{"id":3936,"date":"2017-10-27T22:21:21","date_gmt":"2017-10-27T11:21:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.canvasfactory.co.nz\/blog\/?p=3936"},"modified":"2017-10-27T22:21:21","modified_gmt":"2017-10-27T11:21:21","slug":"best-ways-to-propose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.canvasfactory.co.nz\/blog\/best-ways-to-propose\/","title":{"rendered":"Practical Romance: Best Ways To Propose"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2018Where did he propose?\u2019 they ask.<\/p>\n

\u2018Under the fluoro lights in the kitchen\u2019 I say.<\/p>\n

\u2018How did it happen?\u2019 they ask.<\/p>\n

\u2018We came to a mutual agreement after having a very practical conversation about our future together and what things we ought to get done this year,\u2019 I say.<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh,\u2019 they say, clearly disappointed.<\/p>\n

While I’m delighted I get to choose my own ring, as a storyteller by trade, I feel slightly swindled that I don\u2019t have a more romantic engagement story to share. To help other couples have a better story to tell, here\u2019s some of the best ways to propose to spruce up the experience!<\/p>\n

When to pop the question<\/h2>\n

When it comes to when<\/em> to pop the question, it\u2019s not a matter of if<\/em>. You must know in your heart it\u2019s the right thing to do. If you\u2019re unsure whether to propose, it\u2019s possible you\u2019re not yet 100% about your commitment. This is not a decision to make on a whim. Pause and reflect. You’ll know when the time is right.<\/p>\n

If you are 100% decided about your own commitment, but you\u2019re nervous your proposal is going do be met with rejection, you still have a bit of work to do before popping the question.<\/p>\n

Prior to proposing, it\u2019s important you find time together to discuss your future. Conversations of this nature build intimacy. You need to know you\u2019re right for each other \u2013 that you have the same values and share the same dreams. For example, do you both want children? While it\u2019s often easier to avoid having these conversations, it\u2019s important \u2013 for both your sakes \u2013 to be brave.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re already living together like you\u2019re married, whether it\u2019s for six months or six years, you may find yourself assuming marriage is the next step. Never assume. It\u2019s important you check in to ascertain whether that is something that may be on the cards. Additionally, if you discover they don\u2019t want children and you do, respect their decision and don\u2019t count on them changing.<\/p>\n

Neither you nor your loved one are mind readers. Express your needs and desires and invite your loved one to express theirs. Share your hopes and dreams. Say \u2018I love you\u2019. It may sound naff, but if you\u2019re prepping yourself for a romantic proposal, do the groundwork first.<\/p>\n

Choosing a ring<\/h2>\n

\"Best<\/p>\n

When it comes to practical romance, this is a tricky one. Traditionally, the man proposes to the woman. However, it\u2019s completely fine in this, the 21st Century, for the woman to propose to the man. It sure makes the issue of the engagement ring simpler!<\/p>\n

But fellas, if you’ve decided it\u2019s absolutely your pleasure to make the ask, please be aware of her jewellery preferences.<\/p>\n

Listen, watch and learn. It doesn’t matter if an engagement ring costs you $20,000, if she doesn’t like it that ends up being awkward, not romantic.<\/p>\n

There will be hints along the way. If shopping bores you to tears, at the very least pay attention when she enters a jewellery shop. Don\u2019t be afraid to get out your iPhone to take photos and make notes. There\u2019s no need to hide it. She\u2019ll be positively charmed by your attentiveness.<\/p>\n

You are not marrying her best friend. While it\u2019s all very Hollywood to ask the best friend for advice on such things as the ring, if you\u2019re confident about buying a ring for her, you really ought to make sure you know her ring preferences and not accidently buy the ring her best friend likes and she thinks is horrid.<\/p>\n

If she has expressed that she would never want \u2018someone\u2019 to choose an engagement ring for her, respect that. Don\u2019t suddenly think you know what\u2019s best. You don\u2019t know what\u2019s best! Do you know why? Because she\u2019s explicitly told you she\u2019s the one who wants to choose.<\/p>\n

If you know she\u2019d prefer to choose, but you still want to blow her away by showing you’ve financially invested in your future together find a cute ring alternative (fun plastic ring, piece of string or, if you at least know she loves diamonds, a loose diamond), and accompany it with a love note saying you will gift her with a real ring. If you\u2019re not the wealthier of the two of you, she may very well want to contribute towards the final cost.<\/p>\n

Finding a venue<\/h2>\n

Regardless of whether you want to warm her heart with a private affair over a romantic home cooked, candlelit meal (cooked by you of course) or dazzle her with a larger than life public proposal, the key is knowing what you\u2019d both be most comfortable with.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t yet seen the \u2018best wedding proposal ever\u2019, it\u2019s an absolute classic and well worth a watch.<\/p>\n