As the festive season approaches, there's inevitably a fresh influx of newly engaged couples heading into the world of wedding planning. I love meeting new couples, and I always like to find out more about how you met, where you got engaged, and how!
As with anything wedding related, there's a certain amount of etiquette that needs to be considered before getting down on one knee to pop the question. This all being said, there's no reason not to be a little creative and break away from the traditional wrapped ring box under the tree or the getting down on one knee at the stroke of midnight on NYE.
We can do better.
Let's have first things first and start with one bit of engagement etiquette you absolutely, definitely shouldn't shy away from, and that is a chat with your partner's parents before you ask the question. Let's be clear here, we're not asking for permission, we're asking for a blessing, and there's a difference.
Ultimately, before you were even on the scene your partner's parent's have loved and adored your other half far longer than you have. They are the people who are responsible for your betrothed's morals, and beliefs and will want nothing more than for their Son or Daughter to be happy. That in itself should absolutely command some respect and warrant at least a conversation before you ask probably one of the most important questions of your life.
Remember, daughters will always be Daddy's girls in their Father's eyes. They're the first man they'll have ever loved, and the best example of the partner they'll expect you to be. Chances are, they'll have been in your shoes one day, and will have nervously asked the very same question to their father-in-law-to-be. Regardless of if you see eye-to-eye or not, this is the person that'll be walking your partner down the aisle, so let's make sure he's on side!
Now, just to break away from tradition a little bit, let's talk about your partner's mum. The last thing we want is a mum who doesn't think her son/daughter is making the right decision. She is undoubtedly your partner's best and longest friend, and even though a weepy mum is a given at any wedding, let's make sure they're happy tears and we're starting the marriage off on the right footing!
These are important people in your partner's life. Even if you don't have the best relationship with your in-laws, showing them some respect is a fantastic way to start an engagement and will speak volumes about who you are as a person. It's a crucial step, don't ignore it.
Okay, so we've done some of the background work, we've spoken to the parents, got the green light and we've got the ring. Now what?
The proposal itself!
Before we head off to a crowded restaurant or event to publically lay our hearts on the line, let's consider that not all partners want to be the centre of attention. As much as the whole world seeing your valent effort is amazing, it doesn't have to be a public event or a busy restaurant. The most meaningful proposals are the ones with the most thought. Think about where you both met, and places that are important to you both. Pick somewhere that you'll both remember for the rest of your lives and will want to go back to again and again to relive the memory. Just because you had your first date at Nandos, it doesn't make it the perfect place to pop the question. You know your partner better than anyone, so let's make it a memorable event for the right reasons and put some thought into it.
Make it a surprise!
That doesn't mean whipping out an engagement ring as soon as your alarm goes off on a Thursday morning, but we do want this to be a magical moment. If you tell your partner out of the blue that you've booked a random table at the nicest restaurant in town, your partner's friends will undoubtedly smell a rat, and that WhatsApp group will be lighting up your partner's phone every 30 seconds to ask if you're on one knee yet. Let's not make it TOO obvious, as every time you kneel down and tie your shoelace you'll give your partner a heart attack!
Just a few little ideas there, but if you're about to do the deed, pop me a message and I can certainly offer up a few bits of advice!
You could even think ahead and book me to take photos! 😉
I honestly can't believe we're nearly at the end of 2022, but rest assured, even though it's Christmas next Sunday, I'll still be back with a blog!
Peace, Love and Photos.
Jono x