Private proposals are in, public proposals are out 

Unless you’re living under a rock, you’d have heard that the wedding bells will ring for Zendaya and Tom Holland. Preceding the official news, eagle-eyed fans swiftly took note of Zendaya flashing a ring on her left hand at the Golden Globes. A lot was left to speculation, precisely due to the proposal being a private affair, one that presumably took place somewhere between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

This makes us take note that there’s something refreshingly intimate about keeping life’s most significant moments just that—intimate. Where clips of grand, orchestrated public proposals once dominated social media feeds, a quiet shift is taking place with celebrities endorsing the evolution as well.  While flash mobs, skywriting, and choreographed dance routines had their era, the tide is turning, and private proposals are having their well-deserved moment in the spotlight, or rather, away from it.

Take Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, for instance, who got engaged in December 2024, in a private setting, with Gomez later sharing the heartfelt news on her terms through an Instagram post. Similarly, whispers of Dua Lipa’s engagement to Callum Turner sparked after fans spotted a diamond on her finger, indicating that the singer’s proposal, too, was an intimate affair away from the public eye.

Now, it’s about protecting the sanctity of the deeply personal question: Will you marry me? And let’s be honest, not every life-altering moment needs to be performed centre stage with an audience. The charm of a private proposal undeniably lies in its raw and intimate exchange of emotions between the couple without the pressure of an audience or perfectly framed photos.

This growing trend highlights a return to simplicity and emotional connection, reminding us that the charm of a proposal isn’t in how many people witness it, but in how deeply it resonates with the couple involved. In a world saturated with curated content, private proposals offer a refreshing reminder of what truly matters—the love shared between two people, away from the spotlight.

This shift speaks to a broader cultural movement, one that values authenticity over optics and intimacy over performance. If you’re looking for inspiration, think of a meaningful etup in the comfort of your apartment with just the right setting—from candles, your partner’s favorite flower arrangement, and your shared playlist softly playing in the background to splitting your favorite meal together. For those who love the outdoors, an intimate private dinner under the stars can also be dreamy. After all, you know your partner best, and the beauty of a private proposal lies in crafting a moment that feels personal, leaving the most lasting impression.

That’s not to say a proposal can’t be grand! If a beach proposal has always been your dream or your partner’s, by all means, go for it. But perhaps consider finding a more secluded spot, away from the crowd and noise, where the moment isn’t overshadowed by curious onlookers or the distraction of passersby. After all, a proposal is a deeply personal experience, and striking that balance between a beautiful setting and genuine intimacy can make it all the more memorable. The verdict seems to be in: let’s retire public proposals in 2025, the cool girls seem to already have. 

Lead Image: Instagram/ Aditi Rao Hydari

Also read: 5 things to keep in mind while planning surprise proposal

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