You met, fell in love, and now it’s time to propose to your significant other! While there’s never a wrong way to propose, planning your marriage proposal can still feel like a huge undertaking. From the setting, to the photos, to the ring, you want your marriage proposal to be perfect in all regards. If you’re wondering how to make your marriage proposal great, read on for tips on what to do and what to avoid when proposing to your sweetheart and soon-to-be spouse.
Do Your Research on Engagement Rings
The biggest part of your proposal is finding the ideal engagement ring to propose with. As such, it’s important to do your research on engagement rings before you pop the big question. There are a number of factors you’ll want to take into consideration when picking out the right engagement ring including:
Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamond Engagement Rings
The first thing you’ll want to figure out is whether you want to explore lab-grown or traditionally mined diamond engagement rings. Lab-grown diamonds are just as sparkly as mined diamonds, but are made in a laboratory without as many carbon emissions that the mining process produces. Consider your and your significant other’s opinions on sustainability to help you decide what kind of diamond you’d like set in your engagement ring.
Diamond Shape
The biggest factor that differentiates engagement rings from one another is the shape of the diamond that’s set within the ring. There are a wide number of different diamond shapes to choose from, so you’ll want to figure out what style your partner would like best. Some of the most popular diamond shapes include Oval, Round Brilliant, Cushion, Princess, Pear, and Emerald. In addition to choosing the shape of the diamond, you should also consider what type of diamond setting you’ll want for your engagement ring. Solitaire, Three-Stone, and Halo engagement rings are some of today’s most sought after diamond settings.
Don’t Rush Yourself
It’s important not to rush into proposing to your significant other. When you first get the inkling to propose, take the time to mull over your feelings and decide if it’s the right time for you and your partner to consider marriage. You’ll also want to take into consideration your partner’s feelings, and where they might be in life. Even if you feel like a new friend of yours is getting engaged every other day, you don’t need to rush yourself to meet the speed of anyone else. Additionally, if you do decide that you want to propose, you’ll want to give yourself ample time to plan a perfect proposal that you and your partner will cherish for years to come.
Do Decide If You Want a Public or Private Proposal
It’s important to decide whether you want to propose in a public location with a lot of people around, or in a more private space where you’re less likely to be interrupted.
Don’t Let The Secret Get Out
Don’t spoil the proposal surprise by blabbing about your plans! If you must, tell a few close friends that you know can be trusted to not spill the beans. Surprising your partner will make your proposal all the more magical.
Do Pick a Memorable Location
When setting a location for your proposal, you’ll want to find a memorable place to do it. This doesn’t mean you have to do something wild like get down on one knee in the middle of a concert (though, that’s totally cool if you do!). The best proposal venues are places that hold some sort of sentimental value to you and your spouse. Some great ideas for potential proposal spots include:
- The location of your first date
- A place that you both love to visit together
- At home, or the home of a beloved family member
- Somewhere with stunning views, like a beach, garden, or mountain range
Don’t Forget to Take Pictures
You’ll want to make sure that you take pictures to commemorate your proposal so you can look back on such a joyous day. If you’re going to be in a place that’s easily reachable, you might want to enlist some friends to take candid pics as the proposal goes down. Or, if you’re going to propose in a more secluded area, be sure to take pictures after the proposal to capture your excitement of becoming fiancês. Be sure to share the pictures with close friends and family after the proposal. Grandma’s going to want one printed out to put on her fridge!
Conclusion
With a bit of good research and planning, there’s no doubt that your marriage proposal will be unforgettable. Take time to look into different engagement rings, where you’d like to propose, and how many people you’d like to be there. Be sure to keep the proposal a secret until the big day. And of course, take lots of photos to commemorate your amazing proposal for years to come.
