This just in and contrary to popular assumptions about the impact of lockdown on our romantic relationships; divorce rates have actually fallen considerably since the pandemic began. Indeed, in 2020, there were 103’592 divorces granted in England and Wales, which was a 4.5% drop on the previous year.
Perhaps those rumours of couples falling out of love during lockdown were untrue after all?
But what about those keen to tie the knot, rather than undo or tighten it? Well, the stats suggest proposals rose in response to tough times, too. As Hitched reported back in November 2020, engagement ring sales had soared by 40% during the first lockdown. We expect that figure might have risen further as the global pandemic drew into sharp focus just how important our loved ones are.
If you’re keen to be part of next year’s engagement statistics, but in the most inventive way possible, then here are 7 unique proposal ideas guaranteed to wow the love of your life.
PROPOSE 2000 FEET IN AIR
If you want to go above and beyond and take your proposal to the next level (which happens to be 2000 feet in the air), consider hiring a hot air balloon for half a day and proposing among the clouds.
You can find companies that specialise in hot air balloon proposals, though this shouldn’t strictly be necessary; just explain your requirements to the company and they should be accommodating.
Hot air balloon hire here in the UK is surprisingly reasonable, too, starting out at around £125 for around half an hour’s flight time, which is the standard length you’ll be in the air. Do be aware that the whole experience, including safety briefings, can take around half a day, but nonetheless, it still represents one of the most romantic proposal ideas imaginable.
Now, all you have to do is make sure your partner doesn’t suffer from vertigo in advance, and make sure that whichever one of the incredible diamond engagement rings out there that you choose to buy, you don’t end up leaving it at ground zero!
TAKE THEM ON A SCAVENGER HUNT
A scavenger hunt proposal is an exciting, unique way to do things that shows a little more imagination than leaving the ring in a cake and hoping your partner doesn’t choke to death on it.
Make things extra personal by designing a scavenger hunt around your favourite old haunts and places that have been symbolic in the progression of your relationship up to this key point. Each location could reveal a small prize, building up to the grand finale and the greatest prize of all; a lifetime spent together!
Read: Make sure they say ‘yes’ with these 5 steps to the perfect proposal
A TOUR OF YOUR FAVOURITE FOODIE SPOTS
Running with the idea of revisiting old haunts and condensing it into something more delicious, why not take your soon-to-be-fiancée on a tour of your favourite foodie spots?
Most couples have formed some of their most cherished memories over a meal, and dined out, no doubt, with enthusiasm. Arranging a tour of some of your favourite spots, perhaps just a plate at each place, is an amazing way to celebrate the journey of your love.
Schedule in a seat at the restaurant which saw your first meeting, conversation, kiss, declaration of love, and so on. If you’re into something on the stilton end of the cheesy spectrum, then there are a few ways you can pop the question in a romantic restaurant. If you’re in a restaurant of the correct persuasion, you could even have the proposal written on a piece of paper in a fortune cookie.
Otherwise, getting down on one knee in the middle of the restaurant is an open-hearted declaration of your love – you might even get a free drink out of it!
Of course, you should only attempt to pull off such a public proposal if you’re confident that the answer will be affirmative.
PROPOSE DURING A WILDERNESS HIKE
On the flipside of a very public proposal, why not organise a hike into the wilderness with nature as the only witness to you popping the question.
This option might only be wise if you both enjoy hiking, as nothing can ruin the mood more than making your partner hike into the middle of nowhere and then pop the question to a sweating, exhausted wreck. However, if you both enjoy a ramble, this could be a great option as you’ll be able to find a secluded, romantic spot to celebrate in style.
If you’re stuck on a destination, check out these best one-day hikes in the UK for some inspiration.
HIRE A SKY SIGN WRITER
Hiring a sky sign writer, though certainly ubiquitous in romantic comedies, is actually an incredibly unique proposal here in the UK, seeing as a 60-year ban on the practice was only lifted two years ago.
This could be the corniest but also the cutest option available, and only you know if this is suitable for your partner.
You first need to find a pilot or company specialising in skywriting (or, more commonly in the UK, simply pulling a banner from the tail of the plane) and provide them with the message you want them to write/display and the appropriate time.
After that, all there is to it is to wait for the right moment and pop the question. You could, of course, combine this proposal in the sky with one of the other options on our list, such as the wilderness hike. Do make sure you organise the proposal for a clear day, otherwise, you might be disappointed! Costs range from around £300 to £600 an hour for this one.
HIRE A BARBERSHOP QUARTET
This option may not be the best choice if you and your soon-to-be wife are timid, but if you enjoy bombastic displays of love, hiring a group of singers may be a brilliant option to shout about your love to the world, loud, proud and in perfect tune.
You should choose a song that you know she will appreciate, such as the song playing when you first met or had your first kiss, or you could throw caution to the wind and pen your own ditty. You can set it up so that you are ready with the ring as soon as the singers reach a specific line in the song and really make it a proposal to remember, though this takes some pretty precision planning on the part of you and the barbershop quartet.
PROPOSE DURING A PHOTOSHOOT
The majority of couples have a few photos of themselves around the house, but having professional photos of the two of you, framed and captured beautifully, is perhaps less common with the advent of smartphones and social media. Why not organise a ‘photoshoot’ for you and your partner, with the stated aim to capture a beautiful shot of the two of you. Of course, you’ll have an ulterior motive in mind…
Indeed, if you really want to capture the perfect moment, you could hire a professional photographer to take the shots. To add extra spice to proceedings, you should inform the photographer that you’re planning a surprise proposal halfway through the photoshoot, and that the photographer should be ready to shoot their reaction!
Good luck with your proposal and we hope the fact it’s unique, inventive and well-organised convinces your partner to say ‘yes’!
