Is a Valentine’s Day Proposal a Good Idea?
Is a Valentine’s Day proposal a good idea or an enormous cliché to be avoided at all costs? Over the years I’ve had many debates with friends and colleagues about this very question. The answer is: it depends. Here, I weigh up the pros and cons if you’re contemplating popping the question on 14th February.
The most romantic day of the year?
Before the Christmas decorations have even come down, the high street stores have moved on to their next big event: Valentine’s Day. The origins of V Day, and how the 14th of February came to be designated “most romantic day of the year”, date back to Roman times. It wasn’t until the end of the 5th century, however, that St. Valentine’s Day was given its official name, and not until the 14th century did it become inextricably linked with romance. If you – or more importantly – your partner, believe wholeheartedly in the sentiment of Valentine’s Day and always do something special to celebrate it, it’s a no-brainer. Get down on that bended knee and ask the question! If you're a bit of a Valentine’s Day cynic and do something to mark the occasion only because your girlfriend likes to, don’t. If you’re not 100% feeling it, it will take the shine off of your proposal.
Centre of attention
Unless you propose on a mountaintop, a deserted beach or in the comfort of your own home, the chances are that your proposal will attract A LOT of attention. Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year where restaurants are fully booked weeks in advance, landmarks teem with likeminded twosomes and, wherever you go, there is guaranteed to be streams of couples holding hands. If being the focus of attention is an essential ingredient in your proposal, Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to pop the question. If, however, you or your partner hate all eyes being on you, avoid, avoid, avoid.
Have I left it too late?
If you’ve recently been overcome by the desire to propose on Valentine’s Day and it is already February, embrace that feeling of spontaneity and run with it. There is literally nothing more romantic than not being able to wait a moment longer to declare your love. At The Vintage Ring Company, our engagement rings are sent by Special Delivery so they arrive the next day (they can be adjusted to her ring size after the event) or propose with a “dummy” ring and you can choose the real thing together afterwards. Of course, if you’re a stickler for planning and want every detail to be just so, avoid heaping more pressure on yourself and set what you consider to be a realistic proposal date instead.
Still unsure? Ask her friends
I can guarantee that your partner’s friends will have very strong opinions on a Valentine’s Day proposal. Listen to them – they know her inside out. And finally, keep those friends close by your side if you're planning on surprising her with the ring too. They will have invaluable intel on your partner's likes and dislikes when it comes to style of ring.
If you do decide to take the plunge on Valentine's Day, the best of luck from all of us at The Vintage Ring Company!
