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By Louise Baltruschat Hollis
Photos by Avalon Photography
If you are looking for romantic and festive Christmas proposal ideas whether they be at home, in the city, outdoors or on holiday. Then these ingenious proposal ideas will leave you wanting to shout ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’.
Photo: Fly On The Wall Photography via Surprise Proposal
You’ve chosen to get married and spend forever having adventures with your best friend. Congratulations! It’s really exciting that you have made this milestone choice and planning a special and memorable proposal is a big step in your relationship.
Here at Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, there have been thousands of proposal stories featured. Each and every single one is very special. If you want to read some of these, then do check out the real weddings page. Every proposal has a unique and personal story, which may spark your own proposal idea.
Fundamentally, always be true to who you are as an individual and as a couple when it comes to your proposal moment. You will hope that your proposal is authentic and real, with heart.
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Christmas is one of the most popular times of year to pop the question. Here are some totally swoon-worthy proposal options to get your imagination all fired up. From meaningful locations to thoughtful touches, try to always include you both at this present moment.
A top tip is to ensure that the proposal idea you choose is actually something your partner would love. For example, do they hate being the centre of attention? If so, a public extravagant proposal may not be for them. Listen closely for any hints, or try letting a friend/family member in on the secret to question a little for you without arousing any suspicion.
Links in this article may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to yourself.
Propose on the first day of advent with a special advent calendar hiding the ring inside.
Photo: Lola Rose Photography via Traditional Christmas Wedding
Order a gorgeous Christmas wreath for your front door and ask the question in front of it.
Photo: Dhw Photography via Rustic Christmas Wedding Ideas Moon Gate
Get outside and pop the question if it snows.
Photo: Jun Tan via Snowy Sunrise Peak District Engagement
No snow? Hire or buy a snow machine for the special moment.
Photo: Avalon Photography via Christmas Engagement
Treat your love to an extra special breakfast in bed, complete with the ring!
Create a special stargazing date complete with cosy blankets and fairy lights.
Photo: Emily Tyler Photography via Upthorpe Wood Wedding
Propose during a visit to Father Christmas either near home or in Lapland.
Create a romantic fairy-lit area in your garden and lead them out there for your proposal.
Photo: Rossella Putino Photographer via Milan Wedding
Go down on one knee next to the Christmas tree during the decorating. Or hide the ring in the tree.
Photo: Megan Donati Photography via December Wedding Ideas
Get down on one knee beneath the mistletoe.
Photo: Thyme Lane Photography via Christmas Marquee Wedding
Propose with a personalised bauble that you can keep forever.
Photo: Avalon Photography via Christmas Engagement
Wrap the ring box and pop it under the tree or in their stocking. Make sure it’s the last gift you give.
Photo: Pear & Bear Photography via Prestwold Hall Wedding
Light sparklers then ask family and friends to hold them around you as you propose.
Photo: Tiree Dawson via Askham Hall Wedding
Go and visit the Christmas lights display for a romantic proposal location.
Photo: Valo Studio via London Winter Engagement
Book a sleigh ride or a horse and carriage.
Photo: Thyme Lane Photography via Christmas Marquee Wedding
As you pick your Christmas tree, get engaged!
Photo: Barbara Markiewicz Photography via Christmas Tree Farm Wedding Ideas
Host a romantic festive dinner date, complete with festive food.
Photo: Olegs Samsonovs Photography via Moon Stars Wedding Ideas
Pull a Christmas cracker around the table with the ring hidden inside.
Photo: Jennifer Jane Photography via Harefield Barn Wedding
Plan a secret Santa and make sure your gift is for your love, with the ring inside!
Stride out on a Christmassy walk and find the perfect spot to propose.
Photo: Avenue White Photography via Stunning Sunset Engagement
Organise an outdoor movie night with a Christmas film.
Photo: Tyler Ranalla via Movie Night Engagement Party
Wrap up warm and propose on a beach.
Photo: Travers & Brown via Cornwall Beach Proposal
Hire out a cinema and put on a personal film of you proposing.
Photo: Hannah Brooke Photography via 90s Wedding Ideas
Head to your local Christmas market and get engaged as you sip mulled wine.
Photo: Toast of Leeds
Create a romantic hot chocolate bar for all the romantic feels.
Photo: Lori Blythe Photography via Christmas Tree Farm Wedding Ideas
Propose on Christmas Eve with a special gift box and celebrate on Christmas Day.
Hide the ring in a Chocolate tin or box of chocolates and pass it to your love.
Pop the ring into the Christmas pudding. Be sure to wrap it well so it doesn’t get eaten.
Photo: Dhw Photography via Rustic Christmas Wedding Ideas Moon Gate
Give your partner a Christmas card with fiancé or fiancée wording written on the front.
