Marriage proposal traditions

In the United States, marriage proposals are becoming less traditional and more personalized. Many couples are choosing colored gemstones, tattooing rings on their fingers, or shopping together for a diamond instead of leaving it to surprise.  In other countries, marriage proposal traditions are deeply rooted in family and culture. Curious to see what their marriage proposals look like? Let’s travel around the world and take a look at some of the most historic, creative engagement customs. It might even spark some inspiration as you plan your meaningful marriage proposal idea!

1. Ghana

In Ghana, marriage proposals typically only happen a week before the wedding! Per tradition, a groom and some of his family members knock on the door of the bride’s family in what’s known as a “knocking ceremony.” This is where he lets the family know he would like to marry their daughter.

2. Norway

Norwegian women are known to wear engagement rings on their right hand, not their left hand. Many women in England, France, India, Russia and Germany do the same thing!

3. Chile

Similarly, in Chile, women wear engagement rings on their right hand. But guess what? So do men! At the wedding, both people move the rings to their left hands.

4. France

Are you nervous about picking out the right engagement ring? In France, you wouldn’t have to! After proposing, French couples go shopping for an engagement ring together. But here’s the catch: she can’t wear the diamond until her friends and family give it to her at a small gathering.

5. Argentina

Many couples in Argentina don’t exchange rings at the wedding.  They only do it during their engagement.

6. Greece

In Greek culture, it’s extremely important to ask her father for his blessing. Couples are traditionally required to go to three counseling sessions with a priest who shares marriage advice. Friends and family then throw a celebratory engagement party for the couple after all the blessings!

7. Native American Tribes

Many Native Americans, especially in North America, wear unique engagement ring that reflect their appreciation for the natural world. They typically wear silver rings adorned with natural materials such as turquoise stones and colorful coral.

8. Ireland

If you’re Irish, you may be familiar with the Claddagh-style ring.  This is a traditional Irish ring that’s full of history. The ring is made of a heart held by two hands and topped with a crown. It’s a heartfelt symbol for marriage because the hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. The Irish often wear these rings for other occasions as well.  So to symbolize engagement, you must wear it on your left hand with the tip of the heart pointing toward your fingertips. On the day of your wedding, the heart is turned and points toward your wrist.

9. Northern Kenya

In Northern Kenya, Samburu warriors wear detailed beading around their neck. In their culture, certain colors of beading symbolize engagement.

10. Fiji

Are you nervous to ask her father for his blessing? In Fiji, men must present his partner’s father with a whale’s tooth!

Every culture has unique customs for weddings and proposals. The Heart Bandits have experience planning creative marriage proposals that are personalized to include the traditions that are important to you. Contact us today to get started!

No matter how you choose to propose, it’s also important to keep the ring safe. These skinny engagement ring boxes from Ring Stash are a great option for protecting your ring!

Emily Barge