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

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!

December always has a way of sneaking up on us with a frenzy of cute holiday decorating, festive gatherings, and dreaming up the best gifts for our besties. If this month has you feeling more frazzled than festive, don’t worry—we’ve got you (and them) covered.

Charles Chocolates

Charles Chocolates Winter Fleur de Sel Collection

We partnered with Charles Chocolates, the award-winning artisanal chocolate brand, to create a gift guide filled with unique and just-a-little-bit bougie finds, because everyone deserves to treat themselves once in a while, holiday season or not! From a plushy robe and scented candles to a box of the most creative handmade chocolates, including a chocolate box you can actually eat, these picks are perfect for everyone on your list — and maybe even a little treat for yourself.

Score a FREE Charles Chocolates Bar when you spend $25 or more!

The Coffee Lover

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Winter Collection Edible Chocolate Box

These coffee-lover gifts, including a colorful French Press and adorbs mug, are sure to perk up your day — and theirs! Pair your morning cup with a delicious piece of handmade chocolate for the ultimate sensory experience. You can literally eat the box in this Winter Collection from Charles Chocolates filled with Fleur de Sel Caramels, Peanut Butterflies and Milk Chocolate Caramels. SO good!

Featured:

The Cozy Homebody

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Holiday Collection

For the pal who loves to stay in and get cozy, here’s a cute kettle for steeping her favorite tea, some cozy wears, and Charles Chocolates Holiday Collection with flavors like Pecan Fleur de Sel Caramel, Cinnamon Spice Truffle, Orange Zest Truffle, and Maple Truffle. Charles Chocolates are all natural so it’s real chocolate vs. a sugary (read: cheap) substitute. The flavors are so unique and fun to taste-test. It’s the perfect gift for when you’re feeling indoorsy!

Featured:

Your Holiday Crush

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Peppermint Bark

Sneak a fancy chocolate bar, like Charles Chocolates Peppermint Bark Bar, made with homemade peppermint candy, in your S.O.’s stocking, plus some essentials for the camper, music lover, and beanie wearer!

Featured:

The Sweet Tooth

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Bittersweet Chocolate Santa

Sweet tooth be gone with Charles Chocolates Bittersweet Chocolate Santa Clause. This thing is not small, weighing in at 3 lbs. of deliciously rich chocolate. Adults will actually enjoy this vintage-style Santa as much as kids! Pair with a bottle of wine dressed in an adorable bow, a cake stand candle (so cute!), darling dessert plates, and/or a baking lover’s cookbook! Toss some mint chocolate almonds in stockings too!

Featured:

Your Jewish Bestie

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Hanukkah Collection Edible Chocolate Box

There’s a lot of talk about Christmas this time of year, but not all of our friends celebrate. And this year, Hanukkah starts on Christmas day so we can celebrate together! Gift your bestie who celebrates the Festival of Lights with this Hanukkah Collection Edible Chocolate Box filled with flavors like Fleur de Sel Caramel, Passion Fruit Heart, Espresso Caramel, and Meyer Lemon Yankee. They might also enjoy a new cookbook celebrating their heritage, cozy slippers, jewelry, and an artful wine decanter for the holidays. Candle-lighting matches are a perfect stocking stuffer or White Elephant gift too!

Featured:

Score a FREE Charles Chocolates Bar when you spend $25 or more!

You'd think someone with acne-prone skin wouldn't buy viral beauty finds without doing thorough research, but I'm not above trying to recreate all the latest makeup trends at home. All this did was remind me that everything isn't for everyone — and that's okay! Well...it's not okay I fee like I wasted money, but at least I know what to stay away from. And now I'm here to help you figure out what to avoid as well!

Even though this products didn't work for me, that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't use them. These are just my least faves of the year — take 'em or leave 'em!

Here are all the overrated beauty finds I wish I wouldn't have bought

Amazon

1. MILK Hydro Grip Primer

I should've known better than to buy this again, but I wanted to see if my skin would react better to it. The first time I tried to use this, I broke out along my jaws in tiny, red bumps. They were itchy and eventually turned into dark spots that took me over a year to get rid of.

Instead of letting that be the red flag that kept me away from this beauty find, I decided to use it in place of my trusted e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer I've been relying on. Two things happened:

  1. It created a beautiful base for my makeup.
  2. I didn't break out, but my faced still felt itchy.

I even switched my makeup brushes and checked to make sure other makeup products weren't expired. The culprit continued to be this primer so it's made it to my overrated list.

Amazon

2. KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum

I was initially sent this to test, but I decided to buy it myself to see if I truly like it. While it was easy to add to my skincare routine lineup, I realized I actually didn't need to spend $70+ for an effective Vitamin C serum. The only difference between this serum and the one I truly love are their colors and textures.

