Ten of the Best Proposal Ideas Perfect for Valentine's Day
The most romantic day of the year is just around the corner and we’re sure you won’t be surprised to hear that a Valentine’s Day proposal is a very popular way to ask the important question.
If you’re thinking about taking that next step and asking your special someone to marry you, then we say a Valentine’s Day proposal is the perfect time to make it happen.
If you’ve chosen the engagement ring and are in search of ideas on how to propose, our ten best Valentine’s Day proposal ideas are here to inspire you. If you still need to choose the ring, our engagement ring buying guide is here to help.
Although we don't think women need a leap year to propose (ladies, you can plan a proposal whenever you want!), if you're a lover of tradition, then you may be interested to know 2024 is a leap year and we have beautiful men's engagement rings to make it really special. This tradition is a bit outdated, but it’s the perfect excuse to propose if you’re looking for one. If you're in need of a little extra inspiration, discover all the advice and inspiration you need on how to make your leap year proposal (or any proposal) perfect with our how to propose guide.
How to propose on Valentine’s Day
1. Recreate your first date
Going back to the beginning to talk about the future can make your Valentine’s Day proposal all the more meaningful. Whether you met in a bar, had a meal at your favourite restaurant or went on a walk, recreate the day or night and when the moment’s perfect, get down on one knee and ask them to say ‘yes’ to your happily ever after.
Photo credit: @emmamerriman__ and @_homewiththeholts_
Trace your steps as much as you can and talk about how far you’ve come since that first date and how you want to plan the rest of your future together. Our Proposal Guide has more tips on how to make it extra special.
We asked you to share your magical proposal stories and we love this story from @webermadie1 who was proposed to whilst out on a walk with her loved one.
“Out on an autumnal walk and out of the blue I hear Ronnie say “Madie”, and I turn around and there’s him on one knee. I was shocked, surprised and I said YES!!! When Ronnie put the ring on my finger, a robin landed next to us which is a symbol of someone in heaven. So my Nana was next to us watching that special moment! Can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you handsome! I love you so much. Thanks for making our 3 year anniversary special!” @webermadie1
2. Go for a leap year proposal
We’re all for the woman proposing at any time of the year, but, if you’re thinking of taking advantage of this once-every-four-years opportunity to keep up tradition (although we know it’s a little outdated), now’s your chance.
Catch them off-guard with a leap year proposal on February 29th, and find them an engagement ring they’ll love. Our beautiful men’s engagement rings are perfect for your leap year proposal (and any other kind of proposal, too!).
3. Make it personal
Wait until your partner is asleep or out of the house and decorate your home with balloons, candles and rose petals for a really romantic Valentine’s Day proposal. Personalise your proposal with a sentimental song or your favourite photos together for a truly special moment the both of you can share.
When they return they will be surprised to find a transformed house! Celebrate afterwards with a glass of Champagne before you share your happy news with the world.
Discover our full Proposal Guide which is full of inspiration on different ways to pop the question. Our Engagement Ring Buying Guide has all the advice you need on selecting the perfect ring for your loved one.
@300daystoplanawedding shared their amazing proposal story with us and how their fiancé took decorating the house to a whole new level…
“Dan created the most personalised and perfect proposal for me by making me my own escape room! I had to solve the different puzzles in turn and each one gave me some letter tiles. At the end I had to unjumble them to spell out the message. It was just us at home which was exactly what I wanted, and clear that so much thought went into it all. It’s still one of our most favourite stories to tell people.” @300daystoplanawedding
They then chose a ruby engagement ring together and they couldn't wait to start the wedding countdown!
4. Book a table at Beaverbrooks
We all love a romantic dinner for two, but did you know you you can have your Valentine’s Day proposal at your local Beaverbrooks store too? Book an appointment at your nearest store with one of our friendly experts, propose to your soulmate in our store and get ready to choose the engagement ring together.
Joe booked an appointment in our Braehead store and popped the question to his partner Gina. The magic of proposing in one of our stores is that you get to share that special moment together. Our team will help you find exactly what your partner is looking for and show you some of our beautiful collections. There’ll always be a glass of fizz to celebrate too!
What better time to plan your in-store proposal than on Valentine’s Day? Discover your nearest store and start looking forward to one of the most unforgettable moments you’ll ever have.
5. Lockets of love
Before you choose a diamond ring, why not say it with jewellery first? For old-world romance you can’t beat a beautiful locket, and it’s even better when it comes with a secret note inside.
