It’s something most men fear, but for no discernible reason.
Proposing to your girlfriend or boyfriend is an entirely natural thing to do. It has happened for centuries, and is one of the most common human desires.
However, for most people, it's something that only happens once, and which is so unusual in terms of everyday activity that it is, understandably, nerve-wracking.
That’s fine. If you’re worried about proposing and are unsure of all the proposal dos and don'ts, don't worry - this is totally normal.
Here’s how to surprise your loved one with the perfect wedding proposal.
There are few things in life more personal than a marriage proposal, but that’s why you need to make sure how you do it is personal, too.
We can’t give you advice on what specific method might be right for you, because, well, it’s personal! But if you can think of a way in which to propose (be it the location or the manner in which you do it) that relates directly to the two of you, you’re onto a winner.
The best news? It’ll still be a surprise, but one that feels completely intended for that person, and that person only.
Clearly, you need to propose somewhere, but the location you choose will add significantly to the element of surprise.
It’s easy to get this wrong in your mind, too. By ‘surprise’, we don’t necessarily mean proposing in the middle of a packed train station. But, that might work for you and your partner. Equally, ‘surprise’ for your partner might mean grasping the nettle in the middle of watching Eastenders.
Again, this is entirely up to you, but keep your partner’s likely reaction in mind if you do decide to go public. The last thing you want to do is make them feel uncomfortable or pressured - that would certainly ruin the surprise.
One of the most important things you can do in order to keep a marriage proposal a secret, is to act like nothing unusual is about to happen.
This isn’t easy, sure. After all, you know you've got that ring in your pocket and that you’ll soon be asking a question that you’ve never asked before, but it’s vital you keep that stuff at bay.
Just get on with your day as usual until the moment comes. Act normally, but don’t go out of your way to be normal (that’s just weird).
The less there is to suspect, the bigger the surprise.
There’s nothing quite like sharing a marriage proposal with those closest to you, and this is also a great way to ensure you can inject a huge element of surprise.
The trick is to bring family members into the equation when your partner least expects them to be there. This way, you have a double-whammy on the cards; the mere arrival of your family is surprise enough, but the revelation of the ring and proposal is the icing on the cake.
Marriage proposals can be stressful, but are ultimately amazing, and something you will never forget.
Follow our tips above and your proposal will turn out to be one of the most memorable events you’ll ever experience.