So, your relationship has stood the test of time, congratulations and welcome to the almost married but not quite club! If you are reading this, there is a good chance you have been having thoughts about proposing have become more serious and possibly made up your mind to take the leap. This, my friend, is a truly exciting moment for both of your lives that will be etched in time.
Let us take this opportunity to plan ahead so you can make this upcoming day even more memorable than intended for both of you. Before diving headfirst into planning & preparing every detail (you will impress him/ her), there are a few questions you need to consider first.
Did you know?
2,000 couples get engaged every year at Disney World.
-Glamor
Proposal plans are all about creativity, so don’t be afraid of going against the grain just a little bit for things to go perfectly between yourself and that special someone.
Now let’s jump into the questions that will help make your vision a reality.
Why are you proposing?
You have to ask yourself one question: “Why am I pursuing marriage?” Is it because you’re ready for something more permanent, or are you trying to make a statement in your relationship with this person? Without coming off as Doc Brown in Back to the Future, the decision will affect yourself and them and alter the course of both your lives. So take time to consider this before anything else.
If you have a solid answer to this question, it will make answering the rest of them much more straightforward! If not, don’t worry; we can help you figure it out.
Planning Tip: Sit down and talk about your reasons for wanting to get married to your partner- chances are they’ll be on the same page as you.
The easiest way is when someone knows that marriage is what they want, deep down in their soul, and there’s no questioning it. There’s no need for overthinking things because when it feels right, it usually is. So if this sounds like you, then go for it!
“My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.”
– Winston Churchill
Another great way to find help is through some “soul searching.” Think about what matters in your relationship. Why do you want this person by your side for the rest of your life? This brings us to our next question…
Can you see yourself with them for the rest of your life?
This is a serious question to ask yourself because it can save you some heartbreak in the long run, so be completely honest here. It’s hard sometimes to acknowledge and accept that not every relationship works out, but that doesn’t mean there was anything wrong with either one of you at all. Perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be. It happens to the best of us, but a good rule to live by is that if you’re pleased and satisfied with your relationship with this person, then there shouldn’t be any doubt about it.
Planning Tip: Do you argue all the time? This could signify that this will not be the last time and will flare up more the longer you are together.
Suppose things aren’t going so well right now, and there seems to be a lot of tension or drama in your relationship. In that case, it may not be the best time for proposing- but try talking about these issues first instead! Try to get everything out on the table before making any big decisions. In fact, this might even help strengthen your bond as well!
There’s always hope that things can work out between two people who genuinely love each other with all their hearts because if it doesn’t feel like an uphill battle, then maybe there is no need for worry. This leads us to our next question…
Do they support you?
This is important because if you’re feeling like no one really understands what it’s going through, how can they possibly know what will make you happy? The person proposing should feel secure that the other does indeed care about their happiness and well-being just as much as they do.
Look at how you and your partner spend time together. If there is a lot of time spent apart, this could be a sign that someone is not as invested in the relationship as they should be.
Are you always the one making plans and going out of your way to spend time together? This could signify that someone is not as invested in the relationship.
If there’s no effort being put forth from both sides, then it might mean something more profound than just laziness on their end. Maybe they don’t see this as more than something casual anymore, which leads us to our next question…
Do you work as a team(do you complete one another)?
As a couple, you should be there for each other like Rocket and Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, always having each other’s back. You should also have common interests and share the same goals for the future.
Being able to work as a team is crucial for any relationship. It should be constantly worked on- if not, it might crumble under pressure. Suppose your partner continually does things without consulting you or doesn’t consider your feelings before making any rash decisions. In that case, this could lead to some severe tension down the road.
“My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.”
– Winston Churchill
Now that we got through the necessary questions out of the way. Let’s move on to planning this day in style and in the vision that fits your personality. After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And it needs to be unique, not just for you but also for your partner too!
Proposing can be nerve-wracking, but it can also be incredibly romantic if done right. Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning:
Did you have a chat with the parents
Is this an old-school tradition? Yes, but it is still a good idea to ask their parents for their blessing. It’s also an excellent way to let them know what you’re planning on doing. It allows them to prepare when the time comes because no one wants that awkward surprise moment where everyone freaks out and is uncomfortable for the rest of the day.
On a side note, this act also shows how serious and genuine your intentions are toward their son or daughter by this act of respect towards family.
It is a good indication of how much effort you’re willing to put into the relationship and shows commitment as well!
Funny story. My father-in-law was so happy that I asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage that he almost blew my cover and announced it to the rest of the family before I had a chance to pop the question. The moral of the story is always to chat with parents and make sure they are on board with and not overly excited about the news.
After getting the approval from your partner’s parents, it’s time to start thinking about logistics- like where and when you’re going to pop the question.
Why rush a good thing?
This is a big decision you’re making and should not be taken lightly. You want to make sure that this moment is as close to perfect for both of you, not just based on your own preferences.
The proposal should represent the two of you as a couple and showcase your unique relationship. It’s also essential to consider what your partner might like or dislike- don’t propose at a place where they had a bad experience or during an event they really don’t enjoy. Take your time, plan it out, enjoy the experience.
