Valentine's day is just around the corner, and we know that like every year, many lovebirds have considered taking the big step and proposing to the love of their lives.
This is a very important moment in one's life, and it often comes with lots of doubts. "What shall I do to surprise them?" "What ring should I buy? ", "Shall I bring them on the London Eye, or book a table at their favourite restaurant?".
If you are looking for the secret formula to make a perfect proposal, you have landed on the right page.
MAKE SURE YOUR PARTNER IS ONBOARD
The first thing you need to do is to make sure that you and your other half are on the same page. Be transparent on your plans for the future, discuss them together and ensure our (your) partner's idea of progressing in your relationship is the same as yours.
In case you are heading in two different directions, the risk you are incurring is to end up tangled in an unpleasant situation, so I would advise putting your proposal aside.
If you and your partner agree on the idea of celebrating your love and taking a step forward, then you are ready to propose.
GRAND GESTURE: YES OR NO?
I would say "grand gestures yes and no". It all depends on what you two like. If you know your other half is hoping for a flash mob and you feel confident in arranging one, then go for it. If you feel like booking a flight to Paris and getting down on one knee in front of the Eiffel Tower knowing that that's your partner's favourite spot in the world, then do it!
However, if the two of you are more reserved and you don't like to be under the spotlight, don't force yourself. Don't be afraid to make a more intimate proposal with fewer people around or a less scenic landscape.
As long as it comes from the heart and makes your partner feel in the right place at the right moment, it will be perfect.
IT'S ABOUT THE TWO OF YOU
As much as it can be nice sharing your thoughts and concerns with friends and family, when you start planning your proposal, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have to.
Someone will say you should buy the most sparkling ring in the shop. Someone will warn you that if parents are not involved, she will not say yes.
Someone will encourage you to plan every second and write a long speech.
Maybe your future fiance doesn't care about having a big ring on their finger, maybe they prefer to have a simple ring and use the money for a weekend away.
Maybe parents are not in the picture for many different reasons.
Maybe improvising and following the flow of your emotions is the key.
Getting little hints here and there from your partner's best friend, mother or brother can be extremely useful but remember that it should never be overpowering.
Listen to your instinct, think about the two of you as a couple and ensure you make your proposal personal. Make them feel unique, tell them what made you understand that they were the one, why do you think you are the perfect match. Make it meaningful.
THEN WHAT MAKES A PROPOSAL SPECIAL?
Let me share a secret ... There are no rules or guidelines to make your proposal perfect! You are the magic element, the best inspiration you can find is not on google, but in your love story, in your partner, in the years you spent together.
RSA House is an iconic Georgian townhouse wedding venue that offers you everything under one roof for your London wedding. If you have already taken the big step, contact our wedding specialist, Silvia on 0207 451 6950 or email weddings@rsa.org.uk.
Credits for pictures (in order): Jodie Mitchell, Andrew Billington, Gabrielle McMillan,Victoria Somerset-How, Maria Assia, Andrew George, Wayne La.
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