What’s Your Perfect Proposal?
Posted on: 09/06/2021
Proposals can be incredibly important moments in any couple’s relationship, and they are definitely not one size fits all.
With so many options when it comes to popping the question, it’s easy to find yourself feeling unsure of what to go for. Over the years, proposing has become more of an event; some people splash out on a selection of multiple engagement rings to give their partner the opportunity to choose, while others hire a hot air balloon for the occasion.
However, it’s also OK to take a more “low key” approach to your proposal, such as having a picnic or even popping the question at home. What really matters is what’s right for you.
To find out more about the nation’s attitudes to proposals, we quizzed 2,000 Brits about their ideal scenarios, as well as any “fails” that would make them reconsider accepting.
Is bigger really better?
The research shows that when it comes to an engagement proposal, privacy is the way to go, as three quarters (74%) of Brits would be put off if their partner proposed to them in public, whether it be in front of family and friends or complete strangers. So, unless you’re totally sure they would like a very public proposal, it may be better to keep the moment private, and just between the two of you. Residents in Belfast were found to be the most reserved, as 89% admitted that a public proposal would put them off accepting.
Although the act of proposing at another couple’s wedding is usually considered as a very big “Don’t”, shockingly over half (55%) of Brits wouldn’t mind stealing the spotlight and getting engaged during another person’s wedding. However, if you are planning to go this route, it’s best to check with the bride and groom beforehand, or you may have an upset wedding party on your hands.
They say that timing is everything and this proves true when it comes to proposals, as nearly half (47%) of those surveyed said that being proposed to too early into the relationship would be a reason to reconsider.
As we’ve all seen some incredible proposals across the internet, you may want to capture the moment too, but be wary of the proposal becoming too Instagram perfect, as a third (36%) of Brits said that their partner hiring a professional photographer or videographer to capture the proposal would put them off.
Where to?
When asked about their ideal proposal, an overseas event was voted as the top choice.
This may finally become a reality for some as travel restrictions begin to lift. The study revealed that almost a third (32%) of Brits would opt to head on a picturesque getaway when looking to get engaged, popping the question at iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. After all, Paris is the City of Love!
However, it seems a scenic location isn’t as important for many: nearly one in five (18%) would still be eager to be proposed to while at home, showing the key part of a proposal is still the person, not the place.
Do you need a ring?
You may not need to be in front of a beautiful landmark if you’re planning to propose, but you still need to be prepared. One in five (17%) confessed that they would be put off accepting a proposal if their partner popped the question without a ring.
When it comes to the event, how much do people think should be spent? On average, Brits think the perfect proposal (including an engagement ring) should cost £2,348, with Belfast residents expecting their partner to splash out over £3,157.45 to create the perfect moment.
Londoners also have high expectations, with their ideal proposal costing over £3,000.
Expected cost of the perfect proposal by city:
1. Belfast - £3,157.45
2. London - £3,031.49
3. Manchester - £2,815.88
4. Glasgow - £2,729.29
5. Leeds - £2,594.27
6. Edinburgh - £2,583.67
7. Nottingham - £2,386.87
8. Birmingham - £1,971.65
9. Bristol - £1,942.24
10. Liverpool - £1,941.27
It appears Millennials have the most expensive taste, as their perfect proposal is worth £4,102, almost double the UK average.
Put your partner’s opinion first
It’s important to remember that although the world may have an opinion on the best proposal, the most important opinion is that of you and your partner.
*K from Birmingham, stated that when he proposed in the middle of an IKEA showroom, he knew it was the perfect moment:
“I popped the question when we were in IKEA, the place was busy but there was no one else in our bit of the showroom (I knew she didn’t want anything in public, so I triple checked!). I had the ring with me as I was waiting for the right time to ask, I hadn’t planned to do it there, but she said something that set it up perfectly and so without thinking, I just asked.
“I think it was a successful proposal because it already was such a good day, and we were somewhere we liked to go and have fun at, it felt right! I don’t think the location mattered but rather the tone that you make of the place, you know?”
Just remember that proposing should be a moment that is special for both of you. And so, whether that’s popping the question on a gondola ride in Venice, or on a hot air balloon, or even in the kitchen in your pyjamas, make sure it’s something that both of you will cherish.
Put your partner’s opinion first
It’s important to remember that although the world may have an opinion on the best proposal, the most important opinion is that of you and your partner.
*K from Birmingham, stated that when he proposed in the middle of an IKEA showroom, he knew it was the perfect moment:
“I popped the question when we were in IKEA, the place was busy but there was no one else in our bit of the showroom (I knew she didn’t want anything in public, so I triple checked!). I had the ring with me as I was waiting for the right time to ask, I hadn’t planned to do it there, but she said something that set it up perfectly and so without thinking, I just asked.
“I think it was a successful proposal because it already was such a good day, and we were somewhere we liked to go and have fun at, it felt right! I don’t think the location mattered but rather the tone that you make of the place, you know?”
Just remember that proposing should be a moment that is special for both of you. And so, whether that’s popping the question on a gondola ride in Venice, or on a hot air balloon, or even in the kitchen in your pyjamas, make sure it’s something that both of you will cherish.
*All names have been changed for anonymity.
Can you find the engagement ring within these flowers? Scroll down for the answer...
Answer:
