When it comes to asking the love of your life to marry you, there is no wrong way. It’s important you remember that your partner will be taken by surprise no matter what you end up planning. The only thing that could make it all the more incredible is if it goes without a hitch.
We’ve put our thinking caps on, and spoke to our team in the Adelaide Arcade and Rundle Mall boutique, asking for some top tips for an unforgettable marriage proposal.
Make it meaningful
If there’s ever been a time to be sentimental, this is it. Why not take your sweetheart back to where it all started? The place you went on your first date, or had your first kiss, or said: “I love you”. Reliving and experiencing this place together again, at this next milestone, will make it all the better. Creatively drawing on these special details will only make the moment that little bit sweeter.
“Make it between the two of you, and be sure to enjoy the moment,” says Adelaide Arcade Store Manager Justin.
Don’t be trendy…
Just because your best friend proposed at that hip restaurant, doesn’t mean you have to. It’s important to choose a place that will always be there, somewhere you can revisit and take your kids one day. When it comes to selecting a destination, choosing a historical monument, or an outdoor location you have visited before means you can always return, even when you’re old and grey.
Public or Private
Given the intimacy of a proposal, it’s important to consider whether you and your partner want this in a public or private setting. Many people adore being the centre of attention, and being in the spotlight for their engagement is a given. Whilst others would prefer to keep the moment between them and their love.
With this in mind, it’d be useful asking friends and family, whose secrecy you can trust for some advice. If you’d rather not tell anyone, it’s obvious that your partner adores being alone with you, so you can’t go wrong with a one-on-one environment without the cheers.
Whether it be public or private, Julia from our Rundle Mall boutique suggests hiring a photographer to capture the moment.
Have a backup plan!
You’re not going to openly tell your partner that you’re going to propose and that she should keep the day free. It’s important that you set up a decoy story that she can’t say no to. Think about things she would be excited to do - maybe involve an accomplice to really throw her off track.
And it’s not just to make sure she gets there, do be sure you have a backup plan if the weather or location ends up being closed. As you’re brainstorming your plan, have a few indoor spaces in mind as well - in case the weather turns sour.
So you’ve worked out what you’ll be doing, now comes the hard part - what will you say? Our team at Gerard McCabe have heard thousands of romantic lines and each one pulls at the heartstrings - no matter how many times you hear it. With that in mind, our team share some of their top tips…
1. Don’t read off a script.
Of course, you’ll want to plan what you’re going to say, but it’s important you speak naturally. Think about what you want to say ahead of time, and focus on only three things you definitely want to say.
2. Speak from the heart.
As cliche as it sounds, it’s important your speech is truly from the heart. Whether you want to reflect on the moment you fell in love, or just ramble about how much you love and adore them, whatever is said will be forever cherished.
3. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
If something unexpected happens and ruins the moment, don’t sweat it. Laugh it off and remind yourself that this is real life - not a rom-com. It’ll be a hilarious story to tell in the future.
Yet to purchase the ring? Explore our full engagement ring collection online!
