How to Propose: 12 Ideas for an Unforgettable Moment

Short answer: Three things are enough for an unforgettable proposal: a moment that belongs to the two of you, the right ring and a few heartfelt sentences. Start planning with the ring (find out the size discreetly, allow for production time), then choose the place and the time. Decide whether it will be in front of others or just the two of you according to their personality. Below are 12 ideas for proposing at home, outdoors and by surprise, with practical tips.

The ring first

1. Find out the size discreetly: borrow a ring they wear and measure it, or trace its inside edge on paper. How to find your ring size.
2. Read their style: look at the colour and fineness of the jewellery they wear every day.
3. Allow for time: for a ring made for you, ask about the production time at the start, and begin early enough for the proposal date.
4. Choose the ring: shape, carat and gold colour. The solitaire is the most popular proposal ring. How to choose an engagement ring.

4 ideas for proposing at home

• 1. Dinner: cook their favourite meal, decorate the table with candles, and bring out the ring box with dessert.
• 2. Memory lane: line up photos of the two of you from the door to the living room; at the end of the path, you and the ring.
• 3. Morning surprise: a small note and the ring box on the breakfast tray you have prepared.
• 4. A letter: a handwritten letter about your feelings, with the question on the last line.

4 ideas for proposing outdoors

• 5. Where you first met: a new beginning where your story began.
• 6. Sunset: a hilltop, a beach or a terrace with a view; the light and the photos will be beautiful on their own.
• 7. On the water: a short boat trip on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, or the shore of a lake they love.
• 8. While travelling: in a city you visit together, at a moment they least expect.

4 ideas for a surprise proposal

• 9. Treasure hunt: a game that moves from note to note; the last clue leads to you and the ring.
• 10. Family and friends: a gathering where their loved ones have come together in secret; the proposal in front of everyone.
• 11. A puzzle or photo album: a personal album that asks the question on its last page.
• 12. A video or a song: a video of your shared memories, or a song you have listened to together.

Practical tips

• Keep the ring box from showing in your pocket: a slim box or a velvet pouch is easier to carry.
• Weather and a plan B: if you are planning an outdoor proposal, have a backup plan for rain.
• Photos: if you want to capture the moment, ask a friend to take pictures from a distance.
• Your words: instead of memorised lines, say in your own words why you want to marry them; keep it short and sincere.
• If the size is wrong: solitaire rings can usually be resized later; do not postpone the proposal. Can a ring be resized?

After the proposal

In Turkey, the proposal is usually followed by asking for the bride’s hand, the “söz” (promise), the engagement and the wedding. The proposal ring (the solitaire) is usually worn on the left hand; a pair of bands is worn at the promise and the engagement. Promise ring · Wearing a solitaire and a band together.

Frequently asked questions