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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
For more ways to propose, read our Top Ten Creative Proposal Ideas on the blog.
View Proposal Ideas at Home BlogEngagement 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 GUIDEWhy 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 PIECEThe 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 BLOGInspiration & Advice
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