10 DIY “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” Ideas (+ 10 Gifts to Give Them, Too!)

Nov 25, 2014

The question’s been popped and you’re just starting to feel your feet on the ground again. You can’t believe it, and you’re so excited, and now it’s time for a whole other series of very important questions. Where should we get married? What kind of dress do I want? Who should we invite? And, most importantly, where my girls at?! Now it’s time to check in with your besties and pop the next important question: Will you be my bridesmaid?

There are ton of ways to do this, from a simple (probs emotional) phone call to a full-on surprise party. We’ve teamed up with Target Wedding Registry to share 10 DIY ideas for popping the question to your ladies as well as 10 great gifts to give them the weekend of your wedding!

Mail Them a Flipbook

Set your digital camera up on this Vanguard Camera Tripod ($70), and get ready to get silly. Create signs that spell out “Will you be my bridesmaid?” or simply dance your face off as the camera snaps. Take at least 100 photos in the same setup. Then print them out and assemble into an old school flipbook. For the one you see pictured above, I used a bedspread from DENY Designs as the colorful backdrop!

DIY Ways to Ask Your Bridesmaids

Champagne On Ice is Twice as Nice

Package up a Vintage Style Beverage Pail ($20), a bottle of bubbly and a champagne flute or two and mail it to your girls. It will instantly start the celebration and will definitely result in some tipsy texts back and forth ;)

3. Treat Them to Custom Bath Salts, Candles and Lip Scrubs: Show your gals how much you appreciate them by making them custom bath salts, candles and lip scrubs. Pick a different scent for each bridesmaid and create fun packaging to personalize the whole set.

Send Them Flowers

Never underestimate flower power. You’ve said it to your partner, and now it’s time to take your own advice. Nothing says I love you like a bouquet of fresh flowers. Props to you if they match your wedding’s floral motif.

Equip Them with Wedding Day Emergency Kits

Think of yourself as a bride who plans ahead? Then you better be planning for your bridesmaids to be fully equipped with everything they (read: you) could possibly need at your wedding. Follow this tutorial to see how to create your own canvas bags for essentials like mascara, elastics, bobby pins, a lint roller, a basic sewing kit, band aids and more.

Ask Them With a DIY Banner

We created this hashtag banner for a recent wedding post but think the same method could easily be applied to asking a friend to be a bridesmaid. Simply cut out the question “Will you be my bridesmaid?” out of card stock letter, then string onto a garland. Drop in the mail and your BFF will be so touched! And she’ll probably hang it up and Instagram the pic. #instaprops

7. Cocktails for Two: If your bestie is local, invite them out for a cocktail (or five) and outfit the scene with DIY coasters, drink stirrers and striped straws. It’ll add a touch of personality to what will certainly be a very happy hour. If you need to send cocktails by mail, however, package up the stirrers, coasters and straws and include an airplane-sized bottle of her favorite spirit.

Selfies for the Win

Confession: Every single time a friend of mine gets engaged, I write “Congrats ____ and _____” on a piece of paper, take a selfie and send it to the newly engaged couple. And guess what? It is always much appreciated! You can apply the same concept to the bridesmaid question, and can even throw in a few throwback photos of the two of you if you’ve got a good archive. We recommend using a Polaroid Instant Camera ($70) and stocking up on plenty of Polaroid Film ($33)!

Freshly Baked Cookies

We all know the best way toanyone’s heart is their stomach. Bake up a batch of hot pink frosted cookies and send ’em to each of your favorite ladies when you ask if they’ll be by your side.

Throw a Surprise Bridesmaid Brunch

And finally, the whopper. If you’re looking to go all out, you could throw a SURPRISE bridesmaid brunch! Pretend that it’s a dress fitting or a wedding-related freak out “you have to come over and have brunch with me” moment, and then boom. Your besties are all there together and you can pop that very important question to all of them at the same time. So fun! Check out this tutorial to see how to throw the best bridal brunch ever.

1. Cashmere Extra Long Gloves ($35): If you’re getting married in a chillier climate, be sure to outfit your ‘maids with chic cashmere gloves. These extra long ones will give you a little extra warmth as well.

Gifts to Give Them for Your Wedding Weekend

2. Polaroid Instant Camera + Film ($81): This is one of those clever two-in-ones — the weekend of your wedding, your gals will be taking fun behind-the-scenes shots. Then they get to keep it for their own photo-tastic festivities.

