These Proposal Trends will change the way you approach this romantic milestone.
No matter what kind of person you are or where you are in the world, an engagement is an unforgettable experience. Today, people are going beyond the simple format of a bended knee and sentimental words. According to online publication, theknot.com, the top proposal trends of 2022 are becoming more of a team effort than ever before. With less attention to tradition and gender roles, proposals now focus more on making a joint commitment, together.
Now, expect proposals to become more collaborative and a highly personalized, creative expression of love and evolution.
Whether you are currently planning your proposal or considering taking the next step, here are some trends to consider and what to expect from this emotional milestone.
1. The location : outdoor and make it insta-worthy
The place has become just as important as the proposal. Whether it is an international city or where you shared your first date, the spot of engagement plays an integral role. The specifics are personal to the couple, but the trend is to make it as instagram-worthy as possible. To share in the spectacle of this important moment and celebrate in the most stunning backdrop.
According to a 2021 Jewelry & Engagement Study, which surveyed over 5,000 recently-engaged couples, “nearly 75% of all proposals took place outdoors, compared to just 40% in 2020. While the at-home proposal certainly skyrocketed amid the pandemic, 2021 proved that couples were eager to travel and get back outside again, a trend we predict to continue into 2022.”
And as countries are opening back up and travel restrictions are loosening, couples are taking advantage of this new freedom. And what better way to propose than in an exciting location, a beautiful backdrop, and embarking on an adventure with the one you love.
2. Personalize it
Every proposal is deeply personal, but the traditional elements of getting down on one knee, having a loved one present, a surprise, or a speech all depend on the person and their preferences. In 2022, we expect to see a lot more creativity and hyper-personalized declarations of love than ever before. Now more than ever, people want their proposal to feel special and authentic to their relationship.
“Pre-pandemic, a lot of people would associate proposals with elaborate displays of affection such as public declarations, piles of flowers, or expensive dinners,” Pia Samson, Print Templates Creative Lead for Canva told The Knot. “But as we adapt to the new normal, so do our personal relationships. It’s drawn our attention to what matters most and that’s intimacy, authenticity, and connection. And with that comes the realization that thoughtful, personalized touches can be just as meaningful as grand gestures.”
Samson reports that Canva—a creative site used for graphics and designs—has seen a spike in users making customized props (like photo books, cards or mugs) for their proposals. “As married couples continue on their journey together, it’s wonderful to be able to reminisce about where it all began. Planning a personalized proposal is definitely a trend that’s here to stay.”
3. Collaborative Ring Designs
The tradition of surprise and secrecy is being left behind for the new trend of collaboration. Couples today are designing the ring together and making this process a creative and intimate activity to do as a unit. Engagement rings are now reflections of intentionality and deeply personal expressions of the person wearing it.
4. Expect the Unexpected
Although we see the surprise being removed from the ring design and selection, that doesn’t mean the element of surprise of the proposal is lost. Couples are still reveling in the magic of the grand gesture and planning lavish productions to pop the question. Now more than ever, people are enlisting the help of pros to make this moment into a memorable event. Whether it is a production to help create the setting, a photographer to capture it all, or additional vendors to elevate the experience into a lavish display.
Although this can come with some stress and pressure, the most important element is that it feels authentic and genuine. There is no wrong way to propose, it just needs to feel right for you.
5. Partnership Proposals
As our cultural trends are becoming more progressive and roles are as fluid as ever before, so are proposals. Now more than ever (particularly with younger demographics), we are seeing partnership proposals. After one person proposes, it is now common for the other person to propose shortly after (maybe even right after, or on the same day). In fact, male engagement rings are rising in popularity every year. Engagement bands and rings are displays of love to be shared as a partnershi just as much as the marriage itself.
