Picture this: You’ve been dropping hints like a seasoned detective, your Pinterest board is a full-blown wedding mood board, and yet… still no ring. Every family gathering feels like an interrogation, with Aunt Karen leading the charge: “So, when’s the big day?” Meanwhile, your bestie is sending you engagement ring TikToks at 3 AM, and let’s not even talk about dodging the “Are you two even serious?” comments from that one coworker who thinks she’s hilarious.
The pre-engagement phase is a weird twilight zone, too serious for casual dating but not official enough to start hoarding wedding decor like a DIY maniac. But girl, instead of just waiting around for that magical proposal moment, why not make this phase just as exciting? Here are six unexpected ways to turn the waiting game into an unforgettable adventure.
1. Plan a “Fake” Engagement Photoshoot
Okay, hear me out. You know you’ll need engagement photos at some point, so why not stage a “just because” couple’s shoot now? Not only will you get some adorable pics, but you’ll also subtly train your partner in posing like an Instagram fiancé. Bonus points if you dramatically post the pics with an ambiguous caption like “The best is yet to come”, just to keep the gossip mill running.
2. Send Yourself a Ring Box, Just to Mess with Everyone
You know those little velvet ring boxes? Order one from Amazon, strategically place it in your bag, and casually let it fall out when you’re with your friends or family. Watch as their eyes widen in sheer anticipation, then pick it up like, “Oh, this old thing?” It’s the ultimate prank-meets-social-experiment that will keep everyone on their toes.
3. Create a Proposal Bet With Your Friends
Instead of stress-texting your BFFs with “Do you think it’ll happen this weekend?” energy, make it a game. Set up a betting pool: dates, locations, whether he’ll cry, if the dog will be involved, you name it. Losers buy brunch, and the winner gets bragging rights forever.
4. Drop Over-the-Top Hints for Fun
Sure, subtlety is cute, but why not go all out? Change your Netflix password to “PutARingOnIt”, set your phone wallpaper to a giant diamond ring, or start casually reading Engagements for Dummies in front of your partner. Who says you can’t make this process a little entertaining?
5. Host a “Pre-Engagement” Party
Since everything in life is apparently a themed event now (looking at you, gender reveals), why not throw a Pre-Engagement Party? It’s like a soft launch of your engagement, complete with games like “Guess When He’ll Propose” or “Draft Your Own Engagement Caption”. Plus, it gives you an excuse to dress up and drink champagne, no actual engagement required.
6. Practice Your Engagement Announcement Speech
Because let’s be honest, you know you’re going to be bombarded with texts the moment it happens. Instead of fumbling with responses, have some fun drafting the perfect, dramatic engagement post. Will you go with the poetic “A million times yes” or the sassy “Took him long enough”? Test them out, poll your friends, and be ready to drop that iconic caption the moment he pops the question.
Final Thoughts: Make This Phase Fun, Not Stressful
The pre-engagement phase doesn’t have to be a waiting room of anxiety. Think of it as your last hurrah before the Pinterest boards become actual wedding checklists. So prank your friends, drop some not-so-subtle hints, and turn the suspense into an experience worth remembering.
Now spill the tea: What’s the wildest thing you’ve done while waiting for the proposal? Drop your best stories in the comments!