The Leap Year Proposal - Is It a Good Idea?

The Leap Year Proposal

Is It a Good Idea?

Only occurring once every four years, a leap year is an exciting time for a number of reasons, firstly there is an extra day in the year, which means that people born on the 29th February can actually celebrate their birthday on the right day, but mostly it is because tradition dictates that women can propose on a Leap day to a man.

Where does the idea of a Leap Year proposal come from? There are a number of theories of where the tradition of the leap year proposal stems from:

In the 5th Century it is rumoured that St Brigid of Kildare, an Irish nun, asked St Patrick to let women propose after many women were left waiting for a proposal from their boyfriends. He granted her wish and allowed women to propose every four years on a leap day. If the potential bridegroom refused he owed the women a silk dress.

In 1288 Queen Margaret of Scotland allegedly created a law, which allowed women to propose on a leap year as long as they wore a red petticoat. If a woman’s suitor rejected her proposal he was forced to pay a fi ne. As Queen Margaret was only 5 years old at this time most historians believe she would be unlikly to be interested in the plight of unmarried women.

If a woman in Finland wanted to propose to their boyfriend they had to do it on a leap day, as it was the only day that gave the couple good luck. If the boyfriend refused he was required to pay a fi ne, (enough money to pay for a new skirt).

In some European countries, if a man rejected his girlfriends proposal he would have to buy her twelve pairs of gloves to hide the shame of being rejected.

The thought of proposing can be daunting for anyone, but it is even harder when there are out-dated ideas surrounding a woman’s proposal to a man. Don’t worry if you remember these few basic rules to proposing, you’ll be absolutely fi ne!

Consider whether you’re defi nitely ready. There’s a reason why he hasn’t proposed yet. It might not be because he’s lazy or scared of commitment as your friends say perhaps he just thinks that you are not in the right fi nancial position at the moment to be married. Or he could not just be at the same stage as you! Make sure you suss this out before you propose.

Tailor the proposal to him. What would make it individual to him? If he likes fi shing write ‘Will You Marry Me,’ on little note and put it in

BEST WESTERN SALFORD HALL HOTEL

WEDDING FAIR Sunday 19th April 11:30am – 3:00pm Free entry, free goody bag, complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival, canapés and mini desserts to try

EXCLUSIVE USE PACKAGES FROM £3,500

SPECIAL OFFER Book and confirm your wedding by 30/04/20 with a deposit and receive £500 off our platinum and diamond packages for dates in 2020

Abbots Salford, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 8UT Tel: 01386 871300 | Email: events@salfordhall.co.uk | www.salfordhall.co.uk

his hook box. If he likes football you can write it on the back of a shirt of his favourite team.

Propose in private. Not everyone would welcome a proposal in front of a whole restaurant as in “love Acually” Do you have a spot that you always go together or is there somewhere that you’ve both always wanted gave you a £1 ring how would you feel? If he doesn’t like to wear a ring why not buy him a watch instead. That way he’ll remember to get to the church on time!

to visit? Make sure that you fi nd a romantic spot where you can pop the question in private and he’ll thank you for it later.

Get him a ring? If your boyfriend is the kind of man that would wear jewellery then defi nitely get him a ring. Maybe not one of the £1 ones that Poundland are selling this year, if he What if he says ‘no’? Don’t worry and don’t panic. You don’t know why he’s said no. He may have been planning to propose to you and you just got there fi rst. Or maybe he’s just not ready to make that kind commitment. Instead of thinking this is the end of the world, instead talk to him about why he’s not ready for marriage yet.

So the Statistics 22% of proposals occur on Valentine’s Day, which is the second most popular day of the year to propose, after Christmas Eve

33% of men think that Christmas is the most romantic time of the year to propose, but women disagree and say that Valentine’s Day is more romantic.

79% of women say that they’d never propose as they are not brave enough.

5% of men think that a woman should propose 65% of men stating that they would say ‘no’ if a woman did propose to them. n

Worcestershire Now

If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team.

also a wonderful setting for your reception. With a Hospitality Suite available for you to get ready in, Hartlebury Castle becomes an atmospheric venue for your whole wedding day. Celebrate your special day in the beautiful historic setting of Hartlebury Castle

Hartlebury Castle is a unique venue located in the small village of Hartlebury, Worcestershire and surrounded by beautiful countryside.

The Castle is available to hire for your ceremony, reception or both. Its Medieval Great Hall, Georgian Saloon and Bishop’s Study are all licenced for Civil Ceremonies creating an elegant backdrop for your wedding. The Saloon and Great Hall, alongside the stunning Carriage Circle are Hartlebury Castle is holding a Wedding Fayre & Open Day on Sunday 8th March. Come along to explore a range of stalls providing inspiration for your wedding day and discover if Hartlebury Castle is the perfect venue for you.

Hartlebury Castle offers a flexible approach to weddings, recognising that your day should reflect you both as a couple and your individual personalities.

Find out more about Hartlebury Castle by visiting www.hartleburycastle.com or call 01299 250797. The Wedding Fayre & Open Day takes place on Sunday 8th March, 11am – 3pm and entry is free. n

Whitbourne Hall WR6 5SE For Your Dream Country House Wedding Use your own caterer, wine and music | Seating: 130 Standing: 200 Arrange a visit - Email: info@whitbournehall.com | Tel: 07931 220702

www.whitbournehall.com

National Association of Goldsmiths Member Quarter Jewellery(Worcester) and Malvern Goldsmiths

Getting married? We make wedding rings, all carats, all widths, all patterns. We beat any other jewellers price, even the internet. §

Free valuations on items you wish to sell We also value for insurance, sale between parties and probate. Jewellery repair service available & we will polish your jewellery for £5 Personalise Your Wedding Ring 1. Choose a plain wedding ring (9ct, 18ct or platinum 2. Keep it plain or have it diamond cut (any pattern) + £15 3. Set some bright white diamonds + £30 each (including setting) 4. Engrave dates or something lovey dovey on the inside + £20 (approx) Congratulations, you have just designed your very own Wedding Ring! Plain Wedding Rings are £47.50 per gram for 9ct or £95 per gram for 18ct

THE MOST REASONABLE JEWELLERS IN WORCESTER, ESPECIALLY FOR WEDDING RINGS Quarter Jewellery - 27 The Shambles, Worcester Malvern Goldsmiths - 28/30 Belle Vue Terrace