The holidays are widely known in the wedding industry as “proposal season” and it’s not without reason! The joy in the atmosphere, the love of being surrounded by family, the mountain of memories both past and future—it’s a beautiful time of year and the perfect time to propose to your partner. Here are some unique ideas that are sure to create lasting memories that will rival your wedding itself:
For those who celebrate Christmas, an advent calendar scavenger hunt is one of my favorite ideas. Fill the days leading up to Christmas with sentimental, heartfelt clues and gifts and treats, with the final gift being the ring. This is a fun way to incorporate memories and mementos from your relationship in a way that shows your partner how they’ve influenced your life and how you can’t wait to continue adding new moments.
Wrap the ring box as the eighth gift of Hannukah, or propose in a special moment after the lighting of the menorah. Focus your gifts prior on themes of light and togetherness, then bask in the warmth of the candlelight as you promise a life of devotion and commitment to each other.
One setup on my bucket list for a Kwanzaa proposal is a ring box presented on a beautiful mkeka alongside gifts that fit the sentiment of a future of abundance together. This is also a wonderful opportunity to incorporate gifts that align with the Nguzo Saba (seven principles) and get creative with incorporating something meaningful to your relationship with each one. And because Kwanzaa is so deeply rooted in family and community, consider getting family and friends involved in the planning process or even the proposal itself!
To start the New Year off with a bang, propose as the countdown ends and celebrate with those around you! Or, if you plan to celebrate in a more intimate way, pitch the idea of each of you creating a slideshow of your favorite moments together throughout the past year. Then you can end yours with a slide that reads “When we got engaged!” and drop down on one knee to make the memory in real time.
If you aren’t celebrating any holiday in particular, come up with a new tradition that you can carry on through the years. From baking a special cake and cuddling up to watch movies, to decorating your house with a theme of your choice, starting a new tradition is so fun and personal. And there’s sure to be a moment to sneak the ring in for the ultimate surprise!
Here’s a pro tip: Reflecting on your relationship as you set up a holiday proposal will help you so much with writing your proposal speech! The memories and feelings that fill the moment will influence your words and make your speech all the more personal, so pay attention as you plan and take notes on what you’re feeling and hoping for along the way. If you want mroe advice on this, check out my comprehensive proposal speech guide here.
I hope these holiday proposal ideas sparked your creativity! If you’re ready to book before the holidays so I can capture this magical holiday proposal moment, reach out ASAP. I can’t wait to work with you!
Amber is a Wedding and Elopement Photographer who is available in Las Vegas and beyond for travel for elopements and weddings. Send in a contact form through the link above to schedule your free consultation.
A sweet rooftop proposal overlooking the Las Vegas skyline at sunset, photographed by Las Vegas proposal photographer Amber Garrett Photography.