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At the end of your first year as a married couple, your wedding probably feels like a really long time ago, but also like it only just happened yesterday. What an amazing and magical time as you and the love of your life took the plunge to spend eternity together.

To mark such a momentous time in your marriage, you might want to give your partner a special gift. But what should you give your partner for your first wedding anniversary? Of course, you could give them whatever you or they want – there are no set rules you have to follow. But, if you’d like to give them a gift that symbolises something, there are traditional and modern anniversary gifts that many couples like to give.

So, if you’d like to give your partner a 1st anniversary gift with meaning and history, then we have all the information you’ll need below. We’ll let you know the traditional and modern gifts for a first anniversary, as well as the traditional gemstone and flower. That way, you’ll know the meaning behind them and why they make for such a thoughtful gift. We’ll also offer you plenty of ideas that fit the theme, so you can give your partner a wonderfully memorable gift to commemorate your first wedding anniversary.

For more information about what different wedding anniversary gifts you can give from 1 to 90 years, read our complete year-by-year wedding anniversary gift guide.

What are traditional and modern gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary?

If you’re looking to give your partner a 1st anniversary gift with meaning or something that has special significance, you can give them a traditional or modern gift. Or, there’s always something that features the traditional gemstone or flower.

Traditional 1st anniversary gift – Paper

Paper might seem like a small and inexpensive gift (you still might be feeling the effects of paying off your wedding after all) but it symbolises new beginnings, which is just perfect. Paper can be used for such a wide variety of things and can be the start of amazing things – just like your marriage. It also offers you plenty of opportunities for creative gifts.

Modern 1st anniversary gift – Clocks

The modern gift for a first anniversary is a clock, which is something else that provides you with different possibilities, from a lovely wristwatch to a brand new smartwatch, or perhaps even an ornate grandfather clock to put in the hallway of your home. Clocks represent time and the eternal love you have for your partner.

1st anniversary gemstone – Gold

Okay, gold isn’t actually a gemstone, it’s a precious metal, but that preciousness is a status that describes your marriage to a tee. Gold is a luxurious gift, and fits with a wide range of gifts and jewellery.

1st anniversary flower – Carnation

Carnations are big, eye-catching flowers that come in an array of bright and bold colours. Carnations represent love and devotion, so could there really be a more appropriate flower for your first wedding anniversary?

How do you choose a gift for a 1st wedding anniversary?

How you choose what type of gift to give your partner for your 1st wedding anniversary depends on you, your budget and your preferences. While you might love to give your other half a gold watch, it might not be possible. And that’s perfectly okay! But bear these points in mind when thinking about what to give your partner to mark your very first wedding anniversary.

• Do you follow traditions or not? They’re only there as guidelines, and both the traditional and modern gifts were created in the early 20th century, so might not fit with what you’re looking to give as a gift. Speak to your partner about your plans and expectations ahead of time.
• Do you have the appropriate budget? Gold can be expensive, as can clocks and fresh flowers. A paper gift can be affordable and can be interpreted in lots of different ways.
• Do you choose something personal? Personalised gifts show that a lot of thoughtfulness went into your gift.
• What are their interests? Is there something your partner might like in particular and has dropped hints about or asked for?

If you’re a friend or family member, you might also like to give a traditional or modern gift – they’re not exclusive to the couple themselves. So if you want to join in with the fun and give them something papery or clocky (not their technical terms) then go ahead, they’ll definitely love the thought and symbolism behind your gift!

50 ideas for a 1st wedding anniversary gift

Looking to give your partner a thoughtful gift to mark your 1st anniversary but not sure where to start? Below, we have 50 ideas to help you think of the perfect gift for the love of your life. And if you’re someone with a loved one soon celebrating their 1st anniversary, our choices below should also give you plenty of inspiration for a thoughtful gift.

10 traditional gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary

The traditional gift to give to mark a 1st wedding anniversary is paper, so here are 10 paper gifts to consider giving your other half on this special occasion.

1. Commission an artist to draw or paint your favourite wedding photo

One of the highlights of your whole wedding was no doubt getting your photo album back so you could look through your photos and relive your big day over again. You could reignite those same feelings all over again by commissioning an artist to draw or paint one of your partner’s favourite wedding photos. Digitally produced artwork can easily be printed and framed, which fits nicely with the theme of paper. 

You could hire an artist on Etsy, or otherwise speak to an artist you admire by contacting them through their website or on social media.

2. Create an anniversary-themed comic book

If you and your partner have a shared love of comic books or graphic novels, you could create a personalised comic book that features your incredible love story. There are templates you can follow, like the one on Not on the High Street, to create a comic book using photos that are automatically stylised. Or, you could ask a comic book artist to draw something truly unique to you.

3. Frame your wedding vows

Many couples love to write their own wedding vows, which is a super passionate and personal way of telling your partner how you feel in front of your friends and family during your wedding ceremony. To forever immortalise those wonderful words, you could print your vows on high-quality paper, or hire a calligrapher to pen them in handwritten ink. Websites such as Calligraphy Studio offer a bespoke service.

4. Give your partner paper jewellery

Jewellery is always a popular gift, but how can you combine that with the traditional first anniversary gift? Well, there are very talented jewellers out there who can hand-craft delicate and beautiful pieces of jewellery out of paper – everything from bracelets to necklaces. Check out Wire Moon and Li-Chu Wu who are both super-talented paper jewellery designers.

5. A print of your favourite place

After spending so much time together, you probably have a favourite place where the two of you love to hang out, whether it’s your favourite city, a romantic spot somewhere deep in the woods, or beach vista where you like to watch the sunset. Etsy has a huge selection of city art and more which would look wonderful hung up in your home.

6. Where you met heart map

Looking back, there’s nothing quite like the moment you met the person you went on to marry. It might have been a chance encounter at the pub, or you sat beside each other in a university lecture, or you went to see a film together at the cinema after meeting online. Wherever you met, you can have it framed and pinpointed on a heart-shaped map. Check out Positive Prints who can do all the work for you.

7. Printed sheet music for your first dance song

Without a doubt, you’ll always remember the song you had your first dance to for the rest of your lives. Whenever you play it on Spotify or it comes unexpectedly on the radio, you’ll look at your partner with a loving smile (and maybe dance around the lounge, why not?). You can have those wonderful notes and perfect words printed and framed so you can always be reminded of their special meaning. Blim & Blum offers lots of great customisations and styles so they’ll go in any room.

8. Personalised notebooks

If your partner studies or writes a lot of notes for work, or they’re a keen writer, they’ll probably have a lot of notebooks lying around. Combine practicality and thoughtfulness by giving them personalised notebooks, which could include some of your favourite wedding snaps. Getting Personal has a huge variety of different notebooks you can choose from to personalise in loads of different ways.

