You can get a lot of help when planning the wedding, but before that, there’s the bigger challenge: the proposal. Unlike weddings, you’re basically on your own when planning a proposal. And since you want that to be a surprise, the difficulty level is onlyamped up. Well, there’s no need to feel so alone now, because we’re here to lend a hand in putting a ring around your SO’s finger.
Securing a “yes”
Before you start plotting your proposal, you obviously need to make sure that both of you are on the same page. Talk to your partner about your future together. Let them know that you’d like to get married someday, and ask if they also see marriage in their future.
Does bringing it up feel a lot like letting your proposal plans known? Keep it broad by starting the discussion with someone else’s recent engagement or wedding- it can be a friend, a family member or even a celebrity. The conversation can be a bit hard, but you will hopefully come out of it knowing that your beloved will say “yes” when you get down on one knee.
Getting their ring size
If your partner hasn’t let their ring size slip, getting the ring size without their knowledge is extremely tricky. While you can always turn to friends or family, there’s a chance they don’t know, either. You’re also running the risk of someone telling your SO about your secret plan. So, the best way to get the right ring size is to measure their finger yourself.
The easiest method to get your partner’s ring size is to “borrow” a ring they’re currently wearing and base your engagement ring off of its size. If they don’t wear a ring or you fear that they’d suspect, a quick Google search about the average ring sizes for men and women based on height and weight can provide a pretty good basis.
Do you want to be sure of their size and are you up for a little detective work? Get a string or a piece of paper, wrap it snugly around the base of your partner’s finger while they’re asleep or wouldn’t notice, and mark or cut where the ends overlap. Lay it flat and measure the length in millimeters and use the International Ring Size Conversion Chart to determine your partner’s ring size.
When you buy the ring, it’s also wise to pay in cash or with a card that they know nothing about.
Fit it into their routine
You probably have an idea about the type of proposal your significant other would love, whether it’s a grand gesture, an intimate moment between only the two of you, or a moment surrounded by family and friends. You might have chosen a sentimental venue. But a crucial element in keeping your proposal a surprise is to do it in a way that would not alter their routine.
Don’t ask your beloved to call in sick on the day you plan to propose, don’t tell them that you’ve made reservations or booked tickets to a certain restaurant or event, and don’t advise your partner to save their vacation days. Most of all,never propose on a holiday. Doing any of these would tip them off and absolutely ruin the surprise.
There are as many ways to pop the question as there are people in the world. You don’t have to worry too much about the uniqueness or the surprise factor of your proposal, because what makes it special is you, asking the love of your life for a lifetime of partnership. And, hopefully, their ‘yes’ will be the first in many decades’ worth of blissful union.
