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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We’re talking about engagement season of course, is there another season happening right now? As we celebrate the holidays each year, expect to hear exciting news from close friends and family, with couples popping the question to their significant others during this joyous season.
Who can blame them? Imagine proposing to your partner with light flecks of snow falling from the sky, as the sun sets over a golden horizon and frosted pine trees. It’s one of the best times of the year to get engaged. If you’re thinking about dropping to a knee this year, here are a few things you should know before doing so:
How long should I date before getting engaged?
Now, that’s a question that deserves to be analyzed inside and out. It could get its own article actually. However, we shouldn’t leave you in suspense. The short answer? Everyone has their own timetable. 3 years, 2 months, 1 week: there’s no set length of time that you need to follow.
You should get engaged to your significant other whenever you both feel that you’re both ready. Taking the next step is a huge commitment within a commitment. Talk to your partner, and don’t be afraid to ask when they’re comfortable with getting engaged. There is nothing worse than assuming that they’re ready to take the leap of faith when, in fact, they’re absolutely not. Don’t be afraid to ask those closest to them for advice. Now, if you’re ready to propose, when should you pop the question?
What is the most popular day to propose?
As you can imagine, the most popular day to propose isn’t tied to one specific day. Engagements can happen on dates that are already special to a couple. For instance, some people propose to their significant others on their anniversary to further emphasize the importance of that date.
However, the holiday season is widely considered to be one of the most popular spans where couples get engaged, with Christmas Day taking the title. According to The Knot, “Christmas Day is the most popular day to propose, followed by December 24. New Year’s Day, January 1, is also included in the list, as is December 22 and February 14 (Valentine’s Day).” As we’ve said before, it’s up to you to decide when to drop the knee. But we recommend preparing your proposal “soon” (wink, wink).
How long after engagement should you marry?
While this may seem like another “it’s up to you” type of answer, there is some proven science around when most couples marry after their engagement. According to our friends from The Knot, “The duration of your engagement is ultimately up to you, but many couples are waiting at least a year before exchanging vows. According to The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average engagement length for U.S. couples was 15 months.”
There’s not necessarily a right or wrong answer. Whether or not you and your partner get married sooner or later after your engagement is purely up to you. However, if you’re thinking about hosting a wedding that requires more planning (i.e. larger or destination weddings), you should consider giving yourselves as much time as possible to 1) get every detail right 2) invite your guests as soon as possible.
While there’s no incorrect day to get engaged nor married, there are certain things you shouldn’t do when you get engaged.
What not to do when you get engaged?
Getting engaged is a magical experience. There are “wrong ways” to pop the question though. It’s stressful to think about a proposal gone wrong, but it’s important for us to learn together.
Say it with us: do NOT propose at someone else’s wedding, especially if it’s a sun-soaked beach destination wedding in Cancun. Yes, there’s romance in the air at a friend’s wedding. No, you shouldn’t use that atmosphere to propose to your partner. While the moment may feel right, the act itself may be perceived as selfish and an attempt to “grab the spotlight.” There have been few times this has worked without help from the actual bride who is already celebrating her special day.
As we’ve discussed before, please make sure to at least talk to your partner about getting engaged. You don’t have to work out every single detail, but it’s important to know when your significant other would be willing to be proposed to. As incredible as it is, they might not be ready when you are.
Engagement season is one of the most romantic and beautiful times of the year. With everlasting bonds elevated via diamond rings and a Christmas-infused atmosphere, it’s no question why couples take the leap now. So, are you thinking about popping the question to your partner? Remember, our recommendations are merely recommendations. Your proposal is your proposal. Make it special and personalized.
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