Every man goes through a mental checklist before popping the question to the woman he wants to spend his life with:
- Beautiful and smart fiancee? Check.
- Stunning diamond engagement ring that she will love? Check.
- Perfect setting to pop the question? Hmmm.
Planning out a proposal is important, because it is a moment that the couple will remember for the rest of their lives. Luckily, there are some tried and true methods for asking The Big Question. A restaurant proposal is a go-to favourite for many reasons, including the fact that women like the idea. According to The Knot.com, 31% of women said they’d like a proposal at their favourite restaurant–or one they’ve always wanted to try. Luckily, for us in Melbourne, a new cafe or restaurant opens up every week (the number has jumped from 1,551 in 2006 to 2,385 ten years later). And with so many unique restaurants to choose from in Melbourne, there has to be a perfect restaurant for every couple.
If you are planning a culinary proposal, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Recruiting the Experts
Restaurant owners know a thing or two about how to make popping the question special. When you make the reservation, let them know what you are planning. They should be able to give you a special table in a secluded corner if you want intimacy — or put you in the middle of the dining room if you want everyone there to share in your joy. Ask whether they can provide your fiancee-to-be’s favourite flowers on the table and make sure that they have a bottle of champagne well-chilled for the celebration after she says “yes.” Don’t be shy about asking for special services — proposals put the other diners in a good mood, give the restaurant an aura of romance, and thus are good for business.
Forget the Funny Food Tricks
Although hiding a diamond ring in your beloved’s food may seem like a good idea, put it out of your mind. The chances of disaster are too high. What if she takes a bite of food with the diamond? Your honeymoon fund could be diverted for dental work. The engagement ring could be put in the wrong order and mysteriously disappear. Putting the ring at the bottom of a glass of champagne is also a terrible idea. The only way to get it out would be either to drink the champagne, creating a choking hazard, or pour it out, and thereby wasting, a delicious glass of bubbly.
On the other hand, if she has a favorite dish, it would be a romantic gesture to have the restaurant prepare it for her (even if it’s not on the menu), especially if they can upgrade some of the ingredients, such as substituting regular mushrooms for truffles.
Timing Is Everything
All the experts agree that the best time to propose is just before dessert. A classic presentation is for the waiter to bring the diamond ring in its box on the dessert tray. By waiting until the end of the meal, a successful proposal will top off a beautiful romantic evening. If the young lady should refuse, however, then the dinner can quickly be brought to a close, shortening the embarrassment for everyone.
If you and your beloved have discussed marriage, making you certain that the answer will be yes, then another nice touch is to have family and friends in the wings to share in the happy moment. If the restaurant is large enough, loved ones can be seated out of sight until the ring is out of the box and on the bride-to-be’s finger. At that point, the waiters can let them know the coast is clear and the celebration can begin.
Take a look at our favourite Melbourne Locations to celebrate at after receiving your engagement ring.
If you need inspiration for your unique proposal, whether it be the perfect diamond engagement ring or ideas for places to propose, get in touch today.