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The Proposal Date
Whilst we'd usually start with 'find yourself a hot date', we're sort of hoping you've got that one covered this time. That being the case, we'll move swiftly on to picking the right location.
First things first, you need to decide whether to do the deed at home or abroad, and there are of course pros and cons to both. Popping the question on holiday gives you the bliss of time away to really soak up the excitement of the engagement (as long as you PROMISE not to leave it until the last day… if the love of your life has even the slightest suspicion of what you're about to do, every day 'sans-ring' will be torture). On the other hand, you're perhaps more likely to take your beloved by surprise if there are no grand holiday plans to accompany your proposal. For the best of both worlds, how about proposing the day before you go off on holiday? That way you'll catch her by surprise and still have the joys of an 'engagement-moon'.
2) When and where?
Perhaps the most important rule of the proposal date is that it can NEVER be too romantic. Yes boys, it's time to reach out to your inner woman and get sentimental. So if the timing's right (please don't wait a whole year just for effect!) ask her on the anniversary of the first time you met or the first time you kissed (…apparently there are people out there who remember such dates...). Perhaps you could take her to the bar where you had your first date or to a place that has a special importance in your relationship.
Think about the timing too, as this can also help to achieve an element of surprise. What about a proposal over breakfast - sure to be unexpected and with the added bonus of having the whole day ahead to enjoy your new status (although it will require a follow up celebratory lunch and potentially dinner too, so this could be an expensive option!).
Everyone likes an unusual engagement story, and given that you will be inundated with requests to repeat a step by step account, you may as well make it interesting! There are of course plenty of big budget options to wow your intended, from hot air balloon rides to a trip up the Eiffel Tower but you can be equally impressive on a small budget too. A romantic picnic in her favourite London park, a never-to-be-forgotton walk to the top of a hill, a hired boat and a bottle of Champagne…
4) Accessories
This is pretty simple as there is only one accessory that you absolutely have to have. You need champagne. It could be a mini bottle produced from your rucksack on the top of a mountain or it could be lashings of the good stuff in a Michelin starred restaurant. Just don't forget it!
The optional extra is of course the ring. It's hard to give advice on whether to propose with or without a ring, as this is very personal and depends an awful lot on the couple in question. If you're absolutely sure that you can find her something she'll love forever, then there's nothing more romantic than having a ring to propose with. Just don't spoil the moment with 'you can swap it if you don't like it, I've kept the receipt' - you can bring this up another day if you're concerned. If on the other hand you're just not confident you can get it right, save the ring selection for another day. Get her a temporary sparkler from the high street so you don't kneel empty handed and then enjoy finding the perfect ring together.
On that note, may we recommend our favourite London jewellers (and the only truly British brand left on Bond Street), Boodles. It's a family affair at Boodles, with expertise and firmly held values passed down through the generations, and you get a feel for that right from the word go. From greeting you like long lost friends, plying you with delicious champagne and having the most gorgeous selection of exquisite engagement rings, to a life long service of ring checking, cleaning and general 'looking after', we really can't recommend them highly enough. You may like to note that we are not getting free diamond handouts or any other sparkly perks from this recommendation, we're just telling you about them because we believe them to be the best! (although if Mr Boodles is reading this please do feel free to send a diamond or two Miss Mary's way…)
Whether you've got the real thing burning a hole in your pocket or a suitable Accessorize fake, think about how you're actually going to deliver it. You can't fail with the traditional 'down on one knee with red velvet box' number, but if you'd rather stay away from the classic ritual, this is a great time to get creative. An engagement ring can be concealed in all number of disguises. We've heard of someone managing to get it into a Kinder egg, hiding it within a book (cut a ring shaped hole through a few hundred pages to disguise and keep safe) and sneaking it into a balloon which can then be burst (in a safe place… helium not advisable)!
6) Afterwards
What none of your engaged friends will tell you is the fact that for some, the moments following your grand gesture have a tendency to feel a little awkward… and that's assuming she says yes! Perhaps the reason for this is that it can be difficult to get your heads around the enormity of what you have just agreed to and you may very well find yourselves a little lost for words. Thus a post-question plan is important. Crack open your bottle of champers or go for a romantic stroll to take it all in, just make sure your careful planning doesn't end as soon as you've spilled the question.
About the Author
This article was written by a member of the team at The Great Date Guide, a fantastic website that offers an innovative way to search for original date ideas in London, from relaxed first date restaurants to romantic proposal venues!
www.thegreatdateguide.com
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