This one has a slightly yellowish-orange tint to it while being a little thicker compared to the Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C serum I use. The latter is thinner and 100% transparent, plus the odor is slightly stronger. However, both of them aid in smoother skin, smaller pores, and a healthy glow.

I honestly wouldn't buy this one again just because I can get the same benefits for a lesser price.

Amazon

3.NYX Cosmetics Fat Oil Lip Drip

This is a controversial take, but I honestly didn't love the NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip. Although I love the color payoff, it was too sticky for my liking. I saw reviews that mentioned this, but I've purchased lip glosses other people didn't love that worked for me in the past. However, the reviews are telling the truth: the stickiness takes away from what could've been a great formula.

I'll just stick to my Tower 28 Lip Softie Hydrating Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla!

Amazon

4. L'Oréal Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara

I know people love this beauty find because it is great. I just didn't think the hype was enough to convince me to buy it again because my essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara gets the job done for $5. I will say I love the washable feature of L'Oréal's version, but it's still not enough to make me willingly spend over $10 for it.

As great of a product as this is, it's overrated to me because of the price tag.

Sephora

5. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

Sigh...it's so hard for me to admit this, but this Haus Labs foundation has become my most overrated beauty find of 2024. It's not that it doesn't work for a few hours, but my skin prefers tinted moisturizers more than anything. I talked about it briefly on TikTok, but skin tints feel like you're not wearing anything on your face.

I'm always really oily after wearing this foundation for a few hours, but I can get extended wear out of the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint I've been wearing. I like to think it's because it has vegan collagen, ceramides, and cactus extract in it whereas this foundation has ingredients like fermented arnica in it.

Both do a great job of calming inflammation, but something about this foundation makes my skin think it's incredibly dry.

Visit our Amazon Storefront for a list of beauty products we do love!

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

'Tis the season to look your glowiest. We’re diving into our favorite beauty picks for the season to moisturize and refresh. It’s the perfect time to embrace self-care with the impending festive hustle and winter chill. Friday night facials, anyone? From hydrating cleansers to rich body butters and everything in between, here are 18 beauty essentials bringing us a boost of joy this holiday season. They make great BFF gifts and stocking stuffers too!

City Lips Plumping Lip Gloss

This festive Holly-colored lip gloss gives you an instant plumping look while it also moisturizes, and it comes in a slew of gorgeous colors. Plus, the lip gloss keeps plumping over time! City Beauty products are Leaping Bunny-certified (AKA cruelty-free), and made without irritants or harsh chemicals. Win-win.

Steve Madden Goldie Fragrance

Feminine and sweet, this fragrance is a mix of fruit and floral scents like pear, jasmine, gardenia, and sandalwood. It's a lovely reminder of summer mid-winter and perfect way to feel officially dressed up.

Dieux’s Baptism Gel Cleanser

Reset your winter skincare routine with this gentle cleanser that moisturizes, protects, and deep cleans. It has a rich, creamy foam that actually removes makeup and sunscreen so you feel so very refreshed!

Sweet Relief Overnight Barrier Balm

Your bedtime routine just got better with this moisturizing mask and balm. It features nutrient-dense seed butters and antioxidant-rich apricot kernel oil to protect your skin barrier so you wake up all glowy and pretty.

City Lips Night Oil

City Beauty's City Lips Night Oil is another essential for your bedtime routine. You can feel the deep hydration that helps your lips look naturally radiant and it works to add volume while you sleep. Sweet!

LOOPS Clean Slate Detoxifying Mask

Spend your Friday night in with this 10-minute detox mask that feels so refreshing and really soothes your skin. It has a mix of mineral-rich volcanic ash to help remove dirt, while aloe vera and bamboo water add all the vitamins, electrolytes, and nutrients your skin craves. Try it a few times a week for fresh-looking skin!

Glossier You Fragrance Discovery Kit

Traveling for the holidays? Pick up this limited edition travel spray trio of Glossier You (our fave), a creamy, clean scent; Doux, a woody blend; and Rêve, a lush, dreamy fragrance. Bon voyage!

Wild Refillable Deodorant

These planet-friendly refillable deodorants come in fun seasonal cases and scents, like this Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt, inspired by freshly washed linen drying by the seaside. And they actually work!

Davines OI Hair Oil

Before you head out to the holiday party, run this multipurpose hair oil through your 'do. It detangles, reduces frizz, and leaves all hair types so soft and shiny.

City Beauty Lid Lifting Treatment

This lid-lifting cream makes you look awake even when you've been tossing and turning all night. It lifts and firms the appearance of saggy eyelids and feels like an instant lift!