After a relaxing stroll or romantic lunch, present them with the locket and be ready to capture their expression when they read your request to marry you. The perfect Valentine’s Day proposal with a difference.
All you need to do then is choose the perfect ring together.
This beautiful Silver Cubic Zirconia Flower Locket Pendant has been designed in polished sterling silver and features a delicate chain, holding the intricate floral design. Open it up and pop your proposal note inside and a special photo of the two of you.
Discover more stunning lockets in our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.
6. Get little ones & pets involved
A seriously cute Valentine’s proposal idea, little ones will love to help you plan your top secret proposal. Get a t-shirt or baby grow made with ‘Will you marry Daddy?’ or ‘Will you marry Mummy?’ printed on it and wait for your loved one to spot the message. Place a ring or proposal gift next to your little one just like @sophiahhannah has done here.
Fur babies can get involved too of course! @walterthegoldencocker is showing their mummy their beautiful ring here and it’s made for the most perfect proposal picture. Just make sure they don’t run off with the ring!
We love this story from @adalinehope_, who’s fiancé got their baby involved with the proposal. It’s such a special idea, especially for first time mums…
“Christmas Eve 2020, we did our usual rounds in the morning and then we settled down with a film in the late afternoon. I went for a bath and came back down to candles all around the living room and Prosecco waiting. Stuart had our baby, Adaline wrapped in a blanket, and I said “is she not too hot wrapped up in that?” He handed her to me and as I was taking it off her, I looked up and he was down on one knee with the most beautiful ring. I was just sat looking at Stuart and Adaline crying for five minutes before saying YES! He even had our song playing in the background. I love Christmas Eve even more now” @adalinehope_
7. Propose with a three stone engagement ring
If you still need to decide on the perfect engagement ring for your loved one and if they’re a sentimental person, then they’re guaranteed to love our three stone engagement rings.
Three stone engagement rings have a deeper meaning and each diamond is said to represent your past, present and future together. They’re timeless, yet incredibly popular at the moment with celebrities like Ella Henderson dazzling in her three stone engagement ring. Read more about celebrity engagement rings here, or discover our engagement ring trends for 2024 & beyond.
8. A romantic delivery
This is definitely just for those who don’t mind being in the spotlight. If you know your loved one would very much appreciate a big bunch of flowers delivered to their work on Valentine’s Day, then surely they’ll love a Valentine’s Day proposal too? Have some of their favourite flowers delivered and ask the florist to write in the note ‘I have a question to ask you…’ Just as they’re looking very confused, walk in after the florist and get down on one knee with your ring. We guarantee you’ll get plenty of cheers from their work friends.
9. Valentine’s Day card with a difference
Who doesn’t love getting a card from their (not so secret) admirer on Valentine’s Day?
This year, set the romance stakes high by writing as many clues as you can; each one detailing where to find the next, ultimately leading to their Valentine’s Day card. You could even add reasons why you love them, some lovely Valentine’s Day quotes or a picture of special times you’ve shared together along with the clues on their search.
The trail of clues will eventually lead to the best surprise of all; the card which asks them to share the rest of their life with you.
10. Hide the ring in a box of chocolates
Sometimes thinking inside the box can work too, especially when there’s a chocolate box and an engagement ring involved. A cute Valentine’s proposal they’ll love, treat your other half to their favourite box of chocolates, open them up and replace a chocolate with their ring. You could even throw them off as you give them the chocolate box and say you’ve already opened them and helped yourself. They’ll get over it quite quickly as soon as they see the ring!
Share your proposal moment
We absolutely love to see your proposal pics. Don’t forget to share your engagement selfie with us on Instagram and tag @beaverbrooksthejewellers with #ByBeaverbrooks.
Credit@ @emmamerriman__ and @webermadie1
You might just see you and your loved one featured on our blog like these happy couples, or you might be featured on our Instagram stories.
Now you’ve got plenty of Valentine’s proposal ideas, we’ll help you make getting down on one knee as easy as possible. Find the perfect engagement ring with our Engagement Ring Buying Guide. For gifting inspiration, check out our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide or our Men’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.
Whether you’re planning a proposal, a beautiful jewellery gift, or are looking for jewellery and watches to celebrate your special moments, become a member of The Beaverbrooks Club and sign up to our email newsletter. You’ll be the first to hear about exclusive offers, rewards, and what’s new in the world of jewellery and watches.
Shop this story
