Planning the Ultimate New Year’s Eve Proposal: 10 Eco Tips

As we approach the end of year excitement begins to build for Christmas and the eternally fun New Year’s Eve.

As you plan for the big night, consider combining the New Year’s celebrations with your special proposal plans for an even bigger event. What better way to ensure the moment is immortalised for you, your partner and your loved ones?

Your partner in crime and (hopefully) new life partner will love the symbolism and importance of the occasion, and planning a wedding at the beginning of the year is the perfect time to grab deals and great venues. So, it all sounds perfect on paper, but there are a few things that you should consider before jumping headlong into the ultimate proposal; it takes a little more than simply buying the perfect engagement ring.

We are going to take a look at some of the things you should put some serious thought into whilst making your plans, and help you to plan the ultimate New Year’s Eve marriage proposal.

Plan an Eco-Friendly Proposal

Considering the environmental impact of your proposal, and your party in general, should be one of the first steps for pretty much everyone nowadays.

Sustainability should be at the forefront of everything we do, and celebrations can definitely be included in this. Here are a few tips for making sure your big night has as small an impact as possible.

Ditch the Plastic Cups

Now, not everyone is in the position to offer all of their guests glassware and we all know that New Year’s Eve can be particularly rowdy, so glass may not be the best option.

This does not mean however that we should just use plastic cups, plates and cutlery; we may save washing up, but the planet will suffer for it!

Try switching to eco-friendly party bits like bamboo plates and forks and the choices for eco-friendly cups are plentiful. You’ll need something to toast the New Year and your engagement, so go for something special.

Decorate Sustainably

The same goes for decorations, who needs tacky string lettering, cheap party gags and low-quality lights? Not us. Go for paper and cardboard decorations, make as much as you can at home and make sure you shop local.

Cook in the Right Amount

Buying crazy amounts of food, too much cake, cheese no one will eat, and cheap party ‘treats’ that will inevitably be left uneaten. This is something we’ve been guilty of when throwing a party.

Try making your own party snacks, bake a cake, and only open what you need. Cutting down on food waste will save you money and the planet; it’s a win-win.

Make Sure New Year’s Eve is the Right Night

One thing you need to be certain of is that New Year’s is the right night for you and your partner. If hosting a party feels too stressful, or planning two major events to coincide does not seem like your thing, maybe propose on a different night and announce it on New Year’s Eve.

Alternatively, if your partner is a huge New Year’s fan and wants to party hard then being proposed to might not be that high on their list for the night – it may be better for some to simply enjoy New Year’s as a separate entity.

Choose a Responsibly Sourced Ring

This ties into our sustainability tips from earlier; choosing the perfect engagement ring is important, and in today’s world, choosing a responsibly sourced one is even more important.

Vintage rings can be a great way to go, or even pre-owned rings for those who don’t buy into superstitions. Add an extra layer of meaning to the ring that will seal your lives together and give new life to a beautiful old ring.

Choose the Perfect Venue

If you can’t throw the event yourself then choosing the right venue becomes a very important part of your plan. Ensuring you find a venue that meets your needs will make or break your big night.

You need to be able to fit all of your invitees, but choosing a venue aligned with your values will make a huge difference. Sustainable restaurants are becoming easier to find, and vegan and vegetarian caterers get better and better with every month that passes.

It’s also worth making sure that your venue has an extremely photogenic spot for those all-important engagement snaps.

Timing is Everything

When to pop the question? This part of the evening is entirely up to you and is arguably one of the most important parts of your engagement.

• Do you pop the question at the end of the countdown and risk having the moment overwhelmed by the jubilation of your guests?
• Do you wait for the fireworks for a truly spectacular photo opportunity?
• Do you get it done before the midnight celebration and enjoy the congratulations from your friends and family?

You must choose what will be best for you and your partner; remember that the goal is to make the moment as special as possible and that only works if you both enjoy it.

Prepare for the Big Moment

Wherever and whenever you choose to have ‘the big moment’ will be the pivotal moment of the evening, so being fully prepared is important.

If you have a band playing a special song, check in with them five minutes before to ensure they are on track. If you have people involved or need a microphone, ensure they know their jobs and that the electronics are working smoothly.

If you’re proposing at the end of the countdown make sure people know so that your moment does not get swallowed up by the celebrations.

Make Time for the Two of You

Once you have got down on one knee, received the plaudits of your loved ones, taken some gorgeous photos and soaked in the atmosphere of the moment, you must remember to make time for just the two of you alone.

It can be easy to get carried away with the party so plan to sequester yourselves in a private spot for some sustainable bubbly and quiet reflection. This is one of the most important moments of your relationship so try and enjoy it with your new partner, even if it’s only for a couple of minutes.

Don’t Forget it’s New Year’s Eve!

One of the most important things, once you’ve done the engagement, of course, is to actually enjoy New Year’s Eve.

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to become so wrapped up in your plans that you forget about one of the biggest parties of the year. Make sure you enjoy the event with your new life partner, your friends and family, and enjoy the incredible double celebration into the early hours. It won’t be as special if you ignore New Year’s Eve entirely!

Enjoy the Perfect Proposal

So there you have it, just a few important things to keep in mind as you plan the proposal of a lifetime. Remember to keep a good schedule, surround yourself with loved ones, enjoy the night to its fullest extent, and make the most of a memory that will last the rest of your days.