Weddings are supposed to be a moment to celebrate the union and love of one couple. So what’s with other couples capitalizing on this day to stage proposals of their own?
Is it romantic, or just plain inappropriate?
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It’s a debate that’s been raging for quite some time in wedding circles, however the discussion was recently reignited after an advice column appeared on Slate.com. The dilemma presented was of a bride who was angry that their best man — who was also their wedding officiant — decided to blindside her and her groom when he interrupted their ceremony to propose to his girlfriend.
Needless to say, social media had a lot to say about the alleged move made by the best man.
There doesn’t seem to be a consensus in sight online on the heated topic, but for wedding planner and expert Crystal Adair-Bening of Distinct Occasions in Toronto, it all depends on the couple and situation.
However, Adair-Benning does say that – in the end – it all depends on the couple who’s getting married, their feelings and the situation. That’s why it’s important to ask the couple before, rather than stealing the marrying couple’s thunder in a surprise proposal.
But before you go running to a marrying couple to spill your plans and ask for permission to pop your question, it’s best if you think up of a more original proposal idea that is tailored to your partner. That way the memory of your proposal will be more meaningful and rich.
Because, seriously, who’s to say your partner will even enjoy being proposed to at someone else’s wedding?
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“I think what actually makes a wedding proposal romantic and engaging is something that is very authentic and personal to the person you’re proposing to,” Adair-Benning says. “So if you’re proposing to somebody who is a big sports fan, maybe proposing to them at a Blue Jays game is really cool. But if they hate sports, that’s going to be awkward and weird to them. So you really have to take it into consideration on how your can make it as personal as possible.”
Adair-Benning admits that she, herself, is a fan of proposals that are intimate rather than public. So if that’s the route you’d like to take, Adair-Benning has a few suggestions.
Has anyone ever staged a proposal during your wedding? Did you think it was romantic or inappropriate? We’d like to hear your story.