Proposing without a ring? Here are a few alternatives to help express your feelings

The rules of love aren’t set in stone. And this might be a controversial opinion, but proposing without a ring is quite normal. You have to remember that it is more about the moment you and your partner decide to take your relationship to the next level and less about the piece of jewellery that comes with it. While it is an important aspect of wedding proposals, there could be many reasons why people choose to avoid a ring. Maybe they want to keep things low-key, have financial issues, or maybe a ring is just not their vibe. Either way, we don’t judge. Now, should you choose to not have a ring during the proposal, here are a couple of alternatives that would make the occasion special.

First things first, ensure that your partner wants the same thing as you. While you might want to have a proposal without a ring, it’s best to discuss it with your partner. For most people, a proposal is incomplete without an engagement ring. You don’t want the absence of a ring to be the reason why your proposal is remembered (and for all the wrong reasons). 

Pen down the way your heart feels on a letter 

Proposals involve a lot of planning to make it special and perfect. If you and your partner are all about sentimental gestures, writing a simple love letter is incredibly special and thoughtful. Pour your heart out on paper and let your partner know all the reasons why you want to spend the rest of your life with them. It’s a timeless gesture that both of you will cherish fondly. If you’re not good with words, get a professional poet to write a personalised poem—just tell them how you feel about your loved one and they’ll take care of the rest.

Propose with a different type of jewellery 

Just because you and/or your partner don’t want a ring, it doesn’t mean you can’t resort to other pieces of jewellery. It could be something they wear daily such as a necklace, bracelet, pendants, earrings, or a watch, which could be a more practical and preferred option. Remember, it’s not the ring that makes the proposal. It’s best to give them something that they want, love, and will wear. Just ensure that it’s sentimental or symbolic—a locket with a photo of you two, a design that holds a certain meaning, a watch that represents the wonderful time that you’ve spent together, etc. 

It runs in the family

Who said you need to shop or head to a jewellery store to get your proposal right. A family heirloom, for example, your mother’s necklace, bracelet, bangles, or something that your grandmother gifted your mother when she got married is one of the most meaningful pieces of jewellery you could use when you propose to your partner. Proposing with a piece that has been passed down generations tells your partner that you want them to be part of your family. Marriage is not just about two people, it’s the union of two families, and choosing an heirloom is a great way to say that. 

Plan a romantic trip

If you or your partner value experiences over materialistic items, then proposing on a trip is a great idea. It could be a place that either they or both of you always dreamt of visiting. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and celebrate getting married! 

Put together a scrapbook or photo-album

Gestures that are personal and straight from the heart are the best. You could gather images of you and your partner over the years, restaurant receipts or movie tickets from your dates, love letters, etc and creat a collage for them. Furthermore, you could pen down all the reasons why you love them and compile it along with the pictures and memories. Save the best for the last and write, ‘Will you marry me?’

Write it in the sky 

For those who want to go down the unconventional route, let the world look up to how much you love your partner in the most literal way. Hiring a skywriting service to write your proposal in the sky is a fun and memorable way to ask for their hand in marriage. 

Lead image: Pexels

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Also read: 6 low-key ways to propose if a public proposal is not your thing