"We were just lying there, going to sleep. I looked over at her, and I said, 'Hey, we might be real good married. Wassup? You wanna marry me?' Unplanned. No ring. Not the classic proposal. She said yes."
- Will Smith, actor, on proposing without a ring to his wife.
Wedding customs are changing with the times. Some traditions are simply obsolete now, while others are changing, and expanding for the better.
Many people are now proposing without a ring box, hiding them in food items, toys, and other props. Many others are finding new and creative ways to propose that don't involve a ring at all.
Is it okay to be proposing without a ring?
If you are wonder is it wrong or out of the norm to propose without a ring, rest assured that it is completely okay to do so. Couples are increasingly looking for fun and creative ways to pop the question to their significant other that may not involve going down on one knee with a ring.
There have been discussions over the years if the traditional approach to proposing is unfair to both men and women in some ways.
A proposal without a ring helps you avoid all such issues and simply focus on what matters the most: your love for your partner. You can marry your partner without a ring as well. A ring is completely optional.
Proposing without a ring is also helpful when you know your partner would like to choose an engagement piece of their liking. Or you simply want to go shopping for it together instead of it being a one-sided affair.
Ideas for proposing without a ring
Get creative and choose methods that reflect your partner's personality, your bond with them, and your shared interests. Here are a few ideas to help you craft the perfect proposal:
1. Get musical
If you are musically inclined, this may be a good opportunity to put your skills to good use. Write a song for your significant other to let them know what they mean to you, what you love about them, and what you envision your life to be together.
Pop the question in the song. If you feel up to it, you can even put up a musical performance with the help of your friends and family. Make it an experience your partner will never forget.
2. Write it out
You don't have to be a writer for this one. You simply have to be honest and sincere about your feelings for your partner.
Write your feelings in the form of a letter. It's something they can cherish forever. It can be as long or short as you desire. You can get crafty with its decoration as well.
If you feel a little adventurous, try crafting a poem for them. It doesn't have to be perfect, your partner is sure to see the effort you put into the gesture.
3. A scrapbook dedicated to your love
Instead of gifting your partner one or two mementos of love, why not give them a whole book dedicated to your love? A scrapbook about your pictures, little tokens of love, and memories is the perfect way to propose.
It will take them down memory lane with a promise of a future together. It will also reflect the effort that you put into the proposal. Don't forget to leave some pages blank for the new memories you will create together in the future.
4. A romantic gesture
Show your partner how dedicated you are to them and a future together by committing to something permanent. It can be purchasing a house together, or adopting a pet they always wanted. You can also donate to a cause they are passionate about.
Alternatives to engagement rings
If you or your partner do want to have a ring proposal, after all, take a look at some alternatives for rings. They work just like an engagement ring as they are something to wear around your finger and a token of your love.
1. Make it yourself
Who says you cannot DIY your proposal? Make a ring on your own for your partner. You may need some professional help in this if you aren't too familiar with working with tools. This gives an actual ring to go with a traditional proposal. You may keep this one forever or use it as a placeholder until you pick a ring of choice.
2. Ring tattoos
Proposing without a ring is not your thing? Express your love with ink. Tattoos, especially ring tattoos, are quite popular. If you and your partner enjoy getting tattoos, consider getting rings inked on your fingers.
This gives you something you can both indulge in, rather than just the woman. Besides, you don't have to worry about losing them or having to give them back. It also demonstrates your commitment to your relationship.
Proposing to a man without a ring
Monica on Friends (1994-2004) did it decades ago. She went down on one knee before he could do it for her. Though she did do it with a ring. You don't have to do that.
As we discussed above, traditional proposals put some strain on both men and women. Women are often left wondering if and how they can propose to their boyfriends.
The methods discussed above work just as well to propose to men. You don't need a ring to propose to men, as they don't receive one traditionally. Watches, however, have been a popular choice in a female-forward proposal.
In conclusion
At the end of the day, it's about what works best for you and your partner. You don't have to break the bank if you are not financially capable to buy your partner a ring. Find a creative way for you to be proposing without a ring.
Conversely, you can absolutely go with a ring proposal that is as old as time if that's what you want. If you are looking for simple engagement pieces, take a look at our stunning collection to make your pick.
To make things easier, here is a great proposal question: Will you marry me? Let's choose a ring together.
