10 Marriage Proposal Ideas: How to propose
Planning on asking that all-important question this Christmas and New Year? For a truly magical proposal, it’s so important that you plan every little detail ahead of asking that life-changing question. Fear not, as we’re here to help with tips and proposal ideas. Forever. Bring it on.
Plan the perfect proposal
Start by choosing a date you want to propose during the festive season. Whether you’re planning a Christmas proposal, a New Year’s Eve proposal, or want to catch them off-guard, decide on your special date and then let its significance lead how you ask the question…
What to say when you propose?
Although those four immortal words themselves are enough to melt anyone’s heart, plan your proposal speech with what makes your loved one so special, and what a lifetime with them means to you.
SHOP ENGAGEMENT RINGSOur Marriage Proposal Tips
Proposal tips for the perfect moment
You’ve planned how you’re going to propose, now it’s time to nail the finer details. From which knee to go down on, to what to say in that moment, these top proposal tips will prepare you for an unforgettable day.
Can you propose on Christmas Day?
Proposing on Christmas Day is a wonderful idea if you want to gift your partner something they’ll never forget. The festive season is a truly romantic time that’s spent with loved ones, so a Christmas proposal can be really magical. If you want to propose at Christmas, we say do it!
Propose on which knee?
Have you ever wondered which knee to propose on? Maybe you haven’t, but we’ve just made you panic! We very much doubt they’ll notice which knee you’re on, but if you would like to be traditional, then your left knee should be on the ground, while the right knee should be up. The ring box should be in your left hand, and the box should be opened with your right hand.
On which finger does the engagement ring go?
“This is different in different countries all over the world, but in the UK it is traditional to wear your engagement ring on your third finger on your left hand. Some believe this is because a vein leads from this finger directly to your heart!” – Lorna, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery.
Should I propose before or after dinner?
If you’re going for a nice dinner together, it might be that you ask the waiter to spell it into your desert at the very end of your meal, or you could propose at the beginning and enjoy your first meal together as an engaged couple – it’s completely your choice!
How much should you spend on an engagement ring?
"You may have heard the rumour that engagement rings should cost the equivalent of three months wages, but in reality the amount you spend on the ring is an entirely personal choice. Discover our Engagement Ring Buying Guide for more tips." - Lorna, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery."
How to propose without a ring
Proposing without a ring can be just as sentimental! We love the idea of proposing with a different piece of jewellery like birthstones, a heartfelt letter, or gifting a family heirloom. If you’re wanting to choose or design an engagement ring together after the proposal, why not go for a proposal ring?
Christmas proposal ideas
1
Reach for the stars
Just right for those starry winter nights, plan a private proposal with an evening of champagne and stargazing together, before popping the question under the beautiful night sky. A beautiful outdoor proposal idea - bonus points for a pristine, snowy landscape.
2
Select a sentimental location
Why not book a table somewhere special before making it even more magical by asking them to marry you. For a meaningful restaurant proposal idea, it could be the restaurant you had your first date at or somewhere you’ve always dreamed of going together.
3
Milestone movie
It is the digital age after all. Record some special moments together and make a montage that ends with the big question. A simple proposal idea with all the thought behind it, you’ll be able to look back on it for years to come.
4
A Christmas Day treasure hunt
Perfect for those who love an air of mystery, this proposal idea is creative and memorable. Leave a romantic trail of Christmas gifts that ends with the best one of all - you on your knee with the engagement ring! This works as a great proposal idea at home and outdoor proposal idea too.
5
Incorporate your song
It could be background music at home or performed spontaneously in their favourite park; what’s important is that the song that says everything about your relationship so far will be playing as you get down on one knee.
6
A stocking filler to remember
Perfect for proposing on Christmas Day, add an engagement ring to their stocking, and watch as they discover it the next morning. As they open the engagement ring box, get down on one knee – what a way to catch them off guard!
7
Make a statement
If you’re sure they like the limelight, planning an announcement at a concert will ensure your proposal really steals the show or why not organise your very own flash mob for them? It would definitely go down as a great surprise proposal idea.
8
Photo memories
A simple, yet oh-so-special idea, incorporate photos of your memories together within the proposal. Whether you add them to Christmas decorations or a photo album gift; then, when they’ve had a chance to take it all in, ask them to help you plan lifetime of adventures with you.
9
Winter Wonderland proposal idea
A Winter Wonderland proposal idea has got to be one of the most picture-perfect ways to propose at Christmas. If this is one of your proposal ideas, make sure you come prepared with a perfect spot in mind, and decide when you want to get down on one knee.
10
Light up their Christmas
If you love to make a Christmas lights display, get creative and spell out ‘Will you marry me?’ whilst you’re setting them up. Once you turn them on, the message is sure to take their breath away. A truly unique Christmas proposal.
“Crafted with care and confidence, our diamond engagement rings will ensure that your proposal is as magical as possible. Gift a diamond that says eternity and make all of your loved one’s dreams come true. Find the perfect diamond ring with the tips and information in our Diamond Buying Guide.”
- Lorna, Head of Diamonds and Jewellery
Read Lorna's BioThe history of engagement rings
Whether you want to follow tradition or you want to do things a bit differently, getting to know the history of getting engaged could offer some special wedding proposal ideas of your own.
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Requesting their hand in marriage
Dating back to a time when marriage was regarded more as a contract between two families, tradition dictated that you should approach your future father-in-law to request your partner’s hand in marriage. Although by no means compulsory today, if you get on well with your partner’s family, this can be a lovely proposal tradition to uphold.
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Where did engagement rings come from?
In 1214, the Pope decreed that couples wishing to marry should observe a waiting period before the wedding ceremony. He decided that couples should wear a ring to symbolise their commitment to each other during this waiting period – or as it is known today, an engagement. In those days, the engagement rings were very simple and usually made from base metals.
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Why a diamond engagement ring?
We have Archduke Maximilian of Austria to thank for this tradition. In 1477, he presented his beloved with a ring featuring a letter ‘M’ spelled out in diamonds. At this time, diamonds were incredibly rare and were thought to possess powers that made them almost magical.
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Why go down on a bended knee?
Think back to the days of knighthood. In those days, a knight would go down on one knee to show respect and loyalty, so it seems only fitting to do the same whilst proposing. Today, it’s one of our favourite traditions of a marriage proposal.
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History of the ring finger
The ring finger is the third finger on the left hand (undoubtedly hard to remember whilst you’re down on one knee). The ancient Egyptians believed that the vein running from this finger leads directly to the heart, and so it has become the traditional finger to wear an engagement ring; a symbol of love and commitment. So romantic!
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Announcing your engagement
A year after the Pope introduced engagement rings, he decreed that any couples wishing to marry must formally announce it. We think this tradition is a perfect excuse for posting plenty of ring selfies once you’re engaged. To get the perfect shot, read our blog on how to take the perfect engagement ring selfie.
Read the blog. -
Leap year proposals
According to an Irish legend, once every four years on Leap Day, women are allowed to take matter into their own hands and make a marriage proposal. In the Middle Ages, laws stated that if a man refused a Leap Year proposal, he would have to buy the lady 12 pairs of gloves as a penalty. We don’t believe you have to wait to take control ladies! Take note from some of these inspiring and famous women who proposed and took matters into their own hands.
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Share your proposals
These real-life #ByBeaverbrooks stories are perfect for giving you all the inspiration you need on how to propose. Discover the most unique, romantic and pure genius proposal ideas as seen on Instagram. Here’s a couple of heart-warming engagement stories…