Proposal Ideas:
Creative Ways to Present an Engagement Ring

You’re ready to spend the rest of your life with that special someone. You’ve taken the time to find the perfect ring, and now it’s time to propose. We’ve all heard stories about people proposing in the middle of restaurants or popping the question on the Jumbotron at the big game, but you want to do it better.

Your proposal needs to include romance and surprise, two things that are often hard to achieve. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with some of the most creative ways to present an engagement ring and give your significant other the romantic, one-of-a-kind proposal they deserve.

The Bibliophile

Does your significant other love books? If so, we’ve got an option that is sure to tick all their boxes. A hollowed-out book makes a great place to hide an engagement ring. You can go a couple of directions here. First, you could buy a copy of their favorite book and modify it. Second, you can buy a faux book that’s actually a box and hide the ring inside. You could even buy a small notebook, write your message on the first page, and then hollow out the remaining pages to hide the ring.

The Adventure Lover

Maybe your special someone has a passion for the outdoors and nature. In that case, let us recommend a hike to a scenic overlook. This could be their favorite spot, or somewhere they’ve always wanted to visit. When you reach the overlook, pop the question. Want to up the ante with this one? Visit the area ahead of time or have someone help you place a sign that looks like a landmark sign but emblazon it with the message “Will you marry me?”.

The Astronomer

Does your special someone love astronomy? Maybe they’re just passionate about shooting stars. Whatever the case, pack up the telescope and head out for a romantic night of stargazing. You can easily tie into the incredible celestial beauty with a stunning diamond engagement ring and the right lines. Something like, “It doesn’t have the fire of Saturn’s moons, but…”

A Hot Air Balloon Ride

There’s something incredibly exciting and romantic about taking a hot air balloon ride. It’s a bucket list item for many people, but it also ensures privacy. Our recommendation? Book an early morning hot air balloon ride for two, and then pop the question as you soar out over the landscape and the sun’s rays begin illuminating everything below in golden light.

The Aquarium Lover

Aquariums are incredible fun. They also help you get closer to nature and learn more about the species you share the planet with. If your special someone has a soft spot for an aquarium, whether that’s local to you or one out of town, it can make a great option for a very romantic proposal. You can make it even more romantic by working with the aquarium staff. Maybe you can book a little private time in your loved one’s favorite grotto where you can present the ring and pop the question or arrange to do it during the “swim with the dolphins” show.

The Wine Lover

Does your special someone have a love for vino? That’s your key to a unique proposal idea. Buy a bottle of their favorite wine and then tie the ring to it with a decorative ribbon. Now, all that’s left is the setting. Almost anything will work. A quiet, candle-lit dinner at home is a good option, but you can get as creative as you like. A picnic would be a great idea, but you may be able to give the bottle to the sommelier at your favorite restaurant, and they can present it during dinner.

The Foodie

This one is a riff on a standard option, but it’s easy to dress it up and make it new. Book a reservation at your loved one’s favorite restaurant and then pick your option:

• Have the waiter bring the ring on a silver tray.
• Have the staff add the ring to the top of the dessert.
• Have the staff replace your special someone’s napkin ring with the engagement ring.

As a quick tip, avoid having the ring placed into a glass of wine or food (on food is fine – in food is another matter). There’s always the chance that your intended won’t notice it before it’s too late, and there’s nothing romantic about a chipped tooth.

The Mystery Lover

Why not add a dash of mystery to your proposal? Hand your intended a note with a clue on it. This should lead them to another clue and then another. Think of this as a combination of a treasure hunt and hide-and-seek. Get creative with your clues, hiding places, and even the props that you use. Feel free to rope in friends and family members if you like!

The Beach Lover

Finally, consider taking your loved one on a romantic trip to the beach. This one works best if you have an accomplice. Shortly before you arrive, have your partner write “Marry Me” in the sand right on the shoreline. You can then get down on one knee as the waves gently come ashore. You have quite a few possible variations on this theme, too. You can combine this with a picnic, for instance. You might choose to do it at sunrise or sunset, too.

Going Above and Beyond

There are so many ways that you can present that gorgeous engagement ring. We’ve covered several options here, but feel free to get creative on your own. The most important thing is that you make it meaningful, unexpected, and heartfelt.

Of course, the right ring helps, too. Make sure that you have the right size and know your intended preferred diamond cut and precious metal. That will spare you having to exchange the ring for a different option later if it turns out that they don’t care for a particular cut, setting style, or type of metal.