The Solution UAE

TSUAEA Clients: AAVVA Fashion, AYURA Diamonds, Inna Tcherkacheninova

Planning to Propose This Summer? Here’s How to Plan One

There’s something naturally romantic about summer. With longer days, great weather, and backdrops that need little to no styling, it’s easy to see why many couples choose this season to pop the ‘big’ question. “Summer brings this effortless sense of freedom, beauty, and connection. The long days, the golden sunsets, and the fact that people are naturally spending more time outdoors—all of that creates the perfect atmosphere and season for a romantic proposal,” shares designer Ahmad Ammar of Lebanese-Brazilian brand, AAVVA.

According to a survey by lab-grown diamond brand Angara, 65 per cent of women dream of a surprise proposal. The sentiment is even stronger among younger generations, with 68 per cent of Gen Z respondents saying they prefer the element of surprise, indicating a growing desire for proposals that feel more personal and meaningful. So, how do you craft the perfect summer proposal that’s meaningful, beautiful, and very in the moment?

Statement rings: What’s in?

Photo: Angara

The ring, of course, is at the center of it all—and the trends are shifting. “Oval and emerald cuts are leading the charge—favoured for their elongated silhouette and eye-catching brilliance. These are often paired with vintage-inspired settings, such as Art Deco halos or filigree detailing. Bespoke rings that incorporate hidden details—like birthstones, initials, or engravings—have become increasingly popular. There’s also a growing appreciation for minimalist, architectural styles that highlight the center stone without excessive embellishment,” shares Adhil Fouz, founder of Ayura Diamonds, a Sri Lanka-based jewellery brand.

Coloured stones are having a moment, too. “They are closer to 15% of engagement rings, and it’s steadily climbing. We expect it to reach 30% soon. For many couples, coloured gemstones feel rare, expressive, and emotionally significant,” Aditi Daga of Angara says. Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies continue to be the most popular choices. Beyond the classics, there’s growing interest in aquamarines, morganites, tanzanites, and opals.

Shopping for rings together has become less about ticking off a to-do and more about celebrating the relationship itself. “Try different styles, stay open-minded, and choose something that reflects your shared aesthetic,” Fouz advises. For solo shoppers planning a surprise, he recommends quiet research: observe their style, consult close friends or family, and prioritise authenticity over trend-chasing.

Where to propose

Photo: Hôtel du Cap Eden Roc

The key to a beautiful proposal lies in finding a summer location that speaks to your shared story and elevates it. According to Pickyourtrail, a leading holiday platform that offers fully personalised travel experiences, proposals at the Burj Khalifa lead with 18% preference, followed by dhow cruises and desert safaris in Dubai. “Couples are choosing destinations and experiences that are extraordinary. The data reveals a trend towards places that align with personal milestones and meaningful experiences,” shares Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder of Pickyourtrail.

According to the data, Europe remains a perennial favourite for proposals, with Paris leading in popularity, followed by Zurich and Rome. Experiences like the Eiffel Tower, which tops activity preferences with its sweeping city views and glittering skyline, Zurich’s peaceful lakeside promenades, and Rome’s historic streets all provide the perfect backdrop for meaningful proposal moments. In Southeast Asia, Bali continues to emerge as a destination of choice with a 20% surge. Certain experiences, such as West Nusa Penida’s dramatic cliffside views (8%), the serene Uluwatu Cliffs Temple perched high above the ocean, and the iconic Tanah Lot sunset tour, have seen a noticeable spike in popularity. Destinations like the Maldives, Thailand, and Singapore remain evergreen choices for romantic travel.

Capturing the moment

Well, capturing the perfect proposal moment is like freezing a moment that must feel as genuine as the love behind it. Current trends lean away from overly staged poses and towards emotion-led storytelling. As for aesthetic choices, summer proposals are often wrapped in romance with candles, florals, and sunset light. “We’re loving golden hour moments with a mix of candid editorial flash—it creates this dreamy, soft-yet-stylish feel,” says Dubai-based photographer Inna Tcherkacheninova. To take the stress off, she recommends working with a proposal planner, especially with exclusive venues. “Hire a photographer with whom you truly trust. Choose a place that holds special meaning. We all love a surprise moment and the emotions of a surprise proposal!” she suggests.

What to wear?

When it comes to styling proposal moments, the mood is intimate, effortless, and nature-inspired. “This summer, we’re seeing a move towards pastel tones, coastal or countryside settings, and organic textures like linen, wildflowers, or candles floating on water. The aesthetic is less about extravagance and more about intention,” says Ahmad Ammar of AAVVA.

Dubai-based style curator, Niti Gupta, echoes the sentiment, “Soft, sun-kissed hues like whites, peaches, gentle yellows, rose pinks, creamy neutrals, blush tones and turquoise blues are setting the tone for summer proposals.”

So, what should you wear when you think they might pop the question? Ammar suggests breathable fabrics and airy silhouettes. “Feminine, and flowy silhouettes shine best in natural, sunlit settings for the romantic and effortless mood of the moment. Heavy cocktail dresses and dark tones are making way for lighter, airier options in breathable fabrics like chiffon, linen, and soft cotton blends. Off-shoulder and V-necklines remain flattering favourites, while pastel maxi dresses, wrap styles, and flowy two-piece sets bring effortless elegance to sunlit proposal moments,” seconds Gupta.

Curating the scene

Today’s proposals are about the moment, the memory, and the setting that holds it all together. And behind many of these unforgettable moments are hotels that do far more than provide a stunning location.

And in this conversation, the Maldives remains an evergreen season destination for romance. “The Maldives remains a timeless destination for summer proposals,” Srikanth Devarapalli, GM of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, says. “Its cinematic beauty, unmatched privacy, and sense of escape offer the perfect setting for life’s most meaningful moments.” The resort offers dreamy underwater proposals during a private dive or a beachfront proposal illuminated by candlelight and a spectacular display of cold sparklers.

In Europe, Switzerland’s St. Moritz has long held a place on the map for dreamy summer proposals, and Badrutt’s Palace in particular continues to attract couples year after year. Richard Leuenberger, Managing Director of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz, attributes its enduring charm to the timeless quality of its setting. “The light, the lake, the feeling of being secluded from the world. But what keeps couples coming back is the feeling that this is something very personal. It doesn’t feel staged, it feels real. Couples are looking for moments that are emotionally meaningful, intentional and unmistakably theirs.”

This desire for meaning over spectacle isn’t limited to the Swiss Alps. Along the sun-drenched coastline of the South of France, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes continues to be a dream destination for summer proposals. For those looking for breathtaking proposal backdrops, the hotel’s main alley, which opens onto panoramic views of the Mediterranean, remains an all-time favourite. Other beloved locations include the rose garden and private cabanas bathed in sunset light—both equally suited for personal, heart-stirring moments. “The private dining experience at the cabana facing the Mediterranean is one of our most favoured proposal setups. The entire place is exclusively decorated for the couple with candles along the path and rose petals to enjoy a gourmet private dinner served by a dedicated butler. No other guest is interrupting or distracting you from your special moment. It’s just the couple,” assures Valerie Muller, Regional Head of Communications.

So, whether it’s a rooftop in Beirut, a candlelit table in Cappadocia, or a walk on the beach in Salalah, here’s to the most elegant, stylish ‘yes’ moment of your life!

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