3. Toms for Target Striped Throw ($30): This cozy throw goes with just about anyone’s interior design style and is great for cozying up on a lazy Saturday.

4. Merona Chevron Infinity Scarf ($20): Speaking of cozying up, this cushy scarf is chic, warm and the perfect late night layer for all your ladies.

5. Jeweled Ballet Flats ($22): Perhaps you asked your besties to don a crazy pair of high heels for your ceremony? Gift them these sparkly flats to change into for the reception, and they’ll be eternally grateful.

6. Super Foaming Tangerine Bubble Bath ($12): Being a bride is exhausting, but so is being a bridesmaid! Treat your loves to a little rest and relaxation by way of bubble bath.

7. Riedel Chardonnay Tumblers, Set of 2 ($20): Pair a set of these with a bottle of wine, and you can’t go wrong.

8. Underwater Dogs Book ($14): Sometimes all you need to give them is something to make them giggle. This tome by photographer Seth Casteel is hilarious, incredibly photographed and will definitely make them smile.

9. Faribault for Target Wool Scarf ($40): One more scarf, because it’s a classic gift that we can’t get enough of.

10. Fitbit Flex Activity Tracker ($95 and up): And finally, encourage healthy living by gifting them a sleek activity tracker like the Fitbit flex! This wristband tracks both activity and sleep, and is a great way to make sure you stick to all those upcoming New Year’s resolutions.

And thanks to Weduary‘s latest batch of updates, you can make your wedding party feel super special from the moment they get to your wedding website.

But wait, what is Weduary? Here’s how it works: Weduary makes it easy for any couple to build a social and beautiful wedding website in minutes. Created by the crew here at Brit + Co, Weduary is designed with a DIY spirit in mind — you can personalize your entire site, from the domain name to the registry info to your custom color palette. It’s sort of like Tumblr, but for wedding sites. Easy to use, social and pretty darn good-looking. Earlier this year, we announced an even more slick component of the registry section. In addition to mixing and matching experiences, charitable donations and more, you can also embed a custom Target Wedding Registry right on your site.

Now, about those updates… with this brand new set of goodies, you can grant them plus ones to every event, invite them to events that only select guests can see (like a bridal shower, bachelorette, rehearsal dinner, etc.), and now all of your guests can specify a meal option. Woot woot!

How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon

verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Every Shocking Detail You Missed In 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Part 1

Outer Banks Season 4 Part 1 finally brings the cast back to the OBX.
John B., Sarah, Cleo, Pope, Kiara, and JJ are up against the Kooks — and other treasure hunters.
Season 4 feels more grounded and relatable than past seasons, making it a very strong installment.

If you know me, you know I'm a die hard Outer Banks season 1 fan. I binge watched the entire thing with my family in 2020 while quarantining on the real OBX, I joined the Drew Starkey fan club the moment he stepped onscreen, and I was obsessed with JJ and Kiara way before the internet started shipping them. So, needless to say, I've been waiting for Outer Banks season 4 with baited breath — especially when I heard rumors it would focus on JJ (Rudy Pankow) the way previous seasons had focused on John B. (Chase Stokes) in season 1, Pope (Jonathan Daviss) in season 2, and Kiara (Madison Bailey) in season 3.

I think season 1 will always be my favorite, but Outer Banks season 4 part 1 pleasantly surprised me. We're far enough into the show that we really care about the characters, and they have enough history with one another that we're invested in their decisions. Plus, returning to the OBX provided real-world stakes I could relate to as a viewer: family drama, dealing with bullies, and more. No matter whether you really love JJ, or you're always dreaming about your next beach vacation, here's whyOuter Banks season 4 absolutely NEEDS to be your weekend binge. (Serious spoilers ahead!!!)

We're Back On The Outer Banks!

Netflix

FINALLY! After a couple of seasons in the Caribbean and South America, Outer Banks is back, well, on the Outer Banks. Honestly, this automatically makes the season better because it provides a ton of familiarity, nostalgia, and comfort for readers. And it also provides a realistic, grounded aspect to the adventure. Because let's be honest, a group of teens hopping on a tiny plane and taking part in a jungle treasure hunt requires a little too much suspension of disbelief for me. Plus, just like Gossip Girl wouldn't be the same without Blair and Serena hitting up Bergdorf's, a Pogue beach & surfing day just feels right.

