The Fourth of July can be a wonderful day to propose. From barbecues to fireworks, there are so many wonderfully patriotic and summery moments to propose. Because of this, however, it can easily be a cliche moment or maybe overshadowed by all that’s going on. Here are four do’s and don’ts to keep in mind if you choose this special day to propose.

Do…Make sure you know if she wants a private or public proposal.

I understand if you don’t want to give the game away, but there’s a chance you guys maybe haven’t talked in detail about proposals or marriage. If that’s the case, you may have to take someone in confidence to figure out if a public proposal is yay or nay. After all, you don’t want to be at a barbecue surrounded by friends and family if she would rather have a private walk on the beach during the fireworks. Pick your moment with her ultimately in mind.

Don’t…Propose when it’s super noisy.

Let’s face it. The Fourth of July is all about noise. Marching bands, parades, canons, and fireworks– all of these things add to the glory that is our Independence Day. However, this can make it difficult for you to propose. If you propose in the midst of a barbecue or gun salute or fireworks that are close enough to just about bust your ear drums, she’s not going to hear you. It may not ruin the moment, especially if you’re kneeling and holding the ring, but if you want her to hear all the amazing things you have to say about her and the love you share, take this into consideration.

Do…Go with the holiday.

You’ve decided to propose on the Fourth of July. Therefore, you cannot avoid the holiday. Embrace it. Go all out with red, white, and blue. Let her pick our your clothes, even, without knowing why it’s so special! Plan a party, decorate– go all out. The Fourth of July should be special to your relationship if you’re planning this proposal. Do you have a big family barbecue, or does she? Do you always retreat to the beach? There has to be a reason you’re picking this memorable day, so make sure to make that part of your proposal.

Don’t…Propose during a parade.

Unless you two have a big part in the parade, or perhaps you live in a small town, this just seems like an everything-that-can-go-wrong-will-go-wrong scenario to me. Stopping in the middle of marching high school bands and local celebrities and patriotic groups just seems like a bad idea. Someone could run into you, she could somehow miss the proposal, she could feel awkward– unless she has told you this is how she wants it, don’t do it. It seems like a bad cliche moment in a movie.

For the land of the free, and the home of the brave– I’m sure she’s bound to say yes.

Emily

Photo Credit: Danielle Poff Photography