Card From Bluebellpressuk
Have a fireworks display with a special marry me firework.
Photo: Flawless Photography via Chateau Lagorce Wedding
When carol singers arrive at your door, get down on one knee in front of them.
For an extravagant proposal head to Times Square or Central Park.
Go ice skating! Be sure to practice on the ice first though.
Photo: Joanna Briggs Photography via Winter Blue Barn Wedding Ideas
Treat your other half to a festive afternoon tea in December.
Act out a proposal during your charades game after Christmas dinner.
If you have children, let them propose for you with a cute slogan outfit.
Babygrow from StitchupLooksharpUK
Tie the ring to your pet’s collar and call them to you.
Photo: Megan Duffield via Meadows Norfolk Wedding
Hop on a romantic Christmas steamtrain ride.
Photo: Ayesha Photography via Elsecar Heritage Centre Wedding
Wait until Boxing Day and the lull after Christmas for a pick-me-up.
Get engaged on New Year’s Eve at midnight to mark the start of a great new year.
Photo: Blancorazon Wedding Photography via Rayavadee Krabi Wedding Thailand
Firstly, before you come up with your dream proposal, have a plan of action. Not only will this help to combat any nerves but this help to make sure that everything goes without a hitch. Of course, there is nothing wrong with an impromptu proposal, without a plan. If that’s how your proposal unfolds, it was meant to be.
Before you set up your location or concept, think about the words you’d like to use to ask that all-important question. Proposals from the heart will always be more memorable, special and thoughtful. You could speak about the following:
Of course, don’t feel that you have to include any of these. Simply go with your heart, try not to script everything and speak your truth. That way you can’t go far wrong. A low-key “will you marry me” will have a lot of impact.
Next, it’s time to find your proposal ring. The reason I say to find a proposal ring rather than an engagement ring is that you may not want to find the final engagement ring before popping the question. Or maybe an engagement ring isn’t right for you. Of course, if you do want to purchase the engagement ring beforehand, definitely go for it!
You could opt for a custom engagement ring, an antique engagement ring or a potentially more affordable high-street ring. Diamonds and precious metals are not essential, do what works for you and your budget.
Don’t forget to find out your partners’ ring size with some covert investigation work. Raiding their jewellery box or sneakily tying some wool around their finger can work. Then you are ready to start engagement ring shopping ready for your proposal!
Here are some proposal ring ideas if you don’t want an engagement ring just yet:
Or propose without a ring to hand. Remember there are no rules when it comes to proposing.
If you want to buy a proposal or engagement ring, here are some places to begin with:
Always do your research before buying fine jewellery online. Scour the web for independent reviews and accreditations.
Once you have bought the ring, safely store it and keep it hidden. Also, think about finding a way to encourage your partner to have a manicure before the proposal. That special ring will want showing off and scruffy hands or nails just won’t do now, will they? Don’t forget to think about treating your nails with some TLC too.
Think about letting a close family member or a friend in on the secret, however, be sure to tell someone you trust. In all seriousness, it’s great to have someone to talk to about the proposal if you are looking for advice or support if you feel nervous. Perhaps you would like a ring shopping partner for another opinion?
Don’t forget to choose something gorgeous to wear to help you feel confident. However, if you are planning a low-key or impromptu proposal, don’t sweat it. Your partner loves you no matter what you wear.
Decide if asking for your partners’ families’ blessing is right for you both. Then get in touch for a face-to-face talk to ask for their blessing.
Finally, don’t try and create perfection. Perfection isn’t attainable and more often than not proposals have a little hiccup. Bloopers usually create a fun and memorable moment anyhow. Your sentiment is what counts and of course, starting this brand new chapter together. Your engagement!
If you are going to hire a photographer for your proposal, remember to brief them well in advance. You don’t want them to give the game away, and you need to think about where they are positioned. It might be best to hire a photographer for shortly after your proposal, and re-enact it, that way you get to keep the magic moment for yourself without worrying about coordinating with a photographer hiding out of sight.
Be sure to enjoy the moment, and take a photo together or a video. Decide when you’d like to announce your engagement news. You could arrange a surprise after-party straight after your epic marriage proposal. Invite all of those you love and extend the celebrations.
Don’t forget to share your new relationship status on your social channels (if that works for you). Also, be sure to check the ring fits perfectly and if it doesn’t arrange to get it resized. If you have yet to buy an engagement ring it’s time to go ring shopping! Yes.
In fact, it’s worth checking out these first steps for the newly engaged to help you start wedding planning.
Wedding planning has officially commenced!
There you have it, all the Christmas proposal ideas you could ever need to wow your soulmate. Plus my top proposing tips! Good luck and an advanced congratulations.
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