View in gallery

It takes nerves of steel to propose.

But doing so over dinner in a public restaurant requires even more courage.

Come to think of it, the risk is immense!

Should I propose before or after dinner?

If she says No, there is the possibility of a host of strangers witnessing your public humiliation.

And it could get worse.

You might even find yourself trending on Twitter, or Instagram, with the hashtag#HowNotToProposeor#ProposalGoneSouth.

How to Prose in a Restaurant

Nonetheless, with proper planning, restaurants can offer a relaxed, romantic background for the perfect dinner proposal.

Today, were taking a look at restaurant proposal ideas that can help you get to I do.

After all, knowing hownotto propose is just as crucial.

How to Plan a Proposal at Dinner

Deciding whether to propose before or after dinner can be kinda tricky.

Many guys wont have the guts to stomach a rejection right at the onset of dinner.

In such a case, taking the meal before proposing is a foregone conclusion.

Prepare to propose in the right restaurant

On the other hand, some people may be too nervous as they prepare to propose.

They cant see themselves going through the motions of a six-course meal with all that anxiety bottled inside.

Proposing Before Dinner

How soon is too soon to propose once youve reached the restaurant?

How to propose in a restaurant

For some guys, its better to take bull by its horns than sit through an anxiety-filled evening dinner.

If youre that kind, you may consider proposingbeforedinner.

Furthermore, proposing before dinner creates room for you to enjoy the meal with friends and family.

How Not to Propose - Ring in champaign

Its unlikely youll still be able to enjoy your dinner after that.

You may want to chill out to the tail end of dinner before popping the question.

Whats more, the roller coaster of emotions after a proposal can be unprecedented.

How to choose an engagement ring

You or your partner may be too excited to genuinely enjoy the meal.

There it’s possible for you to celebrate in private away from the gaze of uninvited strangers.

The obvious drawback to proposing after dinner is having to spend the whole evening tensed up.

Diamond cuts for engagement rings

If you cant contain the anxiety, youre better off proposing before dinner.

So, Which Is it?

Several issues may influence your final decision.

Your personality will play a big role here.

Having a basic understanding of your partner would also be important.

Whether youre involving family and friends too can influence whether youll propose before or after dinner.

Find out Your Partners Thoughts on Marriage

People get into relationships for different reasons.

When ready to pop the question, it helps to prepare your partner indirectly for whats coming.

Talk abouta recent proposal by a friend and gauge your partners reactions.

Solicit their views on marriage and what their plans are.

Navigating this stage successfully may not only set the stage for a successful proposal but a happy marriage.

It can also help you figure out what to say when proposing.

Loop in the Parents

Okay, for some this sounds old school.

But it demonstrates respect to the parents and your level of seriousness.

That cannot be understated!

But how long before the proposal to ask father- and mother-in-law-to-be?

Share with the parents how youre planning the proposal.

Finally, dont forget to tell your own family if you havent already!

Get the Perfect Ring

Aringis the centerpiece of a marriage proposal.

Dont consider yourself ready for the proposal until you have purchased a suitable ring for your partner.

A good proposal should, therefore, never be spontaneous.

Take the time to plan for it by shopping around and saving up for the perfect ring.

You dont have to break the bank for the perfect engagement ring.

With good planning, you might save and land a glamorous ring.

If you have been relating honestly with your partner, its possible that they already know your financial ability.

Aim at impressing, nonetheless.

Well weigh in on a few tips for getting the perfect engagement ring later in this article.

Read on to find out whether to propose before or after dinner.

This could be a brewing pot of nostalgic memories of your romantic rendezvous.

Her favorite restaurant can also be a fine place to propose.

Essentially, a restaurant that speaks to your love journey can be a fantastic place to propose.

It might simply be the bistro along the street or a cool pizza place downtown.

Others prefer the setting for the proposal to be a grand gesture in and of itself.

Does that sound like you?

Then youll need to survey the best place to pull off a flawless engagement.

Visit the place beforehand if possible, or peruse online reviews.

Just be sure youre conscious aboutwhat to wear to a dinner proposalin an upscale place.

Its also a great idea to get suggestions from close confidants, friends, and family.

