HOW TO PLAN FOR A PROPOSAL

Everyone refers to a wedding as the big day, but some might argue that an even bigger day is the day of your proposal. The proposal signifies the moment two people come together to make a decision to start the rest of their lives together. It is a significant moment, to say the very least.

Back in the day, proposals were extremely simple. But in the modern world, thanks to the advent of social media, proposals are mini-events in themselves, involving a whole lot of planning, production and execution.
Are you ready to propose to your partner? Are you not completely sure how to go about it? Well, you’re in luck! In today’s article, we will be taking you through some of the essentials of a good proposal.

Is there any perfect day to propose to your loved one?

“How soon is too soon to propose?”

The question for the ages — for which there really is no specific answer. Much like with love, there are no strict rules that can apply to every couple.

It really is up to you to decide what day works best for you. Some partners prefer to propose on days of significance in the relationship, like the anniversary of the first date or the day you first kissed or the day you fell in love. Other couples prefer to do it on holiday or while travelling with their partner for an extra special (and extra scenic!) proposal. Some other couples might like to keep things simple by popping the question on a regular day.

The main thing to account for while planning which day to propose is what the person you are proposing to would want. Some partners definitely enjoy lots of photos and videos of their proposals. For a person like this, a beautiful holiday proposal might work best. Other partners might be shy and low-key, preferring a chill, no-fuss proposal in the comfort of their home.

What should you consider before proposing?

While there are no hard and fast rules on when you should propose, there are some fundamentals that you should remember.

• Be sure you are ready for married life: Marriage is something that is meant to be taken seriously and should be considered carefully. Assess whether you are mentally and financially secure enough to take this leap of faith before you take it! Check on whether you are willing to be the person your partner needs and deserves.
• Spend time with your partner: While many cultures across the world practice arranged marriage, modern liberties generally allow the couple to spend time together. In love matches, couples generally spend time together and fall in love. The key takeaway on this point would be to ensure you spend the time you need with your partner to decide whether you both are ready for this journey together. Spending time with them will also help you gauge if you are on the same page on things that are important to you. It is ideal to avoid marrying someone on a whim.

Once you have these basics in place, it is all on you and your gut to make that big decision. We will also get into the specifics of some of the steps you can take before your proposal to ensure it all goes smoothly and according to plan.

• Are you both on the same page?
  

  This is one of the big ones. Ask yourself if you and your future life partner align on things that are vital to both of you. This includes things like children and family planning, core values, money management, career growth, communication and more. This is not to say that you are going to be in constant agreement and will be able to successfully avoid any and all squabble throughout your married life. Healthy fighting is a part of every kind of relationship! However, knowing that you share and understand each other’s core principles will help make a life together easier to handle, even when it is some of the bigger stuff.

• Talk to the parents.
  

  In the old times, the boy would seek permission from the girl’s parents for her hand in marriage. Their approval sealed the deal. But in the modern world, this archaic tradition is more of a polite gesture. That said, there are many benefits to speaking to your partner’s parents before you propose.

Getting parental approval for your union not only makes the family feel more involved in your proposal but also helps to build on the familial bond that you are growing through marriage. If your partner is close to their parents, then they might also be able to give you additional tips and advice on how to plan the proposal too! Lastly, it helps you bond with your future in-laws even before the wedding arrives.

• Present the ring.
  

  It comes as absolutely no surprise that so many of our Instagram feeds are full of beautiful engagement rings being flaunted on someone’s hand after they have been proposed to. The ring is one of the most important parts of the proposal. It is vital for you to choose one that you know your partner would enjoy wearing on a daily basis. Do they like glitzy large rings or simple minimal ones? Are they keen on a particular ring setting? Are they environmentally conscious and would prefer a lab-grown diamond? Once you answer these questions, you will be in the perfect position to pick a great ring that your partner will love.

• Get personal.
  

  In the movies, the person proposing always makes a lovely, emotional speech that expresses their love for their partner. And this works off the screen as well! Tell your partner how you feel, in a way that feels most authentic to you and your relationship, and then pop the big question!

Bottomline

You have done your research and you are now ready! Pull out all the stops and enjoy your perfect proposal.