The Perfect Proposal: Here is our Guide to Popping the Question

With Christmas and New Year’s on the horizon it’s a popular time for proposals so we thought now would be the perfect time to talk about getting engaged! For tips, advice and to answer the most frequently asked questions people type into Google we compiled this article to help you prepare for that special moment!

An engagement is a beautiful promise, a moment when two people choose to walk life’s journey side by side. A proposal is so much more than a question; it’s a declaration of love, a leap of faith, and a dream of forever. It’s a quiet thrill, a whispered “yes” echoing with all the joy and wonder of a love that’s found its home.

A proposal of marriage is sealing and securing a partnership built on trust, commitment, and a shared vision for the future. It’s about navigating life’s ups and downs together, supporting each other through challenges, and celebrating achievements as a team. It’s a daily choice to prioritise each other, grow together, and build a life that balances both individual goals and mutual dreams. While it’s a journey with its own set of challenges, it’s also deeply rewarding, as you create a foundation of respect, companionship, and resilience together.

When it comes to how to propose, many wonder what exactly to say and how to ask the big question and of course there is the ring, and how do you organise and plan the moment itself?

We’ve gathered up some tips, ideas and inspiration and packed this into a helpful guide to help you design your perfect proposal.

The 4Cs of Proposals: From Diamonds to Dialogues

The Ring

When it comes to a marriage proposal with a diamond or any coloured gemstone ring, there are many factors you need to consider but the important ones usually relate to the stone itself being the 4Cs:

Colour
Clarity
Cut
Carat

Each one of these factors will affect the price of your stone/s and how they look. Selecting the perfect engagement ring is a big part of the proposal.

Other factors that you will need to think about include metal preference, lifestyle, work and hobbies of the wearer, width and weight of the band and ring, the style (contemporary or vintage, from a particular era like 1920s Art Deco, floral or architectural, sculptural or minimalist) the ring finger size, the stone or stones if using multiples and their colours and sizes, engraving, jewellery care and maintenance and of course, your budget.

Consider your partner’s style—do they prefer classic solitaires, vintage-inspired designs, or unique gemstone rings? Research their jewellery preferences, or ask a close friend or family member for advice. Have they given you any hints? Here are some of the most popular and classic diamond and coloured gemstone engagement ring styles:

Jewellery Tips: When choosing a ring it is always a good idea to match their style. It doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful so don’t get caught up on the price. Come and see us for a free consultation to get you started on your journey and learn more about engagement rings. If you can’t find the right ring, of course, we can create something truly bespoke and unique designed by you. Check out our portfolio of bespoke pieces we have created in the past. Another option is to propose with a beautiful gemstone you have hand selected and come in together to create a perfect engagement ring where you both can be part of the bespoke process.

Here are some articles you might find useful in narrowing down the right ring including our guide to the 4Cs of diamonds.

The Words: What do you say?

In the academic, literary and business worlds, writing successful proposals means following the rule of the 4Cs:

Clear
Concise
Comprehensive
Compelling

Keeping these principles in mind can help you with boosting confidence in planning your proposal:

• Stay Clear & Concise: Keep your words simple and straightforward. Speak from the heart without over-complicating your message

• Make it Compelling: The most powerful proposals come from authenticity. Just say what you feel, and let your emotions make it memorable.

What do you ask when proposing?

The main question is often simple: “Will you marry me?” However, consider framing it in a personal way that reflects your relationship, such as “Would you make me the happiest person by spending the rest of your life with me?”

What do you say when proposing?

Many people include heartfelt words before popping the question. Share why you want to spend your life with this person, recalling special memories or favourite silly moments that made you fall in love.

What are the best proposal lines?

Some of the best proposal lines are short, sweet, and honest. For example:

“You’re my favourite person, and I want to spend forever together. Will you marry me?”

What is the most popular proposal?

A classic proposal involves getting down on one knee, often in a romantic location, with a ring in hand and a heartfelt message but you make it your own and do it in your own style your way. It isn’t just about what your partner likes, it should incorporate a bit of what you both love and compliment both your personalities.

