Ah, the festivities are here! A time for mulled wine, questionable family board games, and the annual debate: Is proposing marriage over Christmas or New Year’s a romantic gesture or a recipe for holiday chaos?
First, let’s address the elephant in the room (no, not the inflatable Santa in your neighbour’s yard). Proposing during the festive period is both classic and risky. It’s a bit like attempting to bake a soufflé after a few glasses of eggnog—it can go beautifully or collapse dramatically.
Why the Holidays Are a Prime Proposing Time
- Mood: Everyone’s already feeling the love (or at least tolerating the love in between family squabbles). Twinkling lights and champagne help too.
- Convenience: Everyone’s gathered in one place, perfect for sharing the news with a ready-made audience. Bonus points if Aunt Mildred doesn’t monopolise the conversation with tales of her 1973 engagement.
- Double Up on Gifts: A ring counts as the gift and the proposal, right? Just kidding… sort of.
The Pitfalls of Proposing Over Christmas
- It’s Not Just About You
You’re about to make Grandma’s fudge recipe take a backseat to your big announcement, not to mention the dinner someone has slaved over since 6am – They might not forgive you until Easter. - Holiday Stress
December is already a pressure cooker of emotions. Are you ready to throw in an engagement bombshell? - “When’s the Wedding?”
If you think you’ll have time to revel in your engagement, think again. Your great-uncle will already be asking whether you’re going buffet or plated for the reception.
Contacting Your Celebrant Early
If you do decide to pop the question, and the answer is a joyful “Yes!” (with perhaps a happy tear or two), don’t let the festive fog delay the next steps. Celebrants book up faster than the good mince pies disappear. Whether you’re eyeing a casual garden ceremony or a funky warehouse vibe, reach out ASAP to secure your date. You wouldn’t want to find yourself walking down the aisle on a Tuesday morning just because that was all that was left.
Planning a Laid-Back, Bespoke Wedding
If the thought of a cookie-cutter wedding sends shivers down your spine, fear not! You can keep things chill without sacrificing style:
- Venue: Think unique but easygoing. A beach? A backyard? That quirky café where you had your first date?
- Food: Skip the elaborate sit-down dinner for food trucks or a grazing table. Less formality, more personality!
- Decor: Tap into your inner Pinterest queen—or king—and get crafty. Bonus: you can involve your soon-to-be in-laws to “bond” over glitter and hot glue.
Festive Period Proposing Done Right
If you’re determined to make your engagement part of the holiday cheer, here’s how to keep it fun and stress-free:
- Keep It Personal: Don’t let Rudolph steal the spotlight. Propose in a way that’s meaningful to you two—not just what looks good on Instagram.
- Blend the Festivities: Incorporate subtle holiday vibes into the moment. A mistletoe proposal? Cute. Writing “Will you marry me?” in icing on cookies? Adorable (and tasty). Dressing your cat as Cupid with a ring tied to its collar? Okay, maybe too far.
- Celebrate Minimally: Avoid turning your engagement into a full-blown holiday extravaganza. It’s about the promise you’re making, not how many fairy lights you can squeeze into the background.
Wrapping It Up (Pun Absolutely Intended)
So, should you propose over Christmas or New Year’s? Only if you’re ready for a whirlwind of holiday emotions, endless well-wishers, and possibly sharing your spotlight with a roast turkey. But hey, love is worth it, right?
And when you’re ready to turn that “Yes!” into “I do,” remember to prioritise your happiness. Whether it’s a laid-back wedding or just keeping your holidays as bespoke and low-pressure as possible, this season—and your engagement—should feel authentically you.
Now, pass the mulled wine. You’ve got a proposal to plan!
Written with the help of Chat GPT, and a cheeky glass of wine 🙂
