If you have been in a relationship for a number of years and are excited at the prospect of a happy and healthy future together, it may be time to get down on one knee and propose. But before you do, there are a number of factors you should familiarise yourself with ahead of time.
Ensure you are compatible
Before you propose, you must ensure you and your future spouse are compatible. There is no universal method to find this out, but most people can tell whether or not they can see themselves spending the rest of their lives with their girlfriend or boyfriend. A spontaneous proposal may make for an interesting story but getting married is not a decision that should be made on a whim. If you are still unsure, try asking a friend or family member of your future spouse how they think your partner is likely to react if you were to go ahead with the proposal in the not-so-distant future. If they highlight any niggling concerns or worries, you must address them as soon as possible.
You should also make an effort to find out what hopes and dreams your partner has for the future. If they align with yours, there is no reason why they shouldn’t agree to your offer of marriage. If you have decided to go through with your decision to get down on one knee, you should start thinking about romantic ways to propose. If you don’t know where to begin, familiarise yourself with these ideas.
Talk to their parents
Talking to your partner’s parents ahead of a proposal may be old-fashioned but it can have a positive impact on how they view and interact with you going forward. Whether they are unsure of your compatibility with their son or daughter or just need to get to know you a little better, this can strengthen your bond and pave the way for a happy in-law relationship in the long run. If you are close with your partner’s parents, on the other hand, this step will be a walk in the park for both parties involved. Inform them of your plans at the earliest convenience and don’t be afraid to gush about how much you love their child and wish to spend the rest of your life with them. It may also benefit you to invite them to become a part of your proposal or big day when it arrives.
Secure the ring
The ring is, arguably, one of the most important aspects of any proposal. As it will be viewed by hundreds of people, it must be perfect. It can, however, be difficult to get right. Start by keeping an eye on which jewellery your partner already owns and wears on a daily basis and take photos in secret if necessary. This can let you know which material, style, and stone they like ahead of time and prevent you from making an error of judgement. A gifted jeweller should be able to point you in the right direction of a similar ring or, at the very least, recommend a manufacturer that will be able to bring your vision to life.
If you are struggling to make a decision, try asking a friend or family member what they think. You must also find out what size they wear. To do so, borrow a ring and ask a jeweller to size it for you or simply ask your partner upfront. This may give away your intentions but at least you can be certain it will be accurate. If the worst happens and it doesn’t fit, you can always send it away to get resized at a later date.
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse
When it comes to proposing to your other half, practice makes perfect. You must ensure you are ready and waiting on the day and equipped with a rough script of what to say in your head. This can prevent you from stumbling or stuttering when you open your mouth. If you tend to get nervous in high-pressure situations, it may benefit you to prepare notes ahead of time and learn them in advance of the big day. A proposal is a nerve-wracking situation. Your emotions will be running high before and during the proposal itself. If you are able to do so, you should find a way to calm your nerves or practice to a point where you are no longer panicky at the sheer thought of getting down on one knee. You don’t have to declare your undying love for your future spouse, but you should give some thought to what you want to say.
Get personal
If you know your partner well enough, you should know whether they are likely to prefer a private affair or an extravagant display of affection. You must then use this information to your advantage during the proposal. Regardless of whether you decide to propose in front of a crowd or at home, you must make it personal. If they have a favourite sport, show, or song, you could propose at a stadium, theatre, or gig. This may require months of planning beforehand but can make for a night to remember. If you are planning a low-key event, on the other hand, cooking them their favourite meal before settling down to watch their favourite movie can be all it takes to convince them to say yes. Another great way to personalise your proposal is to return to the place you met or where you spent your most memorable trip away together.
If you have decided to propose, there are a number of factors you must consider beforehand. This can prevent you from making one of the biggest mistakes of your life and ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day. You must first ensure you are compatible, talk to their parents, secure the ring, rehearse your speech, and get personal.
