10 Vital Things to Know Before You Propose

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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!

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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.

‘Till Death Do Us Part—Halloween Proposal Ideas

Planning a spooky Halloween proposal? Pop the big question with a seasonal twist using one of these fantastic ideas. Whether your beloved covets a glittering black diamond, a gothic skull ring, or a traditional sparkly setting, these proposals will definitely get a “Yes!”—if she’s not too afraid!

 Corn Maze Hunt  

Does she love playing games and solving puzzles? Take your star sleuth into a corn maze for the best treasure hunt ever! Give her clues to guide her through to the end, where you can drop a knee and/or ask actors in the maze to hold up signs.

Haunted House Surprise

Give your future fiancée a scary surprise by popping the question inside a haunted house! If you’re a thrill-seeker with a spine of steel who would brave monsters, zombies, and psychos to stop and declare your love, this is a daring way to go. Just make sure she’s not too freaked out to say, “Yes!”

Pumpkin Patch Romance  

Does she love seasonal, family-friendly activities? For a good old-fashioned fall proposal, take one knee in a pumpkin patch! You can plant the ring on a special pumpkin ahead of time, or ask friends and family to write your message on pumpkins and meet you there.

Black Cat Delivery 

For animal lovers, there’s nothing more adorable than a furry new family member bearing a sparkly present! You can also engrave their collar or tag with the question, which makes a great keepsake. For a Halloween twist, adopt a black kitty—and start your engagement with nine lives’ worth of good luck!

Candy Dish Delight

If your sweetie loves treats, why not deliver your question by offering her a dish of candy with an extra-special present sitting on top? This simple proposal is both classic and fun. You can also drop the ring into a glass of cider, or replace the plastic spider ring on a Halloween cupcake with a major upgrade.

Jack O’Lantern Message 

Nothing is more romantic than asking for her hand in marriage by flickering candlelight—preferably with scattered rose petals. Carve pumpkins to ask, “Will You Marry Me?” and drop in some candles. After it gets dark, lead your lovely lady to the magical location!

Trick or Marriage

Do either you or your beloved have kids? Let them be part of the proposal by asking them to hold up signs. When she opens the door expecting Trick or Treaters, she’ll be thrilled by your heartfelt surprise!

How are you going to propose? Share your story!