Your Smoky Mountain Wedding – Proposing with a Bridesmaid Box

After your fiancé pops the question, it’s time to start planning your dream wedding. For many brides, that means planning a Smoky Mountain wedding! Your head will be spinning with thoughts of wedding venues, your reception, and of course your dress, but the very first thing you should consider is your wedding party. Your bridesmaids and maid-of-honor will be a great system of support during the rest of the wedding planning. They’re going to invest time and money in your big day, so why not spoil them with lavish bridesmaid proposals? The bridesmaid box trend is a great way to accomplish this.

After you say “yes,” it’s time to make a proposal of your own. Selecting your bridesmaids and maid-of-honor is an extremely important task. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you can start planning your bridesmaid boxes. Since you’ll be getting married in the Smoky Mountains, why not theme your boxes with local goodies? We have some thoughtful ideas for your Smoky Mountain-themed bridesmaid box.

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

Before you plan the contents of your bridesmaid box, consider these important aspects:

• Who will be receiving the box? If you’re choosing to share your wedding with someone, surely you know them well. Think about their likes and interests. You wouldn’t want to give alcohol to someone who doesn’t drink or certain foods to someone with an allergy. The idea here is to be thoughtful and intentional while celebrating your squad.
• How will you be giving the box? If you’re going to mail your gifts, choosing heavy, fragile, or perishable items is not a good idea. However, if you’re hand-delivering your gifts, your options are wide open.
• What would you want in your box? If you were a bridesmaid, what would you want? If you’ve ever received a bridesmaid box before, think back to what was inside your box. Don’t include items just to be giving a gift; rather, make it thoughtful by including items that are personalized, usable, or meaningful.

Ways to Propose to your Bridesmaids

The possibilities are endless, and this is where you can have a lot of fun! It may be beneficial to informally pop the question in advance. That way someone can respectfully decline without any awkward circumstances. Once you’re sure of your wedding party, it’s time to start planning your proposals. Here are some ideas on ways to propose to your bridesmaids and maid-of-honor.

Shipping a Bridesmaid Box

Let’s face it: some of our closest loved ones live too far away. In this case, be selective about what you put inside your box. Send the boxes and inform your girls that they’re going to be receiving a special delivery. Make plans to meet virtually so that everyone can open their boxes together. Even though you are miles apart, you can all celebrate this moment together!

Girls’ Night In

If you’re lucky enough to live near your closest gal pals, plan a girls’ night at your place. Serve charcuterie, sweets, and your favorite beverages. Candles or a few simple decorations will set the mood as you pop the question and hand out each bridesmaid box. Have a few bridal magazines handy and invite each bridesmaid to collaborate on your wedding Pinterest board. Also, share the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association’s website so that you and your tribe can research the latest updates on weddings in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. This will get the ball rolling on planning the perfect Smoky Mountain wedding!

Weekend Brunch

Treat your girlfriends to mimosas and a weekend brunch! Choose a quiet and intimate place to propose, and make sure to inform the restaurant’s staff of your plans. The meal will be super special as you present your boxes and discuss your dream Smoky Mountain wedding. Your bridesmaids will feel super inspired to help plan your Smoky Mountain wedding when they open their box of local gifts.

Weekend in the Smokies

If you’re planning a destination wedding to Gatlinburg or the Smoky Mountains area, why not bring the girls for a weekend getaway? You’ll make the best memories while planning your dream wedding! Reserve a cabin or a hotel room, and then make a reservation for a celebratory dinner. The Melting Pot in Gatlinburg is the perfect setting to celebrate the occasion. After your meal, stroll down the Parkway in Gatlinburg for a fun night of music and dancing at Ole Red.

While you’re in the Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg area, visit venues and meet with area wedding professionals. The decision-making will be easier if you’ve got your girls backing you up.

Don’t forget to have fun while you’re here! Schedule some time at a Smoky Mountains area spa, hit the shops at Tanger Outlet Mall, and go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, make time for tasting the incredible wines of the Smoky Mountains area. Tour the Rocky Top Wine Trail and taste an array of local wines for free! See the Gatlinburg Wine Trail Passport here.

