost to you and helps us be able to create more content.

bride wearing comfortable sneakers sitting next to dress

After changing from my slippers, I wore these memory-foam Skechers throughout all the photos before the ceremony. 

You Can Still Wear Heels, You Just Have to Supplement

The shoes you wear on your wedding day play an important role in how you will feel and function. Do you want to risk having very achey feet and needing to take rests, or do you want to dance and mingle all night long?

If you want to make sure your feet allow you to do whatever it is you want, your shoe selection is one of the most important things you’ll decide.

I knew I wanted to wear heels on my wedding day because of the way they make me feel – glamorous, put-together, sexy… I’m here to tell you that if you feel the same way, you don’t have to give up your heels! You just have to supplement. 

I made a last minute decision to purchase some sneakers 2 days before my wedding (thank you, 1-day Prime shipping!), and that was absolutely one of the best decisions I made.

Instead of walking around the venue in heels all afternoon during the pre-ceremony photos, I walked around in memory-foam Skechers. They were SO comfortable. Sure, my dress wasn’t tailored for sneakers, but I just had to kick it up a little when I walked. You can’t even tell I’m wearing them.

bride in wedding gown and groom in hunter green suit walk under cherry blossom trees

After all the photos and before the ceremony began, I changed into my wedding heels and wore them through dinner. Once the dance floor opened, I went to change into my party dress and put on a different pair of heels. For those second heels, I used Vivian Lou insoles to further ensure I wasn’t in pain. This was my second time using those insoles and so far they have worked great for me! 

If you’re keeping track, yes, I had 3 different pairs of shoes on my wedding day, 4 if you add-in the slippers, and 5 if you add-in my “just in case” rain boots. Those would have replaced the sneakers but I was ready for anything! 

Wedding Shoes

  • Slippers – for getting ready
  • Comfort Sneakers or Rain Boots – for taking photos pre-ceremony
  • Wedding Heels – for the ceremony through dinner
  • Party Heels – for your dress change, if applicable

I could have purchased one glorious pair of Bella Belle shoes, and they would have been gorgeous but hardly seen. Instead, I was able to purchase multiple pairs of shoes that were also attractive, just less intricate, and that were comfortable for all my needs. I was never once in foot pain.

If your dress is long and you care about your feet, I highly encourage you to get a pair of “comfort shoes” for yourself – seriously, you won’t regret it! I’ve put some in a table for you to check out below. The ones I got are the first ones in the table, and they had a tiny bit of shimmery sparkle to them which made them even more perfect for the big day. They were immediately comfortable (no break-in period) and I’m going to continue to wear them casually. 

Comfort Shoes

Preview
My favorite!
Skechers womens Ultra Flex Salutations Sneaker, White/Silver, 7 US
JIAJIA 8835 Wedding Shoes Bridal Sneakers Flats Bride Tennis Shoes Lace Sneakers Colour Ivory,Size 7.5 B(M) US/38 EU
adidas Originals Women's Nizza Platform, White/White/White, 8
Roxy Women's Rory Slip On Sneaker Loafer Flat, White, 8
Product
Skechers womens Ultra Flex Salutations Sneaker, White/Silver, 7 US
JIAJIA 8835 Wedding Shoes Bridal Sneakers Flats Bride Tennis Shoes Lace Sneakers Colour Ivory,Size 7.5 B(M) US/38 EU
adidas Originals Women's Nizza Platform, White/White/White, 8
Roxy Women's Rory Slip On Sneaker Loafer Flat, White, 8
Price
$59.90
$47.00
$75.63
$43.16
Prime
Customer Rating
Reviews
5,095 Reviews
98 Reviews
5,013 Reviews
9,034 Reviews
Details
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
My favorite!
Preview
Skechers womens Ultra Flex Salutations Sneaker, White/Silver, 7 US
Product
Skechers womens Ultra Flex Salutations Sneaker, White/Silver, 7 US
Price
$59.90
Prime
Customer Rating
Reviews
5,095 Reviews
Details
Buy on Amazon
Preview
JIAJIA 8835 Wedding Shoes Bridal Sneakers Flats Bride Tennis Shoes Lace Sneakers Colour Ivory,Size 7.5 B(M) US/38 EU
Product
JIAJIA 8835 Wedding Shoes Bridal Sneakers Flats Bride Tennis Shoes Lace Sneakers Colour Ivory,Size 7.5 B(M) US/38 EU
Price
$47.00
Prime
Customer Rating
Reviews
98 Reviews
Details
Buy on Amazon
Preview
adidas Originals Women's Nizza Platform, White/White/White, 8
Product
adidas Originals Women's Nizza Platform, White/White/White, 8
Price
$75.63
Prime
Customer Rating
Reviews
5,013 Reviews
Details
Buy on Amazon
Preview
Roxy Women's Rory Slip On Sneaker Loafer Flat, White, 8
Product
Roxy Women's Rory Slip On Sneaker Loafer Flat, White, 8
Price
$43.16
Prime
Customer Rating
Reviews
9,034 Reviews
Details
Buy on Amazon

