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Whether you’re just toying with the thought of proposing, or you’re so serious that you’ve already bought the ring, it’s never too early to plan a marriage proposal. Proposals don’t have to be elaborate, but they should be meaningful and symbolic of the kind of commitment you have to your partner. If you want your engagement to go off without a hitch—especially if you’re proposing for the first time—read our tips for some advice!
Who Should Propose?
It’s usually considered traditional that the man proposes to the woman. Nowadays, proposal conventions have changed just as much as dating stereotypes have. It is no longer considered too forward for a woman to propose to a man; and if you live in Australia, gay couples can legally get married! So if you want to propose to your girlfriend or to your boyfriend, it doesn’t matter who does it first—if you feel strongly about it, take the leap!
How To Get Him/Her To Propose?
If you’re ready to take the next step, but you want your partner to make the first move, drop a few hints about your future together, or that you’re excited about planning a shared life. That’s enough of a sign to make someone consider proposing.
How To Propose: Here’s What You Need For A Fuss-Free Proposal
You’re going to need a few things for a proper proposal: a ring, a location, and the proposal itself. Here’s a quick outline for what to plan.
1. The Ring Need Not Be Some Crazy Bling, But It Should Be A Meaningful Thing
It’s a good idea to fish a little bit from your partner what kind of ring they would like. Do this discreetly, or you will tip them off! While true love isn’t marked by the sparkler on someone’s finger, remember that the ring is a symbol of an enduring relationship. If you’re going to wear something for the rest of your life, it ought to be something you like!
An engagement ring doesn’t need to be expensive. Consider the kind of jewellery your partner often wears, or ask your partner’s friends if they can find out what their dream ring would look like.
2. Secure A Meaningful Venue
A great possible location for a proposal could be the place where you two had your first date, or when you shared your first kiss. Although some proposal planners suggest that you propose in a completely new place to create a new special memory. If your partner is a bit private or dislikes crowds, consider a more intimate venue like a cozy restaurant with limited seating.
3. Get Some Logistical Support
If you’re planning to throw some bells and whistles in, like hiring your partner’s favourite band or showering them with her favourite flowers, get some help! We cannot emphasise enough how stressful it is to sweat over this stuff.
Enlist the help of your friends in planning reservations, getting bouquets, or taking pictures. This is not the time to be shy about asking for help!
How To Propose: What Do I Say?
Thinking of what to say when you propose? Here are some ideas of things to say.
Note: While these are all good ideas, this is not a proposal template. Your proposal should be made with words from the heart, not recited robotically. Tell your partner how you really feel about them and why you want to spend the rest of your life with them. That’s honestly all the guidance you need when you feel lost about what to say.
How To Propose To A Girl
- Start with a special memory that the two of you share, to bring forward your shared history.
- Talk about the things you love most about her. Is she patient or kind? Enumerate her best qualities and let them know how important she is to you.
- Tell her what positive changes she has made in your life.
- Talk about the kind of future you have planned with her. Kids, travelling, adventures?
- Pledge your love with those sweet four words: “Will you marry me?”
How To Propose To A Guy
- Prepare to deal with his ego. While norms have changed, a guy may feel a little hurt that you jumped the gun, especially if he was planning to propose to you already. Some planners suggest that you remind him that your proposal doesn’t stop him from asking you to marry him too!
- Have a gift ready instead of a ring. Since you’re proposing, don’t expect him to get you an engagement ring—but don’t get him something without a matching item for yourself as well! Stay true to the roots of connection for a proposal. Some ideas include simple gold or silver bands, or matching necklace pendants.
- Be honest about why you are proposing. Since you’re breaking with tradition, some guys may see it as you pressuring them to get married. Talk about why you felt so strongly about him that you just had to propose. Let him know that you want to show him how special he is to you and how much you love him, and that’s why you couldn’t resist going ahead.
- “Will you marry me?” Whether you’re a girl or a guy, you’re going to get butterflies when you hear this, so go on and say it!
How Not To Propose
A surefire way to blow a proposal is to make it a marathon. Nobody wants their engagement to feel like a chore. Even if they say yes, that proposal will have unpleasant memories. Don’t stress yourself out. Strike a good balance between showering your partner with affection, and staying true to the way you express yourself.
If the planning feels like too much work? When all else fails, spontaneously proposing, while a bit slapdash, is at least more emotionally genuine.
Not Sure How To Go About It? You Can Hire A Proposal Planner
When in doubt, there are proposal planners who can handle it for you. Buy The Cow, The Hattie and Bairn Tribe, and The Proposal Guru are just some of the many proposal planners in Australia who can help you out. Some of them offer standard packages, while other planners are more flexible, claiming they want each proposal plan to be personal to their client.
Proposal planners are especially helpful for lavish proposals, or engagement dinners planned in special places like a beach or a rooftop restaurant. If you want your proposal to be absolutely unique; check out their websites, compare their reviews and look up their rates. They may be able to help you pull off the perfect proposal.
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