Will you be my bridesmaid?: A guest post from Laurie at Madeleine's Daughter

Dachowski Photography is pleased to introduce you to two guest bloggers while we're away on vacation . . . enjoy and we'll be back in the studio on July 5th!

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"We know and the task of asking your friends and family to be your attendants in your wedding can be a little daunting. We don’t think it should be a task that has you biting your nails, so we did a little research and asked around to see how creative brides have asked their their girls to share in their special day.

Here is what we found out:

1- Wrap up a “How to be the best Bridesmaid ever” book and mail it to them or hand deliver it. Place a sentimental note inside the book, explaining how dear and treasured they are . . . you can also be blunt, sneaky or silly with a note that simply says “hint, hint”.

2- Create a scrapbook or small booklet featuring the two of you throughout your friendship. Include a personal note on the last page, “Will you be my bridesmaid?” with the date of your wedding. This is sure to get you both a little teary eyed!

3- Want something that they can wear? Have T-shirts made that say “bridesmaid." You can include the wedding date (or your name with your groom!). There are plenty of places that do screen printing and will customize to your specifications. Be creative or be simple; it’s all up to you.

4- Planning to purchase jewelry for them to wear? You could pre-purchase the trinkets- a necklace, bracelet, earrings, etc. and wrap it beautifully. Include a “Save the Date” on the tag or card and inside with the gift, sneak in a “Will you be my bridesmaid?” note.

5- Do your research:, if they don’t live nearby, seek out a florists in their area and send sweet smelling flowers with a personal note. Have them delivered, because all girls love to have flowers delivered to them! It will make the occasion even more special for them.

6- Get down and crafty! Build a bridesmaid's paper doll chain- write each bridesmaid's name on a doll and then fold it up accordion-style. Use pretty paper in your wedding colors! Hand deliver them or mail them in cute envelopes.

7- Graphically inclined? Go a little more bold and create a movie poster…starring, of course, you! Use a wedding themed movie as inspiration. Add your special request to the poster.

8- Our most simple suggestion yet- have a good old fashioned BBQ cookout! Invite all of the friends and family that you wish to ask and the surprise them by "popping the question." Just make sure that any non-bridal party guests don’t get the wrong impression…you don’t want more attendants than you intended (whoops)!

All in all, just have fun with it; think of fun and memorable ways to ask them and you won't regret it.

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Laurie writes the blog for Madeleine's Daughter, a full service bridal salon in Portsmouth, NH.

(All bridesmaid images provided by Dachowski Photography)