Franklin Dean
The Proposal and The Wedding Date are both romance novels by Jasmine Guillory. The Proposal is the sequel to The Wedding Date, featuring the same characters. The Wedding Date follows the story of a couple who agree to be each other's date for a wedding. In The Proposal, the protagonist, Nik, is proposed to by her boyfriend of five months, Fisher, at a Dodgers game. She says no, and is rescued from the situation by Carlos, who becomes her love interest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A marriage proposal is a custom or ritual, common in Western cultures, in which one member of a couple asks the other for their hand in marriage. |
| Initiation of engagement | If accepted, it marks the initiation of engagement, a mutual promise of later marriage. |
| Who proposes? | Traditionally, a man proposes to a woman. However, proposals by women are increasingly accepted in Western culture. |
| When to propose? | There are no legal rules for the duration between getting engaged and getting married. |
| Proposal location | Choose a place that is meaningful to your relationship. |
| Proposal planning | Plan, plan, plan! |
| Proposal speech | Prepare a marriage proposal speech you'll be proud of. |
| Proposal photographer | Hire a professional proposal photographer and videographer. |
| Proposal surprise | Proposals are often supposed to be a surprise, although in practice this is rarely the case. |
What You'll Learn
The proposal and its legal consequences
Proposals are not legally binding, and there are no legal consequences to making a proposal. However, a proposal can be converted into a legally binding contract if it contains all the elements of a contract. These include an offer, acceptance of the offer, consideration to be received, and signatures from all parties.
In the context of a marriage proposal, this could mean that the proposal itself is not legally binding, but if the proposer and proposee sign a document that includes the basic elements of a contract, it could be legally enforced. For example, if the proposer presents the proposee with a written proposal that includes the question "Will you marry me?", and the proposee signs it, this could be considered a legally binding contract.
It is important to note that the laws and enforcement of contracts can vary by jurisdiction, and it is always recommended to consult with a legal professional for specific advice.
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Planning the wedding before the proposal
Planning a wedding before a proposal is a personal choice and can depend on several factors. While some believe that it is not necessary to have a ring or a proposal to start planning, others feel that it is important to have a commitment before making any plans. Here are some things to consider if you are thinking of planning your wedding before the official proposal:
Envisioning Your Wedding
It is common for couples to discuss their wedding plans before the proposal. According to a study by The Knot, 70% of couples take at least one planning action before getting engaged, and 90% talk about the wedding before the proposal. If you have a clear vision of your dream wedding, it can help guide your planning process and ensure that you don't miss out on your desired vendors or venues.
Determining the Ideal Date
Discussing and deciding on an ideal wedding date, month, or season before the proposal is common and practical. Popular wedding dates, such as summer Saturdays and holiday weekends, can get booked up quickly. By determining your preferred date in advance, you can increase your chances of securing your dream venue and vendors.
Financial Planning
Financial planning is an essential aspect of wedding planning. Discussing your wedding budget and starting to save money for the big day can be beneficial. It is crucial to have open and honest conversations about finances and determine if you will pay for the wedding yourselves or if others will contribute. This will help you make informed decisions about the venue, vendors, and overall wedding style.
Researching Vendors
While it is generally advised to wait until after the proposal to book vendors, you can start researching and following wedding vendors on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This will help you discover and stay up-to-date with amazing vendors and make it easier to connect with them once you are officially engaged.
Understanding Relationship Dynamics
It is crucial to consider your relationship dynamics and ensure that both you and your partner are on the same page regarding the commitment to get married. Planning a wedding without a clear mutual agreement can strain the relationship and lead to unnecessary pressure. Open communication and a shared vision for the future are essential before diving into detailed wedding planning.
In conclusion, while it is a personal choice to plan a wedding before the proposal, it is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks. By discussing your vision, budget, and ideal timeline, you can make informed decisions and secure key aspects of your wedding without taking away the excitement and surprise of the official proposal.
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The role of the engagement ring
The engagement ring is a symbol of the promise of marriage and represents devotion and commitment to the partner. It is a custom or ritual, common in Western cultures, in which one member of a couple asks the other for their hand in marriage.
The tradition of the engagement ring dates back to ancient times, when it was a sign that the bride had received the dowry. In the Middle Ages, women received a ring from their partner as a promise of marriage. The shape of the ring is circular, indicating its meaning as a universal sign of eternal love and faithfulness, perfection and infinity.
In most Western countries, engagement rings are usually worn only by women and are typically adorned with diamonds. The man is usually the one who selects and buys the ring. The ring is traditionally presented in a small velvet box and placed on the fourth finger of the left hand, which was believed to contain a vein that led to the heart.
The custom of giving an engagement ring became more popular in the 1950s when salaries increased and more men could afford to give their partner a ring. Today, it is an important part of the official announcement of a wedding and is often considered a romantic gesture.
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Who should be informed about the engagement?
The first people to inform about your engagement are your parents or whoever raised you. It is best to tell them in person, but if you live far away, a phone call or video chat is also acceptable. If your parents are separated, be sure to tell the second one immediately afterward so they don't hear about it from someone else.
The exception to this is if you have children, especially from a previous relationship. In this case, your children should be the first to know, as it will have the most impact on their lives. Your ex-partner (the children's other parent) should also be informed, and it is acceptable to tell your parents first in this case.
Other family members, such as siblings or cousins, should also hear the news directly from you, as should your best friends. Texting may be acceptable for some people, but consider your relationship with each person and whether they would find this appropriate. Ask yourself how you would feel if you found out about their engagement this way. As a general rule, it is better to be more personal.
After your personal relationships are taken care of, you and your partner should decide how to share the news with everyone else. You may want to wait a day or two before posting on social media so that you can savour the glow of your engagement before fielding questions about the wedding.
It is also nice to have a professional photographer to document the moment, and you can use these photos on your save-the-dates, wedding website, and holiday cards.
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Celebrating the engagement
Celebrating an engagement is a monumental milestone and the first step towards a lifelong journey with your partner. Here are some fun and unique ways to commemorate this special occasion:
- Host a picnic luncheon: Choose a scenic outdoor venue, set up a delicious spread of food and drinks, and scatter blankets and cushions for a laid-back, intimate gathering with your loved ones.
- Arrange a scavenger hunt: Inject some friendly competition by organising a scavenger hunt around a significant location, with teams and clues related to your relationship.
- Hire a
- Offer a
- Host a
- Get down with a
- Go on a
- Karaoke night: Serenade your partner and show them how much they mean to you. Treat your guests to refreshing cocktails, which will also serve as liquid courage!
- The morning after: Surprise your partner by making them a special breakfast or brunch in bed. If you don't feel like cooking, stock up on coffee, pastries, and other brunch goodies from a local shop.
- Host a
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Frequently asked questions
No, a ring is not necessary for a proposal or engagement. However, it is becoming increasingly popular for couples to exchange rings during the proposal, and it is considered a visible sign of acceptance.
No, an official proposal is not necessary to get married. However, it is a common tradition, particularly in Western cultures, where one member of a couple asks the other to marry them.
No, there are no legal requirements for the age at which a person can get engaged.
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Some people start planning their wedding before an official proposal, while others prefer to wait until after the engagement to begin planning. Ultimately, it depends on the couple's preferences and the nature of their relationship.
The terms engagement and proposal are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different things. An engagement refers to the time leading up to the wedding, while a proposal is the event of asking someone to marry you.