Did you wear multiple pairs of shoes on your wedding day? Would you recommend them? Let other brides know in the comments below! 

May you party all night without aching feet!!!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Ten Things Your Wedding DJ Needs to Know!

wedding dj

This page may contain affiliate links which means if you buy something through our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to release new content and products.

Hey, Mr. DJ

Your wedding DJ typically acts as the official MC of the event, making him (or her!) a very important vendor. Of course you are going to give your DJ a song list so they know what to play for the processionals, recessionals, special dances, etc., but there’s a lot more the DJ should know to ensure your event is exactly how you want it. Here’s a list of TEN things your wedding DJ needs to know!

1. For what parts of the event they are DJing and/or need to provide mics

This is important if, say, you have a live string quartet for the ceremony, and the DJ only needs to provide a microphone for the officiant and won’t play music until the cocktail hour. Will you have a speaker during the ceremony (as in, someone who is reading a poem or verse), then the DJ may need to provide an extra stand mic.

2. Timing and location of wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception

This is especially important if venues are changing or there are multiple hours in between the ceremony and cocktail hour.

3. Whether the ceremony, cocktail hour, and/or reception are indoors or outdoors

DJs need to understand the elements in which they will be working. If outdoors, will there be shade cover? What is Plan B in the event of inclement weather?

4. If guest tables will be positioned between the DJ and dance floor

This will impact the location of the speakers which are normally situated next to the DJ, but can be adjusted if that would be a nuisance to adjacent tables.

5. If the DJ will announce the bridal party and/or newlyweds

Will parents/grandparents be announced? How about bridal party? Will the gents escorts the ladies or will they be announced individually? How do you want the DJ to announce you and your new spouse? This all feeds the timeline, as well.

Did you know some DJs offer lighting packages, too? If they don’t, or if you are looking for a more affordable option, don’t be afraid to rent! The company Rent My Wedding has amazing rental options for monogram lighting (pictured), uplighting (a must!), starry night lighting, etc.

Monogram Lighting Rental Package from Rent Your Wedding

6. Desired "motivation" level during open dance time

The motivation level is the amount of interaction above and beyond acting as DJ and MC.  Do you want the DJ to play songs and make announcements only? Then you’re looking for a low motivation level. Do you want the DJ to use the mic and encourage dancing, but not get on the dance floor? You’re looking at a moderate motivation level. Do you want the DJ to get on the dance floor, set up special dances (e.g., soul train), and be a ball of energy? Then you’re looking at a high motivation level. The latter may require the use of a DJ assistant.  It is super important to be on the same page as your DJ when it comes to motivation level.

7. Information for Announcements

You will be creating a timeline with your DJ and you should ensure that there are no surprises. Are you doing a choreographed first dance that requires you to be in-place?  Do you want to do a bouquet toss? Is your cake going to be placed on a dessert table and not handed out to guests? Is there an early shuttle departure time? Will you  be giving centerpieces away? The DJ needs to know all these things.

8. Music Style and Allowances

What kind of music do you want for cocktail hour? What kind of music do you want during dinner? What decades of dance music do you want played during open dance? (50’s to today). Are there certain genres you want to focus on or exclude? Are you a yay or nay on line dances? How about song transitions? Do you like speed mixing (when only a short amount of the song is played before switching to the next) or do you prefer songs to stay on for a littler longer? 

Moreover, do you want the DJ to accept guest requests? And if so, should they be allowed to play requests even if the song is on the “do not play” list?

Is the DJ allowed to read the room and play music accordingly or do you want to provide the whole playlist?

9. Guest Demographics (Age)

It helps the DJ to plan if they understand the age demographics of the party. Are there going to be a lot of children? Is it mostly going to be young adults? Or maybe it’s mostly older family members.

