Thinking about popping the question? Baffled about how to ask your love? Look no further than these romantic, adorable and charming 10 ways to propose…
Get your best friend involved to help you out. How adorable!
Whether you are speaking to family, friends or strangers, telling someone you have just proposed arouses the popular question “How did you propose?” Films, books, television shows, magazines, newspapers, you name it, tales of all-consuming romance are shared and dramatised. As audience members, we seek to view the outrageously romantic proposals that tug at our heartstrings; When Harry met Sally, A Walk to remember, Love Actually, hell there is even a film called The Proposal. Fortunately, although sadly you may not be Colin Firth, a fairytale proposal can still be just as passionate and tear-jerking. Have a look at these wonderful ways to propose.
A still from the famous ‘Love Actually’ when Jamie proposes to Aurelia
1. In a park
Green hills, a flowing river, blue skies, birds flying high, flowers blooming, this is a simple and charming way to propose to the love of your life. Wonderful and romantic yet not too ostentatious, maybe you are both taking a walk in the park, or snuggling on a tartan picnic blanket, enjoying a glass of champagne, this is an ideal time to pop the question. With the sun shining, your fiance-to-be radiantly smiling beside you, hair dancing in the wind and a setting so picturesque it looks as if drawn by an artists pencil, what could be more perfect than proposing in this idyllic, heavenly setting?
A romantic proposal in an idyllic park
2. Dinner
Number 2 on our list of ways to propose; a perfect dinner. A simple yet classic way to propose that can be as romantic and fanciful or as ordinary as you wish, according to their personality. Whether you have cooked the meal they love the most, you’re taking them out for a candlelit dinner with a violinist playing or you’re sharing a KFC bargain bucket for two, the time could be right and the experience as romantic or casual as you wish. Some people don’t particularly like over-the-top, extravagant proposals so make sure you discover this beforehand. One important thing to take into consideration; if you are taking your love to a restaurant, plan well beforehand and book far in advance, making sure the Maitre D’ is aware of any additional extras you would like to prepare.
A wonderful surprise over a romantic dinner
3. Flashmob
An idea that is quite outrageous and brave; a flashmob! Definitely one of the most exciting ways to propose and certainly extremely public. Probably not the best idea if they are shy and don’t enjoy a public scene. Over the recent years, internet proposals have gone viral with couples on holiday in Disney Land, on trains, at airports, walking quietly, not a clue what is about to happen then suddenly it seems that the public and the staff are in the cast of High School Musical. You can make this proposal as eccentric, whimsical or chivalrous as you like.
The ideal proposal if you want to make a song and dance about it…
4. Abroad
Of all the ways to propose, this is a personal favourite of ours! Whether you chose Rome, Barcelona or Paris – the city of love – take your partner somewhere memorable that you know they will love. What could be more romantic than proposing by the Eiffel tower, watching the light show on a warm summers evening, or Central Park in the snow. Chose your partner’s perfect holiday destination and pop the question in a romantic setting. Alternatively, if you think this is too cliche, try somewhere entirely different! The River Nile, The Great Wall of China, The Grand Canyon, The Alps, the newly discovered, Petra in Jordan, the world is your oyster, so go out there and discover it with your fiance-to-be.
The ultimate dream. Paris in the sun
5. Their Birthday
When we ask “What gifts would you like for your birthday?” the popular response we receive is “Well, I’m hoping my boyfriend proposes to me. I’ve hinted enough”. It seems that for women in particular, this is an ideal day to propose. Maybe they are into surprises and you have thrown them a party with all their closest family and friends or perhaps after a long day at work, they have come home to a sweet cupcake with a candle on top, next to a rose and a delicate ring box. The brilliant thing about this idea is, you can keep the proposal secret as they will already be expecting a gift anyway so you can disguise this as just another birthday gift. The world is your oyster and proposing on their birthday could be the perfect gift they were looking for, just do not forget to say Happy birthday to your partner.
A surprise birthday party goes wonderfully well with a surprise gift…
6. Valentines day
Particularly cliché, perhaps, but this is a very popular day for proposals which is evidently self explanatory. Valentines day was voted most ideal proposal day, but obviously your partner may disagree so be wary and investigate cleverly beforehand. This all began around AD 496 when a Christian Saint, Valentinus, was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman empire. Just prior to his execution, he wrote a letter to his daughter which he signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell. The day was first associated with romantic love by Geoffrey Chaucer in the Middle ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. This then evolved into an occasion where lovers would celebrate by giving flowers and sending greeting cards. Thus, the tradition flourished. What better time to propose than on the day of love?
Cliche? Perhaps. Romantic? Definitely!
7. In bed
To quote Etta James, “I want a Sunday kind of love, A love to last past Saturday night”. Days, months, years of wishing your eyes could flicker open every morning to the love of your life and wake up next to someone who means something to you. A love that you know can last and will always be there beside you. Why not propose when your loved one awakens? Either cook them a breakfast in bed with a delicate flower lying on their plate or place a ring where their alarm might have been. What a surprise to wake up to!
A still from the film, ‘Valentines Day’
8. Scrabble
Now for something a little more original… a board game! Maybe you are playing alone or you’re at a family gathering with all your loved ones, try spelling out “Marry Me” either on the scrabble board, or (for dramatic effect) you can spell out the words on your tile rack and spin it around during the game with the question beaming straight at your loved one. If they aren’t fond of scrabble, suggest a different game, such as Pictionary. You could draw a person proposing or even try Trivial Pursuit and create one card with the question “Will you marry me?” written on it. That is a question they are bound to get right!
A fun, original and innovative way to propose
9. Christmas Eve
Supposedly, Christmas eve is the most romantic time to propose. Recent surveys say that 57% of men believe that you should be planning to spend Christmas together as soon as you start a relationship. Who knew? Christmas Eve would be a special and romantic time to propose; under a blanket, by the fire, what better time than during a cold and crisp night, possibly snowing (which would perfectly set the scene) and Frank Sinatra playing throughout the house. Perhaps you have a bauble on the tree with a ring inside. Either way, snuggle up to your loved one and you’ll feel when the time is right.
Cosy up by the fire together. May your days be merry and bright!
10. Where you first met
Nothing screams romance like going back to a place of nostalgia for you both. This could be the place you first met or the location of your first date or even the place you first kissed. Rekindle that magic, relight the fire, reawaken your love and recreate that day that changed your life. Let them know roughly what kind of event it will be so they can plan what outfit they need to wear (this is very important) but keep this a surprise so they don’t know where they’re going. Visiting your past, may just be the perfect way to begin your future.
A moment from ‘Titanic’ that will pull at everyone’s heartstrings.
The most important thing you need to remember is, this proposal is about your partner, not you. Everyone has the perfect proposal in mind. No matter how much they may protest they don’t need romance, we all do really! So you need to seek out their dream proposal in the most stealthy way possible. Consider all the potential ways to propose and pick wisely. Good luck!
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