Should you Go for a Planned Engagement or a Surprise Proposal

The process leading up to an engagement is one of the most important and exciting times in your relationship. It is about taking your loving relationship to the next level. To take something that remains real at an emotional level, into something concrete. To make your special relationship grounded on something tangible, and to set in motion the process that would hopefully end with matrimony. When it comes to the process of going about buying your engagement ring and then proposing, there are a number of factors that work into the equation. From the price of the ring, your budget range, your partner’s favourite gemstone, metal type and important the way in which you want your engagement to unfold. Considering these factors, with your expectations and those of your partner, and getting to make the right choice may prove to be tricky, given there are a number of factors that work into this equation. Here we will lay out what you should know when going for your proposal, from the process of selecting and buying your engagement ring, its delivery, the way in which you want your engagement to unfold.

The Factors to Consider When Opting for a Planned Engagement

The main reason for going for a planned engagement is pretty straightforward. You want to integrate your partner’s views, beliefs and expectations into your engagement ring, but in addition, you want her to be a part of this process virtually every step of the way. Since this is a somewhat unconventional approach to proposing, there are a number of factors you need to consider.

Make Sure your Expectations Align

When it comes to going for a planned engagement a number of factors of proposing to operate a bit differently. First, since your idea is to involve your partner from the very outset, it is important that both you and your partner are on the same page. Getting engaged to someone is a big decision and it is a choice that is meant to last potentially a lifetime, hence it is best that two of you are clear on what you want. And in relation to a planned engagement it is vital that your partner’s inputs are adhered to, and her opinions on where and when, in addition to the character of the ring get a good hearing. Remember, engagements are as much about making her happy, as it is for you to get the affirmative.

An Engagement is About Solidifying an Existing Relationship

The choice to opt for a planned proposal generally comes down to strengthening an existing union. A planned proposal becomes an option when the couple knows that their relationship has reached a level where taking it to the next stage is only logical. And the function of proposing, with a fine engagement ring, is about giving your union the symbolic meaning that it requires, in the form of a real engagement ring. So this decision is generally one that can play out over time, as the element of surprise is not part of the equation, the couple can take their time, make the process slow or fast, and choose to get more creative with the process of buying or building their engagement ring. Since the couple know what they want for

Surprise Proposals: Factors to Consider

Surprises are one of the more magical moments in the art of the proposal. And yes, proposing to your partner can be an artful, beautiful one; and it can be made more memorable if your partner wasn’t expecting it, whilst still believing it was a possibility. However when it comes to making your engagement memorable with the element of surprise, whilst being able to get that ‘yes’ there are a few factors that you the proposer needs to consider. Since the element of surprise is central to this method of the proposal, it is important that you don’t give too much away before the right time.

Determining Her Engagement Ring Preferences Discreetly

Arguably the most important step in getting your surprise proposal right is being able to give your partner a ring that she wants. An engagement ring that fits her style, special preferences and importantly a ring that fits. Here the importance of being discreet becomes a factor. Whilst your partner is likely to ‘know’ that something is up, as your start posing indirect questions, make metal and gemstone suggestions, and seek out ways to know her ring size, in addition to other specific wants. Doing this, without giving it away, at least not immediately is something that you have to consider. A discreet way to do this is to work with your jeweller, who provided is one who has the capabilities, would be able to guide you through the process, provided you are serious about buying your engagement ring.

Delivering your Engagement Ring

The next key factor is delivery. Once you have decided on a specific ring style: in terms of metal colour, the shape of the band, gemstone type, carat size and, depending on the type of ring, the number of gemstones it contains, and provided the ring size is on point, now it is about getting hold of your engagement ring, but to do so in a way that your partner does not find out. Of course, the age-old way is to simply go to the jewellery store and pick it up yourself. But things are a bit different these days, so ordering your ring online and having it delivered is a key step. Here working with your jeweller: understanding its capabilities, your expectations, and the logistical considerations are important. And communicating them clearly, and ensuring that your jeweller is able to meet these expectations is key.

A Factor that is Common to Planned Engagements and Surprise Proposals

One key factor that is becoming increasingly popular is to involve family and other loved ones in your act of proposing. Of course, this can happen with or without the knowledge of your family and friends. Since surprise is the key element in the latter, bringing loved ones into the equation can make the effect stronger. Provided it ends well. A planned proposal is much simpler, as this decision can be planned, possibly with aid of friends and family.

Surprise Proposal vs Planned One: Which is Better? 

There is no simple answer to this question, as personal expectations, economic considerations, and time are all key factors when it comes to influencing this decision. So it can be said that neither. What matters is what you want. More broadly there is the factor of culture: which affects many of the factors that work into this decision. For in some cultures the idea of ‘surprising’ your partner may not be an option, where planned engagements and even marriages are the common practice. In others, the surprise is the way forward. Our aim here is not to suggest that one is better than the other, but to let you know that both are good options, and provided that you find the right jeweller, one who is able to guide you through either path, you will be set for a good outcome.