10. Vendor List

The DJ needs to coordinate with the other vendors to ensure everyone is ready for the events of the day. If the DJ starts playing the processional music but the bridal party isn’t ready yet, that’s not going to go over very well.  Alternatively, if things begin before everyone’s ready, your photographer may miss photo ops which would be truly devastating! People in the industry tend to know each other too, so it’s possible your DJ has worked with your officiant, or day-of coordinator, or photographer before. If they know that in advance, they can prepare for the interaction (whether it’s a good or bad thing).

TIP: Not all DJs are MCs and we encourage you to clarify this during your search. Some don’t want to make announcements and just want to play music. Some have assistants for the announcements. Just make sure when you are interviewing companies and DJs, their role is clear.

Related Product

Posted on by — Leave a comment

What is Wedding Insurance and Do I Need It?

wedding insurance checklist

You may have heard of wedding or event insurance, but is it necessary for you specifically? The short answer is YES!

Read on for the long answer.

What is Wedding Insurance?

Just like car insurance protects you if you have an accident, wedding insurance protects you if there is an accident or issue at your event. 

If you are getting wedding insurance, you will be purchasing Liability coverage. You will have the option of adding on cancellation or postponement coverage, but you cannot purchase that alone.

Liability Coverage:  Protects you against bodily injuries that occurred at your event and for damage to the venue’s property. If your Uncle Joe tends to drink a little too much and damages a light fixture, the insurance could cover the repair or replacement cost after your deductible is met. Or, if he slips and falls on the dance floor, the policy will cover his medical bills up to your selected limits. Venues often require minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in aggregate.

Cancellation/Postponement Coverage: When, and only when, you are purchasing your liability coverage, can you also opt to purchase cancellation/postponement coverage. This insurance will reimburse you for deposits made to vendors if your event needs to be cancelled or postponed due to circumstances outside of your control, such as severe weather that prevents most guests or the honorees from attending. It also protects you in the event of a vendor bankruptcy. Some insurance companies include a Cancellation Coverage Package which also includes coverage up to a specified limit for loss or damage of photographs and video, gifts, special attire, special jewelry, and deposits if the wedding continues as planned. For companies that don’t include a whole Cancellation Coverage Package, you can often buy optional insurance riders for those particular circumstances.

via GIPHY

Luckily she’s okay, but sometimes people fall and really hurt themselves. Hope they have wedding insurance!

How Much Does it Cost?

Costs will vary depending on the amount of coverage you need, but also based on the venue, location, number of guests, and if there are certain extras (animals, bounce houses, firearms). On the average, a general liability policy providing up to $1,000,000 in coverage costs around $125-$150. Cancellation coverage is more expensive, and the cost increases with your coverage amount (i.e., the more of your wedding costs you want to insure, the higher the premium).  Cancellation can run from around $150 upwards of $1,000, on top of the liability coverage. 

Do I Need Wedding Insurance?

If you’re asking me, my vote is YES! Better safe than sorry – isn’t that what insurance is all about? Most venues require liability coverage so you won’t have a choice anyway.  If you do have a choice, Megan Hiltbrand, a wedding planner in Syracuse, N.Y., suggests buying liability coverage at a minimum. “The cost is a drop in the bucket compared to your total expenditure. I don’t see a reason not to have it.” If you are having a wedding in a backyard, then the homeowner’s liability or umbrella policy could cover events, but sometimes when alcohol is involved, extra host liquor liability coverage is necessary. Talk to the insurance provider to confirm your best course of action in that scenario. 

If you’re still questioning it, just read this Reddit post from someone who wishes she got insurance:

Where Do I Get Wedding Insurance?

Glad you asked! There are many different providers of wedding or event insurance and you should get quotes from multiple to ensure you’re getting what you need. Below is a list of a few companies to consider. This isn’t a sponsored post and I have no connection with any of these companies, just want to provide resources to make your life easier. 

1. Markel – Can be used for weddings or other events and came recommended by my venue. This is who I used and the cancellation coverage came with a package so I didn’t have to get a bunch of individual riders. Total cost was around $150 for liability and $200 for cancellation up to $15k.

2. WedSure – Made specifically for weddings with liability coverage from $125. Also includes change of heart insurance.

3. WedSafe – Offers a bundle deal to save 15% when you also purchase cancellation/postponement coverage with your liability coverage.

4. Travelers – No deductible and great for destination weddings.

Have any more questions about wedding insurance or a personal experience to share? Drop a comment below!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

DIY – Bridesmaid Proposal Boxes

*This page may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. This allows us to continue making new content and products.

