IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR… FOR GETTING ENGAGED

Swimsuits have been stored away to make room for coats and the weather is wonderfully crisp. Mornings are cold yet cozy, and life’s typically hectic pace seems to have momentarily slowed down. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. As you prepare for the holiday season, there might be one particular event that stands out from the rest: your holiday proposal. With almost 20% of proposals happening in December, it’s clear that it’s one of the best months for the occasion. To make sure your wintertime proposal pops, try your hand at these simple suggestions.

• Use the Weather to Your Advantage
  

  Winter is cozy. Hats and scarves have replaced flip-flops and sunglasses, and routines have changed accordingly. Perhaps you and your partner allow yourselves to linger a bit longer over morning cups of coffee or nighttime is spent snuggled on the couch instead of walking the neighborhood. As you prepare to propose, use the weather to your advantage.

  Create an atmosphere that is warm, comfortable, and intimate. Fairy lights, candles, and, roses are often associated with romantic winter nights and nothing is better than an intimate proposal for the woman you love. Forget the summertime image of sunset proposals on the beach and embrace the relaxed vibe of cold winter nights. The month of December is associated with family, relaxation, and generosity. As you plan your proposal, be sure to incorporate traditional wintertime sentiments. After all, December is the month for love.

• Include Family and Friends
  

  What’s even better than a beautiful, romantic, and intimate wintertime proposal from the love of your life? Being able to share it with your closest family and friends. Without a doubt, the biggest perk about a December proposal is the fact that your family and friends will be close by. Whether you get engaged at the beginning of the month and share the story with your favorite people a few weeks later, or get engaged during Christmas week itself or in the gap between Christmas and New Years, chances are that you’ll be seeing your family and friends shortly after the engagement. Although the engagement is about you and your future spouse, there’s no better feeling than sharing the news with the people you love most.

• Shop Early and Avoid the Stress
  

  Shopping for the perfect engagement ring during the holidays is guaranteed to be slightly stressful. As the holidays get closer, people become frantic and the experience is less enjoyable. Even beyond that, you’ll have less time to carefully consider your purchase. To avoid the hassle of last minute ring shopping, plan ahead.

  Browse ring options and visit stores as a duo during November. After window-shopping together, it’s time to get serious and order your ring. If you’re still unsure about the perfect ring for your perfect spouse, reach out to the store and talk with a personal shopping consultant. After explaining your partner’s style and preferences, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect fit. Once you have the ring and confirmed it is perfect, you’re ready for the final step.

• Remember the Reason
  

  December is a wonderful time to propose because it’s the end of one year and the beginning of another.  It is a time to reflect on past accomplishments and prepare for future goals. Proposals bridge the gap between old and new; they're a celebration of your relationship and a chance to look towards the future as a team. As you prepare for a beautiful wintertime proposal, remember to savor the moment and take a deep breath as you leap towards a beautiful future with your future spouse.