Social media has made proposing today more intimidating than ever before.
On top of hoping that your partner says yes, you may also worry about how everyone else will view your special moment.
Fortunately, proposal etiquette is fairly simple to follow. After all, most guidelines aim to ensure your partner’s comfort as you celebrate the love you share. Following these essential do’s and don’ts ensures that your proposal goes exactly as you plan.
1. Do Consider Your Partner’s Preferences
Considering your partner’s personality helps you decide whether to plan a huge surprise or send a few hints about the proposal. For instance, looking at wedding ring sets online together can give your partner a hint of where your mind is heading.
You’ll also want to consider whether they prefer a public proposal or would rather you pop the question in private. While your proposal should also fit your needs, tailoring your approach to your partner’s personality makes it easier for them to give their honest reaction.
2. Don’t Forget to Consider Cultural or Personal Traditions
Many people still prefer for their partner to get their family’s approval before they pop the question. But there might be other cultural traditions to honor during your proposal. If you’re unfamiliar with your partner’s religious, cultural, or personal preferences, then it doesn’t hurt to ask their family what they might like to have happen.
3. Do Try to Help Them Look and Feel Their Best for the Big Moment
While you’re busy shopping for affordable engagement rings that meet your partner’s expectations, you might also want to think about how one will look on their hand. Since your partner is bound to want to snap photos of their engagement ring as soon as it’s on their finger, you might plan the proposal for a day when they’ve just had a manicure.
Meanwhile, you might also want to consider what you and your partner are wearing. If a surprise proposal makes it hard to tell them to dress up, then you might plan to pop the question after a special night out.
Alternatively, you could pop the question when you’re both relaxed and enjoying a favorite activity together. Snapping photos in your ski gear or Halloween costumes might fit your personalities, too.
4. Don’t Forget to Find Ways to Capture the Occasion
By now, you can expect that you’ll want some photos to use for your engagement announcements. If you have time, consider arranging for a photographer to be on hand to take the photos. If you’re planning the proposal with family and friends nearby, consider recruiting someone to take pictures as soon as you drop to one knee.
5. Do Pick a Memorable Location
Your proposal is bound to go down in personal history as one of your partner’s most cherished memories. In fact, you might decide to revisit the location on anniversaries in the future. If possible, consider proposing in a place that will always hold fond memories for your partner. Outdoor locations are great for proposing, but you can also choose to pop the question during a special moment at home.
6. Don’t Propose Empty-Handed
You have a lot of planning to do, and it’s crucial to include all the key details. Although some people prefer to pick out their wedding bands later, you can bet that your partner will be expecting a ring.
For surprise proposals, you might need to be a little sneaky to find their ring size. Purchasing a ring from a company that offers free exchanges can also help you feel more confident.
7. Do Practice Your Proposal
Even if you’ve been with your partner for years, you might find that you suddenly get nervous when it comes time to propose. Find a trusted friend and practice the entire proposal. You can also practice what you’ll say in front of a mirror until the words come out naturally.
8. Don’t Forget to Give Them Time to Respond
If your partner hesitates after your question, don’t immediately jump to conclusions. Many people need a moment or two to process what just happened. If you choose to get on one knee, remain in position while you wait for the answer. Being patient not only gets you the best reaction, but it also gives people time to snap pics of the special occasion.
9. Do Plan Time to Savor the Moment Together
Whether you turn into a giggly couple full of excited energy or are more likely to savor the moment quietly, it’s important to allow for time to bond. Depending on where you propose, you might take a walk along the beach or lake. Or, you might spend time shopping for wedding rings. Either way, you’ll be glad you spent this extra time together before sharing the news.
10. Don’t Forget to Discuss How to Announce the Big News
After some bonding time, you’ll be ready to make your engagement announcement to the world. But, you’ll want to plan how to do so with your partner first. Whether you post a shared announcement on social media or call your closest family members first is up to you. But you can bet everyone will be asking you to share your proposal story.
Start Planning by Picking Out the Perfect Ring
Every proposal deserves an engagement ring that instantly sends the message that you are committed to being together forever. Before you get down on one knee, make sure you have the perfect ring to slip onto your partner’s finger. Soon, you’ll be able to look forward to the moment when you get to show them just how special they are to your heart.