Liquid Panacea Centella & Kombucha Firming Recovery Booster

Skin looking a bit dull and tired, or red and dehydrated? Try this firming serum with anti-inflammatory kombucha. If you suffer from really dry winter skin, THE MOST Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum is your winter superpower with hyaluronic acid, kombucha and organic safflower oil to relieve stressed and dehydrated skin.

Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Balm

Upgrade your mani and give dry, cracked cuticles a little love this season with this lemony butter made with beeswax, shea butter, avocado oil and lemon! You can also use it on feet, elbows or knees.

Rinna Beauty The Perfect Party Eye Kit

Party season has begun so you can go all out on the eyes with this shimmering eye shadow and complementary mascara and lip makeup.

Ogee Complexion Perfecting Tinted Serum

This tinted moisturizer is organic and cruelty-free and glides on smooth. It's the perfect blend of plumping gooseberry fruit, refining daisy flower, and brightening vitamin C Concentrate to give your winter complexion a healthy boost!

OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil

This seaweed-infused body oil is a staff favorite (I keep it on my desk) because it never feels greasy but instantly makes your skin look soft and nourished. It also smells amazing.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

This award-winning concealer is super light and gives you that no-makeup makeup look. It helps soften dark circles and keeps your skin hydrated and glowy. It's also vegan and cruelty free.

Yaman Medi Lift 3D Microfiller Micro-Tip Patches

Need a little skin boost for the holidays? Fit in a micro-beauty-moment with an at-home facial using these beauty patches that hydrate and help firm up skin with collagen.

Mutha Body Butter

This whipped butter made with shea, cocoa, and mango butters smells citrusy and hydrates skin for up to 48 hours. It's great for after the shower and helps improve the look of stretch marks. Indulge and treat yourself!

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

Studio McGee has spent the last decade inspiring us with a blend of accessible and elevated designs, creating beautiful and totally livable spaces. In her 2025 Home Decor Trends report, Shea McGee emphasizes that home decor trends evolve gradually over time, and I couldn’t agree more. Unlike the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends shift every season, these design moves develop organically over time, and that's good for your wallet and taking your time to create a space you love. Get inspired to refresh your home in 2025 with a few new accents, from embellishments like fringe to maybe a little western or seaside art.

Here are Studio McGee's 2025 Home Decor Trend Predictions, with a few surprises!

Photo: Shade Degges | Design: Studio Mountain

Romantic Silhouettes

Take Romantic Silhouettes, for example. This is a trend we've seen steadily gain traction over the past few years. Think curvy furniture, delicate floral prints, and soft blush hues — when curated thoughtfully, these elements can become timeless staples in your home.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Watch Shea's take on designing your home for 2025!

Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford | Design: A1000XBetter

Western Cowboy

This is a design trend that totally surprised me, but I'm so happy to see it in the mix. Elements like leather furniture, rustic accessories, equestrian art, even wood walls, shown in this office designed by A1000XBetter, are making an impact in 2025 and beyond. But Shea notes that you can take this trend literally or just be inspired by the look. You can also mix it with other styles to personalize it for you. Add romantic pillows or ruffled tablecloths like McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Gardenia Ruffle Border Tablecloth – things you love that make it yours vs. based solely on one trend.

Gavin Carter| Design: House of Rolison

Saturated Colors

Shea predicts that rich hues like deep browns, oxblood red, and earthy greens will continue to dominate home decor colors going into 2025. House of Rolison's bathroom brown is an excellent example of this beautiful trend.

courtesy of Stewart-Schafer

Pattern Drenching

Embracing a single pattern and drenching an entire room in it — from walls to pillows, headboards, and curtains — is a surprise trend for 2025. This maximalist approach, which has been quietly gaining traction, draws inspiration from Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and has been in and out of vogue since the Victorian era.

McGee & Co.

Embellishments

This is a trend you can easily DIY to add an extra layer of charm to your decor. Think playful details like fringe accents —beautifully shown in McGee & Co.'s Philippa Settee — along with tassels, pleats, ruffles, and rope. It’s all about embracing texture and whimsy, so have fun with it!

McGee & Co.

Seaside Inspiration

Coastal decor has long been an influence in design and you can be inspired by it in many forms, from shell accents to beach-inspired artwork like McGee & Co.'s Distant Coastline art to textured seagrass baskets and jute rugs. Even the soothing hues of the sea — think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and gentle greens — can inspire your 2025 spaces.

Check out the full list of Studio McGee 2025 Design Trends!

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

If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.

The 14 Best New Year's Eve Shots To Throw Back For 2025!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Bakes

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Feast + West

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Dine and Dish

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

A Year of Cocktails

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Holly's Cheat Day

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Bubbly Nation Creations

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Broma Bakery

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

The First Year

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cookin' Canuck

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Tablespoon

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Something Swanky

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.