For many men, the words “will you marry me” will form the most important question they’ll ask in their lives. Given its gravity, it’s easy to see why they feel so pressured to get every element of a proposal just right.
After a man finds the perfect engagement ring, what follows is the question of when and where to pop the big question. Check out our tips on how to choose the perfect proposal location:
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Ask yourself: “what would she want?”
A surprising number of men feel pressured to put on a huge show just to ask a simple question. This trend can be seen in the number of engagement proposal videos that have gone viral on social media in recent years. From popping the question in the middle of a Justin Timberlake concert to presenting the ring whilst skydiving, people have come up with some extreme engagement proposals, each one more elaborate than the last.
While it’s true that exerting a bit of effort can make the experience more memorable, you’ll want the proposal to be remembered for the right reasons. Considering your partner’s feelings and preferences is by far the easiest and best way to guide yourself throughout this process. All women are unique, so we can’t tell you what’s going to work and what won’t.
However, if you’re considering marrying her, you must already have a handle on what her likes and dislikes are. If she shies away from being the centre of attention, it would be unwise to put her on the spot with a public proposal. If she’s the epitome of the words “non-traditional”, a spontaneous overseas trip might go well with the sapphire engagement ring you’ve chosen for her.
Consider the logistics.
Every location presents its own set of challenges. For example, many men take to bodies of water like the beach or a waterfall for a romantic backdrop to accompany the proposal. However, just getting to the top of a waterfall can be a rocky challenge for your partner, who may be too annoyed by the end of the trek to give you a favourable response.
Before you settle on a proposal location, it’s a good idea to think about how you’ll both get there, and what the conditions will be once you arrive. If you plan on inviting friends and family to make an event of it, you also need to make sure that the venue is big enough to hold your entire party.
Keep the noise and activity level in mind.
This seems obvious, but it’s a factor that doesn’t typically cross a man’s mind when he’s deciding on a proposal location. Given that you’re asking a question and expecting a response, wouldn’t it be a good idea to do it in a place where you can hear each other clearly? Proposing is an emotional event that deserves a modicum of gravitas and respect. Besides, if she doesn’t hear you the first time, you may have to repeat yourself—and that can be hard to do with your heart in your throat.
NEVER propose at someone else’s wedding.
It’s easy to get swept up in the romance of a wedding, even if it isn’t yours. Proposing to your partner during someone else’s big day is a major faux pas, though, and we strongly advise against it. Doing so takes the focus away from the couple of the hour and makes you look like an inconsiderate scene-stealer. It’s a guaranteed way to lose the trust and respect of the just-married while creating an awkward and uncomfortable situation for all in attendance—your partner included. If you really must replicate the experience, plan your own event where you can be the centre of attention.
It’s important not to lose sight of what really matters when you’re planning a proposal: you, your partner, and the future that you’re planning together. Wherever you choose to pop the question, make sure that it’s a place where you can both speak from the heart.
