National Proposal Day
15th March 2022
15th March 2022
National Proposal Day is celebrated on 20th March each year, in correlation with the Spring Equinox. With the arrival of Spring we see warmer weather, longer days and new beginnings – the perfect opportunity to get down on one knee and ask for your loved one’s hand in marriage.
For those struggling to find a suitable day to pop the question, National Proposal Day offers a meaningful option!
National Proposal Day was conceived by John Michael O’Loughlin several decades ago to help his cousin, whose boyfriend was taking too long to propose. It is purported that O’Loughlin wanted to give the two lovebirds a helping hand, along with other couples, and provide a dedicated day to make a commitment. News of the occasion day quickly gained traction online with more people celebrating this day of romance each year.
A comprehensive report published by The Knot – a leading online wedding brand – surveyed more than 14,000 engaged or recently married brides and grooms to uncover the trends of proposals.
According to The Knot, 4 in 10 grooms report “meticulously” planning their marriage proposal “down to the last detail.” The average proposer spends 4.4 months planning their proposal, with 7% of proposers reporting spending 12 months or more planning how they’d pop the question. Even the best-laid plans still left a majority of proposers (60%) feeling nervous before asking for their significant other’s hand in marriage.
“We’re seeing proposers put more time, thought and effort into creating the perfect proposal, as well as an engagement ring they know their partner will love,” said Kristen Maxwell Cooper, editor in chief of The Knot. “And while proposals are less of a surprise than in years past, there’s an uptick in grooms returning to time-honoured traditions, like proposing with the engagement ring in hand and getting down on one knee.”
Online dating is the most popular way spouses-to-be meet. 19% of brides reported meeting their significant other through online dating (17%) and social media (2%). Other popular ways couples meet include through friends (17%), college (15%) and work (12%). This rise in digital dependence continues through each step of the wedding planning journey, with 9 in 10 couples using mobile devices for wedding planning activities.
One in four (24%) couples report discussing marriage two years or more before getting engaged. Couples are also candid in discussing important topics with their partner before getting engaged, including having children (96%), finances (90%), pets (80%), sex (80%) and religion (79%).
One in three (33%) couples shop for the engagement ring together. The average ring purchaser took 3.5 months to find the engagement ring they’d propose with. While looking for engagement rings, 1 in 3 (33%) couples report shopping together, and 9 in 10 (89%) grooms are happy with their significant other’s level of involvement in the purchasing process. Only 6% of brides wish they would have been more involved in the purchasing process. The majority of grooms (72%) report facing some challenges throughout the ring purchasing journey.
Engagement rings are increasingly personalised for each couple. Whether grooms completely customised (18%) the ring or implemented touches of custom design (27%) with a jeweller, nearly half (45%) of all grooms had their engagement rings personalised in some capacity. Both brides and grooms agree the most important factors to consider in their ring purchase are the cut and shape of the stone, followed by the ring style and setting, and then the quality of the stone.
Recently, there has been a return to tradition, with 9 in 10 grooms proposing with engagement ring in hand (91%) and actually using the words “will you marry me?” (91%). The majority of grooms (87%) reported proposing on bended knee. Grooms are also more frequently asking their partner’s family for permission (78%) than in years past.
The study also showed a shift away from private proposals, with nearly half (45%) of proposals taking place in a public location, such as a scenic spot, (25%) garden, park or zoo (10%). While grooms are meticulously planning their proposals over the course of an average 4.4 months, a declining number of brides report being surprised (35%) by the proposal. Couples want to preserve their proposal moment through photos, and 47% report coordinating a photographer or videographer to capture the moment.
If you’re looking to pop the question on National Proposal Day, or in the near future, The Pantiles provides the perfect spot for proposal and wedding inspiration, including:
Catherine Hills is an international award-winning designer and maker of the jewellery for the Harry Potter films. Beautiful jewellery with a strong identity that is tactile, sensuous and undoubtedly feminine. This alluring Atelier and boutique nestled in the corner of The Pantiles is impeccably styled. Walk into a shop bursting with history and exquisite craftsmanship.
Peter Jenner has over 40 years’ experience in designing and making high quality jewellery, much of which is specially commissioned. His excellent reputation and customer loyalty, both locally and far beyond, come from providing beautiful, individual pieces, created with skill, care and attention.
The Pantiles Bride aims its collection at the stylish, modern bride who recognises quality. The team’s experience, customer service and the best selection of designer gowns in the Southeast guarantee that you should put the store at the top of your list of bridal shops!
Bespoke wedding dresses and occasion wear, handmade in Kent. Judy Mott has been making couture wedding dresses for many years and has helped many women marry in the dress of their dreams.
We love seeing photos of your purchases from The Pantiles, so be sure to tag us in any on our social media pages – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.