Before the turkey goes in the oven, we have some wedding inspiration to share! To kick off the upcoming holiday season — a popular time to get engaged — we’ve rounded up some tips for popping the question. Whether you bookmark this post and refer to it later, share it with a friend who wants to pop the question, or you plan on getting engaged soon, this is the post for you! Read on to find out more…
Tips for Popping the Question
1. Test the Waters.
Chances are, you’ve talked about getting married or refer to things in the future together. Make sure marriage is what you both want; also, make sure you don’t propose too early.
2. Find the perfect ring.
Shopping for the engagement ring can seem like a difficult part of popping the question – but it doesn’t have to be! If you want it to be a surprise, consider what kind of jewelry she likes to wear on a regular basis. Also, secretly find out her ring with this. You can use it with one of her current rings when she’s not around and find out her size. If you want her to be in on the engagement ring shopping experience, visit a few jewelry stores together or casually ask her what style ring she’s always imagined.
For instance, when shopping for wedding sets, be on the lookout for different diamond shapes (like round, princess-cut, or square diamond). Does she want diamonds along the band, or would she prefer a solid gold band instead? If you want to customize your own ring, check out online jewelers – like Anjolee, where these rings were spotted – which allows you to ‘build your own ring’ that’s customized for her (and your budget).
3. Ask for her hand.
It’s traditional, yes, but it’s one of those romantic gestures that will always be appropriate.
4. Don’t do it in front of others.
A proposal is personal; keep it between the two of you. Plus, it will take some of the pressure off of you. (Unless, of course, she has dreams of being on Jumbotron at a sporting game or part of a lip dub proposal, but you would know her best anyway.)
5. Be heartfelt.
When proposing, be heartfelt in your words. Why do you want to marry her? Be sincere, short, and sweet.
6. Propose at a special location.
Is there a special place you’ve frequented together? A restaurant, park, or beach? Consider this spot as a memorable proposal location.
7. Get creative!
Make your proposal unique. One of my favorite ideas is to hire a photographer to secretly photograph the entire proposal without her knowing. On the morning of the wedding, have a wrapped photo frame delivered to her while getting ready which features the secret photos. She’ll love it. I get chills just writing about it.
8. Celebrate!
Is it a… YES?! Awesome! Now it’s time to celebrate + start planning! Here are 5 things to do after getting engaged. Want to have engagement photos taken right away? Check out these engagement photo ideas and browse local wedding vendors near you to find your perfect photographer.
And, as a sidebar, don’t be overly concerned with the ring, the size, and how much it costs. Real love knows no material things. I was talking to a friend last night and he mentioned how the Count of Monte Cristo proposed with a ring made of yarn… and, he added, “Things worked out for him pretty well.” So true. :) Buy a ring you know she will love, but don’t over-think it. Just some food for thought!
Happy Proposing!
P.S. More coming up next!
xo,
-E.
Disclosure: The rings (#2) was part of a sponsorship by Anjolee as one option of where to customize your own ring. However, feel free to shop where you wish.