5 Steps for Planning the Perfect Proposal

The Christmas holiday season is one of the most romantic times of the year. According to Facebook, Christmas Eve is the most popular day to get engaged – just ahead of Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

If you want to propose this winter, you’ll need to start planning now. Here are our tips for making the occasion extra special.

1. Talk to her family.

It might seem old school, but 1 in 10 women say that asking their father for permission is a proposal essential. Her family are going to be a part of your life when you’re married – like it or not! – so you’ll want to make sure they’re just as excited about it as you are.

It’s also a good opportunity to find out what she might like from a proposal, too. If her mum says that flash mob you’ve planned is her worst nightmare, then you know it’s a no-go.

2. Choose a romantic setting.

You don’t have to whisk your bride-to-be away to a deserted Caribbean beach to propose – you’re not Jack Sparrow. You could choose somewhere that’s important to you; the café where you had your first date, or the spot where you first said “I love you”.

Or you could take her somewhere nice for the day – but bear in mind, she might get suspicious if you’re planning a top-secret trip! Wherever you propose, make it romantic and meaningful.

3. Make it unique to you.

A proposal should be unique to you and your relationship, but you don’t need to try too hard to be different. If there’s a little twist that could make things extra special, then go for it! Those little details do matter. If tulips are her favourite flowers, giving her a bouquet of them would be a nice gesture. You don’t need to go crazy and take her to Amsterdam.

4. Get the ring.

The ring isn’t just an important part of your proposal – it’s a symbol of your love, and something your other half will be wearing for the rest of her life. Consider going to a jewellery maker who takes commissions and will craft a piece especially for your future wife. If you or your partner’s family would love you to use an heirloom, you could even have the rock from it incorporated into a new engagement ring.

Peter Jenner in The Pantiles has an established reputation and over 40 years’ experience, providing a true bespoke service where you can speak directly to the craftsman. A bespoke piece is bound to go down a treat when you propose.

5. Speak from the heart.

The most important part of any proposal is what you say. Plan your ‘speech’ in advance, and avoid clichés or ‘lines’ that you’ve seen in films – you don’t want to sound like a Clintons card. Talk about your relationship, why it’s so special, and why you want to spend the rest of your life together.

You want it to feel natural, so don’t try and memorise and recite a whole speech. Let’s be honest, you’re probably going to be in tears when you say it.

Planning the perfect proposal? Visit Peter Jenner at 43 The Pantiles to discover or design a beautiful engagement ring.