Ideas for the perfect proposal

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If you're looking for ideas and suggestions for the perfect proposal, read on. Whether you want to use one or more of the ideas to put together an unforgettable proposal, or simply use them for inspiration, is entirely up to you.

The traditional courtship

You can certainly picture it; a romantic restaurant, candles on the tables, a good bottle of red wine, delicious food, and a man on his knee in front of his partner. In his hand, he holds a small box containing a beautiful engagement ring. He utters the famous sentence: ”Will you marry me?” after which the romance reaches unprecedented heights. The above is what many associate with a traditional proposal.

This method has been used countless times, so you can be sure it works in most cases. However, it can also be a bit boring, as there's nothing particularly unique about doing something the traditional way. That being said, you can make a traditional proposal a little unique with small twists. For example, you could consider placing the ring in a glass of champagne, which you get the staff to bring to you and your partner. Another nice option is to hide the ring in a dessert (something soft, like ice cream), but make sure she's aware of what she's eating – you wouldn't want to end the evening at the emergency dentist!
Casten's most popular engagement ring, ’Hiding Heart,“ conceals a carved heart on each side of the setting. The ring can be combined with the specially developed wedding ring, ”Hooked on You,“ to form a so-called ”bridal set.“ Read more about this concept, unusual in Denmark. here

However, before proposing in a restaurant, remember that it is a public place, where other people will most likely be present. For some, it is perfectly fine to have strangers as spectators to the proposal, but for others, it will be intrusive and downright uncomfortable. You know your partner best and therefore know whether he/she would like a public proposal. If you are even the least bit in doubt as to whether it will appeal to your partner's taste, then do not do it in public!

Free on a special day

A proposal doesn't necessarily need to be a big, elaborate affair; simply by planning when you get down on one knee, you can make your proposal special. If you propose on Valentine's Day, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, your anniversary, your partner's birthday, or similar, the proposal will already be unique. A good rule of thumb is that the more personal the day you choose is to you both, the more romantic the day will be. As an added bonus, it will also be easier to remember the date of the proposal in the future if you propose on a special milestone. Get even more ideas on how to propose at Christmas. here.

Fall on your knees on the journey

Most people love to travel. When you travel, your mood is usually high, as you are relaxed and happy. A holiday is therefore the perfect occasion to propose. It's hard to imagine a better time to propose or be proposed to than by the water's edge on a lovely beach with the sunset in the background. However, you don't necessarily have to be on a warm sunny holiday, as it can be just as romantic to propose on a city break or a ski trip. What's really crucial is that you're away from home and therefore not worrying about the stresses and strains of everyday life.

An adrenaline-fuelled proposal

There are many forms of romance, and what makes one person blush can make another feel sick. Some prefer the saccharine and rosy – others can't stand that sort of thing. If your partner is among those who are allergic to romance, you might consider approaching the proposal a little differently. Even if it isn't meant to be romantic, the proposal can still be memorable, and you can ensure that by making it bold and challenging. There are many ways to do this! For example, you could declare your love for your partner after a skydiving jump, get down on one knee a couple of kilometres above the ground in a hot air balloon, or have a ring ready after a bungee jump.

Adrenaline would incidentally do something good for attraction, so your chances of a yes will be greater if you have just done something wild together.

Make it an event

The proposal is in itself a big event, and big events are often best enjoyed with family and friends around you. However, when proposing, it is often something reserved for two people in private – but it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. Instead of proposing when you are alone, you can choose to invite friends and family over, without your partner knowing. The surprise your partner gets when the many guests turn up unannounced is one thing. He/she will be even more surprised later, when, in front of all the delighted guests, you ask for your partner's hand. After a (hopefully) successful proposal, you can party and celebrate the engagement with those present.

Creative freedom

If you're artistically inclined, you could dedicate a few hours to cutting and pasting to create something completely unique that you can use for a proposal. Perhaps you already have a few ideas yourself – otherwise, you can find inspiration in the following:

• Create your own treasure map, leading to the box with the ring (a place where it can't be found and stolen by others!).

• Cut or tear a jigsaw puzzle, which, when assembled, forms the words: ”Will you marry me?”

• Bake a cake and ask the question with icing.

Your first date 2.0

You hopefully both have fond memories of your first date. This very special day was the first step towards where you are today, and is therefore something very special for you as a couple. If your first date took place at a particular restaurant or cafe, a specific cinema, park or forest, you can choose to propose at precisely that location. There is something truly romantic about starting a new chapter in your relationship at the place where it all began.

If you want to go all-in on ’first date 2.0’, you can plan a whole day visiting different places where you share memories. This could be the place where you first kissed, the first time you met, the first dinner you ate together, or something else entirely. After your sightseeing, you can make the final stop on the route particularly special, where you get down on one knee and propose to your beloved.

Don't plan your proposal (too much)

Romance can be planned to a certain extent, but it's often in spontaneous and unexpected moments that love and romance are truly found. If you spend too much time planning the proposal down to the last detail, you risk it all becoming too mechanical, staged, and rehearsed – especially if you're very nervous.

An alternative to planning the perfect proposal may therefore be NOT planning anything, but instead being prepared to get down on one knee as soon as the right opportunity arises. If you decide that you don’t want to plan your proposal, you can make sure you always have the ring on you so that you are ready to ask the big question when the perfect opening occurs. Here it is an advantage if the box is as small as possible so that no awkward questions arise about what you have in your pocket 😉

If you're a little nervous about proposing, this solution can also be good, as it means you won't feel pressured to propose at a specific time. Instead, you can go with the flow, listen to your feelings, and propose when you feel the time is right.

Variations on the very popular Embrace design. Read more about this beloved design and how you can get your completely unique custom-made version. here

Choose the right ring

A marriage proposal most often includes a ring, and many choose to have it specially designed for their loved one. This way, you can show how well you know him or her (plenty of extra points here!) and how much this very special person means to you. Read more about how to choose the perfect ring. here. Find inspiration for unique engagement rings here.

Have fun and good luck!