Page 129 - Wedding Essentials & Essential groom Issue 8

Creative ways to Propose with Children

Modern proposals and couples often involve children from previous relationships. Instead of being unsure of how to
proceed with your proposal when children are present, use these ideas of including them in the fun, and the surprise
of the event. Not only will this make your future spouse see how much you accept them, it will also make the children
feel special. These ideas also work if both people have children.

Create a treasure hunt

You can create a treasure hunt inside your own home. Try
writing clues on simple note cards ahead of time and then
have the whole family participate in the finding process. The
final clue can be the engagement ring. You can make this
clue a bit more exciting and fancy by having the very same
gift box at the other locations with either candy or other
surprises located inside. This treasure hunt could also take
place in your backyard. Be sure not to do it in a public area,
just in case someone else stumbles upon the ring before you
get there.
Cook a family dinner
Another idea is to make a family dinner; it can be complex
or simple or even a BBQ. For dessert consider bringing out a
fancy tray with a lid, and under the lid have an engagement
ring. You may also want to have surprises for the children
that are present, as well, so that they feel included in the
event.

Play a family game
You should plan a family game night, but choose games that
may be able to be altered with the addition of an engage-
ment ring. One idea is to choose a popomatic game, where
the engagement ring can take the place of the dice inside
the popper. Be sure to choose a game that is designed for
children, so other options would be charades, with your
turn being when you “pop” the question.
Grab some sidewalk chalk
Have a sandcastle building contest
Grab some sidewalk chalk and ask the question in the drive-
If you decide to ask her to marry you outdoors, consider way. Let your kids decorate around it however they want.
going to the beach and having a sandcastle building contest, This will be a proposal that is waiting for her when she gets
or some other type of beach-type game contest that every- home for work or from running errands that chances are she
one will be able to participate in. When the contest is over, will never expect. Be sure that you let the little ones in on the
have gifts for everyone – from first place to last place. It is secret so they can decorate appropriately.
a good idea to have the same gift for all the children so no
pouting ruins the effect of the proposal. When you give your Bake a cake
future spouse their prize, it will be the engagement ring and
surprise – the perfect proposal. Get the kids and make a special cake together. When the
cake is done, spell out the question on the cake. You can also
Write a love song choose to do this with cupcakes, cookies or muffins – whatev-
er your future spouse likes best. Be sure that you let the kids
If you are musically talented, consider writing a love song actively participate in the making process so they will feel
involved and included.
and purchasing smaller kid-sized instruments for the chil-
CHILDREN rines or shakers for your mini-backup band. At the very Have the kids work with you to create a very special photo al-
dren to accompany you. You can purchase flutes, tambou-
Create a special photo album
end of your song, the last of your lyrics should be “will you
marry me.” This can be done at your home or outdoors, but
bum of pictures of you, your partner and the kids throughout
a great way to let the children be involved.
your relationship. On the very last page, have a picture of the
kids holding a sign asking her to marry you. This is a fun way
‘Will you marry me’ onesie
look back on when you got engaged.
If you have a baby with your significant other, a popular
option is to create a onesie and dress your little one in it to propose and something that you can hold on to, in order to
that says “will you marry me?” If you have older kids, you Each of these ideas is unique and offer a great way to include
can create a t-shirt for each one with a different word in the a child or multiple children in the proposal and engagement.
proposal. This is a great way to involve children and create a With more and more modern families being blended, it is a
fun memory that everyone will be able to look back on. great way to create a sense of unity for your future family.

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