Table of Contents

Bridesmaid proposal boxes or gifts have become all the rage lately. Opinions on this seem to go two ways – either you think it’s cute or you think it’s overkill. While it certainly isn’t necessary to put together a custom box, it can be a sweet gesture if you have the time, made more meaningful by the fact you arranged it yourself! 

Searching for bridesmaid proposal boxes online can seem daunting because to include all the items you want and to make it personal, it’s going to cost you. Don’t be discouraged by the high prices you see for pre-made boxes on sites like Etsy. Even if you don’t consider yourself crafty, you are absolutely capable of putting your own together! Not only will you save money, you’ll be proud of what you’ve accomplished.

Here’s some ideas on how to put together and what to include in your bridesmaid proposal boxes: 

Making the Box

First things first, you need a box in which to put your gift(s). 

This gift box set comes with ten 8″x 8″ x 4″ boxes that are perfect for this! They even come in different colors, including white, black, pink, red, and brown. Pick the one that matches the vibe and aesthetic of your wedding.

You can’t just put a bunch of things into an empty box. For an extra wow factor (and let’s face it, some cushion), add crinkle cut paper to the bottom of your boxes. One 2-pound bag goes a LONG way! Any you don’t use can be saved for future gifts.

You can deliver/send a plain box, but it’s fun to jazz it up a bit. If you have a die-cutting machine, you can easily cut out vinyl with your bridesmaids-to-be’s names to put on the box. Alternatively, you can use some simple letter stickers! *Pro-tip: If you like the look of custom vinyl but you don’t want to spend the money on a die-cutting machine, like a Cricut or a Cameo, check your local library’s maker space. Many libraries are now carrying these machines and are free of use! All you have to pay for is the vinyl (and your time).  I used this rose gold vinyl which was super easy to weed and apply.

Lastly, I added a ribbon around the box that matched the color of the name. For me, that was this rose gold ribbon.

white box with rose gold names and ribbon
Flower Girl Proposal Box for two sisters

Adding the Gifts

Now that we have a box in which to put gifts, it’s time to solidify those gifts.  Common items include personalized tumblers, ring pops, candles, and hair ties. My advice – don’t focus on what the norm is, focus on what is meaningful to you and/or your friends. If your friends are not the type of ladies who are going to use things with “bridesmaid” written all over it, then forget that stuff. 

This is what I ended up doing for mine:

1. Cherry Blossom sheet masks (our wedding’s during cherry blossom season so it was fitting)

2. “Diamond” proposal pens

3. Custom-made tea tins – This was a bit of a project, but very up my alley (may or may not be fun for you). This involved the following: 

a.) I purchased bulk tea tins and applied beautiful washi (Japanese paper) around the tins using mod podge. The washi is totally optional.

b.) I designed, printed, and cut the labels to fit on the tea tins.  I’m going to see if I can sell the SVG file for my labels so if you wanted to make something like this, it’s easier. 

c.) I filled them all with loose leaf tea and provided steeping bags.  I tried to choose tea based on the recipient (i.e., I know one friend’s favorite is Earl Grey so she got that).

4. The last thing I included was a custom card with a handwritten note on the back. I designed the card face in Canva and then got each one printed at Office Depot for no more than $1/card. 

custom tea tins

There’s so many different things that you could consider adding to your friends’ boxes that are thoughtful –

  • A small photo album showcasing your friendship, or a framed photo.
  • Nail polish in your friend’s favorite color
  • A heartfelt letter
  • Delicious treats
  • Face mask/hand sanitizer
The same process can also be followed for flower girl boxes! It made me so happy to give my flower girls the full experience, and I filled their box with flower sunglasses, pink nail polish, and floral temporary tattoos. 

Delivering the Package

If you are lucky to live by your bridesmaids, then hand delivery is the best option! No need to continue reading. 

If you’re like me, where the majority of your bridesmaids live out of state, you’ll need to ship these. If you live in the US, the USPS medium flat rate box is the perfect size. There was a little extra space on the sides which I just filled with newspaper/plastic bags. To save money on the shipping, I highly recommend creating an account with Pirate Ship. It’s completely free and gets you commercial pricing. I don’t work for them and this is not an affiliate link, I just enjoyed my experience. One of my bridesmaids, who is also a bride, recommended it to me and I’m just passing on the advice to all of you!

So there you have it! Hope this gave you some ideas for your bridesmaid proposal boxes. And just remember, it doesn’t have to look designer or professional to be appreciated by your squad.