To re-propose or not, is an issue that confronts a lot of men after a proposal mishap. Re-proposing, is there even such a word? Is proposing something that can only happen once? I know there are many times in our lives where we wish we had a re-do button. So if you make a mistake with your first proposal, why not re-propose and create a new memory?
Why would you want to re-propose?
Didn’t have the right ring the first time or you know that she is particular and were unsure as to which ring she would like? Weather destroyed your plans? Lost the element of surprise? Didn’t say all the things you wanted to? If you’ve answered yes to any one of these questions, perhaps you should consider re-proposing?
Proposing with the wrong ring or without one altogether?
According to a study by Theknot, 32% of women say the biggest proposal mistake you can make is not having a ring. If you proposed without a ring or it turned out to be the wrong ring, re-proposing could be an excellent idea to recreate the perfect moment. This time, you will have the right ring and the element of surprise still won’t be lost.
If you are worried about choosing the wrong ring, it might be a good idea to walk her past the odd jewellery store or two. Be mindful about timing though. Don’t do it the week before you propose as it will still be quite fresh in her mind. Ideally, try and allow a six month time frame between walking past jewellery stores and popping the question. If you are still unsure and decide to include her in the process, there is no reason why the proposal can’t still be a surprise. In doing so, make sure you reassure her that it will take place at some point it the near future. Once you have chosen the design, it could be a good idea to set a false date in the future. For example, if it is January, tell her you are planning something amazing at Christmas time, but then plan to whisk her away in June to a surprise location.
If you decide to propose without the ring, then choose a different location to re-propose. That way she won’t suspect a thing. If you do propose with a ring that she doesn’t like, try not to take it personally. Better that she says something now, then live the rest of her life with a ring that she doesn’t like. Or worse still, find out 20 years later that she didn’t like it. A beautiful engagement ring is something you should be proud of. It is always a good idea to ask about the exchange policy with the jewellery store you are purchasing the ring from should it not be quite right. That way you can re-propose with the right ring, without losing out.
Lost the element of surprise?
If you lost the element of surprise the first time, undoubtedly you will have learnt a thing or two for the second time around. It might be because you decided to take your partner out on a date for the first time in six months. So, if you are planning a surprise proposal, it’s not a bad idea to take her out on a few “dummy dates” to throw her off your proposal “scent”. Try and act natural. Getting down on one knee and picking up a napkin off the floor for example, is only going to start putting ideas in her mind that a proposal is imminent.
Think about how you are going to transport the ring. A big ring box in tight jeans is a dead giveaway. A small proposal pouch is a great way to conceal the ring until the right moment arises. A proposal pouch is also a great idea if you are going through customs for example, as it can be easily hidden in your wallet.
Bad weather ruined your proposal the first time around?
Weather destroyed your plans? If you were planning to go hot air ballooning and that morning a hurricane decided to come and spoil all your hard work, then it would be a good idea to re-propose somewhere else where you will be less dependent upon the weather.Try taking a drive up to the top of the mountain to make the most of that picturesque, romantic view, ideally a place that has an indoor setting that can’t be spoiled by bad weather.
Want to surprise your wife with a post-marriage proposal?
Been married for a few years and want to surprise her with the unexpected? A re-proposal might be just what the doctor ordered. Offer to take her rings in for their annual clean and check. Make sure you get the engagement and wedding rings polished so that they appear shiny and new again. It can either be a re-enactment of your original proposal if it was amazing or you can create a whole new proposal concept. Perhaps this could be the perfect opportunity to do all the things you wish you could have done the first time? Whether that means going to the place you wished you could have afforded to take her or saying the words you wished you had said the first time around. I guarantee that no matter what you do, it will be something she will remember forever.
If you need help with choosing the perfect engagement ring, come and see the team at Xennox Diamonds. Our friendly staff will help guide you through the process, and if the ring isn’t quite right, we will let you change it so that you can re-propose with a ring she loves.