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Category: Proposal
Wedding proposals that inspire us.
If you’ve decided to propose to your partner, you might be feeling nervous and worrying about how to do it the “right way.” Getting engaged is a huge milestone. So, before you get down on one knee, learn some dos and don’ts of traditional marriage proposals.
The Dos
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- Test the waters: Before you propose, the two of you should have already spoken about getting married. Make sure marriage is something that each of you wants, and verify that you both agree on major issues, such as having children. A proposal is a big question that shouldn’t come out of the blue. You don’t want your partner to be taken completely off guard.
- Make it a surprise: Even though you should discuss getting married, the marriage proposal itself can be a surprise. Find a moment and a manner that your partner won’t be suspecting.
- Prepare yourself: “Will you marry me?” is a simple question, but it’s a weighty phrase that leaves many proposers completely tongue-tied. Practice! It might feel silly but say the words out loud a few times. Also, consider writing down and memorizing exactly what you want to say to make sure you’re as smooth and confident as possible.
- Find the right engagement ring: Because wearing an engagement ring is a lifetime commitment, make sure it’s the right one. Try to find an opportunity to window shop for rings with your partner to see what they like, or bring it up in conversation. You can also ask your partner’s parents, siblings, best friends, etc., to help choose the ring.
- Know whether they want to pick out the engagement ring: Some people are particular about their jewelry and want to be a part of the selection process. Honor that by going ring shopping together. Sure, you’ll lose that element of surprise, but you can still surprise them with the proposal.
Talk to their parents: We’ve come a long way from the days of dowries. But there’s still something respectful about asking for the parents’ blessing.- Pick a personal spot: Think about your favorite romantic places, and choose a meaningful spot to pop the question. It can be as simple as in your living room or as elaborate as whisking your partner away for a weekend in Paris—whatever is significant for you as a couple.
- Be creative: Incorporate your and your partner’s personalities, hobbies, etc., into the proposal. Make it unique and memorable rather than a cookie-cutter proposal.
- Drop to one knee: There is something so charming and romantic about a person getting on one knee and asking the love of their life to marry them. Even if you’re not traditional, it will make the proposal more momentous.
- Tell your partner why you want to marry them: Don’t just utter those four little words. Tell your partner why they are the one for you, what marriage means to you, and what your hopes for the future are.
- Share the news when you’re ready: Don’t feel like you have to blast the engagement right away to all your family and friends. Take however long you’d like to reflect on your engagement and togetherness, and then announce the news.
The Don’ts
- Make it public: Unless your partner has said they want a splashy proposal with an audience, it’s much easier to make the proposal special by keeping it intimate. Have that magical moment between just the two of you.
- Hide the engagement ring in food: Unless you have a personal reason for doing so, hiding the engagement ring in food is a tired idea. It’s been in many movies and TV shows, so you won’t win any points for creativity. And there’s the possibility they could swallow it.
- Propose at a sports game: Sports games generally aren’t the best proposal venues unless that’s your partner’s preference. They’re loud and distracting, so you likely won’t be able to have any of the romantic reflection that such a momentous occasion deserves.
- Do it in front of their family: Proposals in front of the family add yet another layer of stress that you don’t need. Make this moment just between the two of you. Your families will merge with your marriage by default, but they don’t need to be present when you pop the question.
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- Make it too complicated: Try to be unique and creative with your proposal plan, but above all, keep the focus on what really matters: the proposal itself. If you can’t focus because you’re worrying about whether the limousine will make it to the balloon ride in time, then you’re worrying about the wrong thing.
- Propose too early in the relationship: When you’re swept up in a new relationship that’s going especially well, it’s hard not to do impetuous things. However, make sure you really know each other and what each of you wants from a marriage before you commit.
- Expect them to say “yes” immediately: Asking someone to marry you is a big deal. If your sweetheart says “maybe,” take it in stride. Give them some time to consider the proposal. You want them to be as sure about their decision as you are in yours.
The 9 Engagement Ring Trends You Need to Know for 2021
By now we’re all very aware that nothing, not even a global pandemic, can stop love. And it certainly hasn’t put a stop to engagement season! The latest engagement ring trends are still on display, and designers, and couples, are getting more creative than ever when it comes to ring shopping.
“I believe the moment calls for spectacular and precious things,” says designer Anna Sheffield. “Wedding ceremonies may change or be on hold for now, but the desire to celebrate love and union is going strong.”
So what does the latest crop of rings have to offer? We’re diving deep into the top engagement ring trends for 2021. Whether you already have the ring of your dreams picked out (dropping hints counts), or you and your partner are just starting to talk about what that bling might look like—you’ll want to be armed with all the latest engagement ring trends before you safely visit your favorite jeweler, or virtually discuss the ideal ring with a designer.
Wedding ceremonies may change or be on hold for now, but the desire to celebrate love and union is going strong.
We rounded up some of our favorite jewelry designers to talk all things engagement rings—from the latest trends, to how the pandemic has changed the way couples are shopping for rings. Here, the engagement ring trends you need to know for 2021.
Unique Rings With Personal Details
In a year full of such uncertainty, couples are taking control of what few details they can as it relates to marriage—and one of those is focusing on personal touches when it comes to engagement rings. “A huge difference we’ve seen is that clients have much more time and space to explore what they want, so they are coming to us with much more personal, thoughtful, and insightful directions and ideas,” Azlee’s CEO and designer, Baylee Zwart, says.
