We have all seen proposal scenes both in real life and in movies. But in real life, proposing to someone feels like a nerve-wracking task. Proposing over dinner in a public restaurant requires more guts and courage. After all, it’s a big life-changing decision.
According to recent reports, dinner proposals have remained among the top five places to get engaged, with over 50% of Americans preferring it. It can be at home in a private setting or in a public space like a restaurant.
However, planning a dinner proposal is not as easy as it looks. There’s a lot to weigh up. You might be asking yourself – “When should I propose?” “Should I propose before or after dinner?”
The answer is complicated. The right time to propose depends on your goals, intentions, your plans, and the situations that will work in your favor.
If you’re still unsure about the proposal in a restaurant, this blog has got you covered. Keep reading to explore the answer to “Should I propose before or after dinner?” and a few tips on planning the perfect dinner proposal.
Should I Propose Before or After Dinner?
Every marriage proposal is different, just like every couple. Timing is everything when it comes to proposing. Your special moment should reflect you and your loved one well and hold sentimental value.
You may be confused as to whether to make your proposal right before you eat or after you’ve finished your dinner. There’s no right or wrong answer; the choice is up to you. It might depend on how you want the rest of the evening to unfold and how you expect your partner to answer.
Let’s break it down to three timing so that you can make the easier choice:
Proposing Before Dinner
If you plan on proposing before dinner, you should make sure you have something special to share before starting the meal.
You’ll be able to express yourself more intimately with it. When you give your partner an engagement ring, you can look into each other’s eyes and speak from your heart.
However, there are some cons as well. For example, proposing before dinner may disrupt the evening’s flow and make it hard to focus on the food. And the celebration appears to be less intimate.
If you propose before dinner, your lover may feel pressured or put on the proposal dinner post, making them less likely to accept your proposal. Further, things can get even more awkward and embarrassing if she says no.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make the proposal before dinner. Just do it if it feels like the right time. In reality, some think that since dinner turns into a celebration, proposing before it is the only option.
Proposing During the Dinner
Sometimes, the timing of your proposal depends on how your evening is going, which means you may wind up asking the big question during dinner itself.
It can be a good option as it lets you set the ambiance with candles, music, special food, and dessert. Meanwhile, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to propose in creative ways.
For example, you may ask the staff member to bring out the ring with a customized dessert or a glass of champagne. Another benefit is that it gives you time to relish the moment while still at the restaurant and allows you to take more pictures.
However, proposing in the middle of the dinner is not preferable as this could be distracting and make it harder for the other person to enjoy their meal.
Proposing After Dinner
Most people prefer the option of proposing after dinner.
Some people may not want to risk spoiling a lavish six-course dinner at a pricey restaurant. Maybe wait until the very end of the meal to make the proposal.
Proposing after dinner also allows you to reflect on the meal and enjoy each other’s company before asking the big question. You can also take advantage of this opportunity to create a romantic ambiance, establish the mood, and give it something special.
Another major perk of proposing after dinner is that you both get to celebrate on your own when it’s all said and done. That means you can immediately head back to your home or any other place to continue with the celebration in privacy.
But keep in mind that in this case, you will likely have to endure the rest of the meal feeling anxious, which is a possible drawback for proposing after dinner. So, If you can’t control your nerves, you’re better off popping the question before dinner.
Moreover, the emotional whirlwind that follows a proposal may be unprecedented. Perhaps the two of you will be too happy to enjoy the meal.
How To Make Your Dinner Proposal Unique – Secret Tips
The actual question you ask when making a proposal can be one of the most nail-biting moments. It’s crucial to figure out a way to show your love for your partner that is both memorable and meaningful.
Also, keep in mind that a dinner proposal doesn’t have to be a private, expensive affair. Some couples enjoy family events and family dinners, such as family holidays.
Take some time to think through how you want the evening to go and what special surprises you want to plan for your significant other. That way, your special night goes off without a hitch. There are many restaurant proposal ideas you will find on the internet.
Here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your proposal in a restaurant:
i). Fill the restaurant in
First things first, decide on the restaurant and make the reservation beforehand.
While reserving a table at a restaurant isn’t always necessary—you may throw a romantic evening with a meal at home—proposing at dinner usually does.
But you don’t have to book the most luxurious or expensive restaurant to make your proposal the most romantic.
Make sure you choose the place that is associated with your love story. You can go to the same cafe where you first met or a place where you first expressed love to each other. If you’re struggling to find one, you may ask your friends and family for suggestions.
Once you’ve decided on your go-to restaurant, inform the restaurant staff about your proposal plan and timing. They’ll happily be willing to set up a special dining table at a perfect spot and work with you to plan the best proposal.
Take their advice; they are expert at it. You can also ask the staff to recommend a menu and beverages for the perfect dining experience.
ii). Menu preparation
Make sure your cuisine is memorable for both you and your lover for years. You can pre-arrange with the restaurant to use this specific menu for your dinner.
When you present your partner with the menu, they’ll instantly realize it’s a special surprise from none other than you. And this shows your love towards them!
iii). Wear something attractive and make sure they do, too.