9. Mini photo book keyring

Your wedding album is possibly one of your most precious possessions, but the problem is that it’s probably quite chunky – not exactly pocket-sized. Well, why not rectify that, with a mini photobook keyring, like the one offered at Wanapix? You can put together a personalised photobook filled with your favourite photos from your wedding, which is dinky enough to attach to a pair of keys and pop right there in your pocket or bag.

10. Paper craft kit

If you and your partner love getting crafty together, you could pick up a paper craft kit, so the two of you can hang out on your anniversary and do some crafting. Makebox has a range of wonderful high-quality paper craft kits available that look great on a shelf or desk once you’re done.

10 modern gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary

If you’re not sure about a paper-themed gift to give to your partner on your anniversary, the modern choice is a clock, which initially might not feel like it opens up your selection, but it does. So, here are 10 clock-themed gifts to consider giving your partner on your first anniversary.

1. Paper clock

You could combine the meanings behind a paper gift with the meaning of a clock-themed gift, by giving your partner the best of both worlds in the form of a paper clock. A clock made from recycled paper has a brilliant meaning to it, with the added bonus of looking smart and being practical.

2. Amazon Echo Show

Smart-home tech is the future, and an Amazon Echo Show not only lets you tell the time (or ask Alexa for it if you’re busy), but is also a handy gadget for cooking, communicating, finding out the weather, setting reminders and more. Plus, it’s always fun to start the day by asking Alexa to tell you a joke (even if they can be a little bit cringe).

3. Personalised clock

A clock might not seem like a super exciting gift, but if you personalise it so that the numbers are photos of your wedding instead, it suddenly means so much more. A personalised clock is unique and thoughtful and unlike any other personalised gift you might give the love of your life.

4. A unique cuckoo clock

Is there anything more beautiful than an ornate cuckoo clock? They’re eye-catching works of art that look great in any home. And they don’t need to be the traditional Swiss cuckoo clock either – like those available at The Bradford Exchange, which are themed to Star Wars, Disney and Ghostbusters among others.

5. An engraved clock

Tell your partner how much the last year has meant to you, and how much you’re looking forward to the future, with an engraved clock. The Engraved Gifts Company has plenty of styles and designs to choose from to suit a wide range of budgets, and they allow you to personalise them with a loving message.

6. A garden sundial

Remember, clocks haven’t always ticking hands that tell the time. Before the clock was even invented, everyone had to use the sun to figure out the time of day using a sundial. Sundials have the added bonus of looking fantastic in your back garden, and come different styles, like those available at Discount Garden Statues. It’s an unexpected historical twist on this modern gift!

7. A gold watch

Not only is your first anniversary linked closely to clocks, but also to gold – so a gold watch seems like a nice meaningful gift. And the good news is, watches come in more shapes, styles and sizes than you can count, plus they can fit a budget of any size. Check out your favourite high-street jeweller as a handy starting block.

8. A projection alarm clock

An obvious choice for a clock-themed gift is an alarm clock, but how can you elevate the humble alarm clock into becoming a unique gift? Well, why not get an alarm clock that both of you can see at the same time, with one that projects the time onto the ceiling? Plus, they have customisable options so it fits with your bedroom and even doubles as a handy mirror.

9. A clock kit

Clocks are complicated to put together, but a clock-making kit means your partner can have the satisfaction of creating something with the functionality of a fabulous-looking clock. Magic Holz has a range of quirky designs, that just so happen to be wood – so they’re technically made from paper, too!

10. A personalised map clock

What could be more lovely every time you glance at the clock, than to be reminded of the place where you and your partner met, or the venue where you both said I do? A clock that features a map makes for a brilliantly unique gift, like those offered by Bombus.

5 affordable gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary

If you’d love to give the love of your life a thoughtful first anniversary gift but you don’t have a big budget (and who can blame you after paying for your wedding?), then don’t worry – there are still plenty of options available. Here are five affordable first anniversary gifts to treat your partner with.

1. A personalised line drawing

Not all personalised gifts come with a big price tag. A personalised line drawing is a simple and effective gift, and one that’s super personal and extremely affordable too. It also looks amazing when hung on the wall.

2. Anniversary toilet paper

Okay, so this one is a bit of a joke gift, but it totally fits with the paper theme of your big day! Anniversary toilet paper is cute and funny, and for a limited time, you’ll be reminded of your anniversary every time you do your business!

3. Love coupons

For something very affordable but also thoughtful and funny, love coupons give your partner the right to cash them in whenever they please. From a car wash to a snuggly movie night in, it gives you an excuse to add a little fun to doing chores and date night.

4. A tiny paper flower

Combine a floral gift with a paper gift, and don’t pay much in the process – three birds with one stone! Plus, it looks incredibly cute and is full of thought, so make that five birds with one stone. Not on the High Street has a selection of lovely paper flowers.

5. A book in their favourite genre

There’s nothing quite like escaping into a good book. If your partner loves to read, you can usually pick up a paperback from your local bookshop for around £8. If you know the sort of book they enjoy reading, read a few blurbs at your local bookshop and ask for some recommendations so you can pick them up something they might love.

5 DIY gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary

Add an extra level of personalisation to your anniversary gift by creating it yourself. Many ideas don’t need a lot of time or skill, just a little bit of creative thinking. Here are five DIY 1st anniversary gift ideas to get you started.

1. A ‘what I love about you’ journal

You no doubt have a ton of really complex feelings about your partner – it’s why you married them in the first place! A what I love about you journal gives you plenty of space to get those thoughts and feelings down on paper, which they can always look back on with love and fondness.

2. A bouquet of paper flowers

Because the traditional gift of a first anniversary is paper, you could hand-craft a bouquet of paper flowers to surprise your love. That might sound tricky, but there are plenty of paper flower video tutorials available, and you can craft them from coloured paper or something meaningful, like the pages of a book or a map of your favourite place. So if you give yourself enough time, you can create a lovely little bouquet that has extra special sentimentality.

3. Paper bunting

Bunting looks great hung up to celebrate any occasion, and homemade paper bunting that features personalised decorations is a wonderful way to tell your partner how you feel. It could feature photographs, ticket stubs, maps, memorabilia… anything you can think of. There are also paper bunting video tutorials to help get you started.

4. Dates in a jar

If you have a sheet of paper and a spare jar, you have everything you need to make a sweet and thoughtful gift. Write down a bunch of ideas for date night (watch a romantic comedy under the covers, have a pizza picnic in the park, read a book together…) and either fold them carefully or tie them up with some string. Once you have enough, you can give them to your partner and ask them to pick one at random every time it’s date night!

5. Homemade scavenger hunt

Write some clues and leave them around your house so your partner has to go on a scavenger hunt. The clues can get progressively harder, and build up to something special at the end, like tickets to a show or co-ordinates to your favourite restaurant.

5 experience or activity gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary

A great way to spend your anniversary is by giving your partner an experience that the two of you can share together. Thankfully, because tickets are often paper, it also lets you tie your gift into the traditional first anniversary theme! So, here are five experience gift ideas for you to consider.

1. Tickets to a cinema with beds

If you’re a cinephile, you might go to the cinema quite regularly, so where’s the sense of special occasion in that? Well, did you know that some cinemas now have beds in them? It’s a simple way to elevate a cinema trip to the next level. It’s true – even big cinema chains like Odeon have seats at the front that allow you to lay down and get snuggly… just no funny business, okay?

2. Theatre tickets

A trip to the theatre is always magical, so why not catch a play or a musical in London or at your local theatre? Check out sites like London Theatre Direct to get a discount on a show you and your other half would love to see.

3. Afternoon tea for two

Is there anything more quaint than afternoon tea for two? Treat your partner to cucumber sandwiches, delectable sweet treats and yummy creamy scones. And if you say ‘time for tea’ it loosely (continuing the tea humour here) connects it to clocks, too! Okay, it’s a bit of a stretch, but afternoon tea is always a winning gift. Virgin Experience Days offers plenty of choice up and down the UK.

4. A night in a nice hotel

Escaping from reality is a great way to spend your anniversary, which you can do by spending a night in a nice hotel. It could be somewhere you’ve been to a thousand times before, or somewhere completely new. Wherever you go, it’ll be lovely to spend time relaxing in each others’ company. Buyagift has some great options for overnight stays.

5. A game of giant Monopoply

Remember shuffling through piles of paper money when you land on someone’s hotel while you’re playing Monopoly? Well, you can do that on a huge scale thanks to lifesized Monopoly! The only thing we ask is that you play nice, because Monopoly is a serious (but extremely fun) game.

10 1st anniversary gifts that contain gold

The first anniversary gemstone (even though it is actually a precious metal) is gold. And of course, gold is one of the most luxurious and eye-catching precious metals there is. Gold jewellery goes with almost anything, and also suits a huge range of styles and budgets. So, you could consider the following types of jewellery that look great in gold:

1. Earrings
2. A ring
3. A necklace
4. A bracelet
5. A broach
6. A locket
7. A watch
8. An anklet
9. A hairpin
10. Cufflinks

Many high street jewellers will have different items of gold jewellery, so whatever your budget you’ll likely find something that your partner will love. Or, you could check out the range of wedding jewellers we work with, many of which also offer lots of other types of jewellery, too.

5 floral gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary

The traditional anniversary flower to give when celebrating your first anniversary is the carnation, but there are lots of variations to make it extra special. Here are just five floral gift ideas to give your partner something blooming wonderful on your first anniversary.

1. A big bunch of carnations

There’s fabulous meaning behind anniversary carnations, as they symbolise love and devotion, plus they have the added bonus of being big and colourful. They tend to last around two weeks, so they won’t go anywhere fast if you keep them watered and give them flower food.

2. A paper bouquet

Tie the themes of flowers and paper together with a bouquet of paper flowers that are guaranteed never to wilt. Paper Tree offers a lovely bouquet that’s sure to hit the spot.

3. A scented flower card

The anniversary card to top all other anniversary cards, complete with a gorgeous watercolour flower and authentic floral scent. A showstopping 3D flower card is sure to be a gift that your partner will never forget. Check them out at The Luxe Co.

4. Carnation seeds

If you have a garden and space to plant some flowers, carnations will grow quite happily in the UK. If you plant the bulbs after the last frost of winter, you should have some incredible blooms at the end of spring and into later summer. You should be able to find carnation bulbs at your local garden centre.

5. An origami flower

What’s more romantic than a single rose painstakingly crafted using ancient origami techniques from the page of a book? Absolutely nothing. Visit The Origami Boutique to choose the perfect floral gift for your partner.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

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Happy Planning!

If you’re thinking of proposing, you’ve come to the right place. It’s not just a case of dropping down on one knee – there a lots of moving parts to consider. So, whether you have a proposal in mind already, or are looking for inspiration, we’ve partnered with The Proposers to answer all your questions, from deciding when to pop the question to where to celebrate afterwards. Read on to learn from how to create a once-in-a-lifetime moment that you and your partner will treasure forever.

So, you’ve decided it’s time to pop the question – huge congratulations!

This is a very exciting moment in a relationship and quite a unique one as well. Whereas in a wedding you will both be planning together, a proposal is a perfect opportunity to plan a special surprise for your partner to show them just how much you care and to perfectly reflect on what you love about them as well as your relationship story thus far.

The holiday season is a perfect time to propose and one of the most popular as well, and we totally see why – the festive ambiance is all around, loved ones gather to celebrate and as a bonus point it leaves ample time to plan a beautiful summer wedding. We think there’s no better gift to give your partner than a stunning proposal this Christmas.

Below is The Proposers’ step-by-step guide to lead you all the way to ‘yes’:

1. Make sure you’re on the same page

As a preliminary step, we always recommend our couples discuss their future plans together, especially what they hope for in terms of getting married. Of course, this doesn’t need to give any of the proposal away – talk about generalities so that you know you are both on the same page. You can show them a TikTok that just ‘popped up’ on your feed or mention a recent colleague’s engagement as a prompt. It’s also a great opportunity to get a bit of information about what your partner may want for the proposal itself, what ring they’re dreaming of or if they want you to ask for permission from their parents – all useful details in taking the next steps.

2. Ask parents for permission

It’s tradition to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage from their father or from both parents depending on preference. If this is something that’s important to your partner, it’s a lovely sentiment to do so. In person is often best, we find. Soon you’ll all be family, so it’s a great opportunity to show your appreciation. Your partner’s parents will certainly value the gesture as well.

3. Pick the perfect ring

Now that you have the go-ahead, it’s time to shop for the perfect ring! Hopefully at this point you’ll have an indication of what your partner loves. Usually a diamond is preferred, and if that’s the case, consider what metal they would favour (such as platinum or gold), the shape (princess, round, pear are some options) and learn about the 4 Cs (carat, cut, clarity, colour), so that you can go into purchasing confidently. To get the sizing right when your partner isn’t watching, measure a ring they currently have that they often place on that finger. Otherwise, check out Bridebook’s guide on how to secretly measure your partner’s ring finger.

Of course, a diamond isn’t mandatory these days. If you think your partner would prefer another gemstone or even a different gift such as a watch, these are all excellent options as well, so long as it’s what you think your partner would love. Again, check out Bridebook’s top 30 unique alternatives to engagement rings for more inspiration. Some modern couples like to design the ring together, in which case you can propose with a place ring just for the photos.

4. Set the perfect scene

The good news is, there’s no right or wrong way to propose – the perfect ‘yes’ moment is totally dependent on who you are as a couple. Even so, we recommend considering the below when deciding how to ask.

Do you want a private proposal somewhere discreet, or public with the crowds cheering? Would your partner love a grand gesture with all the trimmings or something more small-scale and sentimental? Would they like friends or families to join or have it be just the both of you? The answers to the above will lend a hand when securing the perfect venue, which is essential in creating the desired atmosphere for those four all-important words.

Through our time planning proposals, we’ve had the fortune to work in many different settings, from privatising Disneyland just for the couple, to creating a flash mob in a central train station, and even closing a Cat Café for the day for a couple who loves felines. The venue of your proposal can be totally unique (like atop an epic landmark, such as a Swiss glacier), totally romantic (like a stunning hotel room with bouquets of roses all around), or tender and sweet (like the place you first met)!

Once you know the backdrop, consider what decoration you may want to enhance the ambience with. In the age of social media, it’s quite popular to have a display with lots of flowers and candles. While some locations can’t be decorated, particularly if you’re looking to propose in public, you can still get creative with other touches (as below).

5. Consider the special touches

No matter the setting, the details are really what makes a proposal meaningful. These are additional touches to really show your partner how much you care.

We always ask our clients about their love story, about activities or trips they’ve enjoyed with their partner, about their partner’s favourite things (like their hobbies, music, movies, colours) and about their dreams as a couple together. These points are helpful in understanding what makes your relationship unique, and can then be incorporated in creative ways into your engagement. From having your partner’s favourite song played in the background to toasting with a wine you enjoyed together on holiday – but this time with a personalised label with your proposal date – these touches will surely wow your partner!

6. Make it picture perfect

Consider hiring a professional photographer to shoot your proposal. This is the perfect way to ensure you have stunning images to go alongside your engagement announcement and to share with loved ones (who will want a full run-down of how it all happened). We absolutely love the candid shots a photographer captures when our clients walk in to the proposal venue and the surprise is revealed. These are priceless, and having this moment to reminisce on forevermore is truly something worthwhile.

It’s also a good idea to think about booking in a professional videographer or musician to serenade if you’re looking at creating a larger scale production. These aren’t mandatory, but a great add-on if budget allows.

7. Think about what you’re going to say

Once you’ve organised the running of the day, think of the specific moment itself. It will be extremely moving for your partner if you say a few meaningful words on such a momentous occasion. We recommend writing it down and committing it to memory so that you can remember everything you want to say in the moment.

8. Ready, set, ‘YES’

When the day arrives, and after all the groundwork has been laid out, our favourite tip is to try to relax and enjoy as much as possible. You’ve planned this special proposal for your partner, which they will surely adore, but don’t forget that this is a big milestone for you as well. The more you are in the moment and take it all in, the more you can truly have the best time and celebrate together!

Plan your proposal today!

If you’d like help organising your big day – we’re here to assist! The Proposers are the first ever proposal company in the world. With over 13 years of experience and 5,000 ‘yes’ moments to date, we love everything proposals. We will be delighted to hold your hand through the planning process for a hassle- free, magical “will you marry me”! Whatever vision you might have, we’ll make it a reality.

You Might Also Like…

• How to Propose on New Year’s Eve
• How to Propose on Christmas Day
• 20 Things to Do After You Get Engaged: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Announce Your Engagement: 20 Top Tips and Ideas

Happy Planning!

You and your partner are at a New Year’s Eve party. You’re riding the high at the end of a fantastic festive season and as the clock nears midnight you feel in your pocket to make sure the ring’s still there. You’ve had a couple of drinks to steady your nerves as the big moment approaches.

The countdown begins… 10… 9… 8…7…

You get the ring out of your pocket.

6… 5… 4… 3…

You get down on one knee. Your partner is shocked, people around you gasp as the countdown reaches zero and everyone exclaims HAPPY NEW YEAR, but as you and your partner lock eyes, it’s like the two of you are the only ones in the room.

Will you marry me?

Then as you get your YES, incredible fireworks paint the sky with a flurry of wonderful colours and sounds.

What a stunning way to ask the love of your life to marry you and kick off the new year in the most incredible way imaginable. But, a New Year’s Eve party proposal is just one of the ways you can ask them to spend the rest of their life with you. There are plenty more memorable ways to make this New Year’s Eve one you’ll remember forever.

In this post, we’ll explore the many ways you can ask your partner to marry you on New Year’s Eve, and why the last day of the year makes for the perfect day to pop the question to your partner.

Is it popular to get engaged on New Year’s Eve?

Yes, New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular days for couples to get engaged. With the start of the new year just hours away, it’s already a magical time for a celebration, with people getting together, drinks flowing and fireworks lighting up the sky. For many, it makes for the perfect backdrop to ask one of the biggest questions of all.

Our annual Wedding Report found that in the UK, more than a quarter (26%) of all proposals happen in December, and 31st December is one of the top 10 dates for someone to get down on one knee. The good news is, while it is popular, it’s not seen as a cliché like other dates, such as Valentine’s Day or 29th February. So, if you want to pop the question this New Year’s Eve, we think you should go for it!

Should you propose on New Year’s Eve?

Whether or not you should propose on New Year’s Eve is a decision only you can make. But, if you’re considering it, then there’s nothing quite like a New Year’s Eve proposal.

The start of a new year is a chance for a new beginning. If you’re keen for that new beginning to include a fiance standing at your side, then there’s no better time for it.

It’s worth making sure that your partner would be comfortable sharing such a special moment with a date that’s already significant in many peoples’ lives. If you’ve made the decision to propose, you’ve probably had conversations about a proposal with your partner, so you should have a good idea about what they’d like from one. If that includes a New Year’s Eve proposal, then great!

There’s also a potential stumbling block in the form of the cost of a proposal at that time of year. In the UK, the average cost of an engagement ring is £1,978, and with the costs of Christmas (as well as there being a long wait until January’s payday) these extra costs can be a dealbreaker. But, if you’ve saved for an engagement ring or you know your partner doesn’t want to wear one, then what’s stopping you?

For more information, read our guide to how to propose on New Year’s Eve so you can plan the most wonderful end-of-year proposal.

Why is New Year’s Eve a great day for a proposal?

New Year’s Eve is a wonderful day to propose to your partner. Here are just some of the reasons why you should consider it if you’re still not quite sure it’s right for you:

• New Year’s Eve is all about new beginnings, which can be beautifully realised with an engagement.
• You’re likely to already be nicely dressed, which means asking your partner to get dressed up for a big night won’t be suspicious.
• There will be plenty of fireworks at midnight.
• It’s not a cliché like other romantic days of the year.
• The drinks will be flowing.
• You might be surrounded by loved ones who can share the moment with you.

Need more convincing? Read more about it in our guide for how to propose on New Year’s Eve.

12 fabulous New Year’s Eve proposal ideas

Excited to pop the question to your partner and give them a New Year’s Eve the two of you will never forget? Below are 12 ideas for a magical New Year’s Eve proposal so you can get your YES and start the new year riding that engagement high.

