Proposals are one of the most romantic moments in people’s lives. Of course, they are, especially in our heavily influenced culture, growing up with movies and TV shows and fairy tales about how beautiful and romantic and dreamlike an engagement is. And that may well be true, but the fact of the matter is a lot of cool-headed and logical planning and logistics are necessary before someone kneels and pops the question. It can be a bit hectic and maybe too much all at once to do by oneself, so here are six things you should take care of before revealing the ring to the light.
Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/paper-page-ring-romantic-love-3061485/
Identify Where You Stand
Be sure to identify where you exactly stand in the relationship. Most marriage proposals are spontaneous, almost by design, but it is advisable to have at least discussed the subject of marriage long before the idea of the proposal was brought into existence. It is essential to know where you stand when it comes to life plans. Broach the subject of marriage somehow, perhaps by telling your partner about your friend who recently got married and asking your partner what they think, so you will know how they feel about marriage. Take a look at what kind of engagement ring she would love, and set aside a few candidates. Discuss your hopes and dreams with them. You both should be moving in the same general, parallel direction to have a successful proposal and a long, joyous marriage.
Get in Touch with the Parents
In most countries, this is still a hard requirement, but even in more western, modern countries, this is still extremely important. Asking the father’s permission is a sign of respect and will help you integrate into the family. Get in touch with your own parents too. Their support will also make the whole process a breeze and a pleasure to get through, with both families hopefully joining together to create a happy whole.
Pick the Right Location
This may not seem like a huge deal, but details matter, and it does not hurt to think beforehand about where you want to ask for the hand of your beloved. Maybe it’s where you met for the first time, or where you had a beautiful day out, or maybe you just decide on an especially beautiful spot with the red light of sunset shining down upon the both of you. If it is going to be further away, book the tickets in advance and take a few days off work. It will be a more meaningful moment if the place is personal to both of you, so try to think from her perspective as well regarding this.
Consider the Question
This may seem a bit disingenuous, but consider the question itself, the phrasing, and the words you will use. Everything you’ve wanted to say to her the entire time you’ve known her. Do not make it appear perfectly revised and recited like some script, but at least be conscious of whatyou are going to say, so you do not regret not having said or having omitted something long after. Ideally, you only get to propose once in your life, so you want it to be the best possible version it could have been. Consider the surroundings as well; do you believe she would prefer to be alone or with friends or family when you pop the question? These are the little details that will make a huge difference in the end.
Image Source: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/couple-love-proposal-silhouette-3581038/
A Small Celebration
You don’t need to plan a full-on engagement party afterward, but maybe a relaxed evening with family and friends would be perfect. Perhaps book a table at your favorite restaurant, or have your friends set up a little surprise party back at your house or apartment. It needn’t be a huge, extravagant deal; that can still be reserved for the wedding and nuptials and so on. It’s just a small way to make the already special day even more special and memorable.
Don’t Rush It
This one may seem very obvious, but in the heat of the moment, with a pounding heart and maybe shaky hands, you may be prone to stumbling over your words or something else that would mar the perfect day. Breathe deeply and steadily, try to speak slowly and with confidence and clarity, and you will be good to go.
A proposal happens, or should happen, only once in life. It is the catalyst to spending the rest of your life with someone, so you should make sure your proposal is perfect with all the little details and creases ironed out beforehand.
