10 Valentine’s Day Proposal Dos and Don’ts

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and because it is one of the most romantic times of year, it’s a popular time to propose. According to Bridebook, 40% of proposals take place between December and February 14th every year, and it’s thought that more than £147 million was spent on engagement rings during this period.

While a Valentine’s Day proposal isn’t for everyone, it’s easy to see why so many people dream of a proposal on this super romantic day. If you’re thinking about getting down on one knee and presenting your girlfriend/boyfriend with a sparkling diamond engagement ring on February 14th (or any other day of the year), then keep in mind these essential do’s and don’ts, before you pop the question.

Valentine’s Day Proposals – Do’s 

Do: Have the important ‘life’ conversation before you propose

When you’re head over heels in love, it’s easy to get swept off your feet and move at the speed of light with your partner. However, before you run to the next diamond jewellery store in Hatton Garden and buy that diamond ring, there are a few really important conversations you need to have, such as:

• Are you both ready to get married?
• Do you both want to get married?
• Do you both want children?
• Where do you both stand in terms of finances?

There will probably be areas you both don’t agree 100% with, and that’s okay – you just need to make sure you’ve come up with a solution that works for the pair of you!

Find out if your partner wants a surprise proposal or public proposal

Surprise proposals and public proposals are a risky game – especially if you haven’t spoken to your partner about it beforehand. Going in blindly with a 40 person flash mob style proposal in front of hundreds of people is a terrible idea if your partner hates being in the centre of attention, and will probably backfire. If you’re ready to propose to your girlfriend/boyfriend, then you should know what they like, dislike and whether they’d be happy with a grande, surprise and very public proposal.

Do: Tell your partner exactly how you feel

Is there any better time to tell your partner exactly how you feel, than when you’re asking for their hand in marriage? When you’re proposing, you can be as emotional, cheesy and romantic as you want!

Do: Find out what style engagement ring your partner likes

An engagement ring isn’t cheap, so it’s crucial that you choose one your partner will like, as they’re going to be wearing it everyday for the rest of their lives. Is your partner loud and gregarious? Would they be comfortable wearing a large three carat halo diamond ring with shoulder stones on yellow gold?  Or are they shy and like to stay away from attention? Would they like a more classic, and elegant two carat solitaire diamond ring on white gold? You can find out what style your partner would prefer by asking their family and friends what style they like, or walk past a jewellery store window and have a casual look.

Get yourself a diamond education

When it comes to choosing that all important diamond engagement ring, you need to put a little time and research into it. Make sure you do your homework on the all important 4C’s, and GIA certified diamonds.  Does your partner prefer a traditional round cut diamond, or should you opt for a more striking marquise cut diamond? Does your beau want a brilliant white diamond or are they after a fancy coloured diamond? You can find out all about diamond education in our buying guide.

Valentine’s Day Proposals – Don’ts

Don’t: Give into pressure and questions from family and friends

Family and friends love to ask those really awkward questions such as “when are you thinking about having kids?”, “you’ve been together for years, when are you getting married?”, and these questions can get pretty tiresome. Although it might feel like it’s easier to give into the pressure and questioning by friends and family, it isn’t ever a good idea. Go at your own pace and learn to ignore Aunt Maude’s judgemental questioning.

Don’t: Spend money you don’t have

A lot of emphasis and pressure is put on how much you should spend on an engagement ring, but it’s crucial that you’re sensible when it comes to budgeting. Only spend what you can afford – if your partner truly loves you, then it shouldn’t matter how much you spend on an engagement ring. If you can afford to splash the cash on a vintage three carat diamond engagement ring on platinum, then by all means go for it. But if you’re going to get yourself in copious amounts of debt because your partner is pressuring you to drop money you don’t have on an expensive ring, then you need to sit down and have a conversation. Most reputable diamond jewellery stores offer financing options that help you spread the cost, so be sure to have a look at this as well.

Don’t: Put the engagement ring in food or drink 

Do you know what’s even more cliche (and dangerous) than a Valentine’s Day proposal? Putting that diamond or gemstone engagement ring that you’ve just spent a lot of money on, in your beau’s food or drink. Not only is it a severe choking hazard, it’s pretty unhygienic…

Don’t: Post it all over social media before telling your nearest and dearest

When your partner says yes, you’ll both want to tell the world about your betrothal as soon as its happened. It’s natural. That being said, you should refrain from sharing that adorable engagement snap on social media if you haven’t told your close friends and family members. They might feel hurt if they find out on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, rather than from both of you personally.

Don’t: Make the proposal overly complicated 

Obviously you want to make your proposal as unique and creative as possible, but it’s easy to get too caught up in the details of the event, rather than the proposal itself. When you add too many factors, you’ll be too busy thinking about what could go wrong, instead of savouring this once in a lifetime moment.

If you’re planning to pop the question on Valentine’s Day, then browse our selection of diamond rings online.Whether if you’re looking for a solitaire engagement ring, sidestone engagement ring, halo engagement ring or a bespoke ring, we’ve some inspiring collection of engagement ring that fits your budget. Take a look at our unbiased hacks to get bargain on engagement ring.