National Proposal Day

Though Valentine’s Day may seem to be the perfect day for a marriage proposal, turns out March is really better. Specifically March 20! Why the 20^th of March? Because March 20, is celebrated as National Proposal Day.

This is indeed a recognized special day that was created by a man named John Michael O’Loughlin. Legend has it that he invented the holiday after his cousin’s boyfriend strung her along for years and years without sealing the deal.  John decided enough was enough and dedicated a day to marriage proposals.

It should be noted that March 20^th is also Equinox Day and John chose this day because day and night are of equal length worldwide, symbolizing the equal efforts of the two required to comprise a successful marriage.

It has been said many times over that spring is a time when our fancy turns toward love, and you may just find out for yourself how true this is, if your special someone chooses this day to propose.

If you were proposed to on this day or were recently engaged last month on Valentine’s Day, we found some really interesting facts on engagements that we think you will enjoy.

• Most brides aren’t surprised! According to a survey conducted by David’s Bridal, 57 percent said they knew it was coming, while 43 percent were left surprised by their proposal.
• Did you know that in 1886, it was Tiffany & Co. that introduced the universal prong setting? Prior to 1886, diamond rings were set in bezels.  The “Tiffany setting” as it is now known, had the diamond sit higher, so to better reflect the light.
• About 14% of women would change something about their shiny new ring if given the chance.
• If you recently got engaged, chances are good that you will wait at least 6 months before you marry. However about 40% of you will wait between 13 & 18 months to walk down the aisle.
• “Who will you call first?” Most brides to be will call their best friend first to share the news.
• Though a public proposal can be risky….(especially if she says NO!) Boston seems to be the place to do it. According to Brides, 62 proposals took place on the Jumbotron at Fenway Park in 2011.
• That being said, only about 10% of women say that they would like to get engaged at a sports arena. Some better choices (unless she is a diehard sports fan and loves the spotlight) might be the site of your first date, on vacation, at a romantic restaurant, or simply at home.
• Lastly, though it may seem quaint, old fashioned and so out of date, 83% of women surveyed shared that they would like their dad to be asked beforehand (25% want mom included as well).