Getting engaged is a really exciting time in a couple’s life. It’s a momentous occasion that will be retold for years to come. But before you can get to all the nostalgia that will eventually come, you first have to actually present the ring to your intended. While this can seem like a daunting task (after all, you want to get everything just right), there are a few tips that can help you plan the perfect proposal scene without worrying about potential mishaps. Here, the wedding experts at Griffin’s Weddings offer some thoughts about what to do- and not do- when presenting an engagement ring to your soon-to-be-bride.
Some Points to Think about Ahead of Time
The right place and the right time will make all the difference for you and your partner. If you wind up in a situation in which you feel rushed, you’ll be more concerned with your time table than basking in the romantic glow of your future together. Be sure to leave room for the two of you to swoon, cry, and kiss a little. After all, you just made a huge, beautiful decision that will change your lives. Take time to let that soak in! The right location is key, as well. Choose a setting that fits your personalities, preferably someplace near and dear to both of you. Bonus points if the location is one you’re likely to return to over the years (imagine taking the grandchildren to the very spot where you proposed!).
10 Dos & Don’ts of Proposing
Do It Right
There are a few details to keep in mind when actually presenting the ring to your love. Be sure you’ve chosen a ring she’ll love, whether she chose it herself or you recruited her best friend or sister to help you choose. Here are some ideas for creative ways to get the ring into- and onto- her hand:
Do tie it on! Give her a bouquet of flowers or a small wrapped gift with a ribbon that ties the ring to it.
Do send her searching. Create a scavenger hunt in which the final prize is you with the ring! Just make sure ahead of time that she’s certain to find both you and the ring!
Do string her along. Give her one end of a string that she must follow all the way to the end- where the ring is waiting for her.
Do create a scene. Set up a pre-arranged scene with special items, memories and photos of the two of you together. As she’s reminiscing about all of your special times together, get down on one knee and create a new memory!
Do bring an audience. Gather friends and family to wait at an undisclosed location for her, either as you propose or just after. She’s going to want to share the news with everyone, so why not already have everyone available?
Please Just Don’t…
With all of these great ideas come a few warnings to heed. These aren’t meant to limit your creativity, but are simply here to make sure some pragmatism is exercised in your planning this big event.
Don’t hide the ring in her food. We don’t want a choking scene on what should be a beautiful day. Also, do you really want food all over that expensive ring the first time she sees it?
Don’t hide the ring in her drink either. It might look pretty at the bottom of the champagne flute, but the act of getting it out could become awkward (again, with the choking…).
Don’t hide the ring at all! There are few scenarios in which hiding the ring can work out well. By letting go of it before she knows about it, you run the risk of losing it or having it taken. Avoid this by keeping the ring with you until the right moment.
Don’t rely on the weatherman. Even if everything looks like clear skies and smooth sailing, if you’re planning an outdoor proposal it’s still smart to have an indoor backup plan in case of inclement weather.
Don’t rely on anyone else at all! Leaving the ring-bearing to someone else could very easily open you up to a lot of anxiety about everyone being where they should, when they should. If that’s your major concern, you’ll stop focusing on the person you should be (your soon-to-be-bride). Certainly, involve others, but be sure the ring itself stays with you.
A wedding proposal is a very exciting event. You want to make it special and memorable, so take care in your planning to create a moment that both of you will love to tell about for years to come. Keep your personalities in mind (are you both reserved and quiet, or do you both love the spotlight and being surrounded by friends and family?). Practice your words carefully and plan all the details so your entire proposal goes off without a hitch. Remember to leave a little room for you and your new fiancee to revel in the bigness of your upcoming future together. For more tips and ideas, talk to the wedding professionals at Griffin’s Weddings. We look forward to hearing your proposal story and helping you plan your upcoming wedding!