Everyone is searching for the most romantic way to propose—something that will stun their loved one and express the depth of their love in a single, unforgettable moment. Of course, there’s always the fear of rejection, and the term “romance” means different things to different people. Some find a walk by the river at sunset romantic, while others think breakfast in bed is the perfect gesture. Finding the right romantic way to propose can be much more challenging than deciding to propose in the first place.
Deciding on a romantic method of proposing is really determined by what your loved one considers romantic. Sometimes, if you listen carefully, they will even hint at what they think would make for a romantic proposal. But if they haven’t clued you in yet, here are a few ideas. Some of these may be more original than others.
This article is written from the perspective of the male proposing to a woman, as, despite the age of liberation women are achieving, this is still the most common proposal scenario.
Things to Consider Before Proposing
A word of caution: proposing on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day can sometimes turn out very badly. Being proposed to in front of family members or in a setting that’s not private can put a lot of pressure on someone. A “Yes” may not necessarily mean “I’m ready,” but rather “I don’t know what to say because this feels like too much.” There’s a real chance that Christmas could be ruined, which could make the holiday hard to enjoy for a while after the proposal.
However, presenting a ring inside a beautifully wrapped box, along with a candlelit dinner at home, flowers, and a few special treats, can be incredibly romantic. Just be careful not to place the ring inside food—dental technicians will warn you about that!
One of my favorite stories of a romantic proposal involves a hot air balloon ride. A sunrise ride in late spring or early fall, with mist lifting just below and the early morning dawn lighting up the sky, can provide the perfect backdrop for a heartfelt proposal.
Slipping a ring into your mouth before a kiss and gently passing it to her through the kiss can be received warmly—just be sure not to shove it into her mouth, as you certainly don’t want to cause any choking! But gently presenting it in the moment of a kiss can create a beautiful surprise.
While most women agree that romance is about the emotion and thought behind the gesture, many also feel that posting a proposal on the big screen at a football or basketball game is far from romantic. Most women report finding chivalry quite romantic, and would even say “Yes” to a proposal that begins with a serenade outside their window—even if you already live together. Those fairy-tale, happily-ever-after inclinations are making a solid comeback. Proposing on horseback on a beach at sunset can truly wow the woman of your dreams.
When brainstorming romantic ways to propose, remember that the most romantic thing in the world is the way you feel about your potential partner. Words can be the most powerful part of a proposal, especially if you’re not naturally a romantic guy. Digging deep and honestly expressing yourself during your proposal matters more than the setting. If the words are right, it doesn’t matter if you propose in a grocery store, in the shower, or on a sunset cruise to Miami. What matters is allowing her to see how deeply she affects you, how honestly you love her—and she will make you the happiest man on the planet if she says yes. What truly matters is that you took your time to speak from the heart and allowed yourself to be completely vulnerable. Women find that incredibly romantic.
Finding romantic ways to propose can be the perfect combination of setting and style, but ultimately, it’s the right words that make all the difference. Men still get down on one knee, but nowadays it’s more common for them to pour their hearts out than simply ask a woman to marry them. Taking her to a secluded, intimate place, making it her special moment, and paying attention to what she truly enjoys will add to the romance. Women generally prefer quiet, intimate, and private proposals over public displays. The greatest source of creativity comes from knowing your loved one and understanding what’s truly special to them.
