PHOTO: Her World Brides March – May 2015
I recently came across a TV programme featuring a proposal ‘architect’ and how he went about conceptualizing and executing proposals for clients.
These grooms-to-be probably wanted a proposal that was more memorable and out of the ordinary – I guess the good old getting down on bended knee with a bouquet of roses and ring in hand doesn’t cut it anymore.
I have also viewed elaborate wedding proposals on YouTube – some were major productions much like a musical showcase or an episode from the TV series Glee. I didn’t know whether the occasion was more about the groom flaunting his vocals and deft dance moves, or an opportunity for entertainment groups to showcase their talents in some of the strangest venues and locations – the arrival hall of an airport, the spacious retail space of a DIY store and even along a public road!
To be fair, some of these proposals were entertaining and heartfelt; a few brought me to tears of joy. But others, and there are quite a handful on YouTube, are embarrassing and hilarious (not in a good sense). The worse ones are just plan boring.
Some of the women in these ‘proposal’ events looked terrified, embarrassed or just annoyed. When the action finally ends with the man making his proposal, you can see the relief on her face – not happiness – when she quickly accepts. Time to shut down the spotlights and get back to basics.
Proposals are meant to be memorable. When couples announce their engagement, people invariably ask how the groom proposed and claps, cheers or groans follow.
But more importantly, a wedding proposal is meant to be romantic, full or love and joy. Sometimes a proposal is conveyed in ways that evoke these sweet sentiments – through performances, speeches or song.
Then there are those elaborate displays full of razzmatazz and colour.
People seem to forget that these showy displays are merely a means to end – which is the moment when a man asks for the hand of his loved one, a moment replete with all the promise of happiness and love of a life together.
There’s no need for any fuss or frills if your proposal is true, touching and sincere. The right words and gestures can touch any heart deeply, and these you will carry deeply within you for the rest of your life.
So before you go overboard with another Broadway spectacle, let’s focus on the ends, not the means; the money, time and effort spent would be better used for planning your wedding.
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