Same-sex proposals: 5 engagement trends you might want to follow in 2021
I am delighted to bring you a collaboration with the fantastic Write from the Heart, a company specialising in souvenirs and keepsakes for special occasions, especially weddings. In this post, Kirsty Prankerd has given her views on the newest trends for same-sex proposals and trends that have emerged from last year and worth keeping an eye on. The beauty of this blog is that these ideas aren’t exclusive to same-sex proposals either. These tips could apply to any engagement!
No credit claimed on image. I do not claim image to be mine.
Thinking about popping the question to your partner? Here, Kirsty Prankerd, from photo souvenir and keepsake retailer Write From The Heart, shares which proposal trends are going to be huge in 2021, as well as a few tips for commemorating the occasion with some special photographs.
2020 was a funny old year and, while it had some huge downsides, the main silver lining is that it showed us all what's truly important. And, for many people, it made our relationships even stronger. Whether you've spent every hour of the day with your significant other over the last few months, or you've been kept apart by coronavirus restrictions, you might have realised you really like the idea of spending the rest of your life with them. So, now you just need to think about how you're going to pop the question.
There are already some new proposal and engagement trends emerging for 2021, many of which reflect the "new normal" that we're currently living through. Here, I'll be sharing a few proposal ideas and trends that are set to be popular this year, as well as tips for making sure you get some lovely photographs to mark this magic moment.
Planning the proposal together
Whether it's for logistical reasons — perhaps you're both at home all of the time, making surprises impossible — or you simply know both you and your partner have ideas of what the perfect proposal would look like, why not plan it together? This will take a lot of stress out of the process and ensure it's as special as possible for the two of you.
You could plan every aspect together or keep a few details secret for a little dash of mystery. For example, some couples like to go ring shopping together, but you might want to go down the traditional route by picking out engagement rings or jewellery to surprise each other with.
Another way you can still inject a sense of mystery into your proposal is by writing down a few lines you would like to say to each other during the moment. You can tell your partner how much they mean to you, when you knew you wanted to spend the rest of your life with them, and what you hope for the future. Even if every other element has been arranged by the two of you, this will add a lovely sprinkling of surprise that you'll appreciate on the day.
Foregoing the ring and choosing something more personal
Traditionally, an engagement ring is a vital component of any proposal. But, in recent years, we've seen more and more people moving away from this custom to express their love in a way that's more personal to them and their partner.
If you want to go down the jewellery route, but you know your partner doesn't love wearing rings, you could still buy them one and then add a chain so they can wear it as a necklace instead. Alternatively, you could surprise them with a completely different piece of engagement jewellery, from a bracelet to the luxury watch they've always wanted. Some couples even choose to get engagement tattoos around their ring fingers, which you and your partner might prefer to really show that your love is permanent.
Proposing closer to home
You might have always dreamed of a destination proposal on a beautiful beach, or in a faraway city that both you and your partner love. But it's likely most travel will still be off the table for a lot of 2021. This means, if you want to propose to your beloved, you're probably going to have to do it closer to home.
Coronavirus restrictions are changing all of the time, so it's important that you check the current rules in the lead-up to your proposal. If there are strict restrictions in place, why not make your daily walk one to remember by getting down on one knee in the most picturesque spot you can find? Or, you could surprise your wife- or husband-to-be with an extra-special date night. Make sure you go all out with decorations, a beautifully cooked meal, and ask your partner to dress to impress.
Depending on the current rules (and the weather), you could plan a proposal picnic, or decorate your garden with cushions and fairy lights to really set the scene. To make your at-home proposal even more special, you could put together a video or photobook that charts your relationship, then show it to your partner before proposing. This way, you'll have something to revisit in years to come that will remind you of this special time in your lives.
Mark the occasion with some photographs
However you decide to pop the question, be sure to mark the occasion with a few photographs, so you'll have a record of your special moment to look back on in years to come. If you’re proposing at home in your garden, you can have your camera set up ready and waiting, using a stand and a timer or Bluetooth clicker to make sure you get the best shot.
If restrictions allow for it, you could even ask a local photographer to come and snap pictures of the proposal, or enlist the help of a friend or family member. Of course, this will all have to be safely socially distanced in line with the rules in your area and restrictions laid out at that particular time (if allowed), but you could just let them know where and when to find you, and they'll be able to send you the photos afterwards. Or, if this isn't possible, remember that you can always have a proper photoshoot to celebrate your engagement later in the year, when lockdown rules will (hopefully) have lifted.
Virtual engagement parties
It could be a while before everything gets back to normal and we're able to meet up with all of our close friends and family. So, for 2021, it's very likely most newly-engaged couples will be celebrating virtually with their nearest and dearest.
This can still be a lot of fun, though, and might actually make it even easier for you to have a proper chat with everyone you love. So, why not arrange a big online get-together for the evening of your proposal date? This could either be a surprise for your partner, or you could plan it together.
The key to getting a group Zoom call right is to plan some activities that will keep everyone entertained. For example, could you put together a quiz about your relationship, or could you ask your friends and family to share their funniest memories with you and your partner? This will offer the perfect opportunity for everyone to reminisce and have a laugh, with the focus still being on your relationship and engagement.
If you're a bit stuck for ideas, Hitched has a great guide to hosting a lockdown engagement party, which has all of the tips you'll need to celebrate properly, even if you can't have your friends and family with you.
The last year will have brought a lot of couples closer together, so it's likely we'll be seeing a rise in proposals in 2021. Of course, you might have to get a little bit more creative if you want to make the occasion as special as possible — and you'll need to think about how you're going to make sure it's tailored to you and your partner. But, if you take these tips on board, you'll be able to make some fantastic memories you'll be happy to look back on in years to come.