They may prove a worthwhile resource in putting together a creative dinner proposal.

Keep these factors in mind when planning a marriage proposal over dinner:

1.

Theyll offer numerous suggestions that are sure to spruce up your evening and make your proposal delightful.

Some restaurants have in-house bands that can elevate the occasion with some romantic vibes to serenade your partner.

Its not a bad idea to request your song ahead of time to frame the moment.

They may recommend a special table in an area with perfect lighting and picturesque viewsa perfect romantic backdrop.

On top of that, itll also make your photos come out beautifully.

(More on this below.)

Consult with the restaurant ahead of time and youll thank yourself later.

Youll also find them handy in coordinating family and friends who might be coming over for the special evening.

Make Prior Arrangements for Photos

Good photos marking your proposal are priceless.

After all, you only really get one chance to capture the moment.

Restaurant staff will help propose the most scenic backdrops.

It could be on the lawns, at the fireplace, or some particularly impressive natural or artistic background.

You might also schedule a prior visit with the photographer and tap into their expertise as well.

Ask if the restaurant has an in-house photographer who can help take the photos.

Dont just count on some random guys across the table to do your shoot!

Photos of such a special occasion will be remembered for a long time to come (hopefully).

Besides, your photos announcing such a momentous occasion can make quick rounds on social media.

Youd want to haveboth of youlooking sharp.

Ponder what would happen if your partner swallows the ring, cracks a tooth, or worse yetchokes.

Not how you want to remember your special moment, even if you know the Heimlich maneuver!

Your Proposal Doesnt Have to be Perfect

A proposal is something special.

Do all you’ve got the option to to put your best foot forward and impress your partner.

A well-thought-out proposal will turn out just fine.

Thousands of proposals are similar in numerous ways.

And at the end of the day, its the thought that counts.

Be Ready for a No

Though rare, sometimes proposals end in a no.

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

With this in mind, youre better psychologically prepared to face any outcome of your proposal.

Additionally, a yes before dinner might ruin the meal!

Yes, that might sound crazy or even trivial, but its more important than you might think.

All of your carefully laid plans may fade to a blur in your minds following the big question.

The big exception to the after rule is if you are the super-nervous jot down.

Well help you get the perfect ring for your dinner proposal.

Know How Much to Spend on an Engagement Ring

Undoubtedly, a proposal can be costly.

Therefore, you must decide upfront how much youre willing to spend.

Being spontaneous can lead you into unplanned debt and a financial fix.

Apart from the proposal, you have other financial obligations that compete for scarce resources.

A budget, therefore, allows you to spend on the proposal while meeting your other financial obligations.

FYI, the spend two months salary rule is completely bunk.

It just guarantees that you have less money for your wedding and the life you will live together afterwards.

The term embarrassment of riches can definitely apply, too, depending on the disposition of your spouse-to-be.

Wrecking your finances over a token of your love wont impress anyone worth marrying.

Heres how to find her ring size without her knowing.

It also helps you avoid the drama of trying to force a wrong-sized ring down on your partners finger.

That can be quite a spectacle.

Narrow down on the one(s) that have the most striking rings in your opinion.

you’re free to also save a few bucks by visiting different jewelers for the best prices.

Hopefully, your partner should be able to wear the engagement ring for the rest of their life.

The ring should therefore reflect their taste, style, and personality.

Observing your partners jewelry can give you a clue as to their style and taste.

Theyre referred to as the4Cs cut, color, clarity, and carat.

These factors determine the quality and price of an engagement ring.

Additionally, it also depends on how the diamond sits in well with the other components of the ring.

Diamonds are indeed forever in that they are materially harder than most other precious gems.

The perceived scarcity is actually carefully manufactured by diamond cartels.

Your sweetheart may be one of them.

Cubic zirconia is the classic faux diamond, but it might come across a little cheap.

It is also reflects light more brilliantly even than diamond, and is only barely less hard.

Both diamonds and moissanite can be lab-grown.

They wont tank in value the moment you buy them, either.

Proposing before or after dinner largely depends on your personality and the kind of dinner setting that youve chosen.

Did you propose before or after dinner if at all you proposed in a restaurant?