5 Totally Not Cliché Valentine's Day Proposal Ideas

Valentine's Day – the day of heartfelt declarations, sentimental confessions, and lovestruck adoration – also presents a unique opportunity to pop the question and start the next chapter of your life with your beloved. 

But let's be honest, the usual cliches of red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and candlelit dinners can sometimes feel a bit overdone. No less for a proposal! 

So, why not seize the moment with a proposal that's unique, unforgettable, and unique to your own love story? Here are 5 Valentine's Day proposal ideas that are anything but cliché.

1. Use Valentine's Day Expectations to Your Benefit

Valentine's Day comes with certain expectations, and one of them is the element of surprise. Your partner may already be anticipating some sort of Valentine's Day surprise from you – they just don’t have to know that it’s a proposal.

Leverage this anticipation to your advantage. Instead of following the typical script, consider planning a surprise proposal that catches your partner completely off guard. For instance, if you usually celebrate Valentine's Day with a quiet dinner at home or at a fancy restaurant, why not suggest going for a scenic picnic by the beach or a walk in the park instead? The idea is that when you're both relaxed and enjoying the moment, it will be the perfect time to propose and create a memory neither of you will ever forget.

2. Opt for a Different Flower That Isn't Red or Pink Roses

While red and pink roses are undeniably beautiful and apt for a Valentine's Day celebration, a proposal calls for something a little more special. Consider opting for a different flower that holds significance for both of you, such as the first-ever flower or bouquet you gifted your sweetheart or even their birth flower. A small detail such as flower choice can transform your Valentine’s Day proposal from cliché to classy, showing that you've put thought into every detail.

3. Give Clichés Like Stuffed Toys and Chocolates a Personal Twist

Another Valentine's Day tradition is gifts like stuffed toys or chocolates. If you know your significant other appreciates such gifts and want to make them part of your proposal, you can still give them a personal twist. 

Instead of a standard box of chocolates, create a customised chocolate bar with a sweet message, or try your hand at making some simple chocolate truffles and decorate them with the big question in frosting. If the two of you enjoy going for new experiences together, you can even sign up for a chocolate-making class and pop the question afterwards. 

Rather than a generic stuffed toy, choose one that holds sentimental value or represents an inside joke between you two. Personalise it by including a recording of you saying what you love about them, ending with your proposal. Small details like this can turn clichés into cherished memories.

4. Plan Ahead Way in Advance

A successful proposal, especially on Valentine's Day, requires meticulous planning. Be sure to plan ahead months in advance if needed and ensure that every detail is taken care of. Whether it's making a reservation at your favourite restaurant, preparing a surprise video with messages from friends and family, or ordering a beautiful bouquet, careful planning can make your proposal truly memorable. It’ll also help you avoid any last-minute surprises or emergencies on the big day so you can fully focus on showing your other half how much they mean to you.

5. Go for Meaningful Acts Rather Than Superficial, Romantic Gestures

Lastly, remember that it's the meaning behind the proposal that truly matters. Instead of going overboard with grand gestures to match up to what others might ‘expect’ of a Valentine’s Day proposal, focus on actions and words that come from the heart. Share why your partner means the world to you, why you want to spend your life together, and what experiences you can’t wait to share with them years or even decades down the road.

Celebrate Love in All Its Forms with Love & Co.

Now that you've got some Valentine's Day proposal ideas in mind let's talk about the most important part – the ring you’re going to pop the question with. Love & Co. offers a diverse range of engagement ring styles and settings, bespoke engagement ring designs, and lab-grown diamonds from which to choose.

If you’re looking for cool engagement rings with a romantic flair, the Say Love™ Diamond might be the right choice. Featuring a heart-shaped reflection nestled within a patented modified round brilliant cut with miniature heart-shaped details, it combines the romance of a heart-shaped diamond with the timelessness of a round solitaire silhouette. Symbolise your two paths intertwining with the mixed white and rose gold of the LVC Say Love™ Love Journey Carita Diamond Ring, or go simple yet stunning with the LVC Say Love™ Classic Plain Diamond Ring.

If you know your sweetheart would like a say in choosing their own engagement ring, don’t be afraid to buck tradition by proposing with a placeholder ring or engagement jewellery. Not only will your significant other have a chance to pick out a ring later on that resonates with them, but they can wear their new engagement jewellery as part of their everyday accessories. 

Consider collections which bear their own motifs testifying to your eternal love and commitment, like the LVC Mini Ring and LVC Noeud. The LVC Noeud’s ribbon motifs symbolise tying the knot, and the collection includes matching wedding bands for him and her as well. (Pictured: LVC Noeud Alva Diamond Wedding Band, LVC Noeud Alva Wedding Band, LVC Noeud Half Eternity Diamond Bangle, LVC Noeud Femme Diamond Necklace)

Meanwhile, the LVC Mini Ring’s collection of necklaces, pendants, earrings, and bracelets all feature a tiny ring of their own. Perfect as a placeholder or as a promise of eternity. (Pictured: LVC Charmes Crossover Mini Ring Diamond Pendant, LVC Charmes Mini Ring Diamond Earrings, LVC Charmes Mini Ring Diamond Bracelet)

One last thing to remember: before you go all-in with a Valentine's Day proposal, make sure it aligns with your partner's preferences. Some people might prefer a low-key celebration on this day, others may find it too cliché anyway, and others might even love the idea of a Valentine's Day proposal. 

You should also only propose on the day if you feel it’s right and not because you feel ‘expected’ to pop the question on one of the most romantic days of the year. Understanding your partner's expectations and desires is crucial to planning a proposal they'll cherish and creating a beautiful memory for both of you.