Photo Credt: Instagram/jewelleryavenue
Thousands of proposal videos litter the internet, showcasing insane proposals on top of skyscrapers, on the sea bed, or in luxurious destinations, creating the impression that engagement proposals should be flamboyant.
There are also those traditions that people tend to think are essential. Here are a few myths that this article tries to dispel.
The element of surprise - Expect the unexpected
Only a few percents of brides claim to have not seen the proposal coming. Proposals don't necessarily need to be a surprise. A large majority of engagements that occur have been planned prior to the proposal, at least to some extent. A proposal can be expected and still be amazing.
Men propose, women...
For ages, it was unthinkable for a woman to propose until only recently. People generally think that the man is responsible to propose to the woman. In reality, there is no such rule. It can be done by any of the two. This in no way makes him less of a man. Any of the partners, in spite of their gender, may propose.
The more romantic, the better
The internet is awash with a lot of creative romantic proposals, from the most daring to the most insane types. Your darling will not refuse your offer of marriage because your proposal does not include fireworks. Make it special and romantic but do not go broke trying to create something all for clout.
The more the merrier
Whether you want to plan a grand event for the proposal or not, the decision lies solely with you (and your partner as the case may be) We are living in an era where even the littlest of achievements must be marked in grand style. Stay true to yourself and create the kind of proposal event that you want.
Where is your engagement ring?
We need to unlearn that it is never mandatory to wear an engagement ring to signify that we can hear wedding bells. Couples are free to choose anything they wish as a symbol of the beginning of your engaged life. And if they decide to not have one, then so be it.
"A diamond is forever"
You really do not have to spend the equivalent of your three months' salary on a ring. With the aforementioned point about engagement rings, I do not doubt that a diamond ring is a surplus to requirements. De Beers promoted this myth with his 1947 ad campaign with the slogan "A diamond is forever". From that point till date, diamond rings became an inevitable part of the engagements and marriages.
Are you 100% sure about this?
No one is ever 100% sure about anything. There is the myth that if you develop cold feet before a proposal, you should shelve the idea and not get engaged yet. A lot of successfully married couples say they had apprehensions but today swear that marriage is awesome. Doubt doesn’t always mean don’t.
You need to be engaged for xx months before the wedding
There is no set time gap between the engagement and the marriage. This idea of a time gap should only come as a recommendation in certain situations, say for adequate planning of the wedding ceremony, or in the instance where one or both couples have to be away for a while.
How long have you guys dated for?
A lot of people also believe that there is a standard period for dating within which you cannot propose. Only you and your partner can tell that you are best fits for one another and the realization of this is independent of time. While it may take some years to figure, for others it could be months.
Bend the knee
While getting down on one knee during a proposal is a beautiful gesture, it is only a tradition and definitely not the only way to propose to your partner. You can propose to them while lying in bed or in any other auspicious position you find yourself.
If you are going to be engaged or married soon, keep these things in mind so that you are not influenced otherwise.