1. Ask on a New Year’s Eve trip

While Christmas is often considered a holiday for spending time with family, New Year’s Eve can be whatever you want it to be. Just because Christmas is over it doesn’t mean you can’t have one more sneaky surprise up your sleeve in the form of a night or two away. That in itself is a wonderful way to welcome the new year, but throw in a proposal and you’ve got the makings of a night the two of you will treasure forever.

2. Use your Christmas tree

If you put up a Christmas tree and still have it up into the new year, why not include it in your proposal? After all, it’s beautiful and magical, so it would be a shame to waste it.

You could hide the engagement ring within the branches as a surprise New Year’s Eve gift, or rearrange the lights to spell out WILL YOU MARRY ME? You could even disguise the engagement ring as a Christmas decoration and have it hiding in plain sight throughout the whole festive period, right until the perfect moment in the last few hours of the year.

Or, finding one last gift below the tree is always guaranteed to shock and delight your partner. 

For more Christmassy inspiration, read our post featuring 12 Christmas Day proposal ideas which share a lot of similarities with New Year’s Eve.

3. As the clock strikes midnight

A New Year’s countdown is always exciting as people eagerly await to bring in the New Year. It’s also a popular time for couples to tell each other how they feel and welcome in the new year with a kiss. Use this moment of romance to ask your partner to marry you and start the new year with the greatest feeling ever.

4. Create a photo album of the last year

Because it’s so easy to take digital photographs these days, the art of the physical photo album is fast becoming lost. But, why not put together an album featuring your memories over the past 12 months? Then, on the final page and secured there with delicate ribbon, a beautiful engagement ring.

Not only is it loving and thoughtful, but an engagement photo album is also poetic, as it means one of the first and last things you’ll do across your wedding journey is look through a photo album together.

5. Have a New Year’s Eve bash with loved ones

A New Year’s Eve party is a great way to celebrate with friends and family. Plus, if you ask your partner to marry you, it can quickly turn into an engagement party as the clock strikes midnight and you crack open a few bottles of fizz. If you give one or two party guests a heads up (just make sure they can keep a secret!) you’re also guaranteed to get the whole thing captured from multiple angles – perfect for announcing to wider family, friends and co-workers.

If you plan on proposing at a friend’s party, think about giving them a heads-up first. You don’t want to steal their thunder or interrupt something they had planned. Not that they’re likely to mind having this incredible moment at their party!

6. Recreate your first date

Since the two of you had your first date, you’ve more than likely looked back on that moment and thought about just how lucky you are to have come this far. To bookend this part of your relationship, why not recreate your very first date and retrace your steps? Then, the icing on the cake will be to get down on one knee and ask for their hand in marriage.

7. Crack out a customised bottle of champagne

There are many moments when a bottle of fizz always goes down a treat – and two of them just so happen to be during a New Year’s Eve celebration and the moment two people in love get engaged. So, why not use that to your advantage, and present your partner with a bottle of champagne that features a custom-printed label that simply says, WILL YOU MARRY ME? Then, once you’ve had your YES, crack that bad boy open and enjoy!

8. Share your New Year’s resolutions

Welcoming the new year is a time when many people make promises to themselves and others that they’ll make a change. You could find an intimate and warm setting, and ask your partner to share their resolutions with you. When it’s your turn to share your own, explain how you want to dedicate your life to making them happy – then, pop the question and wait for their response!

9. Find a rooftop location

Rooftop bars, locations and other venues offer stunning views over city skylines. This can be fabulous at any time of year, but on New Year’s Eve when the atmosphere’s electric and the sky is sprinkled with distant fireworks, it’s even better. It makes for a memorable place to pop the question.

10. Say it with snow

Okay, thanks to the unpredictability of British weather, this one might be a long shot. But, if the weather cooperates and there’s a flurry of last-minute snow, make the most of it and use it in your proposal.

There’s plenty you could do to have a wonderfully wintry proposal. You could build a snowman and hang the ring off the end of its carrot nose. You could write WILL YOU MARRY ME? in giant letters in the garden and casually ask your fiance to look out the window while you get down on one knee. Or, you could simply take a snowy walk to your favourite spot and propose surrounded by picture-perfect scenery.

11. Ask using a balloon

One thing that’s synonymous with celebrating is the good ol’ balloon, so using one to propose can make a huge statement. You might want to have a custom balloon made that asks your partner to be your partner in crime forever, or 15 balloons that feature one letter each lined up across the room to ask, WILL YOU MARRY ME? (don’t forget the question mark).

Another option is to tie the engagement ring to a piece of string hanging underneath the balloon. It’s cute and eye-catching, and the moment your partner spots the balloon they’ll know something special is about to happen.

12. Make the most of the fireworks

New Year’s Eve is a popular time for fireworks, so make the most of them by using them in your proposal. Once the clock strikes midnight, fireworks will light up the sky all around in a magical display of colour. This sounds like the perfect moment for a proposal to us.

Or, if you’re at a party and can rope in some guests to help, grab some sparklers and someone to take a timelapse photo, and spell out WILL YOU MARRY ME? Then, when your partner looks at the photo, they’ll see something that will make their jaw hit the floor.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

After you get your New Year’s Eve YES and bring in the new year with your new fiance, you might want to dive right into planning your big day. Sign up to Bridebook and get access to everything you need to plan your perfect wedding.

You Might Also Like…

• How to Propose on New Year’s Eve
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• How to Announce Your Engagement: 20 Top Tips and Ideas
• The Ultimate Guide to Engagement Photos

Happy Planning!

With lights adorning the tree, flames gently crackling in the fireplace and the smell of cinnamon and sweet treats in the air, Christmas is without doubt a magical time of year. It’s also a time for generosity and giving, which is why so many people propose to their partners on Christmas Day.

But, how should you propose on Christmas Day to make sure it’s as romantic, intimate and memorable as possible? What do you need to think about to make sure your festive proposal is as perfect as it can be?

In this post, we’ll share all the tips and considerations to think about for a Christmas Day proposal, including everything you need to prepare and what you should do on the day so it all goes to plan and you get the best gift of all this Christmas – a fiance!

Why is Christmas Day a great day for a proposal?

In the UK, Christmas Day is by far the most popular day to get engaged. Our UK Wedding Report uncovered that a quarter (26%) of couples get engaged in December, and out of all the couples who married in 2022, the top four most popular dates they got engaged was Christmas Day.

Christmas has the romance and magic of Valentine’s Day but with less cliché. It’s a time when kindness and generosity are everywhere, and people spend a lot of time with their loved ones. Christmas also has a lot of emotional significance and traditions surrounding it, which a proposal can heighten to a whole new level.

If you love the festive season and want to create lasting memories that make it an even more special and magical time of year, a Christmas Day proposal is a wonderful way to ask your partner to spend the rest of your lives together.

Do you need to plan a Christmas Day proposal?

Yes, just like with any proposal, you should take time to plan your Christmas Day proposal to make sure it’s extra special. Of course, you might want to be impulsive and make the call about how and when you’ll do it on the day itself, but that comes with more risk.

