Thinking of proposing? Read this first
2.8 Million couples get engaged every year in the US
Proposal season is upon us. About 2.8 million couples, on average, get engaged every year in the United States, according to CNN Business. According to Martha Stweart Weddings, 37 percent of couples get engaged between November and February of each year. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine's Day are among the most popular days for proposals.
With the increasing desire for unique and memorable proposals, there's a rise in hiring service providers like myself who specialize in crafting custom proposal experiences. There is much to consider when planning the perfect proposal and I am here to help. Over the next few weeks, I will post a series of articles that will help you plan your perfect proposal.
The first question I ask my clients is, do you want to propose privately or publicly?
How to propose - the first step is deciding if you want to propose privately or publicly
Choosing between a private or public marriage proposal depends on several factors, primarily the personalities and preferences of both partners. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Private Proposal:
Advantages:
1. Intimacy: It's a deeply personal moment shared between the two of you.
2. Less Pressure: There's no audience, so it feels less performative and might ease nervousness.
3. Authenticity: It can feel more genuine without the distractions of an audience.
4. Control Over Environment: You have more control over the elements, from lighting to music.
Disadvantages:
1. No Immediate Group Celebration: Friends and family won't be there to immediately share in the joy (unless planned that way).
2. Less Spectacle: If your partner loves grand gestures, a private proposal might feel understated.
Public Proposal:
Advantages:
1. Grand Gesture: It's a bold statement of love, which some might find incredibly romantic.
2. Immediate Group Celebration: Friends, family, and even strangers can share in the joyous moment right away.
3. Memorable: Public proposals, especially unique ones, can be memorable events.
Disadvantages:
1. Pressure: The presence of an audience can add pressure to an already nerve-wracking moment.
2. Risk of Unwanted Attention: Not everyone is comfortable with public displays of affection or being the center of attention.
3. More time to plan: It will take more coordination and secrecy if you choose to involve friends and family.
Before deciding, consider the following:
1. Know Your Partner's Preference: Has your partner ever mentioned how they feel about public proposals or engagement stories? Some people have dreamt of a grand, public proposal, while others dread the idea.
2. Personal Comfort: Think about what's comfortable for you as well. If you're someone who gets extremely nervous in public settings, that might affect the proposal.
3. Intended Impact: Do you want the proposal to be a grand, shared celebration or an intimate, private moment?
Remember, the essence of a proposal lies in its sincerity and alignment with what both of you cherish in your relationship. Whether in a private or public setting, it should resonate with your mutual values and honor the special connection you share.
