How to Plan for the Perfect Marriage Proposal
Steps to Planning The Perfect Marriage Proposal
The perfect wedding proposal requires a lot of thought. Not least because you’ve got to find the right time in your busy daily schedule. Whether you’re a lady wishing to be unconventional by popping the question or a gent who is wondering whether he should really get down on one knee in the local restaurant, we’ve got some top tips to ensure your wedding proposal lives up to expectations.
Picking a moment
You’ve heard the stories. From the lady who nearly swallows the engagement ring hidden in her dessert to the “Will you marry me?” sign being held upside down. Sometimes even the best wedding proposal planning goes wrong. In fact, those who are trying so hard to propose often miss their opportunity if the moment isn’t right. Sometimes spontaneous engagements are more romantic as they release all the pressure.
Planning a proposal
If you know you want to propose, be clever by carrying the ring around with you so that when that magical opportunity appears you can pull it out. Consider a more intimate and personal setting. If you’re planning to propose on holiday then keep your ring on you rather than in the main luggage – but disguise it so that it’s not obvious to your partner when going through airport security.
Ensure you’ve discussed the possibility of marriage together beforehand – perhaps drop a few hints along the way – so it doesn’t come a complete surprise.
Ring thinking
If you do plan to propose with an engagement ring then you’ll need to do your homework in advance. Whilst the traditional and conventional approach is that men buy an engagement ring without consulting their partner, this is becoming less frequent in modern-day wedding proposals.
In this case, you can use a token ring until you pick out a ring together after the proposal. As it’s such a lifetime commitment to wear an engagement ring, you’ll avoid the stress of getting the wrong ring. When we say token ring – this could be anything. We’ve heard stories of partners using everything from costume jewelry, to a jelly ring sweetie to a piece of tied ribbon or a daisy chain in a picnic in the park!
However if you know your partner well enough to choose their ring for them then ensure your partner will absolutely love the ring by doing some verifying background research.
Firstly, if your partner is expecting a proposal, listen out for any hints. It could be that s/he’s talking about other people’s jeweler or pointing things out. Look also at the existing style of jewelry that they wear on a daily basis. Do they prefer delicate, dramatic, contemporary and/or chunky? Do they prefer gold or silver jewelry or a more natural approach? If there are no obvious signs, then ask a trusted good friend or family member for ideas and suggestions.
The next step is a touch of temporary thievery. Yes, it’s time to find a way of borrowing one of her favorite rings to get the ring finger measurement! Or you could use a piece of string to measure the ring finger whilst they are sleeping. If this proves challenging, then provide your jeweler with your partner’s dress size and height as good jewelers will be able to get a good idea of the size and then can offer a fitting service free of charge after the proposal
The other idea that we love is presenting a gem stone – diamonds are still the most popular – in a jewelry box that can then at a later date be turned into a beautiful, custom engagement ring.
Talking with the in-laws-to be
“I’d like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
It’s such a cliché, we know. Is it imperative to get permission from your partner’s father-in-law before you pop the question?
We think this really depends on how traditional your partner is and what’s expected from their family. Instead of asking your partner directly and ruining your surprise proposals, ask their sister or brother. Also, these days, it’s not always about asking as much as declaring your intentions – so don’t get het up about it.
Consider including the mother-in –law in your pre-proposal discussions if you can – as she could be a great ally for you during the wedding planning!
One knee proposal?
There is much debate over whether the one knee proposal is outdated. Women in particular appreciate a man on one knee but it’s really up to whether you feel comfortable – particularly if you’re in a restaurant where it won’t go unnoticed. Remember that marriage is not as much about the engagement style or even the wedding but about the union of two people.
Choosing the right words
Before you propose, think about the words you want to use. “Will you marry me?” does the job, but it’s far better to woo your partner with the reasons as to why you wish to spend your life with them. Practice what you want to say in advance so as not to stumble or go blank in the moment. If it helps, it’s fine to write a few notes down that are strategically placed to prompt you.
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If you know that the right words won’t come easy with nerves then consider writing a letter that you can hand over to your future husband/wife that express exactly what you want to say. That’s a truly romantic touch and something that they can hold onto forever, during better and worse times!