The Pogues Open Their Own Shop

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The first episode of Outer Banks season 4 catches us up on that season 3 time jump. After learning how much money they actually have their hands on, the Pogues move into JJ's old house (renaming it "Poguelandia 2.0"), and open a bait, tackle, and charter shop. While I have a few questions about how six teens literally built a business without the help of a contractor, I love seeing this group lead regular lives. The shop plays into their strengths and allows them to cultivate their relationships in normal settings instead of life-or-death ones. Friendships are made in those boring moments, IMO.

The Pogues And Kooks Are Fighting Again

Netflix

Because so much of Outer Banks season 4 takes place on the OBX, it means John B., Sarah, JJ, Kie, Pope, and Cleo are once again clashing with Topper, Rafe, and the rest of the Kooks. Despite the fact this season features plenty of death-defying stunts, the scene that will stick with me the most is when the Pogues and Kooks wind up at the same beach access.

I audibly gasped when Ruthie, Topper's new girlfriend, plays chicken with the Pogues on the beach, almost hitting Kiara with her Jeep and running over a turtle hatch in the process. (IRL, protecting endangered sea turtles & their hatches are a big deal on the Outer Banks, so this definitely got a visceral reaction from me).

At the end of the day, the major (and arguably, the most painful) conflict of this teen drama is how the Kooks make the Pogues feel like they don't belong anywhere. And if you ask me, exploring this tension and these relationships is where the show truly shines.

The Villains Are Actually Scary

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

That being said, I found the villains this season, Lightner and Dalia, to be way scarier than I expected — especially once Lightner killed Terrance and almost killed Cleo. Every time he showed up onscreen, my heart started pounding like he was chasing me! The thought of being stuck in my bait shop alone with a creepy guy, especially one brandishing a knife? Thank you, next.

The Pogues Are Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After Outer Banks season 3, the one thing I said I didn't want the show to do was go into supernatural, ghost territory. Turns out, that's exactly where we're going. Wes Genrette and his son-in-law Chandler Groff hire the Pogues to find Blackbeard's treasure, but it doesn't take long for them to realize they're once again in over their heads.

Wes is a direct descendent of Francis Genrette, the man responsible for killing Blackbeard and his wife Elizabeth. Now, Elizabeth haunts every generation of the Genrette family, and once she appears, you don't have long to live. Wes reveals his daughter Larissa (Chandler's late wife) saw Elizabeth a week before she died, and Wes himself has seen her, which means his days are numbered.

Now the Pogues have to find Elizabeth's amulet to break the curse. Their race against Lightner and Dalia brings Pope, Cleo, Sarah, and John B. to Charleston — and leavesPope and Sarah trapped in a crypt as it slowly floods.

Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

If this show has proven anything, it's that the OBX is far from paradise. This season, some big names are trying to turn The Cut — including Poguelandia 2.0 — into an extension of the wealthier Figure Eight. Things get even more complicated when Hollis, who worked with Ward before he died, wants Rafe to be her financial partner...and then gets his girlfriend Sofia to convince him to sign her contract.

Rafe Could Actually Be Getting A Redemption Arc

Netflix

Drew Starkey admitted after season 1 that he didn't care whether Rafe got a redemption arc, and I agreed at the time. I found the idea of Rafe, who was so driven to please his father he'd literally murder for him, incredibly compelling. Plus, he's been the ringleader of the War on Pogues this whole time, so suddenly making him sympathetic towards them felt like backtracking on his character.

But now that I've seen him with Sofia, the romantic in me is kicking her feet and giggling.

Rafe still has his moments (like saying he'd never date a Pogue after finding out Sofia was from The Cut), but for better or worse, Sofia brings out the best in him. And in the aftermath of Ward's death, and his ultimate wish that Sarah and Rafe would make up, feeling sympathy for the Pogues might be Rafe's way of staying loyal to his dad.

I just want to know how Rafe is going to respond when he finds out Sofia overheard his comments about never dating a Pogue...and then tricked him into signing Hollis' contract. Messy, messy.

Luke Is Back

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After JJ & Kiara said goodbye to JJ's dad Luke in Outer Banks season 2, he's been totally off the grid. Except, apparently, he hasn't? JJ learns Luke is back when he visits Barracuda Mike, but the father-son bonding quickly takes a turn for the crazy when Luke drops a piece of news that changes everything: he isn't JJ's biological father. Chandler Groff is.

JJ Has Actually Been A Kook This Whole Time

Netflix

JJ's entire character is based around the fact he's proud to be a Pogue. He hates the Kooks and everything they stand for, which is why when Luke reveals he isn't JJ's biological father, and that JJ is related to the Groff/Genrette clan, it totally sends JJ into orbit.