After you’ve set a date and have an idea of what type of proposal you want (for example, if it’s going to be public or private), now we need some ideas for the big moment itself!
Creative ideas are always a plus when making a big moment memorable. If you’re more into casual proposals, then cooking dinner together and popping the question would be perfect for your partner, but if they have grand gestures in mind, consider something that will really leave them in awe. Imagine a proposal where you enter, landing onto a horse via parachute while holding their ring, saying, “Come with me if you want to marry me” (modified from Terminator 2).
Think about all the best moments in your relationship so far. What were they? How did they happen? Is there anything significant attached to them (for example, if you went on a trip together)? Use these memories as inspiration when planning this particular moment because sometimes our partners just need a little reminder of why we fell in love with them at first sight!
Planning an elaborate scavenger hunt around town leading up to dinner at their favorite restaurant would be a good idea, where you pop the question over dessert with champagne waiting.
The possibilities are endless, but it’s essential to tailor the proposal specifically to your partner. Keep in mind that this is their moment, not yours.
What type of proposal do you envision?
Do you want something intimate between the two of you, or would you prefer an elaborate event surrounded by family and friends? Think about if they are an introvert or an extrovert. Are they shy? Would they feel uncomfortable with many people around, or do they enjoy large gatherings?
To plan this, you will need to research their interests and their reaction when in social situations. Would they love that all of your friends and family are there or maybe just close ones? However, if you decide on a small gathering, be prepared for the possibility that they may want to share this special moment with everyone else at some point.
Keep in mind: No matter what size event you envision, it’s always best to consider how he/ she would feel most comfortable sharing a significant milestone in your lives together as a couple! This is definitely not something either one should have regrets over later down the road, so choose wisely, my friend
Where do you want to propose?
Now, this is where the fun begins! This decision can be based on a lot of different things, like if he/she loves nature or maybe they are more of an urban person. If your partner loves getting lost in a good book, what about proposing at their favorite bookstore? There are no wrong answers as long as it feels right for both of you and it’s unique to him/her. Just make sure that there aren’t any time constraints when making this choice. For example, if proposing at a specific location will require reservations well in advance, then keep that in mind when planning other aspects of the proposal.
Tips for Engagement Ring Shopping:
- Know your partner’s style and taste in jewelry, and possibly for this ring to have a particular meaning or story behind it. Don’t be afraid to ask her friends for their input on size preference or favorite color, cut, clarity, or carat weight of the diamond if you are going that route!
- Set a budget. This will be the biggest purchase you make together. It is essential to know your limits before starting out on this adventure.
- Shop around! Don’t just stop at one place since everyone wants your business. Go to different stores to search for the perfect ring that fits within your budget. You will be surprised by how many options there are out there. When you take the time to look through them all carefully.
- Get an appraisal from an independent appraiser before buying anything so that you know exactly what you are spending and the value of your ring.
- Don’t forget about insurance! You will want this purchase to be insured once you make this purchase to protect your investment. It is entirely up to you whether or not you wish to insure your engagement ring; however, it is worth considering.
Did you plan what to wear?
Now, obviously, you don’t have to go all out or spend a fortune on an outfit for the proposal. Still, it is definitely worth putting some thought into since you don’t want to come off as looking lazy or that you just woke up in your pajamas; you’re better than that.
The best way to be prepared for this is by thinking about what your partner likes and doesn’t like about clothes – then go from there; it’s not rocket science.
Enjoy this time together!
This special moment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you have, and you should enjoy each part of it as much as possible. Remember that there may be setbacks, but those make life enjoyable, so embrace them with open arms because we only live once, right? Enjoy this moment together because it will be over before you know it, and you’ll be married with children and helping them with homework wondering where the time went.
Sum it all up
Why are you proposing?
Can you see yourself with him/her for the rest of your life?
Do they support you?
Do you work as a team(do you complete one another)?
Chat With Their Parents
Don’t rush it
What type of proposal do you envision?
Where do you want to propose?
Dress to Wow them!
Enjoy this time together!
Are we ready to be engaged? This question may seem obvious, but it is one of those things we tend to push aside as not being important! Are you both in agreement about taking this step? Do they share your expectations and planning them in advance is vital if you want things to be extraordinary! This will give you enough time to make all the necessary arrangements without having any last-minute surprises sprung on you (those never turn out well).
Many people like proposing during a romantic dinner or perhaps at a beautiful location they’ve both shared memories together. If that doesn’t quite fit your personality, though, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are no rules.
What is the one thing that would make this proposal memorable for her? What exactly do I want my partner to remember about this event ten years from now?
We’re going to change the world! I know it may sound lofty, but this effort toward empowerment, education, and inspiration is something that needs your help. It might even give you a little inspiration on what we can achieve when working together as one team towards these goals.
The first step usually isn’t easy; however, thanks for being part of my journey, and keep in mind that the best is yet to come.
Please share what strategies and tips work for you in the comments below. This has been “10 Simple Questions That Will Bring Proposing To The Next Level.” I hope it was helpful.
