There’s nothing like attending a wedding and getting wrapped up in the emotions and setting and wanting to propose. While this feeling is completely natural, here are a few positives and a few negatives to keep in mind when deciding if you should or should not propose on someone else’s special day.

Positive: Atmosphere

Let’s face it. At a wedding reception, the stage is set for romance. I mean, it’s supposed to be. You’re celebrating someone’s very special day of coming together as one. You’ve got the flowers, the food, the friends and family– this is all a positive to proposing. If you can steal away a moment in a corner of the dance floor and ask your question, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Negative: Stealing the Spotlight

If you propose on someone else’s special day and make a big fuss, odds are the bride and groom may feel like you’ve stolen their spotlight. After all, this is their special day and you and your fiancé just trampled on that by getting your own big news. You definitely don’t want to rain on someone else’s parade with your own confetti, so if you are going to propose– make sure you can do it quietly.

Positive: Someone is setting the example

You’re watching friends or family start the impossible journey of marriage together. They know (hopefully) it’s going to be tough, but they’re going against the odds for love. This is inspirational, and something to look at when you are thinking of your own wedding day. It gives you the possibility of saying, “John and Jane look so happy because they’re going to spend the rest of their lives together. I want that kind of happiness with you.”

Negative: She wants her moment

Proposing at someone else’s wedding can not only trample on their moment, but yours as well. You don’t want your proposal to be defined by someone else’s perfectly planned ceremony and reception, do you? Well, maybe it makes it easier– but think about what your girlfriend wants. She probably wants her own moment to gush over and tell her friends and family how you planned it and did it, and not have it defined by, “We were at John and Jane’s wedding….”

Just remember, always make your proposal your own!

Emily