This Kook identity is something he's been running from the entire series — even before Kie had to reassure him that finding the gold didn't make them Kooks — and he's going to have to do some serious soul searching to figure out who he actually is now.

I was wholly sold on the theory Outer Banks 4 would reveal JJ and Sarah were siblings, but this is a pretty good alternative. And who knows? Maybe they're cousins. Fingers crossed JJ doesn't get a deadly visit from Elizabeth's ghost in part 2...

What did you think about Outer Banks season 4 part 1? Check out 9 Insane Outer Banks Theories That Would Totally Change The Show for more while you wait for part 2!

outer banks pop culture nsfw entertainment

Send Good Vibes With Our New Collection Of Greeting Cards!

Moonpig

Greeting Cards

Our new collection of greeting cards is here, and we're so excited to share it with you! We partnered with Moonpig to design an 11-card collection in B+C’s signature style. Moonpig allows you to personalize greeting cards and will mail them for you!

Joy, Love, Cake Card

We worked with our in-house team to capture life’s special moments, from big birthdays to new homes to warm holiday wishes. Send them to family and friends and spread the love and joy this season. Right now you can snag a free card with code BRITCOFREE. Here’s a sneak peek!

Gratitude Card

Moonpig lets you write your own personal message – you can even use your own handwritten copy! Just submit a sample of your handwriting and type away. You can have the cards sent to you to mail out personally, or they’ll do it for you.

Firework Photo Card

You can add personal photos on the outside or inside, as well as video and audio messages (via QR code). Your friends and family will love seeing and hearing you from afar.

Shop the Whole Collection

Happy Birthday Card

Choose from a variety of designs, colors, and messages to find the perfect card for your friends and loved ones. Moonpig cards cost less than a regular card (sweet!), and you can add a gift card from a bunch of popular retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, and Uber Eats.

Shop the Whole Collection

New House Card

Celebrate the milestones, big and small. From new homes to new jobs, there’s always a good reason to reach out to family and friends and connect in a meaningful way. Share those special moments with a thoughtful card that will absolutely make their day.

Merry Era Card

The holidays are just a couple zodiac seasons away! We have a selection of holiday greeting cards that we designed specifically for our B+C followers – and well, that we love too!

Candy Cane Card

Have a reason to celebrate with a group? You can have friends and family sign your card by creating a Group Card.

Shop the Whole Collection

Our beautiful new designs are ready to spread holiday cheer! Use promo code BRITCOFREE to get a free greeting card today.

Warm Wishes Card

Love And Happiness Card

Moonpig has Extra Large Cards too. Surprise your birthday loves on their special day with an extra large card that says all the things you love about them.

Check out the complete B+C x Moonpig greeting card collection. New customers can use code BRITCOFREE to spread love and joy to friends and family today!

Photography by Nicole Hill Gerulat

holiday cards group card birthday card friendship card new home card new year card christmas card greeting cards holidays friendship gratitude gratitude card holiday gift ideas sponsored sponsored-custom custom-sponsored celebrations

The Best Liquid Eyeliners To Combat Sweat, Tears, & Smearing

Some of us have sensitive tear ducts that seem to get triggered if the wind blows a little too hard — which can make it so tough for those of us who love a good liquid eyeliner. Suddenly, you look like you were just sobbing about a breakup, when in reality your allergies just got the best of you, leaving streaks of eyeliner and mascara.

However, it IS possible to find the best liquid eyeliner to wear that's long-lasting, waterproof, and perfectly pigmented. Skip the hard-to-grip and smudgy products for these 7 incredible options I found. Trust, you'll barely have to reapply them throughout the day, leaving your makeup flawless for hours and hours!

The Best Liquid Eyeliner Ever!

Target

e.l.f. Expert Liquid Eyeliner (Set of 2)

This is virtually unheard of, but this is probably the best liquid eyeliner you're ever going to wear. 88% of Target's customers recommend it, feeling you're getting the best quality for your money. Though it doesn't have the highest long-lasting rating, it still gets the job done when wearers need it to.

What are customers saying about it?

e.l.f. Cosmetics

From Target:

"i got this eyeliner like a few months ago and let me tell you its the best eyeliner I've ever got, its so easy to apply and good for beginners and STAYS ALL DAY."
"goes on easily and dries with no cracks to create a flawless look"
"I've used this liquid eyeliner for years- really can't beat the price!"

