How to Ask Your Groomsmen to Be in the Wedding Party

Discover these fun ways to "propose" to your bridal party that they're sure to love!

How to Ask Your Groomsmen to Be in the Wedding Party

groomsmen-gift-ideas-for-asking-friends-to-be-groomsmen
Photo: Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

It’s true that girls just want to have fun, but that doesn’t mean that guys don’t! Recently, it has become customary for future brides to send their best gals small gifts or cards with creative themes in order to formally ask them to be a part of their bridal party. These tokens can be customized to complement the personality of each bride (and bridesmaid) and now, gentlemen have been getting in on the “bridal party proposal” action and sending out similar gifts to their closest male friends.

If you’re considering subscribing to this fun and meaningful trend, we have a few ideas to help get you started:

Cards
Cards can be a creative and humorous way to “propose” to your potential groomsmen. You can get favorite lines from popular TV shows, such as “Suit Up!” from How I Met Your Mother to grace the cover, or make the card into a “Secret Mission” form for the Jones/Smith Project – “your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to get me to my ceremony in one piece.” How about creating an Old West-inspired “Wanted” poster with each gentleman’s face on every individual poster? You can also incorporate private jokes and memories into the motif: phrases that are sure to make your friends laugh and reminisce. 

Kits
If you’re willing to spend a little more, groomsmen gifts in the form of kits are becoming quite popular. Some grooms decide to go with the “Survival Kit” concept and provide their buddies with an assortment if items meant to get them through the planning process or the bachelor party. Some opt for a more person-specific box, tailoring their items to the tastes of each man. Many select an “eclectic” option that can include some extra tasty treats and perhaps a cigar. 

Libations
One of the most popular options for these types of presents is a particular kind of beverage with a custom label. Depending on the preference of the groom and his friends, you can find a custom label professionally printed for just about any drink; whether it be alcoholic or not. We’ve seen incredibly creative customizations of whiskey, rum, beer, and soda bottles alike! Replace the brand name with the word “Groomsman?” or the gentleman’s first name for a memorable detail.

Accoutrements
Giving a reusable gift is a thoughtful way to invite your friends into your bridal party. Custom cuff links with each groomsman’s name or a quote, bow ties in each guy’s favorite hue, engraved bottle openers, personalized dress socks for the wedding and other formal events, and shaving kits to be used on the morning of will delight your potential attendants. This is also a great opportunity to help the men coordinate their ensembles for the big day!

To see these ideas – and more – on how to “propose” to your future groomsmen, check out our Groom & Groomsmen board on Pinterest