Are you planning to propose to your loved one? Whether you’re just starting out as a couple, or you’ve already got a few kids in the family, it’s vital that your proposal is a memorable one, giving a foretaste of “for the best”. To that end, here are a few unusual tips, both playful and romantic, to perfect your declaration and surprise her with “the big one”.

"Will you marry me?"

If you prefer to do it in private, create a little treasure hunt with riddles and a few post-its along the way to the engagement ring. Likewise, a garland of lights arranged to snake a “Marry me” message should seduce her as soon as she arrives.

Couples who prefer to declare their love with verve in public can do so through an advert in the chosen one’s favourite newspaper, or through the voice of the radio host. And why not, with the owner’s complicity, take some airtime, with DVD, to display your request for engagement on a restaurant’s giant screen?

The big ask can also happen on an enchanting weekend, in front of a sunset, during a candlelit dinner or even under a shower of rose petals. The magic of the holiday season is also a favorite time to make your commitment to your significant other a reality.

The great demand in due form

Here are a few facts for traditionalists:

AT THE TIME

In the past, the young man’s father would go to the girl’s parents to ask for her hand in marriage. Once the dowry had been agreed, the forthcoming union was celebrated at the home of the girl’s parents. The young men were now engaged. Normally, the wedding would take place within the year. Meanwhile, the bride and groom got to know each other better. Families got to know each other. Then, on her left ring finger, the girl wore a ring given to her by her future husband.

TODAY

Engagement has taken on many meanings. For many, it is still a confirmation of intent to marry. For some, it’s simply a proof of love and commitment. For others, it clarifies the situation and confirms the seriousness of the relationship.

And for stepfamilies, the engagement may serve to reassure the children that their parent’s new relationship is serious. They don’t necessarily lead to marriage. Many couples remain engaged for the rest of their lives.

The traditions

They are many and varied. Here are a few constants:

THE RING

Only the bride wears a ring. It’s usually a gold ring set with a diamond. She wears it on the ring finger of her left hand, on the “Vein of Love”, which is said to lead directly to the heart.

A GIFT FOR THE FIANCÉ

The bride-to-be usually presents her fiancé with a gift. This could be a watch, cufflinks or a fine bottle of wine. However, we didn’t know about this tradition.

THE CEREMONY

There is no official ceremony for getting engaged. However, you can choose to do it privately, or only in the presence of your family. The engaged couple can, if they wish, have the ring blessed at a mass or organize a small religious ceremony for the blessing.

THE WEDDING

Traditionally, the wedding was hosted by the bride’s parents. It took place in their home. Nowadays, it’s common for the bride and groom to pay for their wedding. It’s also common to see guests paid for the reception.

Un homme et une femme qui se fiancent.

Watch out for mistakes!

According to Nicolas Garreau, a specialist in marriage proposal scenarios, inserting the ring inside a cake or in place of the bean in the galette des Rois risks breaking the spell. As a result, many women literally break a tooth on the jewel. Also, one in five women swallows the famous ring when the loved one hides it in a glass of champagne! The same goes for text messages, which can be interpreted as a botched declaration. While the proposal made in bed, it seems, disappoints many women.

Finally:

  • Make sure you get a positive response to your request before taking the plunge;
  • Don't make this request in public; not only is it not done, but it could be embarrassing for the young woman;
  • Slipping a ring into the folds of a napkin can be a bad idea. Unfolding the napkin can cause the ring to fall to the ground, making it difficult to find.

The enchantment of great demand in a few figures

Here are some interesting statistics on engagement and marriage:

  • Saturday, August 16 was the most popular date to get married in Quebec in 2014, with 857 weddings taking place on the day;
  • Of course, Saturday is by far the most popular day for couples to get married;
  • In 2014, 77% of weddings in Quebec were celebrated on a Saturday;
  • One woman in 20 is said to have been proposed to by e-mail or text message;
  • Also, 8 out of 10 women are said to have been disappointed by their marriage proposal.
  • 22,246 weddings were celebrated in Quebec in 2019;
  • 97% of marriages in Quebec were between a man and a woman in 2019;
  • 3% of marriages in Quebec in 2019 were between same-sex couples;
  • One woman in 7 is said to have been proposed to in bed during sex;
  • 30% of couples in Canada in 2014 included at least one person born outside the country;
  • France and the United States are the two most represented countries of birth for marriages between a Canadian-born and a foreign-born spouse;
  • 950 women are said to be proposed to every year by discovering the ring in a Kinder Surprise;
  • Very few couples choose to enter into a civil union. In 2014, 239 civil unions were registered in Canada;
  • 8 out of 10 men would be more afraid of proposing than of swimming with sharks.

To conclude

In short, whether the way you choose to propose is traditional, spectacular, fun or over-the-top romantic, the most vibrant way to do it is eye-to-eye. Whether you’re male or female, whatever your orientation, the big ask will always be the big ask!

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us!