“Right now I am seeing a huge surge in clients wanting alternative engagement rings, mainly in the form of a unique cut or an unusual custom-designed setting,” jewelry Angie Marei tells us.
People are continually searching for ways to do things differently. We’ve seen all the rings flashed on every social media channel.
Tacori’s COO and Design Director Nadine Tacorian agrees and says that customers are eager to celebrate love by making the ring their own. “Rings with secret details—hidden messages of love only you and your partner know about,” Tacorian adds.
“People are continually searching for ways to do things differently. We’ve seen all the rings flashed on every social media channel. People are looking to add another layer to the traditional wedding band, putting some extra love and meaning behind it,” says Madeline Fraser, founder, and CEO of Gemist.
Band Style Rings
Given the ever-changing landscape of weddings, jewelry designers are seeing clients turning to band-style engagement rings for a two-in-one situation. “I am seeing an increase in brides that are opting for band-style engagement rings in lieu of a single stone engagement ring,” says Grace Lee. Lee counts her Marquise and Pear diamond band and 5mm crown Bezel eternity band as the most popular.
KatKim designer Katherine Kim is also seeing this trend on the rise “Since a lot of weddings are being postponed we have been seeing a rise in rings that can serve as both an engagement ring and wedding band from our Crescendo Flare Collection,” Kim says.
“Traditionally in many European countries they do not give engagement rings but rather wedding bands/eternity bands as engagement/wedding bands rings,” says designer Emily Rudman, founder of Emilie Heathe. She adds that the current crop of pandemic safety measures have helped keep this trend going. “It’s also easier to clean/sanitize and can endure the constant washing and hand sanitizing we are doing these days.”
Classic Styles With a Modern Twist
The nature of virtual ring shopping has given rise to a return to classic styles for engagement rings. “Because less clients are coming in person to our showroom to try on different settings, more and more are playing it safe with classic styles, like a solitaire or 3-stone ring,” says Nicole Wegman founder of Ring Concierge.
Stylist Micaela Erlanger, whose Forevermark X Micaela Erlanger collection is an office favorite, is also seeing classics making a comeback. “Going into the new year we are seeing couples gravitate towards classic cuts like round, oval, and cushion set in delicate platinum settings that really allow the diamond to pop,” Erlanger shares.
Famed-jewelry (and the absolute best Instagram to follow for ring inspo) Stephanie Gottlieb agrees. “Overall I think our brides are embracing “fashion-forward” bridal designs with traditional elements (which is really my MO when it comes to Bridal jewelry; classic with a modern twist),” Gottlieb says.
Anna Sheffield is also seeing this timeless trend making an impact for 2021. “I think there is something to be said for really timeless rings, and choosing a super special stone,” says Sheffield.
“A more traditional ring with a pretty silhouette and exquisite detail speak to today’s bride and this trend will continue into 2021,” Cathy Waterman tells us. We definitely agree there’s something to sticking to a tried-and-true style in the midst of dealing with the unexpected.
Heirloom-Inspired Old European Cuts
It’s no surprise that engagement ring shoppers are considering family traditions and legacy as they search for the right sparkler and opting for rings that feel like an heirloom. In a year where families were largely kept apart, longing for loved ones is making couples nostalgic and they’re thinking about future generations as they begin their own families. “Engagement ring trends we anticipate in 2021 are heirloom inspired designs – connecting modern love stories to vintage details, creating new family traditions and legacies,” Tacorian adds.
The responsibility and the symbolic value carried by an engagement ring might be heavier than ever.
Olivia Landau, founder, and CEO of The Clear Cut, agrees that the trend has longevity. “Old European cuts are one of my favorites because their unique faceting pattern makes them one of a kind and timeless!”
“A lot of weddings are becoming smaller or being postponed due to the pandemic so, in a sense, the responsibility and the symbolic value carried by an engagement ring might be heavier than ever,” says designer Moritz Glik.
Virtual Shopping Makes Things Easier, and Faster
We’re living in a virtual world and that applies to more than just Zoom meetings. Jewelry designers got creative this year, taking a business that relies on literally getting your hands all over something, and making it virtual. The results opened up a whole new way of shopping and a whole new clientele for many designers. “We are finding that couples are acting more spontaneously and wishing to expedite the proposal and engagement process. With so much uncertainty, it’s nice to take control and keep the process simple,” Ashley Zhang says.
“Since the pandemic and other events in 2020, I feel consumers, in general, are encouraging purchases from smaller independent business’ where they can get to know the designer behind a brand,” says Marei whose business has seen an increase in online inquiries and sales over the last year.
Thanks to her large social footprint, Gottlieb was prepared for the switch. “Our bridal business has been virtual for quite some time, since our audience is coming to us from Instagram, and includes shoppers from all over the country, and the world. So luckily we were prepared for this “remote” shopping experience. For us, videos have been the most helpful element to provide our clients a full visual of their purchasing options.”
This proposal is the most magical proposal you will see in quite some time. This is a MUST SEE proposal that will melt your heart and make you believe in true love. We are very happy to see love moving to the next level and feel free to tag us on instagram @middletonjewelers with your love stories!
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