Think about your partner’s preferences and what they might appreciate. Because you’ve chosen to do a Christmas proposal, you should consider taking advantage of this special day to make it extra memorable, so try to incorporate Christmas additions into your plans. If your proposal would go down in exactly the same way if you did it on any other day, then why do it on Christmas? Use the festivities to your advantage to make it memorable and magical.

What to think about before proposing on Christmas Day

As highlighted above, Christmas is already a time of year that many people love for a variety of reasons. When planning your Christmas Day proposal, think about the following points to ensure everything goes down even better than you’d hope for:

• Have you picked the perfect ring or engagement ring alternative if your partner isn’t into jewellery or wearing rings?
• Would your partner appreciate a Christmas Day proposal and be happy to share this incredible moment in their life with a day that’s already so special?
• What will be the best time of day for your proposal? Will a morning proposal work before you see wider family, or sometime in the evening when it gets all cosy and warm?
• Do you want to involve family and friends in your proposal or do you want to keep things intimate between the two of you?
• Christmas can be a stressful time of year, so make sure your plans include downtime before you ask the question so you and your partner can savour the moment.
• Don’t rely too heavily on the weather as part of your proposal plans. As incredible as it would be to propose on a snowy hilltop, the unpredictable weather in the UK means there might be rain or heavy winds instead. Have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t play ball.

How to propose on Christmas Day: a step-by-step guide

As we’ve already covered, Christmas Day is a wonderful time to propose to your other half. But, to make sure everything goes as expected, it’s important to put a plan together. You don’t need to write things down, create a spreadsheet or sketch out a map – but you should make sure you’re on top of everything so nothing’s overlooked or forgotten.

Below are 10 steps to follow so you can have the most incredible Christmas Day engagement.

Step 1: Plan ahead

Start your Christmas Day proposal prep in plenty of time. If you decide just a few days ahead of Christmas that you want to ask your partner to marry you on Christmas morning, you might not have time to sort everything out. If possible, start to get things ready in early December, or even November if possible, just to account for any hiccups along the way.

If you’re the traditional type, you might also want to speak to your partner’s parents before you pop the question. Asking permission is an old tradition now, but one that many parents still appreciate nevertheless. You more than likely won’t get any type of resistance, but the gesture will go a long way towards solidifying your relationship with your future in-laws.

Step 2: Choose what you’re going to propose with

If you and your partner have talked about what they’d want from a proposal, they probably also told you about what they want from a ring (or even if they want a ring at all). If they want a ring, make sure you try to find out their ring size before you head to the jewellers.

Step 3: Try to keep it a surprise

You may well have had countless discussions with your partner about getting engaged, so they may have an idea about what’s to come. This will be especially true if you’ve specifically talked about getting engaged at Christmas. But, do what you can to keep everything as close to your chest as possible so your proposal can be a big, welcome surprise.

Step 4: Decide the right time to propose

Christmas is a busy time, so it’s important to nail down when you think the right time to propose would be. If you do it in the morning, you’ll then have the whole of Christmas Day as an engaged couple. If you do it at night, it’ll be cosy and romantic. You also need to think about whether or not you want a public or private proposal, and if you want friends or family to be there the moment you get down on one knee.

Step 5: Think about the location

You know your partner best; where do you think they’d love for you to pop the question? At home as you’re opening presents from beneath the tree? At the dinner table before you tuck into your delicious Christmas lunch? Or might it be outside on a wintry walk, or at a family member’s house? Because a lot of places are closed on Christmas Day you won’t have quite as much choice as the rest of the year, but try to choose somewhere that has plenty of festive charm and an emotional connection.

Step 6: Make it extra Christmassy

One of the best things about getting engaged at Christmas is how fabulous and magical everything looks, from our carefully decorated trees at home to towns and cities awash with lights and colour. Make sure you use the beauty and fun of Christmas so your proposal stands out.

For a little inspiration, read our post featuring 12 Christmas Day proposal ideas.

Step 7: Make things personal

You don’t want an ‘off-the-shelf’ idea when it comes to proposing. Use what you know about your soon-to-be fiance, such as what they love and want from a proposal, and use as much as you can to personalise how you ask them. For example, if they love to crochet, why not present the ring in a small, crocheted Christmas stocking? Or include your pet in the proposal by looping the ring around its collar?

Think about what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it. You might want to write down a few things you want to say and commit them to memory. Or, you could just say whatever feels right in at the moment. Whatever you do, make sure it’s personal, from the heart and true to yourself.

Step 8: Have a backup plan

As much as you’ve meticulously planned your Christmas Day proposal, there’s always the chance that something gets in the way. If that happens, make sure you have a plan B in place so you can still have your Christmas engagement. This is doubly important if you plan on proposing outside!

Step 9: Capture the moment

When the time comes for you to ask the biggest question you might ever ask someone, make sure you capture the moment so you can share it with your friends and family. Thankfully, smartphones have great cameras and microphones, so all it takes is for you to prop it somewhere discreet, hit record, and then wait for exactly the right moment to get down on one knee.

If you’re proposing in public or surrounded by loved ones, you could ask someone to record the moment or take pictures, which makes for a fantastic way to look back on your big moment.

Step 10: Share the news

One of the great things about getting engaged at Christmas is there’s a good chance that you’ve already organised to spend time with family and friends, so you have a ready-made opportunity to tell them your amazing news.

For some inspiration, read our post featuring 20 ideas for announcing your engagement.

10 tips for proposing on Christmas Day

We’ve already covered how amazing it can be to get engaged at Christmas. If you’re planning to pop the question this festive season, below are 10 tips to consider so your engagement is magical and memorable.

1. Make sure you’re confident that your partner is happy to share their engagement day with something as widely celebrated as Christmas.
2. Consider a private, personal and intimate proposal to make it extra special and romantic.
3. Use the natural beauty of Christmas time to your advantage.
4. Include Christmas in your proposal somehow, such as by asking carollers to sing your partner’s favourite Christmas carol as you pop the question.
5. Don’t pin all your hopes on the weather behaving itself. The last time the UK had a widespread white Christmas was in 2010, so the chances of waking up to a blanket of snow are small.
6. Don’t propose at Christmas just because. Make sure it’s something both you and your partner want to happen.
7. Plan, plan, plan.
8. Plan a plan B.
9. Set your phone to record, ask a friend or family member to take photos, or even hire an official photographer to capture the moment (although this might be rather expensive, especially on Christmas Day).
10. Enjoy the Christmas period and bask in the feeling of having a fiance! Soon, you’ll be so deep in wedding planning that your engagement will feel like a distant memory.

Get started on your wedding planning with Bridebook

After you get your YES on Christmas Day and you’ve shared the news with your loved ones, when January arrives you’ll probably want to start planning your big day. Sign up to Bridebook and get access to everything you could need to plan your perfect wedding.

