The concept of getting down on one knee and proposing marriage is one that is rife with tradition. It is a pivotal moment for a couple as they agree to take two lives and make them into one and embark on the next phase of their relationship together.
I remember when my husband proposed. We were driving from Los Angeles to Monterey, his hometown for a short vacation for New Year’s. He was acting a little weird. It was really hot but he insisted on wearing his jacket the entire time. I didn’t realize at the time that the ring was in the pocket and he was paranoid about losing it.
He planned to propose at a dinner in Big Sur overlooking the ocean. He had it worked out in his head to have the waiter pull off the lid to the dinner plate with the ring below. Instead, he popped the question a little earlier. We were in Carmel at Sadies, a bar with a dartboard. After we celebrated a New Year’s Eve toast, we wandered out to the beach that overlooked Pebble Beach, his favorite golf course in the world. The 9th green is accessible off the public beach. He wanted to show me the green … and then he got down on one knee. It was the perfect place for my soon-to-turn-professional golfer.
That being said, just because the concept of a proposal is one that is on the traditional side, that doesn’t mean your proposal has to be void of any personalization. In fact, creating a unique and personalized experience for you and your future spouse will help to make a memory that will last a lifetime.
If you have decided to propose to your significant other, you might be wondering just how you should go about doing it. Here are a few tips that can help you make your proposal more personalized and special to give this momentous occasion the individuality and attention it deserves.
Build the Ring Yourself
The object that will serve as the center of your proposal is that of the engagement ring. This is a ring that your bride-to-be will likely have been envisioning for many years. You want to ensure that you get her something that is unique and personal to her taste and that she will love to show off to all her friends and family.
One of the best ways to accomplish this is to build an engagement ring yourself. This way, you can oversee every aspect of the ring as opposed to simply selecting something generic from a case. This process will also allow you to control the amount you spend on the ring more carefully.
Choose the Right Scene
The scene of your proposal is another important aspect that you will want to give due consideration to. Think about the places you have been together where you have already made some special memories. For example, you might wish to propose at the place where you met or where you had your first date.
On the other hand, you might have a place in mind that you have both always wanted to visit that would make for the perfect setting for your proposal. Plan your location wisely, especially if you want to have friends and family present for the big proposal. Making it a family affair can mean a lot to many brides-to-be, while others might prefer a more quiet and intimate proposal.
Plan Your Speech
Once you have the perfect ring and the right setting for your proposal, it is time to take on the aspect of a proposal that many people find most intimidating: the speech. You can’t simply get down on one knee and hold up a ring; you must have something prepared to say that will sweep her off her feet.
If you don’t consider yourself to be much a wordsmith, you might employ the assistance of a close friend who knows you both. Make sure to take your time and speak from the heart so that you can get your proposal speech just right. My husband’s speech was off the cuff and started with some thing to this effect… “I had planned something for tomorrow but this seems like the perfect time.” And it was! We just celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary this month!
p.s. Related posts:
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When Mixed Race Marriage Was Illegal: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
Help Your Kid Have A More Unique Wedding With These 7 Ideas
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