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How to Propose

Let's look at proposal ideas

By Charmaine van der MerwePublished 4 years ago 6 min read
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Image by Shelby Deeter

How to propose

Are you looking at proposing to your loved one and have no idea of how to do so, well in today’s blog I have a few suggestions for you on how to propose.

How do you know when you are ready to propose?

If you are reading this then you must have been thinking about it.  But deep down you will know when you are ready. If you can imagine your life with that person in the years to come, and the thought of spending a lot of time together in the future makes you happy then you are on the right track.

Video from Giphy

How important is the proposal?

One thing you need to think about is what will your proposal storey be when you are asked “how did he or she propose. I say he or she as in today’s world not only men are proposing but a woman too. Are you ok with a not to great proposal story or do you want there to be a wow factor when you hear your partner explaining it to family and friends?

If I look back, hubby and I never really had a wow factor proposal, it was an in the moment joint decision that it was what we wanted to do and if I go back I would do it the same way. However, there are people out there that prefer to be wowed or have that emotional excitement of a genuine on your knee marriage proposal.

The proposal may also set the stage for the beginning of your life together and you will want to make it a special one.

What is the meaning of the proposal?

It’s a proposal made to your partner to be married in the future, you are showing that you are ready to take your relationship to the next level and that the planning of a wedding can commence.

Asking the father for her hand?

This has been a tradition from way back, it is very important in some cultures to ask the Father of the bride if he would approve before you pop the question. Not everyone will do so but it is a sign of respect.

Where should you pop the question?

There are so many ways in today’s lifestyle where you can propose to your loved one. It does depend on the likes of your partner and yourself, are you active people who like to go hiking or skiing on the Swiss mountains, or are you more placid and homely? Always picture what he or she would like before taking this into account, you want your loved one to enjoy the experience before the proposal or they may just say No! haha.

Here are some suggestions from me.

Image by Dawid Zawiła

A beautiful lake out in the bush, the sun is setting and the birds are singing. You take your partner out on the water in a little rowboat or sit on the dock leading out over the water. Maybe a bottle of champaign to celebrate with.

How about on a high rise building overlooking the city with all its beautiful lights and the sun setting in the background.

Image by Chirobocea Nicu

Maybe on the beach at sunset, take a walk on the beach until you find a nice quiet spot or a picnic you set up prior to the walk, or a family member can set it up for you while you are taking your walk.  The sound of the water and the ambience from the sunset can make a really memorable setting.

Image by Jeremy Bishop

In a log cabin in the snowy regions with a fire burning and some bubbly with chocolates and strawberries or even cherries. A blanket in front of the fireplace to keep you warm and snuggling together.

Image by Ezra Jeffrey

Or a very exclusive restaurant, of the one you know you both really love. Try to find a quiet place where you are almost alone as it can be a bit of a distraction to have others around you watching. Try calling the restaurant and letting them know of your plans ahead of time they may offer to do something nice for the occasion for you.

Image by Bruce Mars

These are just a few to mention there are so many options out there that you can choose from.

Choosing the ring.

This can be a very daunting time, there are so many ring options out there today, I know that hubby and I went to look together and both had a choice in the rings we selected.  It also depends on your budget, we have always been told that the price of the woman’s ring should be your monthly salary multiplied by three. I am not sure who started this tradition but we never really went by this.

If you have a very fussy partner I would try to fish a little as to what they like by maybe asking a sister/brother of theirs or a friend to show a few rings without letting on what your plans are.

Some partners can be very price concerned which I feel is very wrong but that’s my opinion. A ring is a symbol of your love and should be appreciated no matter what the cost.

Some things to remember are:

The style of the ring, should it be old fashioned, dainty, bulky, sparkly.

Silver, Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, Titanium and the list goes on to what material is offered today. Some are even having tattoo rings instead of real ones.

It needs to be long-wearing and not discolour.

How long should an engagement be?

A long engagement is more than 18 months.

A short engagement is less than 12 months.

I don’t think there needs to be a limit as to how long your engagement is, you need to do a lot of planning, budgeting and it can be a very emotional and challenging time as well as exciting.

Take the time you need to plan and make your wedding day a very special one.

Did you know?

The longest engagement in the Guinness world of records is 67 years.

What if your partner says NO!

This is something you will have to accept and remember that it may not be because you are not loved, that person may just not be there yet for many reasons.  Talk through it and let them explain the reason.

Conclusion

So to sum it all up, be yourself, find a beautiful setting get down on one knee no matter where you have chosen to pop the question.  And wishing you all the best of luck on your journey ahead.

I hope that I managed to spark some ideas for you on proposal ideas. Your loved one should appreciate any proposal or ring that you give them if they really care for you, if they are not happy then you maybe need to take a step back and reevaluate your relationship.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, your support is really appreciated.

As always remember - You Not Alone

Resources:

Images from Stocksnap.io

Photo by <a href="https://stocksnap.io/author/41724">Shelby Deeter</a> from <a href="https://stocksnap.io">StockSnap</a>

Photo by <a href="https://stocksnap.io/author/37247">Dawid Zawiła</a> from <a href="https://stocksnap.io">StockSnap</a>

Photo by <a href="https://stocksnap.io/author/35092">Chirobocea Nicu</a> from <a href="https://stocksnap.io">StockSnap</a>

Photo by <a href="https://stocksnap.io/author/29605">Jeremy Bishop</a> from <a href="https://stocksnap.io">StockSnap</a>

Photo by <a href="https://stocksnap.io/author/23187">Ezra Jeffrey</a> from <a href="https://stocksnap.io">StockSnap</a>

Photo by <a href="https://stocksnap.io/author/brucemars">Bruce Mars</a> from <a href="https://stocksnap.io">StockSnap</a>

Giphys:

Can be found at https://giphy.com/

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About the Creator

Charmaine van der Merwe

I am a mother of 4, and soon to be a grandmother. Family is very important to me. I love sharing my life experiences with everyone, its a way for me to express myself.

I don't have a specific niche' and write about whatever is on my mind.

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