Guide To Perfect Marriage Proposal

Valentine’s Day is the time when people in love express their feelings for each other and exchange cards, flowers, sweets and dine in the restaurant. Valentine’s Day is all about love and it is only logical that some guys decide to propose on this day, to make it even more special and unforgettable.
So, if you are thinking about proposing this Valentine’s Day, there are some things you should consider first.

1 – Should you ask permission to marry from her father?

One of the oldest rules of proposal etiquette is for the groom to ask the bride-to-be’s father for permission to get married. This old rule goes all the way to a time when marriage was up to the bride’s family, not so much the bride herself. Of course, the things are different now, and you can run away and get married in Vegas without even telling or asking anyone. And, even if you ask the father’s permission and he says no, it won’t stop you, right? So do you need to ask permission form the father or not?

A marriage proposal may seem to be purely the happy couples’ business, but it will certainly affect a lot of people close to you: both of your parents, other family members, and friends. So, before you decide whether or not follow the etiquette rules, you need to keep in mind that improper etiquette could lead to misjudged feelings, estranged relationships that can affect your future life. In the end you want your friends and family accept you. By asking her father’s permission you will by default make him your supporter in the future, as he will value the fact that you respect him and his daughter. It also shows how brave you are and this is a quality every man would be able to appreciate.

Here is how one guy graciously included the part where he asks the father of his future bride in his engagement video:

Of course, if the girl you want to marry is incredibly liberal in values or isn’t close to her family, she might even get furious by the fact that you asked permission from her father and that her family knew about your plans before she found out. In this case it is better to ask her first and only after you received the positive answer to your proposal notify the family.

2 – Should I get down on one knee?

Different engagement rituals vary according to the culture. In the United States, it is traditional for the man to get down on bended knee in front of the woman and offer her the diamond ring. In India, a gosling is the customary engagement gift. Chinese women must find a suitable return gift for the man after accepting his proposal. In Cajun, the man proposes by placing a small chunk of ice on the woman’s foot.

So, it is only logical that you need to act according to your country’s tradition and rules. If in your country it is traditional to get down on one knee, then do so.

3 – How expensive the engagement ring should be?

It is advised to spend at least 3 months salary on the engagement ring. But of course it is not a must. It is up to you to decide how much money to spend on the engagement ring, but please bear in mind that by proposing to her you are actually asking a woman you love to commit for a life with you, to be there for you unconditionally, to bear and raise children, you show your appreciation and love through that ring. So, it is better be worth it, otherwise you are just being cheap. Also, she will keep and wear the ring all the time, your friends and family will be looking and evaluating it. Engagement ring is not something you want to save money on, in the end of the day, you can always start saving for a ring early to collect sufficient funds.

Here is an example of geeky proposal:

4 – Should I involve friends and family into proposal? Should I make it public or private?

The main idea of the proposal is to be unforgettable and take your future bride’s breath away. In the end of the day you are asking to spend the rest of her life with you, this is something you need to think over or accept only if you see how desperately the guy wants it and what he is willing to do to make you his own.

Proposal is also something very exciting and which every woman secretly waiting to be original, unexpected and extraordinary. And you are expecting the positive outcome, so before going into all this trouble you need to know what would your woman like. If she is a shy person and doesn’t feel comfortable in public, than better think twice before arranging public proposal.

Also, organizing the proposal in front of your family and friends, could make your girl feel obliged to say “Yes”, so that everyone would not be disappointed, but not because she actually wanted to give the positive answer.

You should know better by now, what would impress your future bride, so go there and make her dreams come true.

But of course all the rules aside, if you both really love each other and choose to be together, all the crazy stuff may no matter. The important thing is to be happy together and understand each other.

And finally, as this article is dedicated to the future proposals, which will happen this Valentines Day, here is a video of how one guy made Valentine’s Day full of romantic surprises and unforgettable events for his future bride.

Happy Valentines Day and even if you are not going to or expect a proposal this holiday, may your life be full of love and romantic moments!

Do you have questions about Engagement Etiquette or you think we forgot to mention something important? Come talk to us! Leave your comment below!