So you’re ready to get engaged? You’ve got the perfect engagement ring, booked your loved one’s favourite restaurant and rehearsed your speech. Now there’s just the question of exactly when to propose during the dinner!
When you pop the big question can place even more significance on the big moment. Before your meal can create an intimate moment between you both, while during or after adds an element of surprise.
As with all parts of the proposal, your main consideration should be your partner’s preference. Are they the type who would appreciate a private, quiet celebration or a grand gesture involving a crowd for your special moment?
Here, we’ll share pointers to consider whether you decide to propose before, during or after your meal!
Pros & cons of proposing before, during or after dinner
Proposing before dinner
One of the pros of proposing before dinner is that you’re able to focus fully on the moment. Choose their favourite restaurant or a place that holds great sentimental value to you both. This will make the proposal even more special and memorable. Speak to the restaurant in advance and arrange for a quiet, private table if possible. This will help create an intimate atmosphere with minimal distractions. Proposing before you eat will also get the nerve racking part of the meal out of the way, allowing you to celebrate afterwards with great food and drink!
The cons are that your partner may suspect you’re planning to propose during dinner, so proposing beforehand doesn’t allow you to build up suspense. If this is a restaurant they’ve wanted to try for a long time, there’s also the risk of the proposal overshadowing the dinner itself, as the focus will likely shift entirely to your engagement.
Proposing during the dinner
Asking the big question during your meal allows you to get creative! You can arrange a surprise with the staff at the restaurant to incorporate the proposal into your dining experience. You could ask them to write ‘Will you marry me?’ on the dessert plate or arrange for a bottle of champagne to be delivered to your table. Alternatively, simply slide the ring box across the table between the courses for a romantic yet subtle gesture.
There are, however, some cons. You might find your nerves building up as the evening goes on. There may be potential distractions, such as the next course arriving, interrupting your big moment. You may feel like you need more control over the setting which may not help your nerves!
Proposing after dinner
There are both pros and cons to proposing after dinner. On the positive side, you can savour the whole meal without distractions. You could extend the evening with a romantic post-dinner stroll in a scenic or memorable place. Alternatively, you could suggest a nightcap in a cosy bar for a private proposal.
Popping the question after your meal may lead to even more of a build-up to the moment in terms of anticipation and potential apprehension. Plus, it may also lack the immediate celebratory element that sharing the moment over a meal can provide.
Top things to consider for the perfect dinner proposal
The ring
Choosing the right ring for your big moment is crucial! Make sure your main priority is your loved one’s preference and personal style. Take your time to research ring styles and designs, as well as diamond specifications and precious metals. This will help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect ring. We’d also recommend ensuring the ring is the right size, or as close as possible. While the vast majority of designs can be resized, the correct size will help eliminate any awkward moments during the proposal.
Where to put the ring
Storing the ring box discreetly is very important to help with your surprise! Put the ring box in a secure pocket where its outline can’t be seen. We’d also recommend practising presenting the ring in advance to help ensure a smooth, confident delivery.
The meal
Take into account your partner’s food preferences or dietary requirements. Although you know them well, it’s easy to forget small details in the excitement and nerves of a proposal. Look at the menu in advance to ensure there are plenty of options for you both to enjoy.
In a restaurant or at home?
Location is key! If you and your partner would prefer the privacy of your own home, consider proposing there instead. You could cook their favourite meal or order food from a local restaurant they love. Alternatively, heading out to a restaurant will make it a memorable experience and provide the perfect place to return for special occasions and anniversaries.
Involving family and friends
Have you considered asking friends and family to be part of your big moment? Having everyone they love together in one place is sure to create a celebratory atmosphere that’ll be unforgettable.
It’s a good idea to plan in advance to coordinate any surprise appearances or involvement. Also, ensure to communicate with everyone the surprise elements you’re planning to ensure no one slips up and reveals anything you don’t want your partner to know. However, most importantly, ensure the plans align with your partner’s preferences.
Plan photos or video
If you’d like a permanent memento of your marriage proposal, you might want to consider how you’ll capture the event. You could enlist the help of the restaurant staff or a trusted friend if they’re involved. If you’d like professional photos or videos, you could even hire a photographer. Just make sure anyone involved remains discreet to maintain the element of surprise for the big moment.
Be inspired by our engagement rings
If it’s time to pop the question, we’re here to help you find the perfect engagement ring! Our engagement rings can be customised with your choice of diamond or gemstone specification and precious metal, meaning you can create something truly unique to your partner’s preferences. We’ll make sure you’re feeling comfortable, confident and ready to propose!
Book an appointment in-store at one of our locations or speak to our experts online via live chat!
