5 Proposal Ideas for the Holidays

We take the saying, “‘Tis the season to sparkle,” pretty seriously here at Ritani. Combine the special feel of the holidays, the many festive settings and activities, and the “giving” theme, and there’s no better time to pop the question than these last days of December. Not to mention—can you think of a more exciting way to enter the new year than engaged to be married to the love of your life? 

Deciding you’re ready to propose is only part of the equation. In addition to selecting the perfect engagement ring, you’ll also need a plan for a proposal. That’s where we come in. 

We’ve rounded up 5 amazing ideas for holiday wedding proposals. We encourage you to select one to use for your proposal or draw inspiration from these proposal ideas to come up with one of your own.  

1. Put on a Snow Show

Is there anything more magical than a freshly fallen coat of snow? A freshly fallen coat of snow bearing a once-in-a-lifetime message, of course! 

If you’re lucky enough to live in snow country during the holiday season, you’ve got the perfect prop right outside your door. Whether you shovel your proposal message into the snow or use the snow as a canvas to artfully arrange flower petals, acorns, or Christmas ornaments, a snow-po-sal is a romantic way to ask a romantic question.

There are many variations on this theme, including backyard scenes visible from her bedroom window to a trek to a special spot in nature or from your courtship.

Don’t live in a snowy spot? Sand is an excellent alternative for natural proposals.  

2. Light the Night

Christmas lights are one of the most enchanting elements of the season. When darkness falls early, twinkle lights, candles, and fairy lights add warmth and a gentle glow to our lives. Not only is writing your proposal in lights uniquely beautiful, it’s also photogenic—so you’ll be able to capture the moment to share with friends and family. 

As with the snow proposal, you maintain control over where the message is delivered. Some people choose at-home proposals while others seek out other sentimental spots. 

Not up to the task of creating your own glimmering, glittering light display? Luminaries are an easier way to achieve the same radiant result. Or, buy a ready-made illuminate “Marry Me” or other proposal sign. 

3. Trim the Tree with Memories

Sure, you’ve spent a lifetime amassing ornaments, but this year may call for a different theme. Over the course of your courtship, you may have collected items, such as movie and concert tickets, event programs, menus, and other mementos from your times together. Use these items to deck a one-of-a-kind tree showcasing your relationship and its many special moments. 

If you're feeling especially creative, consider unleash your inner artist and making your own ornaments. Scraps of colorful paper on which you’ve written down cherished memories, your favorite things about your partner, or meaningful song lyrics become treasures when fastened to ribbon and hung on a tree.  

Don’t want to abandon your usual tree? Go with a smaller, second tree for your proposal. 

4. Make a Countdown Calendar

Whether you count down to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, the last night of Chanukah, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, or even Valentine’s Day if you’re getting a late start, give your sweetie a series of small yet significant gifts leading up to the last best gift: an engagement ring box, of course!

We love this proposal for several reasons. For starters, it doesn’t limit the excitement to just one moment that comes and goes. It stretches it out while building suspense along the way. Plus, the amount of thought and effort that goes into planning several days worth of gifts is an excellent demonstration of your above-and-beyond devotion and commitment. 

5. KISS (AKA Keep it Simple, Santa)

Putting a ring under the Christmas tree might not be the most original proposal idea, but it is a can’t-go-wrong classic. Christmas morning is already a time full of exhilaration and excitement. A small box containing a dazzling diamond is guaranteed to make it truly unforgettable. 

Whether you mix the ring box in with the other gifts for your love to discover, or save it for last and present it on bended knee, there’s nothing quite like a Christmas morning moment! 

Make the Holidays Shine Even Brighter with a Ritani Engagement Ring

One last thing to keep in mind during proposal season? There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to propose. Getting engaged is a deeply personal and individualistic moment. While a public display may be ideal for one couple, a more private proposal may be more appropriate for another. Follow your heart and go with the one that speaks most to who you are—and who you love! (This same applies to the process of choosing an engagement or wedding ring.)

Whatever your proposal plan, Ritani is here to help you bring it to life in the most meaningful way. In addition to an elegant selection of prebuilt engagement rings, you’ll also have the option of customizing the perfect ring with the Ritani setting and diamond of your choosing—all ethically sourced and conflict-free. To start planning a truly unforgettable engagement with an exquisite engagement ring, shop Ritani today.