7 Tips for a leap year proposal
BY Samantha Gilchrist
29th Feb 2024 Dating & Relationships
3 min read
With the tradition of women proposing during a leap year, here are some important factors to consider when planning a perfect proposal
While it is considered "normal" for a man to propose, for some
women, taking control of this life-changing activity is something their heart
desires. But many find it difficult to gain the courage to do.
Samantha Gilchrist, the owner of The
Gilchrist Collection, has had the pleasure of
working with thousands of newly engaged couples, across 12 venues (including
three in the US), meaning she’s heard all the tales of proposals that have gone right…
and wrong!
"A leap year gives ladies an excuse to take control of their romance by proposing to their partner"
“I love a leap year! It gives ladies an excuse to step into their
power and take control of the romance by proposing to their partner.
“As women, we may think that proposing is something that will
happen to us. Not the case! While women don't need a reason to forgo tradition
and propose to their partner, a leap year can act as an extra push of bravery
for girls to get down on one knee and pop the question to their loved ones.”
So, what are some important factors to consider when planning a
perfect proposal?
It's a leap year tradition for women to propose to men on February 29. Credit: Drew Rae
1. The perfect proposal present
For women, the ring tends to
play an important role in the proposal but for men, it may be somewhat
different. Instead of believing the ring is an essential part, consider what
your partner would prefer when you pop the question. Especially if he doesn’t
wear jewellery.
"Instead of gifting the ring, consider what your partner would prefer when you pop the question"
Why not look at alternatives
that would suit your soon to be fiancé better? How about something such as a
watch, chain necklace or any other similar gift that could make for an amazing
engagement present that he feels honoured to receive.
2. Plan your team
For such a special moment it is
essential you think about who you would like to include as you ask your beloved
to marry you. If you know it is important to your partners that their closest
friends and family are informed, why not get them involved in the
proposal?
The Gilchrist Collection has
seen couples plan anything from flash mobs to getting related children to hold
signs, a perfect way to share your proposal and make a memory for all.
3. Capture the moment
You hope to only get married
once in your life, so making sure the photos are picture perfect at your
proposal is extremely essential. Have a hidden photographer discreetly
capturing the precious moment, or ask friends and family to record the moment
whether they are hidden or standing from a distance.
Of course, if the
engagement is a total surprise to all, maybe consider hiring a professional
photographer.
4. Location, location, location
Make the location somewhere that is special to you both. Credit: Ben Davis
Where you consider popping the
question can make or break the moment. After all, if you know your partner is
incredibly shy, a flash mob proposal in the middle of a busy city may not be
right.
I always recommend thinking
back to a special time you and your partner have spent together and think about
where you were. Maybe where you both first met, or maybe simply your kitchen as
you cooked a meal together and danced to the radio? Make sure the location is
personal to you both.
5. Incorporate leap year symbolism
The number four is considered
very lucky on a leap year so why not incorporate that good fortune into your
proposal?
"The number four is considered very lucky on a leap year so why not incorporate the number into your proposal?"
Write your partner four handwritten letters that tell them where to
meet you as you pop the question or ask them "Will you marry me?" four times
before waiting for them to respond, or how about simply timing your proposal
for 4pm? This is a fun and on theme way to bring even more magic to your
proposal.
6. Sharing the celebration
Letting family and friends know
after the proposal has been done is something many people opt to do almost
instantly but it is important to consider how you both feel about the
announcement.
May you want to enjoy the next
stage privately for a while or you may want to shout from the rooftops about
how you now have a fiancé, either way it is important to both be on the same
track and share the moment together.
7. Prolong the engagement excitement
The Gilchrist Collection offer stunning wedding venues such as Highley Manor in West Sussex. Credit: Abigail Rex
Are you likely to want to have
a big engagement party to celebrate with your nearest and dearest or would you
rather have an intimate meal just the two of you? Thinking about what to do
after they agree to marry you this leap year can be great to prolong the
feelings.
Take time to savour the fact
that you and your partner have just agreed to take the move into the next
chapter of your love story and make a day or night of it. You deserve to
celebrate together!
“I can't wait to hear all of the leap year proposal stories from
our future Gilchrist Collection couples. All engagements are special but there
is just something so lovely when a woman decides to take matters into her own
hands. I wish each new engagement all the luck this leap year."
To see the Gilchrist Collection’s full list of venues and to find
out more about Samantha Gilchrist please visit: https://gilchristcollection.co.uk/
Banner photo: Pavel Danilyuk
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