Okay, you've met the right person. The one you can spend four hours in a furniture store with without killing each other. Congratulations. Now it's time for the next step: the marriage proposal .
But here's the thing. How do we do it? What do we say? Where? When? Do we absolutely need a knee? A suit? Witnesses? A shower of petals? (Spoiler: no.)
So here's the ultimate guide to proposing without ending up on YouTube in a compilation of the worst fails of the year.
Before rushing headlong into buying a ring, a little check is in order.
Because proposing isn't like ordering a pizza. It's a little more engaging. We don't want the response to be, "Uh... can we talk about this later?"
If the word 'marriage' has never been mentioned in your relationship, we advise you not to just whip out a ring. Try discreetly probing his desires: a quick comment about a wedding you're attending, the silhouette of a wedding dress you spotted in a store, a romantic movie, or a discussion about the future.
You have to be 95% sure that the idea won't make him or her run away. We say 95% because we like to live dangerously.
Some dream of a royal wedding, others of a minimalist ceremony at the town hall. Make sure your visions aren't diametrically opposed. Just because you've been together for six years doesn't mean you automatically want the same thing. Talk about desires, values, children, finances. Yes, even finances. It's less dreamy than rose petals, but it's useful.
Ah, the ring. The piece of jewelry that single-handedly captures all the stress of the proposal. Let's breathe.
No. But it's highly expected in some cultures. It's not a rule set in stone. Some prefer to offer another piece of jewelry, a letter, or just a "will you marry me?" eye to eye.
No need to sell a kidney. Ignore the ads that say "three months' salary"—it's an urban legend.
Set a reasonable budget , based on your means. A €150 ring can be a thousand times more symbolic than a €5,000 one if chosen carefully.
Discreetly observe what your partner is wearing: yellow gold, white gold, minimalist, or vintage? Otherwise, enlist an accomplice (friend, sister, colleague, etc.) to conduct the investigation. Avoid sticking a 3 cm ring on them when they only swear by discretion.
Here too, there is no absolute rule , but plenty of opportunities to do well (or very badly).
First restaurant, first city of your getaway, place where you first kissed, or even the memory of her bohemian wedding dress that day. It's simple, touching, and it works every time. Bonus: it shows that you remember the details (big points for you).
This is an underrated option. No audience, no pressure, just the two of you in your own world. With a home-cooked meal, candles, and your favorite song playing in the background. No need to break out the violin.
A proposal by a lake, on a beach at sunset, or on top of a mountain? Ultra romantic. But be careful of the logistics (luggage searched, ring lost in the sand, etc.). If you go this route, plan ahead .
Now that you have the mood and the ring (or not), it's time to talk.
You're not reciting a Shakespearean monologue. Be yourself. Speak from the heart, even if it's shaky. That's what will make the moment authentic.
Why you love it.
What you imagine with him/her.
The famous magic phrase: "Will you marry me?"
Yes, it must be said. No need to look for a synonym or a complex sentence. It's this simplicity that hits the mark.
Prepare a few sentences in advance. Even a quick note in your phone (to be deleted later). And if the words don't come out as planned, that's okay. Your emotions will speak for you.
Some dream of a 100% unexpected moment. Others want to be in the know so they can get dressed, put on makeup, and not be in unicorn jogging pants.
If your partner hates surprises or being the center of attention, avoid public proposals. On the other hand, if they're a fan of the big show, you can dare to do something more original, like proposing while wearing a princess wedding dress , or other creative ideas (see below for suggestions).
Pro tip : Even if it's a surprise, make sure he/she would be okay with being filmed or photographed.
A question that comes up often. Here's the naked truth: it depends .
Kneeling is symbolic. Many expect it, others find it cheesy. Doing it or not doesn't change the intention.
But be careful with wet floors or light-colored trousers: elegance has its limits.
Are you looking for ideas that are a little out of the box , without turning into a musical comedy?
Fun clues, memories, a photo, and at the end, the ring (or the proposal). Simple, creative, and very intimate.
Have them write “Will you marry me?” at the bottom of a cup. They drink their coffee and discover the surprise. Simple and effective.
Suggest a couple's photo shoot, in "memory" mode. And then, click: you take out the ring during the pose. Immortalized forever.
Yes, but be careful with your teeth. Avoid swallowing the ring or a trip to the emergency room. Focus on the decoration rather than the inside of the muffin.
The proposal is made. He/she said yes (we hope). What do we do now?
No need to jump straight to 'so when do we book the venue?'. Savor it. Take the time to live in this moment. Imagine yourself, in your Mermaid Wedding Dress , kissing, crying a little, laughing, breathing.
Breathe (again). A hesitant answer doesn't mean a definitive "no." Perhaps the timing wasn't ideal, or the surprise was a turnoff. Talk about it calmly later.
It's official. You're engaged. Now it's time to manage communication.
Relatives, family, friends. Out of respect, avoid telling everyone on Instagram before telling your mother (unless she's on Instagram at the same time as you).
Ring photo, romantic selfie, proposal video? It's up to you. Be yourself. This moment doesn't need to be marketed.
Even the best intentions can turn into a skit. Here's what to avoid.
You don't propose in front of 400 strangers if you're not sure of the answer. It avoids awkwardness.
If you have to hire 20 extras and rent a helicopter, ask yourself: is it for him/her… or for your ego?
The proposal is for the two of you, not for TikTok. Keep the moment private if possible, although a souvenir photo is always nice. Find out more here .
There's no one right way to propose . Yours will be unique because it comes from you.
You can prepare a poem, or just say "I love you, I want to grow old with you." You can do it in a cabin deep in the woods or in a 5-star palace. What matters is how you feel.
And if you tremble while holding the ring, if you stammer... that's even better. That's what true love is: a little stress, a lot of emotion, and a healthy dose of imperfections.
💍 So, are you ready to take the plunge? We wish you a huge YES, lots of laughter, tears (the good kind), and a wonderful adventure together.