You Might Also Like…

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Happy Planning!

Love is in the air for your favourite co-worker, and you’ve been invited to the big day. Whether you’ve shared an office space for years or you’ve just begun to forge a professional bond, being invited to celebrate this momentous occasion cements your friendship and deepens the connection you share.

But what’s the etiquette when it comes to writing a wedding message to a colleague? Do you keep it light and fun like you would for a friend, or more formal in tone like you would for a family member? It can be tricky to strike a balance between fun and professional when writing to a work colleague.

But, don’t stress— we’re here to help! Read on to learn all about how to write a wedding card message for a colleague, including some example wedding quotes you could include, and top tips for writing wedding card wishes. 

What is a wedding card message?

A wedding card message is a simple but effective way to convey your congratulations to the happy couple on their big day. You can also express your gratitude at having been invited, and share happy memories from the time you’ve known them. 

It’s best to follow a simple format. For example, a simple introduction, a wedding congratulations message, and a polite sign-off. This way, your wedding card remains professional and respectful. 

What to put in a wedding card to a colleague

It’s best to keep it simple when writing a wedding card to a colleague. Try using the following format:

A simple greeting

Although you can end up becoming very close to your work colleagues, to avoid any awkwardness in the office, it’s best to keep wedding cards friendly but professional. As a result, a simple greeting is your best bet when writing a wedding card to a work colleague. 

Try something short and sweet like:

• To [COUPLE’S NAMES]
• Dear [TITLES AND SURNAMES]

If you’re not sure what titles to use, we have a handy section on wedding card writing etiquette in our post on what to write in a wedding card. 

Wedding wishes or congratulations

Your wedding wishes and congratulations can be a little more creative, but it’s still best to err on the side of caution and keep any messages respectful and kind. Feel free to add a personal touch to your wishes, share anecdotes, and express your genuine happiness for the couple. 

If you’re stuck on what to write, try using:

• What an incredible journey you’re both starting on. Thank you for inviting me to be part of your special day. 
• What a beautiful day you’ve both shared. I wish you a lifetime of love, health, and happiness together. 

Or, if you’re feeling a little cheeky, you could try:

• Thank you for the party of a lifetime. Monday is going to be such a comedown after this!
• Congratulations on a beautiful day! May your love be as everlasting as the office coffee supply and your happiness as endless as a Friday afternoon.

A heartfelt sign-off

The last part of your wedding card should include a sign-off from you and your plus one (if you had one!)

As with your greeting, keep it simple. Try using the following sign-offs:

• Thank you again for inviting me/us. From, [NAMES]
• All the best, [NAMES]

Be mindful of tone

It’s best to keep a formal tone in a wedding card to a colleague. Even if you’re close with your colleague, you don’t want a bad joke or an informal message to offend them accidentally and make Monday awkward! 

Instead, a message of sincere congratulations and best wishes is the safest and most considerate choice in a professional setting.

Wedding card message structure

Check out the infographic below to help guide your writing:

Wedding quotes to use in a wedding card

If you’re struggling with what to say and what to write, you can’t go wrong with someone else’s words! Try using a wedding or love quote from a poem or song. The beauty of this method is that you can tailor the quote to the couple’s personal interests. 

Try using the below examples to get you started:

Wedding quotes from songs

• “All you need is love.” – The Beatles
• “Two hearts in love need no words.” – Marceline Desbordes-Valmore
• “Love and marriage, love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage.” – Frank Sinatra, “Love and Marriage”
• “Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you (TWO!)” – The Beatles, “Because”

Wedding quotes from poems

• “Love is an endless act of forgiveness. Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom.” – Maya Angelou
• “Two souls with but a single thought; two hearts that beat as one.” – John Keats
• “Love sought is good, but given unsought is better.” – William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
• “Love is most nearly itself when here and now cease to matter.” – T.S. Eliot

Wedding quotes from films

• “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.” – The Notebook
• “What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined for life… to strengthen each other… to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories.” – The Notebook
• “When you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” – When Harry Met Sally
• “Love, it never dies. It never goes away, it never fades, so long as you hang on to it.” – Moulin Rouge

Wedding pop culture quotes

• “To infinity and beyond!” – Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story
• “We are all a little weird, and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.” – Dr. Seuss
• “True love stories never have endings.” – Richard Bach
• “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin

Top tips for wedding card wishes

Don’t write it at the last minute

It’s easy to tell when a card was written at the last minute, or worse in the car on the way there! Sit down a few days before the wedding with a cup of tea and write your wedding card. 

Don’t overthink it

Remember the cup of tea we mentioned earlier? It couldn’t take longer to write your card than it takes to drink a tea. Don’t overthink what you’re writing in your card. Keep it short and speak from the heart. 

Think about your relationship

Although some work colleagues start to feel like family, you may not always work together. You want to leave a positive impression on your work colleague by leaving a positive message in their wedding card. Don’t overstep the mark and try to be too friendly, or include unprofessional inside jokes. Instead, keep it simple, friendly, and chilled. 

Say thank you

Congratulate your colleague on their special day and thank them for inviting you at the same time. It’s fast, efficient, and saves you from needing to send two cards! 

Write a great wedding card message with Bridebook

A wedding card to a colleague is a great way to express your gratitude for having been invited, your warmth, and your best wishes for their special day. The tone should be more formal than in a card to a family member or friend. However, you could include a fun quote about love from their favourite song, film, or pop-culture moment if you’re feeling creative. 

The best advice is to write the card a few days beforehand, not to overthink it, and to say thank you! However, if you’re still feeling stuck, check out our post on what to include in a wedding card. We have some handy wedding card examples and top tips on card writing.

You Might Also Like…

• What to Write in a Wedding Card: Top Tips and Examples
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• How to Write a Wedding Card Message for a Family Member
• Introduction: Your Wedding Stationery

Happy Planning!

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It’s full of joy, generosity and love, and it’s when we come together with our families to give gifts and enjoy each other’s company.

And when you’re sat in front of a crackling fire, surrounded by hundreds of twinkling lights and all cuddled up watching Christmas movies, it’s also a super romantic time of year. That’s why it’s a hugely popular time for couples to get engaged. So, if you’re considering asking your partner to marry you this Christmas Day, go for it!

But, what’s the best way to propose on Christmas Day? How can you use the festive period to your advantage to pop the question in the most memorable and romantic way?

In this post, we’re going to give you 12 Christmas Day proposal ideas so you can ask your beloved to marry you and have a festive season you’ll never forget.

Is it popular to get engaged on Christmas Day?

Yes, Christmas Day is an exceptionally popular month for couples to get engaged. Our annual UK Wedding Report found that in 2021, more than a quarter (26%) of all engagements took place in December. Out of all the couples who got married in 2022, the top four most popular dates those couples got engaged on was 25th December in 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

This might sound surprising, especially when you think about how Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve have romantic and mystical connections. But, there’s just something about the magic and warmth of Christmas, as well as the feelings of love and generosity at that time of year, that draw those looking to pop the question to this one special day. As the song goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Should you propose on Christmas Day?

