Will You..Tell Me How to Propose on Valentine's Day?
Yes, yes I will. Because I am a busybody who loves to tell other people how to live their lives. And also because I am a devoted enthusiast of weddings, romance, love, and happily-ever-afters.
Joking aside, I understand the pressure that comes along with asking someone to spend the rest of their life with you. The night my husband proposed was one of my favorite nights ever. I don’t know if he would describe it in those exact words. He was uncharacteristically nervous, so I knew something was afoot. I figured it was the proposal, since we had been talking about getting married for quite a number of months, but knowing didn’t change the beauty of it.
We live outside of Detroit, so he took me to a Red Wings hockey game (in which they DESTROYED the Nashville Predators) and then to dinner at a jazz restaurant in the GM Renaissance Center. For those who don’t live in the Detroit area, the Renaissance Center is located on the edge of the Detroit River, which separates Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It was mid-November, but the weather was quite mild. We sat on the steps of the River Walk (the long, manicured path along the water’s edge) and watched the moonlight and lights from the Ambassador Bridge twinkle on the river’s surface. He reached into his pocket, produced a lovely little white ring box from Andre’s Fine Jewelers (the only jeweler skilled enough to execute my technically difficult engagement ring). My breath caught as he opened it and my inner voice screamed “Oh, my! Oh, my! Here it comes! Our life is about to change forever!” When those four simple words tumbled out of his mouth, I burst into a smile that couldn’t be contained and I simply said “Yes!” And the rest is history.
What made this night special was that he planned it all for me. I had never been to a hockey game, we loved going to jazz clubs, I loved the sophistication of an evening downtown. When you’re planning a proposal, no matter how elaborate or quaint, knowing your partner is the most important thing. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is a great time to start thinking about how to pop that sweet little question that your significant other is dying to hear.
Since I tend to get wrapped up in the frivolity and fun of Valentine’s Day, I gathered up some of my favorite ways to propose. Consider your options carefully, make adjustments where necessary to make this as personal as you can for your love, and above all, remember that no matter how you ask, she’s probably going to say yes. So try to relax and breathe.
My first choice is inspired by some silk bridal florals I saw in a shop recently. These beautiful silk flowers had gorgeous jeweled brooches and clusters of rhinestones where in centers. For the lady who loves flowers, this is a great choice. You were probably going to buy her flowers anyway, so why not buy silk ones with jewels in the middle? And in the middle of one, put the real jewels. Simply affix the engagement ring to the center of one flower and create your botanical offering around it. While she’s oohing and aahing over the uniqueness of the flowers, she will stumble upon your very special one. When her eyes flash to your with anticipation and wonderment, you can gracefully remove the ring from the flower and ask her to be yours.
If you’re with someone for whom flowers don’t do it (I know none of these people, but I am told they exist), consider incorporating the outdoors. If you live in a cold climate, you have a pretty good chance of having some snow on the ground come February 14th. If that’s the case, take the time to write her a message in the snow. Have candles in mason jars or hurricane lamps illuminate your outdoor artwork. When she steps outside, she will be greeted with the sight of a proposal made just for her. If you live it a warmer climate, you could do this with fake snow or in the sand if you live near a beach (and if you do, I envy you: it’s about 17 degrees here right now).
For the adventurous or quick-witted partner, create a scavenger hunt. Give clues about different locations or objects (whether around town or around your home). Some ideas: where you met, where you shared your first kiss, where you had your first date, the first gift you gave to or received from your SO, or where you first said “I love you.” The possibilities are limitless really. And after your tour-de-relationship, the final destination can be where you plan to propose.
My last suggestion will take a little more work on your behalf. I suggest using your own unique talents and skills. If your gift is music, write her a song, at the end of which you can propose. If you are a skilled poet, write her a proposal poem, or a handwritten letter. If you an paint, or draw, or have any other visual art skills, make something that will aid in your proposal (bonus: this would give you a piece of conversation art that you could cherish for years to come). If you like to work with your hands, perhaps make a jewelry box. Place the ring inside. When she opens the box, ask her to be your bride.
Proposals are intensely personal, so the best bet is to think about your intended and what they would want. What will make their heart skip a beat? Above all, remember this: you are asking someone what is probably the most important question you’ll ever ask anyone. If it’s the right person, they’ll say yes no matter what. Relax so you can both enjoy the moment.
Happily ever after,
Rebecca
Share This Page:
