The Best Locations Rings For A Summer Proposal

The Best Locations & Rings For A Summer Proposal

Summer is here, love is in the air, and wedding season has arrived. You found the one, you’ve decided to ask, and now you have to decide where to ask, how to ask, and most importantly, to pick out the ring for your perfect summer proposal.

Diamond engagement ring

Getting engaged is a moment you’ll never forget. Everything has to be perfect, from the setting to the story, and of course the ring. This is a story you, your family, and your friends will be telling until your wedding day and beyond. 

Whether you jet off to Paris, do it at dinner, or make it a family affair, we are here to help you pick the perfect place and the perfect engagement ring for your dream summer proposal. 

Destination Proposal Tips

They say go big or go home, and you’ve decided to go big.  You’ve got a special trip planned, so let’s make it the vacation of a lifetime. Let’s start with a few tips to ensure it is the most epic yes!

Propose early. Don’t spend the entire trip being a nervous nelly, instead, start your vacation off with a bang.

Practice, practice, practice. Prepare what you are going to say ahead of time. You WILL be nervous, so rehearsing what you say will ease some of the stress.

Do your homework. No matter if you are going for romance, quirk, or privacy, make sure you have researched your location. Proposing will be difficult if you are amidst a sea of tourists if there’s another event taking place, or gasp, your location is closed! Take out the guesswork and take out the stress.

Trick them into it. Everyone should be dressed for the occasion. Nails did, hair did, everything did…right? So a little white lie here is OK. Plan a fake outing with a dress code similar to what you would like the big question to be. Going for glam? Fake an opera night. You get the idea.

Pics or it didn’t happen. You’ve gone through all this trouble. Make sure it is documented. Hire a photographer to document the moment. Remember, the more isolated and private, the harder incorporating a photograph will be. Hire a pro and you’re sure to come up with a master plan no matter the scenario.

Celebrate. You’ve asked, and they said yes! (Congrats by the way!) Have something on hand to celebrate. A bottle of champagne, their favorite cookies, or reservations at their favorite restaurant.

Check out these halo engagement rings that will stop them in their tracks!

Engagement ring

Private Locations For A Private Moment

This is a huge moment between two people. If you want your proposal to be something for JUST the two of you, then pick a private location. Does that mean no one else can be around? Of course not. It just requires some research. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  1. New York, New York. We know what you’re thinking, New York?! Privacy?! Actually yes! This iconic city is so sizable, so large, that you are sure to find a private spot. A romantic picnic, a private stroll, or grabbing a view of the unforgettable New York City skyline, are just a few ideas.
  1. Pagosa Springs, Colorado. These hot springs ooze romance. With multiple secluded spots and a gorgeous natural background of mountains and forests, give your partner a piece of ice hotter than any spring in the state.
  1. Isle of Skye, Scotland. You’ll feel as if you are in a fairy tale at this gorgeous location that feels straight out of your fantasies. As beautiful as it is private, jump into the pools of the cascading river to celebrate….if you dare!
  1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia. You don’t get much more private…or romantic than the bungalows of Bora Bora. Take an intoxicating vacation to the next level by popping the ultimate question.

These engagement rings sparkle so bright they will light up the night sky!

Engagement ring

Budget Conscientious Proposals

Your proposal is a special moment, but that does not mean it has to be an expensive one. Sometimes simple is best. Or maybe, you want the ring to have all the budget! Either way, check out some of these ideas for a great summer proposal that will be easy on your wallet.

Summer Proposal At The Beach

Most public beaches are free, and if you manage to find free parking even better! Go for sunset (or if you’re an early bird, sunrise). The sand, the water, the view, and you! Write it in the sand or celebrate by frolicking in waves, you just can’t ask for a better spot!

Propose At Your Local Park

Being out in nature and enjoying the summer breeze is about as cute as it gets. Being somewhere familiar will make it feel like home. So pack a picnic and make a day of it (make sure to pack it yourself so you can hide the ring!). Find a secluded spot, snuggle under your favorite tree, or have fun on the swings. Your local park is the perfect spot to create a million-dollar summer proposal for mere pennies on the dollar.

Have Your Proposal At A National Park

National parks are not only beautiful, but they are also affordable too. Choose one with free entry for the utmost frugality. But don’t worry, if your chosen national park has an entry fee, it will be minimal and only exist to help support the park. Feel the romance of nature when you pop the question. The beautiful, awe-inspiring geological features of national parks make them a perfect, economically conscientious scene to ask the most beautiful of questions.

Picture Your Summer Proposal On A Scenic Drive

Fancy a drive? Beauty is literally all around you. For this summer proposal, all you need is a bit of gas in your tank and the open road. We recommend getting your car cleaned first (fast food wrappers have a tendency to take away the romance) and pulling over (no distracted driving here!). This proposal is low cost, high intimacy, and all romance. Pick your spot and head out on the open road.

Check out these solitaire engagement rings that are so beautiful you’ll forget they don’t break the bank.

Solitaire engagement ring

Make It A Family Affair

If you and your partner are very family-oriented or maybe mom is their best friend, perhaps they have a gaggle of cousins who are just always around? More and more people are making their proposals a family affair. After all, they say you don’t just marry the person, you marry the whole family.

Having the family involved can be VERY helpful. They can help with everything from the ring all the way through to the big moment. Mom can find out the ring size, Dad can insist they come to your desired location, big sis can find out what styles they love….and hate! And baby brother can record it all on his new phone.

Not only will having the family involved let them know you have their family’s blessing, but your partner will also appreciate having the people who love them most around for their biggest moment.

Whether it’s a family dinner, a family vacation, or maybe the family pops up out of nowhere, having family around for such an important moment can make it that much more meaningful.

Here are some pavé engagement rings the family is sure to approve of and will make amazing selfies with your family furbaby!

Pavé engagement rings

Proposals Fit For Royalty

They are royalty to you so make them feel like a monarch for a day. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  1. Roses Are Red. For a romantic summer proposal, we suggest you fill the room with their favorite flower. Whether it’s roses or lilies, fill the room from top to bottom with their favorite petals. The scent will be gorgeous, the scene unforgettable, it will be a moment fit for royalty.
  1. I’m On A Boat. Summer proposals and boats? we think yes! Something about being ferried on a boat feels simply regal. Oh captain! Take us towards the sunset! Go for the wine and cheese package (if offered – if not BYOW&C) and amidst the luxury of the moment, present them with a diamond engagement ring just as elegant.
  1. Viva Italia! From the balconies of Verona to the canals of Venice, Italy is filled with regalia. Luxuriate with wine for the ages and the best pasta of your life. Enjoy views straight from a postcard and create a straight up Cinderella moment as they stare nonstop at their new icy finger.
  1. Literally A Castle. Europe’s royal families left castles all over the continent, many are open to visitors, and some even allow you to stay overnight. Visit one for the big moment and have a location as fabulous as the ring you are presenting. It does not get more regal than being in an actual castle.

Want a ring fit for a coronation? Here are some of our favorite summer-inspired engagement rings they are sure to love….almost as much as they love you!

Monaco Proposal

Find Out Your Partner’s Ring Size

You know what ring you want but you need the right size. We are here to help! Firstly, you can order a free ring sizer from James Allen!

Looking to be more sly? Check out the tips and tricks below to ensure you get their ring size right the first time!

How To Measure Your Ring Size Infographic

No Time Like The Present

The perfect time, place, and ring are personal to you and your partner. Whether you want no one there or everyone there, want to save your pennies or prefer to put on a big show, we have the ring perfect for your summer proposal moment. Love what you saw here but need some more options? Visit JamesAllen.com to see all our engagement ring options or design your own!

SHOP RELATED PRODUCTS

sarahc

Sarah Axelrad

With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.

More Posts

Blog Keeping The Ring A Secret 1

Keeping The Ring a Secret

Now that you’ve successfully chosen the perfect sparkler, the next challenge is to keep the ring a secret so you can successfully pull off your surprise proposal.

Clever ways to keep the engagement ring a secret

Buying the engagement ring was way easier than you thought! Maybe you even designed it yourself! But the hard work isn’t over! Now you have to keep it a secret from your SO. You’re up against an opponent whose curiosity knows no bounds. To pull this off, you’re going to need an airtight game plan and nerves of steel!

How To Shop For Your Engagement Ring In Secret

We’ve already discussed the benefits of shopping for a surprise ring versus collaborating with your SO. If you’re going the route of keeping the ring a secret, you’ll want to ensure you don’t leave a footprint – digital or otherwise – that could blow your cover.

Shopping For The Ring Offline

First, never use a joint bank account! One option is to set up a new account specifically for buying the ring (you can close it once they say Yes!). Or you can pay with an old credit card that only you know about. Oh, and don’t withdraw a large sum of money from the ATM; that’s a dead giveaway.

Shopping For The Ring Online

When ring shopping online, if you share computers/devices with your SO, make sure you sign out of all their accounts before starting to plan your surprise proposal. If you absolutely must print something out, don’t leave that smoking gun sitting in your printer tray.

The Best Places To Hide Your Engagement Ring

Normally there’s no safer place to store your ring than the ring box it came in. However, there’s no getting around the fact that it’s still a box that will draw curiosity, and unless your partner is already aware of the ring, you might want to consider switching the box for something less obvious.

The best places to hide your engagement ring

With Trusted Family/Friends

Storing the ring with a trusted friend or family member until you’re ready to pop the question is great because it literally keeps the ring off your property. They can’t find something that isn’t there! Just be careful not to choose anyone who would be tempted to “spill the beans.”

Hard-To-Reach Places

Every home has a nook and cranny your partner just can’t reach, or a dark closet they never go in. These can be great options! Just make sure there is NOTHING in there they will need to go searching for! Pick the deepest, darkest, least convenient place and you will be good to go.

In An Old Pair Of Shoes

Finally, those old shoes you never wear have a purpose! Make sure it’s a pear your partner never touches, would not clean, and would not throw out! (Can you imagine?!) Throw in some potpourri, so the shoe stink doesn’t transfer, put them in a secure place, and wait for that big moment!

At Work

If your office is secure or there is a secure option, your work can be a great place to store the ring! After all, even if your partner is visiting, they are not rifling through your office! And if they are, try a co-worker’s office, a safe, or similarly secure place at work.

In A Gym Bag

Whether you’re a gym junkie, a little league coach, or have a leftover gym bag from your high school glory days, this is another great option. Just make sure it’s not in a pocket where your partner might need something, say your water bottle or to get your gym towel for the laundry.

Hiding your engagement ring in a gym bag

In A Book

Make sure you are choosing a book that 1) your partner does not use (like a cookbook) or 2) was intending to read. 3) Make sure it is not a book they would recommend to a friend, and 4) choose a book you don’t mind cutting a ring-box size hole in!

How To Hide A Ring While Traveling

Whether going by car, train, plane, or even by foot, if you are planning to pop the question while traveling, you’ll want to review our tips below to ensure your partner gets the surprise of a lifetime!

How to hide an engagement ring while traveling

Pack the Ring in a Carry-On Bag

Pack the ring in your carry-on, never a checked bag. Unfortunately, bags get lost all the time. Don’t chance it. Make sure the ring is always with you!

Follow Airport Security Rules

Don’t let a TSA agent blow your surprise proposal! Make sure you know airport security rules and make sure it’s very secure. And, of course, follow all airline security rules to avoid being stopped and searched.

So pack it discreetly! Your bag may be searched and you don’t want your cover blown!  Consider using non-traditional packing in case this happens.

Look Into Engagement Ring Travel Insurance

Safety first! Another option is travel insurance for your engagement ring. James Allen has partnered with Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company to help you protect your ring with comprehensive coverage. 

Anything can happen at any time, and this can be especially useful if you or your beloved are frequent travelers. Be sure to check if coverage is domestic, international, or both.

Find a Discreet Safe

Once you arrive at your destination, you need to keep the ring both hidden and secure. If you are staying at a hotel, find out in advance if there is a hotel safe you may store the ring in.

Another option is to keep the ring in an indiscreet spot in your suitcase. Once you have unpacked, slip the ring into a location your SO won’t be checking, and keep the suitcase tucked away until it’s time!

Keeping The Ring A Secret: Unboxing Your Engagement Ring

Unboxing your engagement ring

The Hidden Presentation Box

Only once you peel back the outer carton does it start to get more interesting.

The first thing you’ll notice is an elegant presentation box embossed with the James Allen logo. This doubles as a jewelry box and even has a drawer for keeping your diamond certificates, cleaning cloth, and whatnot. Nestled on top is a small red box that houses the main attraction: the engagement ring.

Keeping the Ring A Secret: Customer Service

If the logistics of keeping the ring a secret seem like Mission Impossible, our Customer Service reps are on hand to help. These masters of misdirection can be reached 24/7 via live chat, phone, and email. They know every trick in the book and can even suggest ways to distract your unsuspecting SO.

FAQs:

What if my partner receives the package?

It’s worth noting that our packages require a signature upon delivery. If you’re uncomfortable receiving yours at home or are worried that your partner or someone else might intercept it, we can help you find the best place to ship to.

What about the safe in the hotel room?

Don’t leave it in your hotel room safe if your SO is likely to use it; instead, ask the concierge if you can leave it in the safe at the front desk.

Is it safe to leave the ring unattended?

If you need to leave the ring unattended, just make sure it is safe. Invest in a VERY good lock, ensure it is a secure location, or leave it where someone is around 24/7 to guard it.

Final Thoughts

Perfect partner? Check! Fabulous ring, stashed safely? Double check! Now just wait for that big moment. They’ll say yes, start showing off the ring, and you can sit back and revel in a job well done! Let us know where you stashed your sparkler on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.

SHOP RELATED PRODUCTS

sarahc

Sarah Axelrad

With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.

More Posts

At Home Engagements Copy

Home Proposal Ideas From TV & Film

Plans may be changing, but we’ve got plenty of ideas for at-home proposals. The most iconic on-screen scenes are filled with quarantine-friendly engagements – and here are our favorites!

At-Home Proposal Ideas From TV & Film

In the age of social distancing, what’s a starry-eyed couple to do? We’re here with good news: coronavirus doesn’t mean you have to cancel your proposal. But, yeah, the original plan is probably off. 

Luckily, inspiration abounds for at-home proposals that knock it out of the park. Just grab your remote. Countless couples from TV and film have gotten engaged in the cozy homes they built together.

The most iconic at-home proposals of TV and film:

Chandler + Monica in “Friends”

When one of TV’s favorite couples finally got engaged, it was Chandler who was surprised by Monica in her candlelit apartment. As Chandler said in the iconic scene, “I thought that it mattered what I said, or where I said it, then I realized that the only thing that matters is that you make me happier than I ever thought I could be.”

Flaunt the ring that’ll make you scream to the neighbors  “I’m engaged!”

Monica’s Diamond & Sapphire Engagement Ring

Monica from "Friends" and her Sapphire engagement ring
14K White Gold Vintage Round Diamond And Marquise Sapphire Engagement Ring

Luke + Isabel in “Stepmom”

In the movie “Stepmom,” Luke wakes Isabel with a ring box containing a spool of thread. As he ties the thread around her finger, he says, “Even when things are hard and you feel like giving up you have to hang on to that decision, that choice to love each other. Even if it’s only by a thread…Will you marry me?” He then proposes by sliding an engagement ring down the thread and onto her finger.  Now that’s charming.

Twist this around your finger:

Isabel’s Entwined Solitaire Engagement Ring

Isabel's Entwined Solitaire Engagement ring
14K White Gold Rope Solitaire Engagement Ring

Ian + Toula in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”

This couple knows how to hold each other close. In an intimate at-home proposal, Ian spontaneously pops the question to Toula while in bed. They share a rare, quiet moment together before revealing their engagement to her boisterous family. 

