Today is 29th February, which is an extra special day, especially for those who have been waiting for a leap year proposal! This day comes but once every four years, and for anybody looking to ditch tradition, this is your chance.
What is a leap year proposal?
Wanting the luck of the Irish to rub off on you? Then a leap year proposal may be your best choice! According to tradition, it’s up to the man to propose to the woman and ask for her hand in marriage (for now, let’s brush aside the fact this is very outdated and doesn’t account for modern, same sex or non-binary couples). This tradition goes out the window on 29th February when – thanks to Irish folklore – the woman has permission to pop the question!
Here’s why: Back in the 5th Century, St Brigid complained to St Patrick that women were having to way too long for shy men to propose to them. So, to combat this, St Patrick decreed that on 29th February (just once every four years), a woman would be allowed to propose. St Brigid had ulterior motives, because once ST Patrick agreed, she proposed to him, only for him to decline (but he gifted her a silk gown instead). The ancient rule became so popular that laws were passed, giving this tradition legal bearing! Any man who declined the proposal would be fined (anything from a kiss to money, a silk dress or even 12 gloves so the woman could hide her embarrassment at not being engaged).
Want to plan your own leap year proposal?
First, this is not an opportunity to shame your partner and make a point for him not proposing to you first. Get your engagement (and marriage) off to a good start by proposing in a fun, romantic way!
Everything You Need To Know About Engagement Rings
Finding the perfect engagement ring comes easy to some, but for others they only know that they’ve found the right ring when it’s on the finger. For those who don’t know the difference between carat and karat, or silver and white gold, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about engagement rings.
How To Plan Your Proposal
Planning on popping the question soon? Today we’re sharing how to plan your proposal! Wait till the end to hear my really special proposal story 😍
What To Say When You Propose
Of course you want your proposal to be a special moment, where you share how you feel for your Other Half. But how do you make sure you say what’s on your heart? You do it by being prepared! If you were making a presentation at work, you wouldn’t just wing it, right? You’d put in time to prepare and be ready. A proposal is no different, even though, of course, it’s more personal. You want to be sincere! If you’re not sure what to say when you propose, we’ve got you covered! Take a look at our suggestions of what to say before you get to the key line, “Will you marry me?”.
How To Announce Your Engagement
You’ve said YES and now it’s time to share the happy news with your nearest and dearest. But who do you tell first? How do you make sure you don’t accidentally offend somebody in your inner circle? And when you do share your news publicly, what’s the best, cutest and most Instagram-worthy way to do it? Today we share it all!
