What To Do Before Proposing

Embarking on the journey of marriage is a remarkable chapter in anyone's life, and proposing is the first step towards that shared adventure. The decision to propose should be both heartfelt and considered. To ensure your proposal is as special and meaningful as your love, there are essential "dos and don'ts" to navigate before taking that life-changing leap. Whether your style is traditional or contemporary, the guidance in this article will help you craft a proposal that leaves an indelible mark on your relationship.

THE DOs:

Make Sure You’re On The Same Page

Before you start planning a future, imagining your kids in matching polka-dot outfits or even buying a ring, it’s paramount that the both of you are on the same page. It’s important to understand your partner’s hopes, aspirations, dreams and expectations, and it’s through this understanding that you’ll know if marriage is a potential in the future. Whilst it may seem obvious, discussions on this topic is extremely important as you may have differing opinions such as when the both of you would like to be married by.

Blessings

No matter if your partner is old school or modern, it is still very much relevant and respectful to get the parent’s blessing. Traditionally seen as a sign of respect and often symbolises approval, this is especially important for Asian couples as it is tradition to ask their parents for his or her hand in marriage. This will also show their parents how much you value and treasure their son or daughter, ensuring their child is in good hands and will be forever cared for by a partner that respects their traditions and values.

Put A Ring On It

What’s a proposal without a ring am I right? There are 2 way around this, it’s either a surprise or an opportunity for the both of you to browse through the options together.
If it’s a surprise, bring along one of her rings to the jewellers for sizing and make sure it’s for the ring finger. If you’re unsure of which style your partner would like, Tiktok is here to save you. There are many trivia games on Tiktok that allows you to choose which ring style you like best. For example, many couples are playing against each other to see who knows the other best and this is a great opportunity to find out your partner’s taste and style. Not tech-savy? No worries! Bring along her best friend, sister or mother and they’ll have definitely talked about ring styles at least once in their life and they may have a better idea of your partner’s ideal ring.

If it’s not a surprise, easy work for you! Take an off day and spend the day with your partner browsing through the different styles and trying sizes before the big day. This also makes for a perfect day to just enjoy each other’s presence and bask in the excitement of your upcoming engagement.

Plan and Personalise the Proposal

Whether it’s a grand proposal or intimate moment, ensure your proposal is special and represents your unique relationship. Remember: A memorable proposal need not be dependant on a big budget and it’s the sincerity and love that truly matters. For example, do it in the comfort of your home and decorate the house using rose petals and add candles and music to add a romantic touch. However, don’t forget that everyone is different so give it your own personal touch that you know your partner will appreciate and remember for life.

Personalising the proposal can mean many things but timing is also an important aspect of the proposal. Many couples opt for special occasions such as Christmas or Valentine’s Day and whilst that is in no way a bad idea, another option could be to propose on the day you first met or the day of your first date to give it extra meaning and significance.

Ring Insurance

We bet you didn’t know about ring insurance did you. Some people don’t even have health insurance but rings in this day and age have insurance, crazy isn’t it? However, an engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewellery, it is a significant investment that carries immense sentimental value thus safeguarding this precious symbol of love should come as no surprise.

Just like any other valuable item, engagement rings can be prone to loss, theft or even damage so having insurance in place just provides that layer of financial protection. Additionally, in the event of an accident, insurance also ensures the repair and replacement of the ring.

Contact reputable insurance providers and inquire about coverage options for engagement rings. You'll typically need an appraisal of the ring's value and details on its characteristics. Once you have the policy in place, you can propose with peace of mind, knowing that you've taken a responsible step to protect your investment.

THE DON’Ts:

Don’t Rush

Just as your relationship has taken time to build, a proposal requires immense planning and therefore, time. Everything from the ring to the location will require communication with friends and family and even outside corporations so take your time planning the perfect proposal! Rushing into it without proper consideration can lead to unnecessary stress and complications that could lead to an unsuccessful proposal.

Overspend

Just as how you would discuss matters such as when to get married, discussions into how much money should go into ring shopping is just as important. Whilst it may be a significant purchase and hold immense value, don’t go to the point of financial strain and instead discuss with your partner and find a balance that works for the both of you. Always remember that a ring need not be expensive to prove the depths of your love.

Extravagant Proposals

Extravagant proposals shouldn’t necessarily be avoided but it is important to put it out there that not all partners are the same. Some may prefer over the top proposals, while others may prefer quiet intimate proposals. Gather intel from friends and family and find out what your partner would appreciate and love the most rather than going for the next big thing and possibly overcomplicating things. At the end of the day, prepare what you think will be most meaningful to reflect your love and commitment.

A successful proposal is about more than just getting a "yes." It's about creating a special, memorable moment that both you and your partner will cherish forever. By following these dos and don'ts, you can make sure that your proposal is a beautiful beginning to your journey together.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to proposing, so tailor your plans to what best suits your relationship and your partner's desires. With thoughtful preparation, your proposal is sure to be a success.

Do you want your wedding proposal captured?

We become so nervous and excited during the wedding proposal that it sometimes all becomes a blur. Let us capture all the memories of this special moment. Get in contact with us for all your photo and video needs.