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The Proposal Playbook: Creative Holiday &
New Year’s Engagement Ideas


Diamond engagement ring with a half halo of fancy shapes and stacked eternity wedding bands displayed on champagne-colored satin fabric. Diamond engagement ring with a half halo of fancy shapes and stacked eternity wedding bands displayed on champagne-colored satin fabric.

The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s hold a rare kind of magic — warm gatherings, sparkling lights, and moments that feel suspended in time. It’s no surprise that this season has become the heart of engagement season.

If our Holiday Proposals guide inspired you, consider this your next step: a curated playbook filled with thoughtful, creative, beautifully understated ways to ask the most meaningful question of your life.

And if you haven’t seen it yet, watch our newest film, “The Moment You Say Yes,” and drop a comment on our Instagram post.


The Cozy-at-Home Proposal — Intimate, Warm, Unforgettable

Not every proposal needs a sweeping backdrop. Some of the most meaningful moments happen right at home — where your love story actually lives.

Ideas to Make It Special

  • A candlelit dinner you cook together
  • A wrapped ring box as the “final gift”
  • A handwritten letter tucked under the tree
  • Soft lighting and a discreetly placed camera

Personalize the ring for this intimate moment → Design Your Ring


Under the Lights — Holiday Markets, City Streets & Winter Walks

Holiday lights have a way of turning everyday spaces into something cinematic.

Where to Propose

  • Under glowing string lights
  • At a winter market
  • During a quiet nighttime walk
  • On an ice rink (choose a safe, steady spot!)

Need help selecting a ring style that photographs beautifully? Explore our Engagement Ring Guide.

Couple walking through a holiday market under string lights during winter.

Family Gatherings & Thanksgiving Moments — A Shared Celebration

If family plays a significant role in your love story, a holiday gathering can make the proposal even more meaningful.

Ways to Make It Special

  • A toast before dinner
  • A personalized ornament
  • A quiet pre-proposal before rejoining the group
  • Incorporating a family heirloom

The New Year’s Eve Countdown — A Symbol of New Beginnings

Few moments feel more symbolic than midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Create the Moment

  • Ask right before the countdown
  • Choose a scenic overlook or rooftop
  • Capture celebratory champagne photos
  • Write “Will you marry me?” in the first page of your resolutions

For a one-of-a-kind ring to match the moment, consider our bespoke service, Rock Your Way.


A Destination Proposal — Mountains, Snow, Shorelines, or Warm Escapes

If you're traveling, your destination may provide the perfect backdrop.

Tips

  • Use a secure travel case
  • Choose a meaningful lookout spot
  • Hire a local photographer
  • Propose early in the trip to enjoy “engaged mode” longer


Which do you prefer?

Winter Getaway

Side-by-side comparison of a winter proposal and a warm summer getaway couple moment.

Summer Escape

Side-by-side comparison of a winter proposal and a warm summer getaway couple moment.


Simple, Understated Proposal Ideas — Elegant, Quiet, Intentional

Some couples prefer the softness of a quiet, heartfelt moment — without spectacle.

Ideas for a Beautifully Simple Proposal

  • Morning coffee with a ring beside their cup
  • A shared ritual — Sunday cooking, slow mornings, lighting candles
  • A handwritten note with the ring resting on top
  • A still moment at home after a long day
  • A minimalist candlelit scene
  • A “turn around” photo moment capturing real-time reactions

These understated moments pair beautifully with timeless solitaires and classic settings.


Romantic, soft-lit  proposal scene inspired by SAMA’s film, The Moment You Say Yes, with a SAMA diamond engagemet ring box positioned on a table in front of couple celebrating the moment surrounded by holiday décor.

Capture The Moment You Say Yes — Photography Ideas Inspired by SAMA’s Film

Your proposal is a story you’ll relive for a lifetime — and capturing it thoughtfully matters.

Photo Inspiration from Our Film

  • Focus on hands first: the touch, the anticipation
  • Document the reaction — turn your phone to “burst mode”
  • Create movement (a spin, a hug, a step in)
  • Capture the setting — winter lights, candles, snow, or decor
  • After the moment, photograph the ring with meaningful details

Rewatch the film and share your thoughts with us — comment on the Instagram post here.


Your Proposal, Your Story

Whether you're drawn to quiet moments or cinematic gestures, the most meaningful proposals are intentional — crafted with care and a reflection of who you are.

Begin your journey:

This holiday season, let your proposal be a moment that feels beautifully, unmistakably yours.