A simple ring that strives for the sweetest moments:

Toula’s Tapered Scroll Engagement Ring

Mr. Darcy + Elizabeth in “Pride and Prejudice”

You can both self-isolate while still taking in the great outdoors. In the 2005 remake of “Pride and Prejudice,” Mr. Darcy tells Elizabeth that she has “bewitched [him], body and soul.” Foggy, early-morning walks are socially distant and perfect for romantic declarations!

A vintage, nature-inspired style perfect for lovers of the classics:

Elizabeth’s Vintage Vine Engagement Ring

 Elizabeth's Vintage Vine Engagement Ring
14K Yellow Gold Twisted Pave Leaf Engagement Ring

Sheldon + Amy AND Leonard + Penny in “The Big Bang Theory”

On the “Big Bang Theory,” at-home proposals are the norm! Both Sheldon + Amy as well as Leonard + Penny get engaged in their apartments. Each couple gets engaged in their own characteristically quirky fashion, showing that the perfect proposal is the one that gets you engaged! Sheldon even makes a few socially distanced phone calls to Amy’s dad and Stephen Hawking for permission.

Amy would go all fluttery for this classically-inspired rose gold ring:

Amy’s Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring

Sheldon and Amy from "Big Bang Theory" engagement proposal
14K Rose Gold Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring

The trending fashionista of the group, Penny would be all over this:

Penny’s Pear-Cut Halo Engagement Ring

Amy AND Leonard from "Big Band Theory" engagement proposal
14K White Gold Pave Halo And Shank Diamond Engagement Ring

Mr. Big + Carrie in “Sex and the City” 

For Carrie Bradshaw, the ideal engagement spot was her dream closet in her new home with Mr. Big. After the “will they”s and “won’t they”s – they did! Make this proposal a reality by choosing your favorite spot in the house, whether or not it’s full of Manolo Blahniks.

That famed black diamond engagement ring:

Carrie’s Black Diamond Pavé Engagement Ring

Black Diamond Pavé Engagement Ring

Luke + Lorelai in “Gilmore Girls”

In his empty diner beneath his apartment, Luke gets interrupted when Lorelai spontaneously proposes to him. But Luke’s answer was at the ready:  “Yes.” Not even equipped with a ring, Luke and Lorelai dive straight into celebration mode anyway – proof that the perfect proposal can come before the perfect ring. Cheers to that! 

Lorelai’s Twisted Halo Engagement Ring

Lorelai's Twisted Halo Engagement Ring
14K White Gold Pave Halo And Twisted Shank Engagement Ring

BONUS Romantic gesture ideas!

Quarantining together can make it a bit tricky to stay sentimental. So, presto! Three romantic movie moves that you can pull off, even while social distancing.

Lloyd + Diane in “Say Anything”

Even if you haven’t seen it, you know it: Lloyd holding up a boombox playing “In Your Eyes” was the original socially-distanced romantic gesture. It may be one of the most parodied acts, but we’ll let you in on a secret: deep down, everyone wishes they were a Lloyd or a Diane.

Diane-Inspired Diamond Stud Earrings

Diane Inspired Diamond Stud Earrings
14K Yellow Gold Four Prong Round Brilliant Diamond Stud Earrings

Jerry + Dorothy in “Jerry Maguire”

When Jerry Maguire knocks on Dorothy’s door and gives his famous “you complete me” speech in front of her entire family, she simply responds with “you had me at hello.” Make the family dinner virtual, and you’ve got yourselves a setting ready for a heart-melting romantic outburst.

Dorothy-Inspired Tennis Bracelet

Dorothy from "Jerry maguire" Inspired Tennis Bracelet
14K White Gold Two Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Joe + Kathleen in “You’ve Got Mail”

The email courtship between Joe and Kathleen in “You’ve Got Mail” is perfect for these times. When they finally meet in-person for a walk in the park, she simply replies “I wanted it to be you.” The 2020 version: send your sweetie love-filled texts (rather than emails) from the next room.

Kathleen-Inspired Diamond Pendant

Kathleen Inspired Diamond Pendant
14K White Gold Double Prong Diamond Pendant

Creative, COVID-ready ring ideas:

Obsessing over one (or more) of the celebrity engagement rings in this post? Share the love on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or in the comments below!

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