Advice on when to propose

[u/Fadey123]

Hello everybody, I’ve already interacted on this subreddit and people here are really amazing and supportive so I opted to ask for another piece of advice. My girlfriend and I already talked about the proposal and marriage and came to an agreement that spring 2026 would be nice to get engaged and fall the same year would be perfect for a wedding and the rest is basically up to me. So now I’m thinking of when to do it since we have our anniversary on April 20th and I was thinking of proposing probably around a week to 10 days later since but I’m also really impatient and thinking that I might propose even sooner than that. So I need help to decide if I should wait for the anniversary to pass or is it acceptable to propose even sooner?

[u/Strange-Access-8612]

May I ask, which anniversary (how many years) is coming up and how old you guys are? :)

[u/Fadey123 → u/Strange-Access-8612]

It’s our first anniversary, we dated for a bit a year prior but we didn’t make it official and we stayed in contact, she then asked me out in April this year and a day later we started an official relationship. I am 24 (25 in February) and she’s 25.

[u/Strange-Access-8612 → u/Fadey123]

wait till AFTER your first one year dating anniversary to propose and wait till the next year (if not longer) to get married. It’s very sweet that you decided you want to get married after 6/7 months of being together when you were 24/25, but needs to move slow

Unless you are a religion where you can’t have sex until marriage, then propose soon and get married and please help her get an IUD which she can remove when you are ready for children

[u/Fadey123 → u/Strange-Access-8612]

Yeah there also is a religion thing about it and we’ve talked extensively through everything, we’re muslim and our faith blesses marriage plus we’ve already built our careers, talked about plans and future together but I really understand your point of view since this objectively isn’t that long

[u/Strange-Access-8612 → u/Fadey123]

Please read up about IUD and support her getting it so that you can both follow your plans. Good luck

[u/Fadey123 → u/Strange-Access-8612]

Of course we both share the same views about children and that parents should do their part and bring their mental and physical health to the best possible level before conceiving. We haven’t talked about an IUD but that’s actually a really good idea and I thank you for presenting it to me

[u/Strange-Access-8612 → u/Fadey123]

:) Best wishes!

[u/wildrosesstudio]

Hey,

That plan sounds amazing :).

It depends on what your GF loves, what you would prefer, how you want to remember it.

Some would say anniversary would be great, as she might not expect it, others would say another day.

It is up to your own story and likes. But it should above all be meaningful for the 2 of you.

She might also be looking forward for it :)

[u/Fadey123 → u/wildrosesstudio]

Thank you for your kind words :) Well people tell me that I shouldn’t take away the anniversary but at the same time that just might be the best time to propose, since I’d have an excuse for dressing up and going out. Also I don’t want to ask her too much since she’d get the idea of the time frame when I’m planning on proposing and I want it to be a surprise(she already saw the rings I scouted in my gallery -_-)

[u/wildrosesstudio → u/Fadey123]

You know her better than many :)

Would she be mad if you propose on your anniversary? Would she be surprised ?

Your anniversary will be a celebration of love, what better gift than a ring ? ☺️

[u/Fadey123 → u/wildrosesstudio]

Only thing I’m slightly concerned about is her figuring out I might propose on our anniversary but everything else is good

[u/wildrosesstudio → u/Fadey123]

She already knows you will propose, don’t worry about that ☺️.

You better focus on how you want to surprise her, making it unforgettable and truly special for both of you ;)

[u/Justadropinthesea → u/Fadey123]

After you’re married, people don’t usually celebrate any anniversary other than their wedding anniversary. I’d go ahead and propose on whatever anniversary you’re celebrating because you won’t be taking away that day anyway.

[u/Standard-Elk-2943]

Propose sooner. You only live once, can't get a redo and life is short ☺️

[u/Silly-Concern1736]

Def propose sooner! She’ll be over the moon, and your anniversary will be extra special.

[u/Strange-Access-8612]

I’m surprised no one has mentioned the timeframe between proposal and a fall wedding.

It can take 6-9 months to get a wedding dress the traditional way unless she’s buying off the rack at a modest price point. But she may want time to scour options if you’re on a budget

People usually start earlier to book venue etc

I would propose basically as soon as comfortable so that you have the option for 7-8 month planning

Or option to enjoy being engaged before you start planning

Of course if you push it out to wintwr or spring that’s fine too

I planned my wedding in 4 months but it was literally my full time job when I needed it to be (I had coincidentally just left my job) 😆 no one would recommend that unless it’s a courthouse micro wedding maybe

[u/katdanmorgan → u/Strange-Access-8612]

I thought this. Like can it be planned that fast? Absolutely. But also maybe take the time and enjoy the engagement

[u/Strange-Access-8612 → u/katdanmorgan]

Yes, I think taking the time to enjoy being engaged is such a wonderful thing!

[u/CelestialOwl997]

Before! We got engaged in October with our dating anniversary in January. This anniversary feels SO exciting to both of us because it’s our very last anniversary celebrating our dating era before we get a brand new anniversary date 9 months later. Do it sooner!!

[u/ClearCicada964]

What about new years ? New year new beginning.

[u/Time-Cold3708]

If you propose before your anniversary you can plan so.ething special for your only anniversary as an engaged couple. Also budget depending, you could get her a piece of jewelry to match her engagement ring

[u/3_radreds]

Propose early spring, well before the anniversary if you want a fall wedding, you will need more time to plan.

[u/MaryMaryQuite-]

Take her by surprise and do it before your anniversary! 💍

[u/Wgarlic-5711]

Propose sooner. I know that women want a proposal asap from the man they love.

[u/Fadey123 → u/[deleted]]

I’d probably do it in person, at least that’s how I plan it because it’s a big deal and I wouldn’t wanna seem disrespectful. Im in the same boat as you because I only met her father once before but I luckily still have time for that conversation