Proposing at a Wedding– Positives and Negatives
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
Fourth of July Proposal Ideas
I LOVE the Fourth of July. Maybe it’s the patriotic feel, or the food, or the fireworks, or the whole shebang. If you’re proposing to someone like me, then here are four proposal ideas that are bound to get you a yes on this holiday!
1. Ball Game. What’s more “American” than going to a baseball game and enjoying some traditional food? Even if you’re not huge baseball fans, there’s something about sitting in the stands as someone sings The Star Spangled Banner and someone else yells, “play ball!” Whether it’s at the game or after, find a time to pull out the ring for this all-american occasion!
2. Picnic. Go out and enjoy your local color with a picnic. Odds are, no matter where you live, there’s bound to be a celebration of some kind happening at a park or specific spot. Join the fun and when it starts to get dark (BEFORE the fireworks to make sure she hears you), propose! Make it extra special by presenting the ring with something red, white, and blue.
3. Cook Out. Perhaps not the same as picnicking, invite some friends and family over to celebrate the country’s independence/birthday (and your pending engagement)! As everyone’s enjoying their burgers and watermelon (or whatever your style may be), stand up and get their attention by pulling out that shiny rock for your fiancee’s finger!
4. Fireworks Slump. Whether it’s before the big show, or at a time when perhaps the booming has taken a break, or after– propose with the finale. I wouldn’t suggest proposing while their at their height, because, well, she may not hear you! And who wants to miss the actual words, “Will you marry me?”
Emily
A Reverse Proposal
Katie and Gage have been together for six years. Instead of dropping lots of hints, Katie decided it was time to take some action– and propose.
Gage and Katie had already been talking marriage. In fact, Katie knew the ring that Gage had for her because they picked it out together! He was originally going to propose on Valentine’s Day, but the plans changed when Katie’s aunt passed away. Gage was devastated, and went back to work trying to find a time to surprise Katie. He wanted to surprise her, but he had no idea she’d end up surprising him!
Gage returned to his place and was faced with a letter Katie had written him a year ago that was titled, “Read this when you’re ready to propose!” After he reads it, he goes into his room to find balloons decorated with pictures of their relationship through the years. Katie then gives him “the speech” that most women get to hear, and drops to one knee with a ring pop for her proposal (2:10).
The best part is right after she proposes and he says yes, she asks if he can get her ring! I mean, she knows what it is– and obviously she’s dying to put it on her finger. His mom gives him a little push (his parents are recording the video), and it cuts to Gage reciprocating with a proposal of his own (2:55). Talk about a way to do it!
Emily
Romantic Birthday Proposal Surprise
Cheska had been planning Guji’s surprise birthday for weeks. She had all their friends and family there, and everything was ready. What she didn’t know was Guji had already found out about the party, thanks to his friends who decided to tell him when he divulged he was going to propose the day after his surprise, and decided to take advantage of the moment to turn the surprise around in her favor.
Guji starts a speech, so naturally Cheska moves out of the way in an attempt to give him his “spotlight”, but he keeps pulling her back. His speech is short and simple, “My birthday and life wouldn’t be complete without Freska.” And then he drops to one knee.
What I LOVE is after saying yes, her first question is if her dad knows. Clearly this is a big deal to her, and Guji shares that he properly asked her parents just days before. Also, her explanation of, “It’s supposed to be your birthday!” really hit me. Because, as wonderful as this is, I’d almost be like… wait a second… I thought I planned a surprise for once!
Emily
Mom steals spotlight during daughter’s proposal
Bill was getting ready to propose to Breanne, but the only one who seemed to be in on the surprise was her sister (who’s filming).
As she’s trying to capture the moment for them, Breanne’s mom keeps scurrying in and out of the frame thinking they’re taking a family picture. In her haste to move so the couple can get a “picture”, the mom face plants into the sand. While everyone (other than Bill and the filming sister) are worried about the mom and trying to make sure she’s ok, Bill drops to one knee. This only causes Breanne to laugh more when she realizes what’s happening.
What I love is the sister and boyfriend are still going, even though the mom has fallen. At first I thought she fell on purpose to cause a distraction, but it was an actual fall. In case you were wondering, she wasn’t hurt– and Breanne said yes to Bill! At least he knows he’s becoming part of a family that laughs (and falls) together!
Emily
Planned out Proposal
Hudson was ready to propose to Katy, but he had one small problem– he needed money for the ring. So he decided to take an extra job as an Uber driver to save up the money.
It took Hudson one year, over one-thousand miles, and hundreds of customers to make the money he needed to propose. He decided to not be bored with his new job, but instead include everyone he met as an Uber driver in his proposal. He made a video of people holding a special sign (Congratulations on your Uber Engagement!) and them saying congratulations to show Katy… after he proposed, of course. Skip ahead to 3:08 to see Hudson on one knee!
