THERE will be more than ‘five gold rings’ being sung about this Christmas – as almost 800,000 Brits are set to propose over yuletide, research has found.
The figure came from a study which compiled the ‘rules of engagement’ when popping the question to your other half over the festive period. The poll found that one in 20 Brits are making plans to propose at Christmas or New Year – an estimated 789,775 people nationwide.
Lorna Haddon, diamond ring and jewellery buyer at Beaverbrooks the Jewellers, which commissioned the survey of 2,000 UK adults, said: “It’s true, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year and if you’re planning a proposal it couldn’t be a more romantic time to take the next step in your relationship.
“Novelty moves such as tying a beautiful ring to the collar of a pet, hanging it on the tree or dropping it in a champagne flute can all be fun, yet stand-out ways of popping the question. But as the results show, presenting a ring when it’s just the two of you will always be the ultimate truly romantic memory.’’
It’s a long time coming as one in ten wannabe-fiancés said they’ve been waiting for so long that this Christmas is their partner’s last chance to make it official between them.
Lorna continued: “It’s the most important question you’ll ever ask and so it’s important you sweep your other half off their feet. If you’re struggling to arrange the perfect proposal over the festive season, there’s no harm in asking your partner’s friends or family for their advice.
‘’And when it comes to picking a ring they’ll love, we understand that the prospect of choosing an engagement ring is enough to bring even the most jewellery-savvy out in a cold sweat which is why we have in-store specialists trained in suggesting the perfect piece for the special day.’’
A family run business, Beaverbrooks has been hand-selecting high quality diamonds, jewellery and watches since 1919, helping people celebrate life’s most significant moments for almost a century.
Top hints when proposing at Christmas:
DON’T
1. Blurt a proposal after too many drinks
2. Give the engagement ring as their only present
3 Propose during Eastenders, Dr.Who or the Queen’s speech
4. Pop the question during turkey preparation
5. Accidentally hide the ring in a plate served up to Gran
6. Arrange an elaborate stunt, such as a Christmas elf flash mob, unless you know they’d like it
7. Tell everybody so that your partner is the last to know
DO
1. Get their parent’s permission
2. Find out whether they’d like a private or public proposal
3. Gauge what their ring style is before buying
4. Have them open the ring as a Christmas present
5. Keep the ring in a different hiding place to the presents
6. Consider whether they’d want a Christmas Day proposal
7. Make sure the receipt for the ring is well hidden
8. If you’re going to propose over the family dinner, let their parents know first
9. Wait for the perfect moment
10. Use a romantic setting such as a log fire, out in the snow or over dinner
For further information on Beaverbrooks the Jewellers log onto www.beaverbrooks.co.uk.