Making a marriage proposal is one of the most exciting moments before the wedding. Because without a proposal, no wedding! It’s a moment both of you will remember forever and a story that others will hear a lot. So, this is a moment when you want to make sure everything goes well…
Still, there’s no need to let your nerves drive you crazy: Follow these do’s and don’ts when proposing and you’ll be fine!
DON’TS
Let’s start with what not to do.
- Forgotten the (in-law) parents
It is tradition to be the first to ask for the hand of the father or parents of your soon-to-be. It’s an old tradition, but probably appreciated. It is also wise to inform the parents after the proposal before the rest hears.
- Arrive empty-handed
The proposal is of course about the question, but a proposal only feels complete with the engagement ring. No time or budget for a ring? Then see if there is a family heirloom that you can borrow or (if you want to remove the element of surprise a bit) go and choose engagement rings together!
- Don’t spend too much money
For a proposal, you probably want to unpack as best you can. Just don’t go too crazy, because after a proposal comes the wedding and that can possibly become even more expensive.
- Tell too many people
We understand you’re excited but try to tell as few people as possible about the proposal. No matter how much you trust yourself, this news is so exciting that they even accidentally tell your betrothed. Of course, it is no longer a surprise when you hear from someone else that you are being proposed to.
- A proposal with (too much) audience
Proposing in public can be a lot of fun, but it also has its caveats. A marriage proposal is only about the two of you and it is more often appreciated if this beautiful moment remains a private moment. Think about your spouse and what he or she would like.
- Asking too soon
Nerves are sometimes uncontrollable but keep breathing. Because when you have your ring in your pocket, you feel like you want to ask as soon as possible. Don’t do that and try to stay relaxed so that everything will be fine.
- Don’t forget yourself
Most likely you focus on the person you want to propose, but don’t forget yourself! Make sure you’re ready to wear something you feel good in. Practice a few times in front of the mirror, take a deep breath, you’re ready!
DO’S
And these are our top tips for proposing!
- Wait for the right moment
We said it just now, but if you reveal the question too soon, things can go wrong. We also recommend that you find out where your soon-to-be is from before you propose to her. Maybe she’s just in a bad mood or she’s not feeling well because of dinner.
- Be prepared
Planning a proposal is useful when you’re nervous. Of course, you don’t have to stick to this strictly, but before you have a certain idea of how the proposal goes, make sure. Also very handy: also plan the time after the proposal. You might want to celebrate with dinner or a walk on the beach.
- Backup plan
Suppose you have planned a proposal at the beach, but it starts to storm. Then having a backup plan is very nice! So, think of a (simple) alternative or make sure you can ask at another time.
- Make sure it’s legal
If you do want to make a marriage proposal in public, make sure that you have arranged everything legally. If you want to do a flash mob, for example, inform shopkeepers, restaurants, etc. (possibly the municipality depending on the location). Of course, you wouldn’t want to be picked up in the middle of your proposal…
- Capture it
Maybe we don’t even need to say this, because these days it makes sense for beautiful moments to be captured. Do it during an engagement shoot, ask a friend or set up (hidden) cameras so that you can still enjoy this beautiful moment.
- Make it valuable
You’ve probably already applied this but make the moment extra memorable by using valuable elements. For example, ask the question at the place of your first date or bring back attributes that have a lot of meaning in your life.
