Quarantine proposal ideas
Travel
Did you have dreams of popping the question in front of the Eiffel Tower? Or maybe you were planning a road trip to some of your favorite national parks and were going to ask your partner there. Since we’re all traveling less these days, why not bring the travel to you by recreating a homemade version of your ideal destination?
You could turn your patio into a Parisian cafe, complete with bistro lights, a delicious spread of French food, and a hand drawn “view” of the Eiffel Tower. Or, transform your living room into your national park camping spot by setting up your tent, gathering all of your houseplants around it, and playing nature sounds.
Take a hike!
Here in Portland, we’re lucky enough to live close to hundreds of beautiful hikes! There are many great outdoor proposal locations in the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood, as well as in the city, like Forest Park or Powell Butte. You’ll have your pick of hikes with stunning views (Angel’s Rest, Cape Horn, Ramona Falls, and Trillium Lake are a few of our favorites), but remember to go early! Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, our Portland-area trails have been busy.
Go to the beach
Even though our beaches here in Oregon aren’t the bright, sunny, sandy beaches we’re all used to seeing on TV, they have their own distinct and beautiful atmosphere. The clouds, rain, or fog make for a memorable setting, and the Oregon Coast boasts a plethora of breathtaking backdrops perfect for a proposal. A few spots we love include: Oswald West State Park, Haystack Rock, Cape Meares, The Oregon Dunes Of course, you and your partner probably have a favorite spot of your own! Don’t forget to consider it when you’re making your proposal plan.
Zoom with the family
Perhaps you simply can’t imagine your friends and family missing the moment, and know your partner wouldn’t want them to either. If that’s the case, consider a virtual proposal. A family Zoom (or Skype, or FaceTime, etc.) call is a wonderful excuse, allowing you to get ready for the proposal while your partner is distracted with the call.
Gather memories
You’re planning to spend the rest of your lives together — so why not take the proposal as an opportunity to look back on some of your best memories together so far? Once you’ve chosen your location, you could decorate it with pictures, polaroids, notes and keepsakes you have collected over the course of your relationship to create a moment that is special and uniquely yours.
Quarantine Proposal Inspiration
Read Trisha and Nick’s engagement story!
What to do before the proposal
Once you and your partner are both on the same page about getting married, you can get on with planning your ideal proposal! But before you get down on one knee, there are a few things you’ll want to accomplish.
1. Find out what kind of ring your partner likes
Choosing a ring for your partner can be a daunting task. Over the years, our team at Malka Diamonds has helped hundreds of clients find the perfect engagement ring. Here’s what we’d recommend:
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Think about your partner’s personal style. What’s their fashion and jewelry style? Do they have certain colors or shapes they are more drawn to? What about a strong preference for vintage vs. modern?
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Try “just browsing”. While this might be harder to do during the COVID-19 pandemic, you could virtually browse through engagement rings online or through virtual appointments to see what your partner likes.
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Ask your partner. If all else fails, simply ask your partner what they would like in an engagement ring.
2. Find and buy the engagement ring
Once you have a good idea of the type of ring you’re looking for, it’s time to start your search. We’ve written a lot about buying engagement rings on our blog in the past. Here are a few posts to help you get started:
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How to Choose a Diamond Engagement Ring
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Questions to Ask When Buying an Engagement Ring
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8 Reasons to Buy Your Ring at a Local Jewelry Store
When you work with our expert team at Malka Diamonds, we’ll get to know you, your needs, and help you find the best ring possible. As you begin your engagement ring search, please feel free to reach out to us with questions any time!
3. Pick a location
Now that you’ve gotten the ring squared away, it’s time to pick a location. When choosing a location, consider:
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Does it have meaning to your relationship?
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Does it match up with both of your personal interests?
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Will there be a lot of people there?
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Does it have room for a photographer? (if needed)
Once you’ve narrowed it down, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan as well, in case the weather is bad or it ends up being the wrong environment in the moment.
4. Plan for rain
If you’ve opted for an outdoor proposal, make sure to keep the possibility (and likelihood) of rain in mind. If it does start raining at your spot, will your proposal plan still work? We personally think a little rain can add a charming and memorable twist to a traditional proposal. But in case the location won’t work with the rain, it’s a good idea to have a plan B ready.
5. Practice beforehand
It might seem simple — but when the moment comes, saying the words and pulling out the ring will probably be accompanied by a serious case of nerves. That’s why it’s a good idea to practice beforehand, so you can get an idea of what you want to say and when you want to say it.
If you are planning to propose in front of friends or family virtually, or have a photographer snap photos from a distance, practicing beforehand helps you prepare them too so they won’t miss the moment, or reveal anything before it’s time.
6. Make a plan to celebrate afterwards
At this point, you’ve likely put in a lot of time and energy into planning your proposal. But another good thing to think about is what will happen immediately after the proposal. The way you choose to round out the moment can be something simple, like getting takeout from your favorite restaurant, or something bigger, like a virtual party with your friends and family when you get home. Either way, planning a small celebration afterwards further helps cement the special moment.
COVID-19 Proposal Inspiration
Read Ashley and Ryan’s engagement story!
Here to help you (safely) find the perfect ring
At Malka Diamonds, our team takes a lot of pride in helping you find the perfect ring for your fiance. Our full-service boutique offers specially curated classic and vintage rings as well as an incredible collection of diamonds
We’ve loved seeing how our clients are still able to express their love and commitment despite the limitations of the pandemic. And even in the midst of these interesting times, we’re here to safely and responsibly help you help you with all of your engagement ring needs.
Contact us today to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.