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Tips to Take Your Relationship to the Next Level With a Surprise Proposal

Look at you, all nervous and giddy before popping the big question to the love of your life! The fact that you took the time to plan the perfect surprise proposal shows how much you care for your partner.  A surprise proposal doesn’t necessarily have to be grand (props to you if it is), but…

Published: November 14, 2024
Photo by: Photo by Caleb Oquendo

Look at you, all nervous and giddy before popping the big question to the love of your life! The fact that you took the time to plan the perfect surprise proposal shows how much you care for your partner. 

A surprise proposal doesn’t necessarily have to be grand (props to you if it is), but it has to be heartfelt and considerate of your partner’s likes and dislikes. 

Here are four tips to help you make your special day unforgettable for both you and the one you are reading this article for:

Find a Ring as Unique as Her

The history of engagement rings dates all the way back to the 2nd century BC. However, it wasn’t until 1477 that the diamond made its appearance on an engagement ring. In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria offered an “M” shaped diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy. And that’s how a timeless trend was born. 

That said, there is no rule book that says it has to be diamonds. If your partner is not particularly fond of diamonds or you simply want something unconventional yet equally beautiful, you can explore colored gemstones. 

According to Leibish, colored stones like ruby are even rarer than diamonds which alone makes it a great choice for an engagement ring. Ruby red has been universally associated with love, passion, and devotion. 

If you’re drawn to the allure of rubies but working with a more modest budget, consider semi-precious stones like garnet. Garnet stone closely resembles ruby, thanks to its deep-red hue. 

If you feel confused between the two, gathering some info will help you choose wisely. Online resources can be used to draw a comparison between these two gemstones in great detail. 

Pro tip: unless you are 100% certain of your partner’s taste in rings, it might be a good idea to have a discussion with her first instead of buying a ring on a whim. 

It’s All About the Timing

The perfect time to ask your loved one to marry you is when you both are ready. But that’s not a helpful tip, is it? According to a survey, the two-and-a-half-month period between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day is when most people get engaged in the USA, with December having the highest proposal rate, around 19%. 

The snow, the holiday bliss, and the joyous aura of this time of the year make it a great time for a surprise proposal. 

However, if your partner has always dreamt of a summer wedding, wait till the Earth tilts to bring summer closer. And then, when the time is right, surprise her with a magical proposal under the stars or on a sunny beach day.

Create a Distraction

Simple yet effective, a distraction lets you build the perfect moment without a hint of suspicion. 

For instance, just last year, Patrick Mahomes proposed to Brittany Matthews at the Chiefs’ Super Bowl ring ceremony. The occasion itself served as the perfect cover-up—leaving Matthews genuinely surprised. 

But hold on! A proposal during a big sporting event or celebration has become a bit cliché, hasn’t it? If you want something that feels more personal, more unexpected, those “spur-of-the-moment” detours are your best bet. 

It could be a regular date night or simply the two of you binge-watching your favorite series together on a Friday evening. Just when they least expect it, pop the question. These unassuming, quiet moments not only take the pressure off both of you but also make the proposal appear more organic and meaningful. 

Make It Magical With a Memory Trail

Nothing says “I put my heart into this” quite like weaving your shared memories into the proposal. We are talking about harnessing the nostalgia factor into your proposal. You can try and turn those special places from your relationship into stepping stones leading to the big moment. 

For instance, re-visit the cozy coffee shop where you first bumped into each other followed by that park bench where you realized they were different from anyone else you’d ever met.

You can start the day just like any other (perfect distraction, right?) but sprinkle in these meaningful stops along the way. Each spot could have a little surprise waiting – maybe a handwritten note, an old photo, or just casually bringing up “Hey, remember when we…” 

The best part? 

By the time you’re ready to get down on one knee, you’ve already taken them on this beautiful journey through your story together.

Word of caution: Try not to go overboard with too many stops – you want to keep the surprise alive, and nobody wants to be tired when the big moment comes! Three or four special places are usually just right to build up the excitement while keeping her guessing.

Written by: Daniel Washington