Shop diamond engagement rings now
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So you’re ready to get engaged? You’ve got the perfect engagement ring, booked your loved one’s favourite restaurant and rehearsed your speech. Now there’s just the question of exactly when to propose during the dinner!
When you pop the big question can place even more significance on the big moment. Before your meal can create an intimate moment between you both, while during or after adds an element of surprise.
As with all parts of the proposal, your main consideration should be your partner’s preference. Are they the type who would appreciate a private, quiet celebration or a grand gesture involving a crowd for your special moment?
Here, we’ll share pointers to consider whether you decide to propose before, during or after your meal!
Pros & cons of proposing before, during or after dinner
Proposing before dinner
One of the pros of proposing before dinner is that you’re able to focus fully on the moment. Choose their favourite restaurant or a place that holds great sentimental value to you both. This will make the proposal even more special and memorable. Speak to the restaurant in advance and arrange for a quiet, private table if possible. This will help create an intimate atmosphere with minimal distractions. Proposing before you eat will also get the nerve racking part of the meal out of the way, allowing you to celebrate afterwards with great food and drink!
The cons are that your partner may suspect you’re planning to propose during dinner, so proposing beforehand doesn’t allow you to build up suspense. If this is a restaurant they’ve wanted to try for a long time, there’s also the risk of the proposal overshadowing the dinner itself, as the focus will likely shift entirely to your engagement.
Proposing during the dinner
Asking the big question during your meal allows you to get creative! You can arrange a surprise with the staff at the restaurant to incorporate the proposal into your dining experience. You could ask them to write ‘Will you marry me?’ on the dessert plate or arrange for a bottle of champagne to be delivered to your table. Alternatively, simply slide the ring box across the table between the courses for a romantic yet subtle gesture.
There are, however, some cons. You might find your nerves building up as the evening goes on. There may be potential distractions, such as the next course arriving, interrupting your big moment. You may feel like you need more control over the setting which may not help your nerves!
Proposing after dinner
There are both pros and cons to proposing after dinner. On the positive side, you can savour the whole meal without distractions. You could extend the evening with a romantic post-dinner stroll in a scenic or memorable place. Alternatively, you could suggest a nightcap in a cosy bar for a private proposal.
Popping the question after your meal may lead to even more of a build-up to the moment in terms of anticipation and potential apprehension. Plus, it may also lack the immediate celebratory element that sharing the moment over a meal can provide.
Top things to consider for the perfect dinner proposal
The ring
Choosing the right ring for your big moment is crucial! Make sure your main priority is your loved one’s preference and personal style. Take your time to research ring styles and designs, as well as diamond specifications and precious metals. This will help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect ring. We’d also recommend ensuring the ring is the right size, or as close as possible. While the vast majority of designs can be resized, the correct size will help eliminate any awkward moments during the proposal.
Where to put the ring
Storing the ring box discreetly is very important to help with your surprise! Put the ring box in a secure pocket where its outline can’t be seen. We’d also recommend practising presenting the ring in advance to help ensure a smooth, confident delivery.
The meal
Take into account your partner’s food preferences or dietary requirements. Although you know them well, it’s easy to forget small details in the excitement and nerves of a proposal. Look at the menu in advance to ensure there are plenty of options for you both to enjoy.
In a restaurant or at home?
Location is key! If you and your partner would prefer the privacy of your own home, consider proposing there instead. You could cook their favourite meal or order food from a local restaurant they love. Alternatively, heading out to a restaurant will make it a memorable experience and provide the perfect place to return for special occasions and anniversaries.
Involving family and friends
Have you considered asking friends and family to be part of your big moment? Having everyone they love together in one place is sure to create a celebratory atmosphere that’ll be unforgettable.
It’s a good idea to plan in advance to coordinate any surprise appearances or involvement. Also, ensure to communicate with everyone the surprise elements you’re planning to ensure no one slips up and reveals anything you don’t want your partner to know. However, most importantly, ensure the plans align with your partner’s preferences.
Plan photos or video
If you’d like a permanent memento of your marriage proposal, you might want to consider how you’ll capture the event. You could enlist the help of the restaurant staff or a trusted friend if they’re involved. If you’d like professional photos or videos, you could even hire a photographer. Just make sure anyone involved remains discreet to maintain the element of surprise for the big moment.
Be inspired by our engagement rings
If it’s time to pop the question, we’re here to help you find the perfect engagement ring! Our engagement rings can be customised with your choice of diamond or gemstone specification and precious metal, meaning you can create something truly unique to your partner’s preferences. We’ll make sure you’re feeling comfortable, confident and ready to propose!
Book an appointment in-store at one of our locations or speak to our experts online via live chat!
Shop diamond engagement rings now