From e.l.f. Cosmetics:

"It's a good liner but it does fade after about four hours so you have to touch it up."
"It's a great eyeliner especially for hooded eyes."
"I have tried many and these just seem to stay put and stay smooth for a long time over so many other brands."

Amazon

NYX Epic Ink Liner

There's a reason why this is considered the best liquid eyeliner on Amazon. It's the overall pick as it's been purchased over 30,000 times and has a 4.5 rating! Also, Amazon noted it's something most customers keep which speaks volumes. So, what makes it so great?

It's a matte, waterproof formula that's going to give you a long-lasting effect and it has a super short precision tip to make your lines look on point. Whether you're going for a cat-eye look or something to complete your Halloween costume, this is your best bet!

Other Popular Liquid Eyeliners

Amazon

Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner

Aside from NYX's Epic Ink Liner, Maybelline's liquid eyeliner is another popular pick on Amazon. It has a similar precise tip that ensures it'll glide on easily — even if your hand isn't the steadiest. It's also hooded eye-friendly (IYKYK) which should bring a sigh of relief to anyone who's tired of seeing smudged eye makeup.

Amazon

Stila Deluxe Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

This Stila waterproof liquid eyeliner is perfect for all-day wear! You can create so many looks, from lightly outlining your eyes to packing on the drama. Plus, Amazon customers love how this eyeliner allows them to get "super smooth, fine lines" with "no smudging or bleeding." Incredible!

Sephora

Glossier Pro Tip

Can I get a little commotion for his vegan liquid eyeliner? It's totally gonna become another beauty staple soon. It's easy to use and has a buildable formula that doesn't waste time drying. Did I mention it's also long-lasting? In the words of my favorite social media sound, "You better get one of these!"

Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproof Matte Liquid Eyeliner

It seems like the top-rated liquid eyeliners have one thing in common: they're waterproof. And this option from Anastasia Beverly Hills is no exception to that! Plus, this one claims to be highly-pigmented — which doesn't seem like a reach if you know how good Anastasia Beverly Hills' products are.

P.S. There's no parabens, phthalates, or mineral oils in it.

Sephora

One/Size by Patrick Starr Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Rounding this list out is this amazingly vegan liquid eyeliner by One/Size! I've already made a case for their setting spray so it doesn't surprise me that this makes other customers happy too. It glides on super smooth and fits comfortably in your hand so you won't experience a classic case of butter fingers when applying it.

It's also free of the following:

Parabens
Formaldehydes
Formaldehyde-releasing agents
Phthalates
Mineral oil
Retinyl palmitate
Oxybenzone
Coal tar
Hydroquinone
Triclocarban
Triclosan

Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty finds, tips, and tricks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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24 Craveable Chocolate Cake Recipes For Every Occasion

How is your day going? We bet a bit of chocolate cake would make it better — like, way better. And if a bit makes it better, then for good measure, let’s up the stakes to 24 different and divine chocolate cakes and just have a ball. From classic layered numbers to waffle cake masterpieces, we’ve got all your chocolate cake dreams covered. Tie back your hair, and let’s get to baking!

Sarah Anderson

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

chocolate comfort food recipes dessert recipes recipe roundup vegetarian recipes food

10 DIY “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” Ideas (+ 10 Gifts to Give Them, Too!)

Mail Them a Flipbook

DIY Ways to Ask Your Bridesmaids

Champagne On Ice is Twice as Nice

Send Them Flowers

Equip Them with Wedding Day Emergency Kits

Ask Them With a DIY Banner

Selfies for the Win

Freshly Baked Cookies

Throw a Surprise Bridesmaid Brunch

Gifts to Give Them for Your Wedding Weekend

​We're Back On The Outer Banks!

​The Pogues Open Their Own Shop

​The Pogues And Kooks Are Fighting Again

​The Villains Are Actually Scary

​The Pogues Are Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

​Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

​Rafe Could Actually Be Getting A Redemption Arc

​Luke Is Back

JJ Has Actually Been A Kook This Whole Time

The Best Liquid Eyeliner Ever!

What are customers saying about it?

Other Popular Liquid Eyeliners

We're Back On The Outer Banks!

The Pogues Open Their Own Shop

The Pogues And Kooks Are Fighting Again

The Villains Are Actually Scary

The Pogues Are Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

Rafe Could Actually Be Getting A Redemption Arc

Luke Is Back