One tradition that some young couples are breaking away from is the man presenting his bride-to-be with a traditional engagement ring. In fact, many young millennial couples are opting for non-traditional rings, or having shared experiences as a way of proposing and marking the relationship milestone. If you’re one of these types of couples, here are alternatives ways you can get them to say yes.
- Get them a Home
A good way to propose and show your fiancée how serious you are about spending the rest of your life with them is by making a downpayment on a home. You can make a ritual of the proposal by taking them to the house you put money on, then go down on one knee to propose, if you’re an incurable romantic. Instead of the ring, have the realtor present to show you around your soon-to-be home.
- Get Custom Engagement Rings
Consider alternatives like custom engagement rings you can get in Salt Lake City. Custom engagement rings can be better than traditional ones, since you can choose a more unusual band, setting, stone, or all three. As you don’t have to get a traditional diamond that can cost more, this can make for engagement rings that are both practical and unique. You don’t have to completely break with tradition, just make the exchange more personal and meaningful.
- Get Something Sweet… for now
If getting that engagement ring right now is difficult due to money matters, you can give her or him a “stand-in ring” with a promise that you’ll get your fiancée a real rock later. Give them the biggest Ring Pop you can find in the flavor they like. As long as you don’t put off getting the real one for too long, this can be will a sweet gesture and not a cop-out.
- Get them a Pet
Another way of proposing without the traditional ring is to give them a cute puppy or kitten. You can choose the pet ahead of your proposal, or take them to an animal shelter to pick a pooch or pussycat they like. With the new pet in your hands, get down on one knee and pop the question. Yes, it is somewhat manipulative to use cute animals this way, but all is fair in love.
- Take them on a Trip
If your spouse-to-be is the adventurous type, make the proposal with a couple of plane tickets to a destination that offers exciting activities like kayaking, rock-climbing, or surfing. To heighten the excitement, don’t show them the destination but drop hints as to what activities await as soon as you get there.
There’s no rule that stops you from giving the traditional engagement ring and embellishing your proposal with more items and/or a fun activity. There’s also no rule that says you can’t modify the traditional ring, get a customized one, or use a different piece of jewelry or item to mark your engagement. Ultimately, your basis for picking the right item and getting them to say “yes” should be what best symbolizes the love you have for each other.