Marriage proposal at home and in front of the family: Is it still done? And… what are the steps to follow?

Engagement at home with family: Is it still done? And... what are the steps to follow?

The marriage proposal is a very important tradition in couples that dates back to Roman times. In the past, the marriage proposal was done to seek the approval of the bride’s parents to marry their daughter. In this gathering, the groom would formally express his intention to marry their daughter in front of both families.

However, times have evolved and nowadays, the meaning of the marriage proposal has changed. It is more common for the proposal to be a private moment for the couple, and then the announcement is made to their families. Then, celebrating an engagement party is a great way to formalize and share the joy with loved ones.

So, if you are a traditional person, like to follow protocols, and love the idea of having a marriage proposal at home… you have come to the right place! In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about celebrating a formal marriage proposal in front of the family.

Let’s begin!

Wedding in Ibiza - Perfect Venue
Photo by Pablo Laguia

Where is the marriage proposal celebrated?

According to tradition, it is organized at the bride’s parents’ home, in the intimacy of their home, as it is important for it to be a place where everyone feels comfortable, free to speak, and where an atmosphere of love and harmony is created, as both families will come together with their union.

However, nowadays there is more freedom to plan something different. You can choose to do it at a restaurant, in a villa, or in a meaningful location.

A very original idea that is becoming increasingly popular is organizing a wine tasting or a weekend getaway to do activities together as a family. You will spend some very enjoyable moments, and your proposal will be unforgettable for everyone.

It is worth mentioning that whether you want to celebrate it at home or rent a private villa, we recommend having a private chef for your marriage proposal, as it is a great option so that nobody has to worry about preparing all the food, but everyone can still enjoy exquisite dishes.

Espacio ABC, Madrid

Who should be present?

In general and traditionally, the parents of the couple attend the engagement ceremony, but now more and more guests are being invited to this event. For example, siblings of both partners, grandparents who are like second parents, etc., can also join the engagement ceremony, so you can have whoever you want at your engagement.

What is the best time to hold it?

There is no specific moment according to tradition to plan this gathering, as the right time is when both of you want it. Some couples prefer to do it immediately after receiving the engagement ring, but it’s better not to rush so that you have time to plan everything calmly and have everything organized perfectly. 

Ideally, you should plan it two or three months in advance to organize and coordinate the schedules of the attendees.

Once everything is organized, at the location you have chosen and after enjoying a delicious dinner or meal accompanied by a glass of wine, it is the appropriate time to share the big news with your loved ones.

What words should be said?

It is expected that the groom will start with some words, but you can do it together. You can take the opportunity to thank your families for their support, advice, and the example they have set for forming a strong partnership and finding the love of your life, etc. The important thing is to speak from the heart.

Marriage proposal in Gerona - Perfect Venue
Photo via: Weddings and Events by Natalia Ortiz

What gifts are given?

The formality of the engagement ceremony and tradition dictates that gifts can be given after the proposal. These gifts should be different from the engagement ring, and can be a way to complement the details or make the ceremony more attractive, such as a watch, earrings, a necklace, cufflinks, etc.

How should one dress?

Engagement ceremonies are considered formal events, and guests should dress accordingly to show respect to the other attendees. For the groom, it is best to opt for garments such as a suit jacket and elegant and classic accessories. For the bride, it is ideal to attend with a short party dress or cocktail dress, or with an elegant and stylish suit with a blazer.

Who organizes the engagement ceremony?

Wherever, whoever, and however your engagement ceremony takes place, we always recommend hiring professionals so that you don’t have to do anything, forget about the stress of organizing an engagement ceremony, and can enjoy the entire process. That’s why nothing is better than a wedding planner.

At Perfect Venue, we help couples organize their engagement ceremony anywhere. We provide photography and videography services, assist with planning and decoration, and help couples from around the world celebrate their engagement ceremony with all the services they need and desire.

Photo by Rosa Garrido

We decorate the entire venue

Yes, our magical team of decorators will go to your home or your chosen location to transform it into a paradise. The best part is that the decoration is always to your liking, so we can decorate the space with natural flowers, candles, rose petals, a Christmas theme… always depending on what you want and your budget.

Just leave everything to us!

Everything ready for the arrival of your guests

Yes, when you arrive home, everything will be decorated, the chef cooking, the photographer capturing moments, the music playing… You just need to sit down with your guests, raise a toast with the wine or champagne we have prepared, and enjoy a meal before the big proposal!

Photographer and videographer for the moment

To remember the moments of your engagement, we always recommend hiring a professional photographer and videographer to capture your celebration in style, so you can relive it again and again.

You can’t say no to having a photo shoot of one of the biggest moments of your life!

In addition, if desired, we can also take care of lighting, sound, and entertainment…

As you know, we are at your service to listen to your dreams and desires, and to offer you the perfect plan to make all your dreams come true.

Marriage proposal Mallorca - Perfect Venue
Photo via: Weddings and Events by Natalia Ortiz

Some plans we offer:

Contact us now so we can get started with your engagement!

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