So, you’ve decided to ask your significant other for their hand in marriage – no pressure! Proposing to the special somebody in your life is a momentous decision, and considering a lot is riding on the answer to the big question, it’s easy to understand why you’re probably feeling decidedly anxious. The perfect proposal is something many of us dream about, and of course, you want to make your loved one’s dreams come true, giving them a beautiful memory to treasure for life. To get that all-important “yes”, here is a guide for a successful marriage proposal.
Make Sure It’s What You Both Want
It may be a ludicrous point to highlight, considering you’ve decided you want to spend the rest of your life with your significant other. Still, it is vitally important you are both on the same page concerning marriage. While marriage may not act as an economic or political alliance between families like it once did, it is still a legally recognised union and should be carefully considered by both parties. That said, you and your partner may have already discussed the future at length, and a proposal is merely a matter of time or who gets there first.
Consider The Setting
We’ve all witnessed a public proposal at least once – at a restaurant, a party or even during somebody else’s wedding. While a public proposal may make for a fun story to tell the grandkids, consider whether or not your spouse-to-be would enjoy sharing such an intimate moment with a crowd – after all, being the centre of attention isn’t something everybody enjoys. Instead, you may want to opt for a decidedly more private proposal – perhaps at sunset on your favourite beach or during a candlelit dinner for two.
Speak With Their Parents
Asking permission from your partner’s parents before you pop the question is an age-old tradition that dates back to before women had little-to-no choice in who or when they married. Thankfully, times have changed; however, this tradition is still widely practised, if only as a demonstration of respect and endearment towards prospective parents-in-law.
Procure A Ring
The tradition of securing a betrothal with a ring dates back as far as 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the very first diamond engagement ring to commemorate his engagement to Mary of Burgundy. These days, a whopping 2.07 million engagement rings are sold yearly in the USA alone. Following a successful proposal, everybody will want to see that ring, so make sure it’s one guaranteed to impress. Whether it’s a family heirloom ring that carries a great deal of sentimentality or one you have made especially to suit your partner’s unique style and personality, make sure you keep it safe and secure until the big moment. You can even purchase custom ring boxes to keep your precious item contained and protected.
Enlist Help From Friends
There is no shame in asking for help; you might find your friends and family jumping at the opportunity to be part of the big question. You could enlist the help of a trusted individual to be on standby to take photographs or a video of you getting down on one knee to capture the moment in all its glory. However, to maintain the element of surprise, it’s advisable to be strategic about to whom you reveal your plans – word flies fast, and unfortunately, some people are terrible at keeping secrets.
Figure Out What To Say
You could have everything planned out to the finest detail, but once the big day rolls around and nerves start to take hold, it might be difficult to find the right words. There is no right or wrong thing to say when you propose to your loved one, as it depends entirely on your unique relationship. However, if you’re struggling to think of something meaningful and memorable, begin by writing down precisely what it is about your partner you love the most, and don’t forget to include the all-important “will you marry me?”.
What Next?
Congratulations, they said yes! What happens next is utterly dependent on your personal circumstances and preferences. Some couples prefer to have a long engagement, whereas others like to get the ball rolling immediately. For now, enjoy your time together and organise the engagement party of the century.
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