I love this because not only do we get to see the proposal, but we get to see the hard work Hudson put in before the big moment. I mean, let’s face it: most videos is just the emotional, down-on-one-knee stuff. We don’t get to see how it all came into play. This time, however, we do! And what commitment Hudson had to work even harder to make sure he could get Katy the ring he thought she deserved!
Emily
Marriage Proposal on Police Cam
Mr. Ross was picking up a girl named Ashley for their first date when he got pulled over by the police. Two years later (to the day), he asked the police for their help with his proposal… to the same girl.
After being pulled over in the typical fashion, the young man is asked to step out of his vehicle for a search. When they pat him down, even on the police cam you can see how official it appears. When the ring is ‘discovered’ in his pocket, Ashley is asked to exit the vehicle as well to answer some questions. Around 2:35, after she’s asked if he’s carrying anything he shouldn’t be and she responds no, the officer asks, “Can you explain to me what this is?” and holds out the ring box.
I love how he knew exactly how she’d react, from mad to ecstatic. I mean, if I were her, I’d be thinking, “AGAIN?!” Luckily, this pull-over worked out in her favor.
Emily
Father’s Day Proposal Ideas
Father’s Day is just around the corner, so how can you make this day extra special? If you’re a single man dating a woman with children, or if you’re a woman dating a man with a family history– perhaps you should seize this opportunity to propose! Here are some ideas.
1. Proposing to Her. Bring your children in on the proposal to your significant other, whether they’re yours or hers. Talk about how amazing she’s been with them, and how she’s a great mother (throw in an “already” if they’re yours, or something along the lines of having the great potential to be a mother). Then let the kids in, and let them propose to her to be their mother, or you propose to her kids about letting you be their father. This will be emotional and wonderful.
2. Proposing to Him. Work up that courage to break the norm and ask him to marry you, but first ask his children if they’ll let you become part of their family. When you propose to him, talk up his qualities as a father and how you know he’s the one for you because of all he’s sacrificed for them. Bring his kids in, letting him know that they’re in on it. They can talk about what an amazing father he is, but how they know he could use someone to balance the work with as well.
Happy (almost) Father’s Day!
Emily
Do’s and Don’ts of Proposing Around Water
There’s a lot to be said about summer proposals by the lake, or at the beach, or on a boat. Let’s face it, it’s romantic. But as some may have learned, it can also be dangerous. I mean, engagement ring + large body of water = potential to be lost. So, here are some do’s and don’ts.
Do…IT!
Like I said, it’s romantic. Propose at the lake! Propose on the beach! Propose on that boat! However, pay attention to the next couple do’s and don’ts, because they’re important! You need to be prepared. You need to be safe. You need to NOT LOSE THAT RING!
Don’t…loosen the rock.
You want that ring to be SAFE, especially if you’re proposing ON the water. Make sure the box is secure, and that ring does not leave the box until you can make sure it goes straight on her finger. The good news is, the box should float (or be easier to find) if you drop it! So, the box is seriously important.
Do…use the real ring.
There may be temptation here to have a ring pop or something until you’re away from that water, but what fun is that? Use the real ring just keep is secure and safe until it goes on to her finger. You can do this by putting the box in another box, keeping it in your pocket (just don’t go swimming!), or having someone nearby hold on to it until the very moment. Whatever you decide, use the real diamond… don’t use a fake just to be extra safe.
Don’t…lose your money.
Make sure that ring is insured, so if you do happen to drop it in the sand or something happens to it due to your surroundings, you’re prepared. You don’t want it sailing off in the waves and you having no backup whatsoever. While I’m not sure “lost at sea” is usually included in insurance, I’m sure you can find a way to make sure you’re covered!
Emily
Target Proposal Makes Woman Want Wedding at Target, too!
Jennifer, a mom of six, was doing her typical routine of shopping at Target. Little did she know that her boyfriend had a surprise planned.
When Jennifer heard her name over the intercom, she had no idea what was going on. When she entered the cafe area with her shopping basket, she just happened to look over and see her boyfriend on one knee, flowers beside him and ring box open for the proposal. Jennifer was in complete shock, but was so excited to accept.
So where did he get this idea? Jennifer, apparently, loves Target. She’ll be there four to five times a week doing shopping for her family, so it was a safe-bet for her boyfriend that she’d be ready to accept him in her favorite store. But now Jennifer doesn’t just want their engagement to have taken place in their local store– she wants their wedding there as well!
While I, personally, love Target… I’m not sure it’s the place I’d want to have a wedding. However, Jennifer is hoping her store will hop on board and allow the couple to plan their ceremony and such to take place in the store.
What do you think? Would you want your proposal and wedding to take place in your favorite store?
Emily