One thing to keep in mind is that you will probably be photographed the night you announce your engagement. So put on something nice and attractive so that you will cherish this night forever.
Also, give your partner a heads-up by informing them that the restaurant is a bit fancy. After all, dressing up is very important to show how much you value the event.
iv). Pick the perfect ring.
A proposal isn’t complete without a perfect engagement ring. It doesn’t have to be a diamond engagement ring. You can consider other precious gems, such as sapphires, emeralds, and opals, which could be affordable yet aesthetically pleasing.
Don’t try to hide the ring inside a cake or the bottom of a champagne glass. Honestly, it can look very messy. Instead, hide the ring in your jacket’s pockets for easy access.
Also, you could ask the waiter to present the ring to you on a platter along with a handwritten “Will you marry me” in delicious fondant.
v). Involve family and friends, if possible.
To make your dinner proposal extra special, it’s good to involve your and your partner’s families and close friends. You may also talk with your partner’s family and close friends to know her favorite things, food, desserts, and other likes.
Some of your friends may want to make plans to join you after you propose. This can be a really enjoyable way to spend your first few hours together.
vi). Make arrangements for photos and videos.
If you want the special moment to be captured, make sure you have somebody ready with a camera or iPhone in hand. It could be a friend, family member, or waiter.
Also, rather than asking a stranger, find a good (photogenic) spot to have your photos taken shortly after the proposal. Take help from the restaurant manager and staff in advance to help you out.
vii). Make sure your partner is comfortable with being the center of attention.
Before making a dinner proposal, think about whether your partner likes to be the center of attention. Create a situation that will grab the attention of others around you, such as going down on your knees, giving a flower bouquet, or getting a nice engagement cake.
Only if you think your partner enjoys living in the outside world or social media. However, you should avoid such situations if you think your partner is introverted and feels self-conscious in public.
viii). Write a good proposal speech.
A dinner proposal is your big moment to show your lover how much you care. And one way to do this is to prepare a good speech to make it extra special. It’s a great chance to express your love and commitment to your significant other, even if you’d rather express it through actions than words.
Make sure to highlight some of the qualities you admire in your partner. Why would you want to spend the rest of your life with them? What differentiates them? How do they help you become a better person?
ix). Plan something special after the dinner.
Since your proposal is public, you might wish to arrange something special for just the two of you. You may just go back to one of your homes where you have a nice glass of wine and watch Netflix.
Or, maybe arrange a small celebratory party with family members and close friends. In some way, it’s good to keep the night moving.
x). Lastly, be emotionally and mentally prepared for rejection.
The most difficult part of making a public proposal is that it might be hard to accept a “No.” The fact that everyone is staring at you two can make situations extremely awkward and embarrassing.
Accept that it’s a possibility, and if you aren’t sure you can handle it, maybe forget the dinner proposal until you’re ready. Also, be confident, and don’t stress too much. Don’t try to be someone else; you’re not trying to impress your partner.
Remember, it’s a personal thing. Your love and commitment to one another should be the main focus of the proposal.
Make sure that your dinner proposal is something your partner will cherish for years to come. As long as there’s food, music, and beautiful people, you will surely have a great time!
So, When Should I Propose?
It’s all in your hands.
There’s no right or wrong answer to the question, “Should I propose before or after dinner?” It all comes down to your personality and the type of dinner setting you’ve picked.
It would also be helpful to have a basic understanding of your partner. Proposing before dinner can be an intimate and memorable event for some couples, but it may make more sense for others to wait until after dinner.
However, most people would rather pop the question after dinner to avoid having their excitement interrupted by a good meal.
So, before making the big move, think about how you feel about the situation and decide on a special and memorable moment for the two of you!
FAQs
1. What is the best time to propose?
Ans: The best time to propose can be on special occasions like birthdays, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, or the anniversary of when you first started dating. This is because it can be surprising and memorable for both of you.
2. Do you give the ring before or after dinner?
Ans: You can give a ring before and after your meal, depending on the situation. Avoid popping the question during dinner since nobody wants to see filthy dishes in the proposal photos. Both before and after dinner are great times to go!
3. Should you propose at day or night time?
Ans: Night is the best time to propose as it’s associated with being more romantic and beautiful than the daytime. It’s specifically more beautiful if you propose at night in a romantic restaurant.
4. At what point during dinner do you propose?
Ans: Proposing after the meal is perhaps the most preferred time for the proposal to take place. Doing so will help you plan your next step, such as going home to a romantic movie or even spending time with your family.
5. Is proposing at a restaurant OK?
Ans: Proposing in a restaurant is a good idea; in fact, many couples prefer it. You can plan your proposal in your favorite restaurant and get help from restaurant staff, close friends, and family members before setting up.
6. How many dates before saying I love you?
Ans: There is no specific timeline for proposing. A couple of months can be enough to finalize the decision to say, “I love you.” However, considering your relationship’s passion, intimacy, trust, and commitment will help you decide if you’ve got the guts to say it.
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