Getting married is undeniably one of the most important events of your life, and the proposal that comes beforehand can be equally memorable. Once you’ve decided to take the next step with your loved one, you'll start to think about how to ask that all-important question. Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal or you’ve discussed it together, both can be a special event.
This guide is designed to help you plan the perfect proposal, from choosing the ultimate engagement ring, to popping the big question. After all, this is a story that you’ll be telling for the rest of your life.
The Dazzling Ring
Whether your proposal is going to be a surprise and you want to buy the engagement ring beforehand, or you’ll be ring shopping together; at Browns, we have a beautiful selection of options both online and in-store. Our experts are here to help you discover the ultimate engagement ring that will be treasured forevermore.
Style
It’s likely that your fiancé or fiancée will have been subtly dropping hints towards their desired engagement ring over the course of your relationship, but if not, you might have a few questions. Try speaking to your loved one’s best friends or close family members, as those are the people they could have spoken to about their dream ring. Of course, there are many things to think about, so get an idea of whether they would prefer a diamond or gemstone, a single stone (solitaire) or a halo setting, shape of the cut, metal colour, and, most importantly, the ring size. Or, if you’ve already discussed getting engaged, then you may want to go ring shopping together and make a joint decision.
If you’re a couple who admires a classic style, then a white gold diamond solitaire engagement ring is a popular choice. We also offer a beautiful selection of yellow gold rings for those who adore a vintage look and rose gold for something with a romantic twist. Let’s not forget dazzling platinum, which is guaranteed to wow.
Whether your partner dreams of an abundance of sparkling diamonds or a single coloured gemstone; at Browns, we have a stunning range of different cuts and carats, for every desired look and budget.
Budget
Once you’ve got your answers and have an idea of the perfect engagement ring in mind, start thinking about your budget.
There are various options available to help you get the most for your money. There are many things to consider, such as whether you’d prefer a new or vintage ring that fits your desired specification, or if you’d prefer to design a bespoke ring. Often, when people hear ‘bespoke’ they think ‘expensive’. But that’s not always the case. This provides an easier way to tailor the ring to your budget, by choosing the metal, style of setting and a specific diamond or gemstone. This way, you could save money on the metal to spend extra on the diamond, or vice versa. As an added extra, your fiancé can proudly tell everyone that you designed their ring, for that truly personal touch.
All About Location
Your engagement will remain in both of your memories forever, so selecting the right location is imperative. The right location may spring to mind immediately; it could be where you spent an exotic holiday or somewhere closer to home where you enjoyed your first date. It should be somewhere that makes your loved one feel happy and comfortable.
For many, a proposal is an intimate occasion, so a romantic home-cooked meal in your candlelit home may be the ideal option. Or, perhaps you’d prefer somewhere meaningful that still offers privacy, such as the beach you often visit, or where you first watched the sunset together.
For other couples, it’s all about the element of surprise with a hugely romantic gesture. This could be at a famous landmark, an adventurous spot, or cleverly planned in your favourite restaurant, followed by champagne and even applause from those around you to really make your loved one feel extra special.
Always Plan Ahead
When
Like most special occasions, planning ahead is important. It’s worth keeping in mind the timing of your proposal, opting for a moment when you know your loved one will be at their most relaxed. This is why holiday proposals are so popular. For the added sentiment, choosing a meaningful day, such as a special anniversary, will make it even more memorable.
Where
If you’re planning a proposal where others play a part, make sure all arrangements are in place well in advance. If you’ve decided to ask the big question at a restaurant or hotel, it’s definitely worth speaking to them beforehand, as they may be able to help add some extra finishing touches. If you’re leaning more towards a romantic beach proposal, it’ll be worth checking the tide times, and perhaps even the time of the sunset to make sure the setting is as beautiful as it can possibly be.
Personal Touch
If you choose to buy the engagement ring before the proposal, you’ll have some time in between which could be used to make it even more special and personal. At Browns, we offer an engraving service, meaning you can get a personalised message engraved on the inside of the engagement ring. Perhaps your names, ‘I love you’ or ‘always & forever’.
Those Special Words
What you choose to say during your proposal can outshine everything else, even the ring. However, it’s also important to remember that your speech doesn’t need to be too long, just a few heartfelt words have the power to melt your loved one.
If you’d like to keep it simple, let your partner know you love them, and naturally, the special question will follow. Or if there’s more you want to say, have it prepared in advance. However you choose to do it, rest assured that your partner loves you and knows you well enough to recognise this is a unique and significant moment in your relationship.
However you decide to ask the love of your life to marry you, with the engagement ring of their dreams and your well-thought-out plan, it’s guaranteed to be beautiful. Don’t forget, we’re here to help you choose the perfect engagement ring, so don’t hesitate to get in touch or pop into your nearest store.
