Here at Bel Aire Bridal, we are married, single, it’s complicated, on a second marriage, widowed—with different ages and life challenges. One thing we all agree on: getting married is so special.

If you’re thinking about spending your life with your current partner, congratulations! You are about to embark on a wonderful journey together, and we couldn’t be more excited for you.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re going to cover a few things that you should know before you get down on one knee. Make sure you’re proposing the right way!

Is He/She Marriage Material?

A person’s moral values, political views, and personality quirks (even their sports teams) usually stay the same despite other changes in life. To be marriage material, your partner should be right for you. Check out our blog 12 Signs You’re With the One if you have ANY doubts about moving forward. *

Ready, Set…

Timing is everything, even when you feel deeply in love. If you’re not ready or he/she isn’t ready, the engagement may do more harm than good. An honest talk about your relationship and expectations about a future together is a nice alternative to a symbolic ring.

How to Love

Couples who get divorced were never as in love as you two… right? Thing is, there’s an important psychology and physiology to love. How does your partner prefer to be appreciated? How do they need to be intimate? Know the specifics of how he/she wants to express and receive love.

How to Fight

If your relationship is pure bliss, chances are it actually isn’t. Many people can get along when times are good; running into challenges will reveal how you relate when it’s not so wonderful. Marriage really is for better and worse. Learn to communicate and be prepared to deal with the worse.

All Those Secrets

Do you know about his childhood crush? That humiliating experience she had in high school? How much student loan debt he really has? Her secret ambition? The weird dream he had last night? Genuine communication goes beyond superficial conversations. Marriage is for life, so be your real self!

About That Sparkler

A nice, basic approach to engagement ring shopping is as follows: research gemstones and the 4 C’s, find an ethical jewelry company, and pick a ring within your budget. When choosing a ring style, you can use social media to help, or just find one that matches his/her personality.

Popping the Question

When proposing, be absolutely sure that your partner will say yes. Your intuition will tell you—and many people even drop hints. If you’re unsure, wait awhile. No one wants to be the girlfriend or boyfriend who has to think up an awkward reply and/or break off a relationship prematurely.

Audience & Ambiance

Proposing is as much about the experience as the question itself. Are you in a private, romantic setting? Somewhere memorable? Somewhere with a view? Also, who is there to witness this big moment—just the two of you, the whole family, a handful of strangers passing by? Plan it out.

Your Delivery

Most women still expect a proposal delivered on one knee with a ring in hand. The basic, “Will you marry me?”  is acceptable. Some people ask using their partner’s full name or give a short speech that expresses their feelings of devotion. Points for creativity, but keep it genuine and you’ll be fine.

How to Celebrate

Getting engaged is a significant event, often professionally photographed or caught on video. A surprise engagement party right afterwards can be nice, if that’s your partner’s style. Other people might prefer a romantic day alone together. Know what he/she would like out of this experience.

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We wish you a wonderful proposal and happy Valentine’s Day!

XO,

Bel Aire Bridal

*We hope our suggestions are helpful to you! If you need to resolve serious issues in your relationship, we recommend consulting a licensed marriage counselor or professional therapist.