11 alternative and slightly out-there ways you can propose

Brought to you by Voltaire Diamonds.

Proposing is one of the scariest things you may ever do in your lifetime, even if you're pretty sure you know you're going to get the right answer.

There's a lot of pressure to get everything right – from finding the perfect engagement ring, to making sure the proposal knocks your partner off their feet. With the ring, you can go to specialists like Voltaire Diamonds, who'll make sure you have a beautiful, top quality piece which your partner will be proud to wear on her finger for the rest of her life. And as for the proposal itself? Well, here are a few ideas that are a little more interesting than your average effort in a fancy restaurant.  

1. Get your "man's best friend" to help you out

If you're an animal-loving couple then you'll know that your dog is basically like a baby to you. Given your pup takes up most of your lives as it is, it'd be rude not to let it in on your special moment. Attach the ring to its collar and have your best pal take some of the weight off your shoulders on a day when you'll definitely be little more than a huge bag of nerves.  

2. The scavenger hunt

Everyone loves a surprise scavenger hunt, but when there's a stunning engagement ring waiting at the end of it then that takes it to another level. Make each clue link to aspects of your relationship and have each location be somewhere that is special to you, before perhaps ending in the place you had your first date and whipping out the perfect ring.  

3. Make a book or photo album of your relationship

If you can draw then you could create an illustrated book of your relationship so far, ending with the ring taped to the final page. If you're a bit lacking in artistic talent then a photo album would do the job too.  

4. The double proposal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_toGvAxBTSM&t=2s Do it the modern way and agree on a date to propose to each other in a way you both feel comfortable with. Go and pick out an engagement ring together well in advance – companies like Voltaire do private meetings with clients without any pressure to buy – and then when the day comes around you can each tell the other why it is you want to spend the rest of your lives together.  

5. Spell it out in fridge magnets

For a casual proposal that's bound to catch your partner off-guard, just spell out "Will you marry me?" using kids' fridge magnets – just make sure you're in the same room when they actually notice it!  

6. Pop the question during a joint sky dive

For a thrill-seeking couple, what better way to share one of the most romantic moments of your lives than while plummeting at breakneck speed towards the ground from thousands if feet in the air? If you spell out your proposal in huge letters in the landing field then your partner will totally freak – just make sure she's attached to an instructor who can pull the parachute cord!  

7. The magical forest proposal

If you're an outdoorsy couple, plan your proposal to coincide with one of your weekend walks – they'll never suspect a thing – until they stumble into the little grove you set up in the woods full of pictures of the two of you and little relics that represent different parts of the relationship.  

8. Do it in a photo booth

A photo booth proposal has the bonus that you'll be able to capture the exact emotion on both of your faces as your partner realises exactly what's just happened, and you'll be able to keep the evidence for the rest of your lives.  

9. Bring out your love of gaming

Are you a couple that's into gaming? Then why not take inspiration from this excellent Mario-themed proposal, but using the game you spend most time playing together? Make sure you get the box looking perfect to really show off the ring you've put so much thought into choosing. Voltaire Diamonds have some of the best diamond engagement rings around at very competitive prices.  

10. Get a personalised jigsaw puzzle made

Get a custom jigsaw puzzle made – maybe with your favourite photo of the two of you on it – and with "Will you marry me?" hidden somewhere in. Make sure it's not so obvious that your partner notices it before they finish the puzzle though! When they see it, it's time to get down on one knee and show off that diamond ring you've so meticulously picked.  

11. The flash mob proposal

Flash mob proposals have become a bit of a trend over the last few years, and that's because if done right, they can be pretty breathtaking. If your partner is really into a particular band or musical then this is the way to capitalise on that – imagine how they'll feel when you're down on one knee in front of a group of 50 people all belting out her all-time favourite tune especially for them.   Voltaire Diamonds is a perfect option if you’re looking to take that next big romantic step. Their experts can meet you privately and tell you everything you need to know with no pressure to buy. Plus, their low overheads mean their prices remain very competitive.