So you’ve found the one you want to be with for the rest of your life. You’re absolutely certain. You see wedding flowers, vows, and the long, happy life ahead. Then it hits you: you haven’t even asked yet! Never mind the marriage (let alone getting married). You need to start planning your proposal. Not to worry, Bromberg’s has got you covered.
Let’s get one thing straight: there’s no right or wrong way to propose. Your proposal depends on countless factors, from your beloved’s preferences to the extent to which they’re aware of your intentions in the first place. That’s why Bromberg’s experts have put together today’s start-to-finish guide to planning your proposal.
Remember, it takes two to tango. Your proposal plan needs to take into account both you and your partner’s preferences. That, however, depends on the circumstances.
Every couple is different, and in many circumstances, everyone involved knows that it’s about to go down.
Many couples walk into Bromberg’s to look for engagement rings and wedding bands. To some, this strips the event of its mystique and romance. To others, it’s a matter of practicality. At some point, you’re going to have to get your rings sized, which requires communicating with your future spouse.
In this case, the first step is to find out your partner’s preferences. What kind of rings do they like? Maybe it’s a particular brand, such as the Hearts on Fire collection carried at all Bromberg’s locations. Maybe it’s a certain style, such as a pavé ring with the centerpiece aligned with smaller stones set along the band. Make it fun by trading ideas and shopping around. When everyone knows, you have the luxury of knowing what they want.
Let’s say you’re pretty sure, but you’re not that sure. You’re right at the sweet spot, where there’s both a rush of anticipation sprinkled with bated breath.
The trick here is to camouflage your interest in their tastes. Perhaps a commercial for a popular jewelry store comes on TV. Be prepared with a question that opens up conversation. Don’t fret over giving yourself away. Just keep it casual, reference a friend’s experience, or simply allow for the tacit knowledge that you’re ‘secretly’ shopping for an engagement ring.
Stay attuned to their comments. If they do in fact know, they might begin pointing out what they like in a ring. Take notes in your phone, and use the clues you’ve uncovered to start piecing together ring ideas. Peruse the Bromberg’s website, which is chock full of boutique brands, including our own master jeweler, Philip Flenniken, and his gorgeous collection.
In this case, we’re assuming you don’t want them to know. It’s impossible to ask questions and make leading suggestions without at least a small chance that they will catch on. You need to use the detective skills described above, plus an extra dose of snoopery.
In the end, you’re going to have to trust your instincts. Gathering all the information you can is certainly helpful. But in the end, you’re making an independent, executive decision, and you want to make sure you hit it out of the park.
The best thing you can do, by far, is consult one of our experts here at Bromberg’s. Planning your proposal starts with picking the ring, and our jewelers wield years of experience and passion for picking the perfect piece. You’d be shocked by our ability to match your description of their tastes and preferences with the right ring.
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in what our future spouse wants that we forget what we want in a ring. True, you’re not the one that will wear it for the rest of your life. But you will be responsible for how you feel when your spouse wears it—for the rest of your life.
Remember to take a step back and take note of your role in planning the proposal. You are the one proposing. It’s your thing. Pick a ring that you’re proud of, but also suits you.
Some of you will want to do the whole song and dance—literally, Tik Tok is waiting for the next proposal with real panache. On the other hand, your plan to propose may very well rely on the less-is-more approach.
It all depends on the blend of your partner’s preferences and your personal style. Don’t feel like you have to present a grand spectacle. Social media might make you think that’s what everyone’s doing these days, but those who propose with a grand gesture are also those who are much more likely to post their proposal on social media.
That is the question! Just remember one thing. Whether ‘tis nobler, or whether it’s an outdated tradition might depend less on your feelings and more on your proposal plan.
Many folks aim simply to wait for the right time. That might be a Tuesday morning while eating breakfast at home or, in the name of Don Draper, as soon as your beloved rolls out of bed. If you’re planning something more dramatic, getting on one knee might be the more appropriate climax of your song and dance.
No matter what you end up choosing, remember this: You only get to propose once (unless you remarry!). Try to enjoy the process. Have fun with it! Make it your own, but also remember to get a sense of what your partner’s preferences are. Most importantly, make sure you plan your proposal around who you are as well. When shopping for rings, Bromberg’s staff are more than happy to review some ideas with you!
It’s Bromberg’s mission to provide clients with an unforgettable and enjoyable luxury experience. We operate two Birmingham fine jewelry stores located in Mountain Brook Village and the Summit. At each of our locations, we provide meticulous attention to our products to ensure quality for our loyal customers. If you are looking for that special piece, need a jewelry repair or appraisal, or just have a general question or comment, please contact us.