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Proposal Ideas: How to Propose

It’s the most important question you’ll ever ask, so it’s so important that you plan every little detail ahead of asking those life-changing four words, ‘will you marry me?’. Fear not, as we’re here to help with our marriage proposal idea guide; featuring the best and most romantic ways to propose to your other half, you can decide how to propose in a memorable way that the two of you will never forget.

In The Guide: Top Tips | Proposal Ideas | Gone Viral | History Of Engagement

EXPLORE THE GUIDE +

Top Tips
Proposal Ideas
Gone Viral
History Of Engagement

Our Marriage Proposal Tips

Our Proposal Tips for the Perfect Moment

You’ve got the ring, decided where and how you’d like to propose and thought about what you’re going to say. Now, all that’s left to do is to actually get down on one knee. Our top proposal tips will help you stay as calm as you can on the day.

1. Go with the flow

Sometimes even the best-laid proposal plans can go awry. If this happens to you, try not to worry. Just go with the flow and, if the moment still feels right, follow your heart and ask her to make you the happiest man in the world by marrying you.

2. Keep nerves at bay

Making a marriage proposal comes hand in hand with nerves and lots of emotion. Don’t let them get the better of you by focussing on the moment rather than worrying about making the best proposal speech or which finger to put the ring on.

3. Enjoy it!

Remember the reasons you decided to propose in the first place and enjoy the excitement of the moment. This is the first day of the rest of your lives together.

4. Propose on which knee?

Have you ever wondered which knee to propose on? Maybe you haven’t, but we’ve just made you panic! We very much doubt they’ll notice which knee you’re on, but if you would like to be traditional, then your left knee should be on the ground, while the right knee should be up.

5. On which finger does the engagement ring go?

This is different in different countries all over the world, but in the UK it is traditional to wear your engagement ring on your third finger on your left hand. Some believe this is because a vein leads from this finger directly to your heart!

6. Should I propose before or after dinner?

When should you propose is a question that a lot of people ask, but there’s no right or wrong answer. If you’re going for a nice dinner together, it might be that you ask the waiter to spell it into your desert at the very end of your meal, or you could propose at the beginning and enjoy your first meal together as an engaged couple – it’s completely your choice!

What To Say When You Propose?

Although these immortal words themselves are enough to melt anyone’s heart, if you want to say more than just ‘will you marry me?’ then our tips on what to say when you propose are just what you need.

Read More On The Blog

BEST WAYS TO PROPOSE

Proposal Ideas and Different Ways to Pop the Question

Planning the perfect wedding proposal can seem daunting, so start with the little things. Make the moment memorable, private and sentimental for the both of you with our top ‘will you marry me?’ ideas and tips on the most romantic ways to propose.

  • 1

    Select a sentimental location

    Whether it’s the place you first met, or somewhere you’ve always dreamed of going together, whisk her away somewhere special before making it even more magical by asking her to marry you.

  • 2

    Capture The Moment

    The moment will go so quickly, so hire a photographer to capture the exact moment she says ‘yes!’. You could even surprise her and present her with the photos on your wedding day for the most memorable proposal idea.

  • 3

    Pick A Significant Date

    We’re talking key dates like Christmas, Valentine’s or anniversaries here. Decide on your special date and then let its significance lead how you ask the question.

  • 4

    Make A Weekend Of It

    Planning a weekend of falling in love all over again is one of the most romantic proposal ideas on our list. A cosy cottage get-away works as well as a whirlwind mini-break, just spend the weekend gazing into each other’s eyes before asking her to spend her life with you.

  • 5

    A Romantic Treasure Hunt

    Perfect for those who love an air of mystery, leave a romantic trail of clues that ends with your marriage proposal.

  • 6

    Incorporate Your Song

    It could be background music in a romantic proposal at home, or performed spontaneously in her favourite park; what’s important is that the song that says everything about your relationship so far will be playing as you get down on one knee.

  • 7

    Photo Memories

    A simple, yet oh-so-special proposal idea, fill a room with photos of your memories together; then, when she’s had a chance to take it all in, ask her to help you plan lifetime of adventures with you.

  • 8

    Reach For The Stars

    Just right for summer or destination proposals, plan a private proposal with an evening of champagne and stargazing together, before popping the question under the beautiful night sky.

  • 9

    Make A Statement

    If you’re sure she likes the limelight, planning an announcement at a concert will ensure your proposal really steals the show.

  • 10

    Milestone Movie

    It is the digital age after all. Record some special moments together and make a montage that ends with the big question.

Shop Engagement Rings Shop Proposal Rings

For more ways to propose, read our Top Ten Creative Proposal Ideas on the blog.

View Proposal Ideas at Home Blog

Need More Proposal Inspiration?

Proposals Gone Viral

Our real-life stories are perfect for giving you all the inspiration you need on how to propose. We found the most unique, romantic and pure genius proposal ideas on YouTube. Prepare for some heart-warming engagement stories…

Watch The Proposal

1. Romantic flash mob

A glass of wine at an Italian restaurant turns into the most unforgettable moment of this bride-to-be’s life. She truly had no idea the beautiful a cappella group and violins were only for her as she sat waiting. It’s only when her other half comes out, guitar in his arms, that the floods of happy tears start. Be warned – they’re infectious.

