How to Plan the Perfect Proposal

If you are thinking about asking your partner to marry you, the first question you are thinking about is probably 'Where should I propose?'. And that's a great place to start! Think about what is special to you both as a couple, do you both love the romance of a night away in a hotel, or maybe you are foodies and would love to ask after a delicious meal or over a cocktail? Think about the time of year too, does your partner love Christmas and the snow, or maybe they love the sunshine and summer.

Do you have a ring? Rather a crucial part of the proposal is the ring! Keep the ring safe and hidden from your partner until you are ready to ask. Maybe you'll keep it in a bag or suitcase? And don't worry if you get the wrong size, often jewellers will let you return with your partner to select the correct size providing it hasn't been worn. This isn't the case with bespoke items and you'll have to check with your jewellers on this.

You've made it this far, but now you need to think about what to say! Will you say a few words or will you get straight to it? At this moment, your mind may go a little blank with the anticipation of what is about to happen, so go with the flow and say what you feel!

If you'd like to get some ideas and prepare in advance, here are some potential lines you could use:

• I want to spend forever with you, will you marry me?
• My life wouldn't be the same without you, will you marry me?
• I've loved you since the moment I met you, will you marry me?

Take a minute to think about what it is about your partner you love and why you want to marry them, and that will lead you in the right direction.

The magic of a proposal is that it's completely unexpected! Imagine the look on your partner's face when you present the ring and 'pop' the question. Try not to tell too many people so the secret stays secret (excluding the parents if you are planning to ask for permission!).

We've asked those who have been there and proposed their tips for asking someone to marry you.

• Don't tell too many people of your plans to keep it a secret
• Think about what you are going to wear, if you are wearing tight trousers, a ring box will show in your pocket! If you are set on the outfit, transport the ring in something else.
• Don't drink too much beforehand if you are feeling nervous
• If they wear a ring regularly, try and get an idea of the sizing. (You can buy ring measures online)

When you've just become engaged, you'll want to celebrate straight away! If you are staying in a hotel, why not arrange a cold bottle of bubbly or organise some rose petals scattered on the bed.

Maybe you'd like to celebrate with an engagement party? We've seen amazing moments where a couple has gotten engaged and afterwards, both of their families are waiting for them to surprise and congratulate the couple!

This is something you could do at Old Thorns and arrange for your families and friends to be waiting in the Atrium Cocktail Bar or Sports Bar to celebrate.

Over the years we have seen beautiful proposals here at our romantic countryside resort, from popping the question under the Christmas tree to asking during a glamping experience or whilst dining in our beautiful Kings Restaurant, we love seeing proposals!

If you are looking for the right venue in Hampshire to propose, we certainly could be it, and the magic could continue further into your story as we host beautiful weddings here too.

Thinking about proposing at Old Thorns? Send our reservations team a message and they'll help you with room bookings, adding on a romance package, a bottle of bubbles in the room and dinner reservations.