Proposal Planning: Crafting the Perfect Moment with the Perfect Ring
A proposal of marriage should represent a pivotal moment in the lives of both the person doing the proposing, and the person to whom the proposal is being made. Ideally, it should feel special. You should be able to look fondly back on it in years to come – and that means getting every element right.
Understanding the recipient
A good proposal should factor in the preferences, interests, and personality of the person you’re proposing to. If they like to be at the centre of attention, then you might elect to do it in public. If they’re more introverted and private, then a more intimate setting, like a candlelit dinner, might be appropriate.
You should also know something about their physical dimensions. While you can get the size of the ring adjusted later on, the gesture will often be more powerful if it can be slipped easily onto the finger.
Choosing the right ring
You might get an idea of what metals and gemstones to choose by poring through your better half’s existing collection. Diamonds are often preferred in part because they’re durable, and in part for cultural and marketing reasons.
When selecting a diamond engagement ring, you’ll need to assess the stone itself. The value of a ring is a product of its cut, carat, clarity, and colour. But you might prioritise some of these qualities over the others. Look for a ring, above all, that speaks to your story as a couple, and the way that you view one another. This might mean looking for particular motifs and symbols.
Romantic proposal ideas
Getting it right means seeking out the right venue, and the right moment. You’ll want to make the moment as personal as possible. If it comes as a total surprise, then it will probably be much more memorable.
You might ask the question on a barge at night-time, or on a deserted beach in the morning. You might propose on a mountaintop, or beside a river. You might even pick a completely wacky event, like a skydive, to make it extra special.
Sometimes, the best proposals require a natural event, like a sunset in an elevated position, such as a skyscraper. You might also want to book a photographer to help capture the moment, or a musician or even a flash-mob to help sell it. These elements require some coordination – so make sure that you’ve given some thought to the logistics before putting the plan into motion.
Proposal etiquette
Traditionalists might seek the consent of the bride’s father before proceeding. Even if you don’t expect the answer to be anything other than yes, this is a courtesy that might be appreciated.
You’ll also want to be sure that you can react to unexpected disturbances, or even rejections, with the right amount of grace. It might be that the answer is ‘no, for now’ – in which case you’ll need to accept it without making things awkward.
Top image by Andre Jackson on Unsplash