During the Wedding

If you aren’t able to celebrate with your team beforehand, try to find time during your wedding. As your bridesmaids arrive for your Smoky Mountain wedding, get everyone together either before or after the rehearsal dinner to present your boxes. At this point, these boxes are more like “thank you” gifts. This is a great opportunity for you to express your appreciation and love for your bridesmaids and maid-of-honor. Giving your bridesmaid boxes during your wedding events will allow you extra time to gather the local Smoky Mountain goodies, so this may be a great option for destination brides.

Your Smoky Mountain-Themed Bridesmaid Box

If you’re planning for a Smoky Mountain wedding, the most thoughtful way to propose to your wedding party is with Smoky Mountain-themed gifts! The Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg areas are rich in local goods, and we know your bridesmaids will appreciate the extra dose of thoughtfulness. Here’s a list of our favorite local gifts:

Local Wines

Sugarland Cellars in Gatlinburg, TN partners with Tennessee grape farmers to produce Italian-style celebratory wines. Sugarland Cellars wines can be purchased online or in person. This winery is a stop on the Gatlinburg Wine Trail! Purchase wines from Sugarland Cellars and other local wineries here.

Local Moonshine

Many area moonshine companies offer miniature jars of select products. These small sizes are perfect for a bridesmaid box. Don’t be fooled by their size; they pack a big punch! Many local distilleries offer giftable items; visit for free tastings and to shop for the perfect gifts.

Local Snacks

Your bridesmaids will love some yummy snacks from the Smoky Mountains! Some of our favorite picks are apple butter from The Apple Barn popcorn from Kapop! Gourmet Popcorn at The Island in Pigeon Forge, and candies from the Old Mill Candy Kitchen. You’ll have no trouble finding local goodies while you’re in the Smoky Mountain area.

Gift Cards

If your bridesmaids are going to be investing in traveling here for your wedding, surprise them with gift cards to local restaurants and attractions. Collier Restaurant or Johnson Family of Restaurant gift cards are redeemable at a variety of local restaurants including The Melting Pot and Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que. Vera Massage and Spa is a fabulous choice for a special gift card.

Bath Bombs & Soaps

Who doesn’t love a good soak with a luxurious bath bomb? Soapy Mountain Suds offers a fabulous collection of bath bombs, soaps, and other pampering products; every purchase benefits our local Isaiah 117 House.

Locally Made Jewelry

Your bridesmaids will treasure a piece of locally made jewelry from area artisans. Fortunately, the Smoky Mountains are rich in artisan crafters. Visit one of the many jewelry shops in the Great Smoky Arts and Craft Community. This community in Gatlinburg is an 8-mile loop of local crafters featuring jewelry, woodworking shops, quilts, candles, art, and more! Many shops offer online purchasing but be sure to visit while you’re in the Smokies. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Hand-Written Note

Local Etsy shop, Alison Rose Vintage offers thoughtful and unique word art, cards, and more. Alison’s items are printed on hand-made paper for an extra special touch. A “compliment card” would be the perfect addition to your bridesmaid proposal boxes.

Assembling a Bridesmaid Box

Once you’ve gathered your items, it’s time to assemble your boxes. For the perfect presentation, consider arranging your items on a bed of shredded paper or tulle. Add greenery and faux florals for a beautiful touch. Also, tie your boxes closed with twine, raffia, or lace. As your bridesmaids receive their boxes, they will be impressed with each of your thoughtful touches. 

Your Smoky Mountain Wedding

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We’re so glad you’re here. As you’re searching for the latest trends in Smoky Mountain weddings, you can trust the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association as a resource for all things related to weddings in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Click here to learn more about the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association.

The Smoky Mountain Wedding Association is composed of a group of wedding professionals and businesses in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. We share a common goal of helping brides and grooms plan their dream Smoky Mountain wedding. Contact us today for information and customized quotes for your upcoming Smoky Mountain wedding.

Authored in Appalachia || Amy Morton