Watch The Proposal

2. Romeo and Juliet

He’s a theatre director. She loves the theatre. There’s only one thing for it – hire out an entire theatre space and hire actors to act out her favourite scene from Romeo and Juliet. Everything from the fairy lights and candles to the string quartet are completely perfect – her reaction says it all.

Watch The Proposal

3. ‘He said yes'

Your proposal story will be told to friends and strangers for the rest of your lives – and these guys certainly have a beauty of a tale. A police officer broke rank during London LBGT Pride 2016 parade to get down on one knee and propose to his partner. Completely touching and impossibly beautiful.

Watch The Proposal

4. The 19:57 from Euston

The surprise is in the unassuming location for this one: the 19:57 overground train to Watford Junction, to be precise. Like a scene from a movie, this guy got an entire tube carriage to sing Bill Withers ‘Lovely Day’ spontaneously before proposing to his girlfriend – who was completely unaware the whole thing was arranged for her until she saw him.

Watch The Proposal

5. Marry Me Fireworks

A proposal as dreamy as this one guarantees a YES. It all started at a luxury hotel, where the lucky girlfriend was showered in romantic love notes attached to roses throughout the day by staff. After dinner, her final note told her to go outside. There, on a fishing lodge by the lake, were thousands of fairy lights and candles – followed by a firework display and famous opera singer. The finale will take your breath away…

Engagement History

The History Of Engagement Rings

Whether you want to follow tradition or you want to do things a bit differently, getting to know the history of engagement could offer some special wedding proposal ideas of your own.

Requesting Her Hand In Marriage

Dating back to a time when marriage was regarded more as a contract between two families, tradition dictated that the groom should approach his future father-in-law and request his daughter’s hand in marriage. Although by no means compulsory today, if you get on well with her family, this can be a lovely proposal tradition to uphold.

Engagement Rings

In 1214, the Pope decreed that couples wishing to marry should observe a waiting period before the wedding ceremony. He decided that couples should wear a ring to symbolise their commitment to each other during this waiting period - or as it is known today, an engagement. In those days, the engagement rings were very simple and usually made from base metals.

How Much Should You Spend On An Engagement Ring?

You may have heard the rumour that an engagement ring should cost the equivalent of three month wages, but in reality the amount you spend on the ring is an entirely personal choice. For tips on finding your perfect engagement ring, read our Engagement Ring Buying Guide.

VIEW THE GUIDE

Why Go Down On Bended Knee?

Think back to the days of knighthood. In those days, a knight would go down on one knee to show respect and loyalty, so it seems only fitting to do the same whilst proposing. Today, it’s one of our favourite traditions of a marriage proposal.

If you’re wondering which knee you should propose on - convention dictates that your left knee should be on the ground, the ring box should be in your left hand, and the box should be opened with your right hand.

The Ring Finger

The ring finger is the third finger of the left hand (undoubtedly hard to remember whilst you’re down on one knee). The ancient Egyptians believed that the vein running from this finger leads directly to the heart, and so it has become the traditional finger to wear an engagement ring; a symbol of love and commitment. So romantic.

The Engagement Announcement

In 1215, Pope Innocent decreed that any couples wishing to marry must formally announce it. We think this tradition is a perfect excuse for posting plenty of ring selfies once you’re engaged. To get the perfect shot, read our blog on how to take the perfect engagement ring selfie.

VIEW OUR PICTURE PERFECT PROPOSAL PIECE

The Diamond Engagement Ring

We have Archduke Maximilian of Austria to thank for this tradition. In 1477, he presented his beloved with a ring featuring a letter ‘M’ spelled out in diamonds. At this time, diamonds were incredibly rare and were thought to possess powers that made them almost magical.

Leap Year Proposal

According to an Irish legend, once every four years on Leap Day, women are allowed to take matters into their own hands and make a marriage proposal. In the Middle Ages, laws stated that if a man refused a Leap Year proposal, he would have to buy the lady 12 pairs of gloves as a penalty.

VIEW FAMOUS FEMALE PROPOSALS BLOG

Inspiration & Advice

More Advice On Getting Engaged

Including how to find the perfect engagement ring.

Our Complete Guide To Getting Engaged

Engagement Ring Buying Guide

Discover everything you need to know before buying an engagement ring.

VIEW THE Guide
Celebrity Engagement Rings

Celebrity Engagement Rings

From your favourite celebrities to royal engagement rings, when it comes to finding an engagement ring to wow, take inspiration from the stars.

Read More On The Blog
How To Get The Ring Size Right

How To Get The Ring Size Right

Our Ring Size guide features a table of ring sizes, a print-out ring size guide and some hints and tips on how to go about finding their ring size in secret.

VIEW THE Guide
DISCOVER OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO GETTING ENGAGED

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