So it’s that time of year again, dark mornings, cold crisp weather, roaring fires and of course the approach of Christmas and a new year. It’s hard not to feel the love at this time, therefore its no wonder so many engagements occur in winter. Fabulous stories I’ve heard lately have been a scuba diver in an aquarium holding a sign, a bonfire night proposal with a fireworks display and also a treasure hunt where the last clue lead to the man down on one knee. And check out this recent flashmob proposal below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mWXrHi1Rks&feature=player_embedded
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/3mWXrHi1Rks” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
The question is though, how will you do it? The pressure of actually coming up with an idea for popping the question was why I though I would write a blog. If you are proposing the chances are you are relatively sure she/he is going to say yes, but this is going to be a moment they will remember for the rest of their life. In fact, when people find out about your engagement the two first questions you’ll hear are, “how’d (s)he do it?” and “when’s the date?”. Talk about pressure!
Firstly in my opinion it’s not about spending lots of money or it necessarily being grand. Thoughtful and creative should be at the forefront of your plans. Also, think about their personality – will they like a huge proposal in front of everyone or would they prefer it to be just the two of you? Think also about what they like. For example, if s/he has a favourite spot then you could go for a romantic picnic with their favourite food and ask for their hand in marriage. Does s/he love her iPod? Upload a voice memo of you proposing on it, or you could make a photostory on your computer of your life together, concluding it with a ‘will you marry me’ page. Another creative idea is to write your proposal in the snow on your lawn or car window (weather permitting!) Ask Google for inspiration if nothing is immediately springing to mind.
Another point to consider is the timing of your engagement. Is there a significant date in your life together? You could of course do it on Valentines day, Christmas day or on their birthday, or the stroke of midnight on new years eve/day – a new year and a new chapter in your life together. You might choose to do it on holiday, or just a day that has no particular significance (until the engagement of course!)
Saying that, one of the most romantic proposal stories I’ve heard was a woman being woken up early by her boyfriend and he proposed right there and then. Why? Because he had planned to do it when they went on holiday the next week, but after buying the ring that day before, he just couldn’t wait until their holiday, he had to do it right away. So sweet.
My final thought are, as a woman and as a wedding planner – chances are that s/he’ll prefer something classic, traditional, and timeless. Especially if you are proposing to a woman. You really can’t go wrong with that. Yes, it is possible to try something grand and totally out of the box but often it’s a risky move that should only be attempted if you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they are the type of person who’d like it. If you are sure – go for it! And if you’re not sure? Then it’s safer to assume they won’t!
Wishing you all the best with your proposal!
Lucy
