Thank you Wedding Hashers for this wonderful article…
So, you’re ready to pop the question. There’s just one hitch in the plan: you’re proposing without a ring.
While some couples view engagement rings as essential centerpieces of any romantic proposal, popping the question without a ring is more common than you might think. In fact, not having a ring can push you to be even more creative and romantic in your proposal. Maybe you’re on a tight budget or maybe you want to band together with your spouse to pick the right ring—or maybe you’re just not about tradition. Whatever the reason, it’s still entirely possible to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage without the bling and still get a resounding, “I do.”
Here are our 8 favorite ways to propose without a ring and still get a yes.
1.Propose With A Pet
Let’s start with one of our favorites: proposing with a pet. Rings are cute and all, but they definitely aren’t as cute as puppies. Not to mention, if you’re planning on sharing a future, then sharing a puppy, kitten, rabbit, or fish is a great first step.
Proposing with a pet is easy. Dress them up in a cute little outfit, get a custom dog tag with a short note or question on it, and present it to your dearly beloved. The only risk in proposing with a puppy is that your significant other will be too overwhelmed by the cuteness to say, “I do.” Don’t worry, the smiles and hugs will say it all.
2.Propose With An Heirloom
If you’re looking for a nice ring alternative that is still imbued with tradition and meaning, then a family heirloom might be the perfect thing for you. Heirlooms are full of stories, history, and emotion—a perfect combination for a thoughtful and meaningful proposal.
See if anyone in your family has been holding on to any family relics like pearl necklaces, jewelry, pocket watches, or even pieces of art. In fact, someone in your family may even have your old grandparent’s engagement ring!
Whatever item you choose, heirlooms are the perfect way to tell someone that you want them to join your family!
3.Propose With A Trip
What about a honeymoon, but before the marriage? Nothing screams romance like planning a beautiful getaway to your favorite vacation spot or dream paradise island.
Buy some plane tickets, get a bottle of champagne, and pop the question with confidence. And if they say no, then at least you’ll still get to go find closure in paradise. Just kidding, if you put some thought into planning the perfect trip, you’re sure to get a Y-E-S.
You can either propose with the plane tickets themselves, or you can propose while you’re on the trip! And if you choose to wait until you get to your special location to pop the question, then you can get creative and use the location to your advantage. What’s more romantic than writing your loved one’s name in the sand or proposing at the top of a mountain after an epic hike!
4.Propose With A Hashtag
This is for all those couples out there who are pun-lovers, jokesters, social media savants, and creatives. Hashtags are a super cute and fun way to make your proposal unique and lighthearted. You can create a pun with your last names or come up with a catchphrase that captures your essence as a couple together. And if you’re struggling to come up with something catchy but have your heart set on a hashtag, then don’t hesitate to enlist help! Reach out to your cleverest friends or check out a professional hashtag service like Wedding Hashers! They have written thousands of clever hashtags and will help you come up with the perfect tag for your special moment.
5.Propose With A Letter
Letters have been at the pinnacle of romance for centuries now. While they might be old-fashioned, they’re still among the most intimate ways you can ask for your partner’s hand in marriage. They’re also great for all those romantics who like to take a thoughtful approach to express their love. And they give your partner the chance to really process what you’re saying, too!
It can take some time to write a letter that feels right, so get started without putting too much pressure on yourself. And if you find yourself getting writer’s block, remember to speak from the heart and be honest!
6.Propose With A Handwritten Song Or Poem
If you’re looking for the romantic touch of a letter, but the pizzaz of a passionate gesture, then songs and poems might be for you. There are thousands of beautiful love songs and poems out there to inspire you. You could even propose with a popular poem or sing a song that’s already been written. But if you’re feeling extra romantic and creative, then sit down and start writing. Whether you go cheesy and gooey or metaphorical and sophisticated with your writing, a song or poem is sure to capture the attention (and heart) of your partner! Just remember to practice if you’re going to perform it live for them!
7.Propose With A Party
Proposal parties are for all those extroverted couples out there. The benefit of proposing with a party is that you immediately get to celebrate with all your closest friends and family. Although it might be intimidating to pop the question with an audience behind you, the payoff is amazing. Your friends and family will be right by your side, ready to pop a bottle of champagne, play some music, and dance the night away in celebration.
8.Propose At A Sporting Event Or Concert
If you’re looking to take it one step further than a party, then you can consider proposing at a concert or a sporting event. Lots of concert and sporting venues will allow you to ask questions over the big screen if you get in contact with the stadium. This type of proposal can be especially awesome for couples who are die-hard sports fans or love to go see live music!
If you’re going this route though, then it’s important to make sure that you and your significant other are on the same page about getting married. There’s nothing worse than getting rejected on the big stage! The flip side is there’s nothing more exhilarating than getting cheered on by thousands of people as you graduate from “dating” to “married.”
Other tips for proposing without a ring
Like a traditional proposal, you’ll want to make sure you prepare for proposing without a ring. Just because you don’t have a ring doesn’t mean you should propose without a plan! Here are some tips to consider before making the big ask!
1.Be clear when you ask
Clarity is always important when popping the question. But perhaps it’s extra important if you don’t have a ring. Especially if you’re making a more casual proposal on a trip or with a hashtag, make sure that your partner knows exactly what you’re asking. The last thing you want is for your significant other just to think that you’re taking them on another date!
To ensure you’re being clear, make sure you ask your question directly!
2.Receiving a blessing if need be
Not all couples require a blessing before asking for their partner’s hand in marriage. But if you do require one, make sure you ask for the blessing before the engagement! Approach your partner’s parents, friends, siblings, grandparents—whoever you need to speak to receive a blessing. And while you’re having those conversations, you can talk through your proposal plan to see if anyone has ideas about how to make it even more special.
3.Talk about your future beforehand
While you don’t want to give away too much of your plan to propose, you and your partner must be aligned before you pop the big question. Make sure that you’ve had conversations about taking that next step in your relationship. There’s nothing worse than popping the question and receiving a “no!”
Those conversations will also help give you a sense of what kind of proposal your significant other would like. Maybe they want their proposal to be super public! Or maybe they’d rather have something more private and intimate. Maybe they’ve always wanted to be proposed to at a sporting event. Whatever their preference, the more you talk to them the more information you’ll have to plan your perfect proposal.
