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Our favorite holiday is fast approaching and we can’t wait.
Shades of pink and red are plastered on all the shop windows, couples are buying each other gifts with the firm goal of showing each other how much they mean to one another and there’s so much candy. Could there be a better time to propose?
Why should I propose on Valentine’s Day?
There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there for proposers. Some articles say ‘propose on Valentine’s day! It’s the most romantic day of the year.’
Others say ‘don’t ever propose on Valentine’s day. It’s predictable and it shows a lack of originality.’
So, here’s the truth: there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ day of the year to ask your partner to marry you.
The actuality of it all is that, if your partner loves you and you love them, you could ask for their hand in marriage on any day on your calendar and they’d say ‘yes’. Because it is not about when or how you ask them, but the promise you’re giving them.
With that in mind, Valentine’s Day is a marvelous opportunity to pop the question. And, in contrast to those skeptics' opinions, the fact that it’s ‘predictable’ makes it not so. It could be that Valentine’s Day is the obvious choice. But, because it’s an obvious choice, your significant other won’t expect it.
So, in a roundabout way, you’re surprising them.
Plus, let’s be honest: Valentine’s Day isn’t all about candy and chocolate.
(Although it’s a pretty big perk.)
Valentine’s Day is about showing your other half how much you love them. It’s another opportunity to show your commitment by being ‘their’ valentine.
What’s a bigger way to show commitment than by asking your other half to spend the rest of their life with you?
There isn’t one.
So, a Valentine’s Day proposal captures everything that Valentine’s Day truly is. And that’s why we, at Engagement Designs, are huge fans of the V-Day proposal.
But, we totally understand why some critics think that 14th February is the wrong time to propose. And, in reality, unless you plan in advance, (I’m going to show you how in this post), it can come across as a little bit cheesy.
So, here are our 6 do’s and don'ts to show you how to propose to your significant other on Valentine’s Day.
1. Flowers. Flowers everywhere
One of the best things about Valentine’s Day is florists are creating the most magical bouquets throughout the month in preparation. So, make use of this. But don’t play it safe with red roses. If they are her favorites, then go for it.
If not, ask a florist for some help. As long as you can list off 3 flowers she loves and at least 1 that she’s not so keen on, your florist should be able to work their magic.
If you’re proposing at home, on a rooftop, at a restaurant or literally anywhere else, it doesn’t matter. Make sure you give her flowers.
2. ‘Homemade’ gifts
So, here’s what you’re gonna do. You’re gonna tell your significant other that you want to make presents this year for Valentine’s Day.
If they say ‘no’, you need to fight your corner here. Make sure they agree to handmade gifts.
Of course, that means you need to actually make the gift. We’ve got a blog post in the works for you to help you out.
Not only is it super thoughtful and romantic, but you can work in the line “I want to make you my wife/husband.”
You’re essentially saying that your partner is the most wonderful gift in the world. Adorable yet oh so subtle.
Plus, let’s be honest, if you’ve already suggested making gifts, they won’t expect a bought present - let alone an engagement ring.
3. Avoid the booked up places
On Valentine’s Day, we expect to go for dinner at a fancy restaurant. And, that's wedding proposal central.
We’re trying to get your other half off the scent, so it’s important that you don’t take them somewhere predictable.
Instead, think carefully about your time together. Where was your first date? Where did you meet? Where is a special place to you both?
Take them there. Sentiment beats expensive places by a mile. It’ll mean so much more.
And to make it even more special, consider blindfolding her.
Make sure you ‘dress up’ the place you’re going to if you can. If it’s outdoors, get some electronic candles and a picnic. If it’s inside a building, talk to the managers way in advance about renting out a room. You can then pack it with balloons, flowers and anything red and pink.
Also, a little cherry on top is to ask your partner to dress up for their surprise date.
Oh! And a little tip for anyone proposing to a nail enthusiast: make sure your partner gets their nails done before you pop the question. They’ll want them to look on point when they have their photos taken and upload them to Facebook or Instagram.
4. Or, lie. Lovingly, of course
We’re not saying you should make a habit of lying to your partner. We know that being honest is part of a successful relationship. But, this lie has a short life span and it’s crucial to surprise them when you get down on one knee.
Instead of telling your partner nothing about where they’re going on Valentine’s Day, tell them you’ve booked a restaurant at a pretty average place. Nothing that’ll anger them, though. A happy medium.
(Please don’t tell them you’re taking them to KFC or McDonalds.)
You could even speak to the manager of wherever you choose to go to and ask them to pretend to be the manager of the average restaurant. Then, ‘book’ a table for Valentine’s day on speaker phone.
There’s no way they’ll catch on if they’ve got ‘proof’ that they’re going somewhere. So, when you then drive them somewhere unbelievably personal and memorable, they’ll be utterly shocked.
(Make sure you follow the tips in our previous tip for decor!)
5. Don’t forget the ring
Look, we know it’s obvious. But, when you’re panicking about keeping the surprise, memorizing your proposal speech and processing the weight of the question you’re about to ask, you’d be amazed at how easy it is to forget the ring.
Plus, you’re going to want to pick the right engagement ring for your partner. There are so many different cuts, sizes and shines to each diamond.
And, it’s impossible to know exactly what they want.
So, you need to do some digging. Luckily for you, we’ve made it mega-easy to know how to buy the right engagement ring for your partner.
6. Plan your proposal speech in advance
Some people get by life winging it. There’s no shame in that. Others need to meticulously plan every last detail. Again, nothing to be ashamed of. We’re all made differently and all manage pressure in different ways.
Personally, I’m the type that needs to schedule and plan everything.
But, if you’re the ‘winging it’ ruler, this one’s for you: plan your damn proposal speech.
You may think that you’ll know all the right words to say. Especially because that’s what movies and television series have taught us. But, when you’re there and you’re nervous, the words will get lost in fog.
And, you’ve got to remember: your partner has waited their entire life for this very moment. I’m not trying to add to any pressure, but it’s important that you know: your wedding proposal will be the biggest moment of both of your lives.
Valentine’s Day is the right day to propose. You’ve just got to do it right.
This is our firm belief. While the critics may turn their nose up at a Valentine’s Day proposal, we’re totally on board. Predictability doesn’t matter when you’re promising them a lifetime of love and adventure.
Plus, our top tips will help you avoid being a suspect this Valentine’s Day. Make sure you share this post with a Valentine’s Day Proposal critic and let’s prove ‘em wrong!