14 of the best marriage proposal ideas for romantic couples
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we take a look at some of the different ways to propose and share some sweet, simple, sincere and romantic proposal ideas that might prove the perfect way to personalise and pop the question.
Glenn Guiao/Unsplash
You might have found ‘the one’, picked the engagement ring and be ready to ask the love of your life to be your husband or wife, but how do you find the best way to propose? Given it’s a moment you’ll both remember forever, it’s an understandable dilemma, so ABIA’s Tanya Bywater takes a look at some popular, time-tested and truly unique and romantic ways to ask the big question.
Alessandro Alle/Pixabay
Ways to propose
There’s no one right way to pop the question, but put some thought into your personality types, and the activities you and your partner enjoy doing together, and chances are you’ll find your marriage proposal inspiration there.
At ABIA we're all for an over-the-top extreme proposal, but we also understand that grand gestures aren’t for everyone, and that often a private, intimate moment, involving a significant place, a thoughtful approach or a focus on shared interests, can mean the most. So, below you'll find a few of our favourite low-key proposal ideas and suggestions.
Glenn Guiao/Unsplash
Some sweet, sincere and simple marriage proposal ideas
Lock it in
Secured to the likes of bridge railings and fence chains, clusters of lovers' locks tend to concentrate in romantic places. So, if you find a spot near you (ideally one that’s Council-approved), engrave your proposal on a padlock of your choosing, then take a stroll with your special someone, produce the lock and suggest they attach it as others have done.
Makemyholidaycard/Pixabay
Get cheesy
If an Italian restaurant was the location of your first date, or if pizza’s simply a shared favourite, get creative with your pizza making — or have your local pizzeria do it for you — and serve your question with optional anchovies.
Image source @theplateproject
Light a candle
Candlelight might seem like a romantic cliché, but there’s no denying the ambience that a flickering flame creates. Even a few candles will help set the scene, but a mass display of candles — which can be easier and safer to achieve with the likes of candle sand — will transform the simplest of settings into a magical proposal location.
Image source Chameleon Sand Candles | Sean Reefman Photography
Seek your fortune
A custom-made fortune cookie, cracked open at the end of a Chinese meal, might make a cute way to pop the question to your future fiancée, or fiancé — whether you dine-in or takeaway.
Image source FortuneCookiePlanet on Etsy
Write it in the sand
Whether it’s something you do regularly, or an activity you combine with a romantic holiday, a walk on the beach offers the ideal opportunity to relax, hold hands and write your message in the sand.
Steve Howard/Pixabay
Take a ticket
Is a concert, the cinema or theatre your idea of a great date night? Book your seats and have imitation made-to-order tickets printed with your proposal inscribed — just don’t forget to take the real tickets with you on the night!
Image source Stubforge on Etsy
Drop the question
If you’re a couple that likes to linger over coffee in bed, or sup tea together, shop online for cups and mugs with a proposal written inside. Make that memorable beverage and serve it somewhere homely — or head to your favourite café and get them in on the act — then try to keep calm as your lover sips their way to your monumental message.
Image source @secretsofthekiln
Play your card right
Combine it with a special occasion or gift, and a bespoke 'scratchie' greeting card might prove the ultimate card trick!
Image source MakingMeadowsUK on Etsy
Stir emotions
For a marriage proposal that’s as simple as it is sweet, serve a specially-engraved spoon tucked into your beloved’s favourite ice-cream or dessert treat.
Image source BostonInkBlink on Etsy
Propose with a pet
If you both share a fondness for a furry friend, have your pet take the lead and deliver a cute, and likely irresistible, marriage proposition.
Image source @kristenstonephotography
Turn their page
If your sweetheart is the book-loving type, turn to folded book art to spell your intentions out and take your relationship to the next chapter.
Image source LandKCreative on Etsy
Sweet talk them
If your intended has a sweet-tooth, sugarcoat the question — quite literally — by having your names, or the words ‘Marry me?’ imprinted in customised lollies or candy.
Image source Designer Candy
Send them a sign
If you both love a cosy evening in, set up for movie night — pick your flick, prep the popcorn, dim the lights and get comfy on the couch — with a light-up sign at-the-ready, to declare your intentions when the moment seems right.
Gift Habeshaw/Unsplash
Make it a family matter
If there’s a baby or little person in your life, have a bespoke onesie, t-shirt or playsuit made in their size, and let them help deliver your message come playtime.
Image source BonniebyLynnAnderson on Etsy
Congratulations! Your next step will be wedding planning and you’ve found yourself in the perfect starting place — ABIA is one of Australia’s most-trusted wedding planning websites. Within the ABIA Directory you can quickly search and find wedding vendors that have been rated and recommended by recent newlyweds in locations Australia-wide. There are ceremony and reception wedding venues, celebrants, photographers, caterers, decorators, planners and coordinators, transport providers, hair stylists, make-up artists, florists, videographers, cake designers, live music and even the likes of dance teachers and photo booth hire. The ABIA website also offers an insight into the latest wedding inspiration and ideas, from sustainable wedding suggestions to destination wedding venues, multi-day wedding planning, romantic getaways and honeymoon destinations in Australia and ‘how-to’ articles to assist with every wedding planning step, from writing your vows to choosing your wedding flowers. There's even an online wedding registry!