When, where and How: All the little details

The Location

Where do you propose?

Choosing the Right Spot: Whether you want a private, low-key proposal or a grand gesture with accompanying flashmob and musicians and professional photographer to capture the moment, the location matters and will be a place you will both remember for years and may want to visit again on anniversaries. A quiet park, your favourite restaurant, a romantic holiday destination, where you first met, or even a cozy spot at home can all be meaningful places. Make sure it’s a place where you both feel comfortable and happy and speaks to your personalities for a truly personal and sentimental feel.

Low-Key Places: If you’re aiming for a low-key vibe, consider proposing during a quiet moment at home or on a casual stroll in your local area. Avoiding busy, bustling settings and crowded places if you don’t want the limelight, added pressure or many people to be filming it for their social media newsfeeds and/or potentially ruining it. This approach keeps the moment private and intimate. A low-key proposal can feel incredibly personal and genuine. Focus on making it a heartfelt moment with simple but meaningful words, and consider skipping elaborate gestures.

Which Knee to Propose On? Tradition suggests kneeling on the left knee, but there’s no rule that says it must be done this way. Pick a stance that feels natural to you and suits the moment or don’t do it at all. If you’re not that kind of person or don’t want to conform to the cliche then do it in your own way in your own style.

The Timing

When to propose in your relationship is something only you can answer but for what time of year to propose many bridal and wedding magazines and surveys have found out that the festive holiday season (December – New Year’s) for Brits, Valentine’s Day for Americans and summer vacations for all tend to be the most popular times of year to pop the question.

Christmas: The festive season brings warmth, family gatherings, and often a bit of holiday magic. Many people are already in a celebratory mood, making it a perfect time to pop the question. New Year’s Eve, in particular, is popular for those who want to start the new year with excitement and a new relationship status and as family are already gathered it makes it a popular choice to celebrate and announce the big news. Popular days for proposals are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

February: Known as the day of love, Valentine’s Day naturally lends itself to romance and commitment. For our American friends this is a big day for proposals, but according to statistics us Brits aren’t really fans of the Big-Love-Hearts-Day and prefer the Christmas season. For some though, it’s the chance to share a special moment with their loved one during a weekend getaway or a candlelit dinner and to bring some sparkle to the cold dark, and sometimes snowy, winter month.

Summer: Summer vacations June to August often provide a relaxed setting for proposals, especially during trips to scenic destinations, beach outings, or favourite getaways. The warm weather allows for outdoor adventures, sunset views, and stunning destination proposals.

To summarise:

Proposal Dos and Don’ts

• Do think about what you want to say ahead of time. Having a general idea of your words helps ease nerves and ensures you convey your feelings.

• Do personalise the moment. Reflect your relationship in the proposal; it doesn’t need to be like anyone else’s.

• Do some research and take time to plan it. Do not rush it and do it when you feel ready.

• Do see engagement rings in person because details, quality, weight, size and hallmarks can’t be seen or felt on images and videos.

• Do talk to experts like us about buying a ring and book in for a free consultation to help you; we’ve done this a thousand times and have much experience—that’s what we’re here for!

• Don’t stress too much about making everything perfect. The most meaningful proposals are sincere, even if they don’t go exactly as planned and even the disasters can be funny and add to a great story afterwards. Just be present in the moment and enjoy it.

• Don’t feel pressured to propose in public if your partner values privacy.

• Don’t put yourself into debt to get the most expensive ring or make the grandest of gestures. Size does not equate to how much you love someone and there is something for every budget.

• Don’t just propose because you fear missing out and there is peer pressure from everyone around you. You do it when you feel you, your partner and your relationship are ready.

• Don’t forget the insurance! Once you have your ring please get it insured whether using your home insurance company policy or a private company specialising in jewellery especially if you are going abroad to propose —make sure it is covered outside your country.

• Don’t get stressed, if you need inspiration, advice or have questions seek guidance from professionals and friends or family members you trust.

We look forward to welcoming you to our atelier and guiding you through finding the perfect ring! Just pop by any time during our opening hours or book in ahead for a free consultation so we can prepare and plan your visit ready!