For a certain kind of exhibitionist personality, the idea of making a proposal in public might be extremely appealing. If you’re a sharing, performative kind of person, then this might offer an irresistible chance to declare your love – especially if you do it at a time and place that’s emotionally significant.
There are a few risks associated with this practice, to be sure – but the rewards are potentially invaluable. Suppose that your other half has a favourite song: what better way to propose than during a live performance of the song in question? This will make the moment that much more emotionally powerful.
To make everything come together in the right way, you’ll need to do a little bit of advance planning.
Choosing the perfect concert and setting
In some instances, the answer here might be obvious. If you both share a love for the work of Coldplay, then it might seem natural to get down on one knee during the encore. If, on the other hand, you’re both committed fans of Slipknot, then getting down on one knee might present the risk of a serious mosh-pit accident.
Choose a band that’s emotionally significant for both of you. Time the proposal to coincide with a particular moment – like a climactic guitar solo. Slower, balladic moments tend to work better than high-energy ones.
The art of the surprise proposal
Proposals of this kind are most effective when they come as a complete surprise. If you’re acting suspicious, or nursing an object in your pocket, then you risk giving the game away.
Engagement rings might therefore be given to a trusted friend for safekeeping. You might also recruit friends to record the significant moment so that you can look back on it later. Just make sure that they’re subtle. Fortunately, concerts are rife with phone recording, and so having everyone taking photos at the same time shouldn’t draw too much suspicion.
Making it unforgettable
There are a few things you might do to make the moment that much more powerful. You might create a playlist of personalised songs that your fiance can enjoy afterwards. You might incorporate some of the band’s lyrics into the proposal itself.
All being well, you’re going to revisit the song in question at various points throughout your life. You might choose it for the first dance at the wedding, or see the band again for an anniversary (provided that they’re touring at the right moment).