Just because Christmas Day is the most popular day for a proposal doesn’t mean it’s something to steer clear of. Clearly, there’s something special about getting engaged at Christmas that makes it so appealing.

Whether or not you choose to propose on Christmas Day depends on you, your preferences, your plans for the day and your budget. Christmas is notoriously an expensive time of year, and with the average cost of an engagement ring being £1,978, you might not have the funds to spare for a festive proposal.

Proposals are usually romantic and intimate, and the hustle and bustle of a family Christmas can sometimes get in the way of one-on-one time. If you know you’re going to have your aunt and uncle around with their six kids, a proposal might not be quite as romantic as it would be if there weren’t excitable little ones running around.

It also depends on how you and your partner feel about Christmas. If you love Christmas, you might not want to share the date you got engaged with something as widely celebrated as Christmas. Or, perhaps that’s what makes it so special for you. 

Whatever you choose to do, just make sure it’s right for you and your soon-to-be fiance.

For more information, read our post on how to propose on Christmas Day so you can make sure your magical proposal goes down without a hitch.

Why is Christmas Day such a great day for a proposal?

If you’re on the fence about proposing on Christmas Day, there are a bunch of reasons why it makes for such a brilliant day to ask one of the biggest questions of your life. Just some of the reasons why Christmas Day is a great day to propose on are:

• It’s a magical time of year when people get together and give each other gifts. Why not make one of those gifts a sparkly ring, and the recipient the person you want to spend the rest of your life with?
• Despite being the most popular date to get engaged on, it’s often not seen as cliché like Valentine’s Day or 29th February.
• A lot of people have time off around Christmas, which gives you time to make sure everything’s perfect.
• You might spend a lot of time around family and friends, which gives you a great opportunity to tell everyone your amazing news in person.
• Christmas is hugely romantic with plenty of cosy nights in, amazing food and a drink or two to set the scene.
• Is there anything more suitable for a proposal than a wintry walk across a snowy landscape? The weather might not always do what we want it to, but just imagine the photos if it did!

12 romantic Christmas Day proposal ideas

1. Pull a one-of-a-kind cracker

A popular Christmas tradition happens around the dinner table up and down the UK, in the form of pulling crackers to reveal a cheesy joke, a paper hat and a BANG! Except, why not ensure your entire Christmas goes with a bang by concealing an engagement ring inside your partner’s cracker? A few little cuts to weaken your side of the cracker will make sure your partner wins, then when they dig their hand inside to find the toy, they’ll receive a lot more than they were expecting.

2. Customise your partner’s advent calendar 

If your partner has an advent calendar and loves tucking into a chocolate or little treat every day throughout December, why not customise your advent calendar this year so the 25th door has something extra special inside, in the form of a beautiful engagement ring? You could even build up to the big reveal and hide something personal or romantic behind every door throughout the month.

3. A Christmas pudding surprise

Traditionally, a sixpence used to be hidden inside a Christmas pudding, and whoever found it would have luck and happiness for the next year. Why not put a spin on this festive tradition and, instead of a sixpence, craftily conceal an engagement ring inside your partner’s pud instead? Just make sure it’s not too well hidden, because they might crack a tooth on a diamond if they don’t realise it’s there.

If your partner isn’t a fan of Christmas puds, a ring can just as easily be hidden in a mince pie, chocolate log or sherry trifle instead! Just make sure you have a cloth so you can give the ring a bit of a wipe before they put it on, or better yet hide the ring in a small, clear bag.

4. Get down on one knee in the snow

Christmas morning is a brilliant time for a walk. You’ve opened a few gifts, the potatoes are roasting in the oven and there’s a crisp layer of frost clinging to the leaves outside. Sounds like the perfect time to head out to your favourite spot to propose.

5. Use a custom Christmas card

You and your partner might exchange cards that have soppy messages inside and lots of hearts, but why not reserve another card to give to them on Christmas Day? Imagine their shock when they open the card and on the front it says, ‘Will you marry me?’ Then, they look up at you and you’re getting down on one knee with a ring in your hands. Bliss.

6. Use mistletoe to your advantage

Using mistletoe to grab a cheeky kiss with your partner is not exactly unheard of. But, you could ramp things up and, instead of just an ordinary kiss, you could use it as an opportunity to pop the question. They’ll never see it coming!

7. Hide an engagement ring inside a bauble

When the time comes to put up your Christmas tree, why not hide your engagement ring in plain sight inside a bauble? That way, your partner will spend weeks with the ring right there, but with no clue what you’re about to do. Then, when the moment’s just right, hand it over to them and change both your lives forever.

8. A present inside a present inside a present…

This one is really annoying, but if the two of you have a playful relationship it can be a lot of fun. Wrap the ring box in boxes that get progressively bigger, so to get to the centre they have to unwrap present after present. It’s funny and frustrating, but once they get to the ring that’ll all be forgotten and it’ll definitely be worth it.

9. Ask them with Christmas lights

You could wake up early on Christmas morning and sneak downstairs in true Father Christmas style so you can make use of some spare fairy lights. If you tape or pin them carefully to the wall, you can spell out WILL YOU MARRY ME? in beautiful, twinkling lettering. Think of it a bit light Stranger Things, but a lot more romantic.

10. Get kids or pets to help

If you have kids or pets, recruit them as Santa’s little helpers and include them in your proposal. You could slip a baby grow onto a little one that says something like. ‘Mummy, will you marry Daddy?’ or loop a ring around a bow that’s tied around your beloved dog’s collar.

11. Spell it out with Christmas cookies or cake

There’s nothing quite like Christmas cake, cookies or gingerbread men at Christmas. With some extra icing and a talent for decoration, you could ask your partner to marry you spelled out on a festive treat.

12. Christmas morning breakfast in bed

A surprise breakfast in bed is a lovely way to wake up on Christmas morning, but you know what can make pastries, fresh fruit and orange juice even nicer before opening some gifts? A lovely engagement ring sitting right there on the napkins.

Alternatively, many couples gift each other a stocking at Christmas, which is a lovely way to give each other smaller presents that they may open in bed. As part of this, include the engagement ring at the bottom of your partner’s stocking to give them an unforgettable start to Christmas.

If you propose early, you can then spend the whole of Christmas day as an engaged couple!

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

After your Christmas Day engagement, you’ll be ready to start planning your wedding. Sign up to Bridebook and use our helpful tools and resources to plan your perfect big day.

You Might Also Like…

• How to Propose on Christmas Day
• 20 Things to Do After You Get Engaged: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Announce Your Engagement: 20 Top Tips and Ideas
• Jesse & Andy’s Perfectly Enchanting Christmas Themed Wedding

Happy Planning!