Engagement Season: The Perfect Time to Propose

If you read our blog about engagement season, you know that it is a very real time of year and that it encompasses the span of time between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. That puts Christmas right smack in the middle - and what better time of year than when the twinkle lights quilt the trees, the fire crackles in the background, and you’re surrounded by all your loved ones? If this sounds like just the right time to pop the question to you, keep reading. We have a few suggestions that could help make your Christmas Proposal outshine the tree topper.

Consider Your Partner's Preferences

First things first, take into consideration the wants and desires of your partner. Getting engaged around, during, or even on Christmas Day can mean different things to people.  Consider if your partner would prefer to be the center of attention at a family party or keep it lowkey, such as the afternoon you two go pick out a Christmas tree. Most people choose to propose during the holiday season solely for the reason that their friends and family are, for the most part, all in the same place. Consider if you want those people in on the surprise or if you want everyone as stunned as the person you’re asking.

Plan the Perfect Venue

If proposing in the comfort of your home and surrounded by all manner of parents, siblings, and cousins is not what you have in mind, you should start looking for venues right away. Keep in mind that everyone else’s family will be in the town, too, and restaurants, party rooms, and brewery patios get snatched up quickly. Don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a wedding planner or party planner. This doesn’t mean you have to use them when the big day comes; this doesn’t even mean they have to be a professional. If your aunt knows how to throw the best surprise parties, perhaps enlist their skills to help pull off what will probably be your biggest surprise all year.

Create an Intimate, Memorable Setting

If you decide to ask the big question somewhere other than the family room, or want something a bit more intimate just for the two of you, think about your setting and try to tailor it as much as possible to your future spouse. The wonderful thing about Christmastime is that many cities offer lots of activities that would be great backdrops for proposals. If there is a city square with a Rockefelleresque tree, a ski lodge with a roaring fire, or an ice-skating rink, these are almost guaranteed to make your proposal one for the history books. Another great thing about a Christmas proposal is that the holiday spirit is so prevalent everywhere, a lot of the small details will already be handled. If your partner is a Christmas aficionado, though, consider if you want to make your proposal part of any special holiday events, say, during a tree-lighting ceremony, while Christmas caroling, or as you are decorating the tree. 

Let the Holiday Spirit Enhance Your Proposal

Consider how sentimental your partner is. If your partner has a particular background with certain traditions or games, consider weaving those in or proposing while taking part in the tradition. Chances are, if you’ve chosen Christmastime to propose, it’s because this time of year is special to you and your partner. Remember that a lot of the details will be handled simply based on the fact that it is Christmas. Your biggest job is to make the proposal as spotlight-grabbing or intimate as you know your future spouse would like, let Christmas do the rest.

Visit Schiffman's Jewelers at one of our Greensboro or Winston-Salem locations to explore our wide selection of engagement rings or explore our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide!