Clever Ways to Ask Someone to Be Your Maid of Honor

If you've seen any of the many new reality shows featuring stress-crazed brides, you know that planning a wedding can be difficult. That is why having a maid of honor is so important: She will serve, at times, as the bride's therapist, bodyguard and all-around assistant. Asking someone to take on this vital role might seem scary, but with a little finesse you can make a proposal she can't refuse.

Wine and Dine Her

One of the most popular ways to ask a friend to be your maid of honor is taking her out to eat. Invite her to a lunch or dinner, or if financial constraints apply make her a meal at your home. To make things more interesting, you can treat the moment like a faux proposal. Make her a card or buy her gift and as you are eating get down on one knee, present your gift and pop the question. Possible gift ideas are jewelry, a framed picture of the two of you, or a flower or bouquet that resembles what you will have on your wedding day.

Offer Organizational Help

Since there are many duties and responsibilities to being a maid of honor, you need to discuss plans immediately. When you ask someone, you might also want to give her a bridesmaid's guidebook, such as "The Bridesmaid Guide" by Kate Chynoweth. If you know you will be expecting quite a bit from your maid of honor, possibly have all of the aspects of the wedding you would like help with lined out, so that when you do ask, she knows exactly what she is getting into and can decline if need be. It's also nice for her to have as much information as possible, as soon as possible, so she can start helping with wedding right away.

Add a Sentimental Touch

One of the most touching aspects of being a maid of honor is knowing that you are considered the bride's No. 1 gal. Show your friend just how much she means to you by adding a sentimental touch to your offer. You can create a scrapbook or memory book chronicling all your adventures together. For a surprise effect, give her the book and on the last page have inscribed, "Will you be my maid of honor?" To give things a personal touch, you might want to make her a personalized shirt or friendship bracelet that says her name and "Maid of Honor."

Asking Someone Who Lives Far Away

If your maid of honor is not local, you might feel a bit awkward about asking over the phone or through email. Instead, send her a large bouquet of flowers, possibly the same you plan on having at your wedding, with a personalized card asking her to be your maid of honor and listing all of the reasons why. Any of the aforementioned ideas (gifts, a bridesmaid guide, scrapbook) also can be sent by mail.

References

• Creative Ways to Ask Someone to be Your Maid of Honor
• Unique Ideas for Asking Someone to be a Bridesmaid or Matron of Honor