This one is for the boys (so if you have a friend that might be proposing to his girl....or you’d like to drop a few hints to your boyfriend, tune them in!) Engagement season is officially upon us, with December being one the biggest month for proposals (our 2015 reader survey revealed that 20 percent of men will pop the question this month). As you well know, proposals today are an event unto themselves. They can be big orchestrated affairs (think flash mobs and Jumbotron surprises) or quiet, intimate moments between just the two of you. Whatever route is decided on for a proposal, there are definitely a list of things you should NOT do—here are five common proposal mistakes to avoid.
1. Don't embarass your bride-to-be. Though you may feel pressure to plan a big, bold proposal, make sure it’s something that she would want and be comfortable with. It is an incredibly personal moment for a couple and she may want it to be a private and romantic event just the two of you share in. Do your research and find out what you think will wow her.
2. Don't plan your proposal alone. Chose one person to be your proposal confidante, someone you can trust to keep your news private and also to give you honest feedback on what you are planning. It may be your best friend, her best friend, a sister, brother, mother or father, but we recommend having a wingman on this one to help keep you on track and focused.
3. Don't forget to talk to her family. While yes, this is an old tradition, it’s still one that is very much in play. Having the pre-proposal chat with your future in-laws is just good business and a great way to enter into the next phase of your relationship with her family.
4. Don't buy a ring without doing your research! An engagement ring and wedding band are two of the most important pieces of jewellery a woman will ever own. She’s going to wear her engagement ring everyday and you want to be sure she adores it. We suggest closely listening to her thoughts on her friends rings and celebrity engagement rings to get a feel for what she likes and you may want to even do a little window-shopping with her to determine her cut, gem and metal preference.
5. Don't forget to make a post-proposal celebration plan. Immediately following the proposal, share your news with the key people in your lives with a phone call (texting is easy but still not so personal). Once you’ve done that, it’s safe to change your Facebook status and post Instagram engagement ring selfies. Your engagement is just the beginning of months of celebrations that will lead up to your wedding day—sit back and enjoy the ride.
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