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A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting.
A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else’s special day, such as a birthday or even another person’s wedding day.
The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate “yes” factor.
The top reason’s Brits would turn down a proposal
1. If the proposal was on someone else’s special day – 29%
2. If the proposal was in public – 29%
3. Not dating long enough before the proposal – 27%
4. If there was no engagement ring – 20%
5. If there were a photographer there – 13%
6. For dating too long before the proposal – 10%
7. If they didn’t like the engagement ring – 8%
8. For not asking for parental approval first – 8%
9. If they didn’t like their outfit – 5%
10. If it wasn’t in a scenic location – 4%
The perfect time to propose
When it comes to the right time to pop the question, there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline.
The survey shows whilst 17% believe two years is the ideal time to propose, closely followed by 16% favouring 1.5 years and 15% opting for 7–12 months, just 4% say 0–6 months is acceptable, indicating a general preference for a well-established relationship before engagement.
Interestingly, tolerance wanes as the years go on as only 3% think four years is ideal, dropping to just 1% for six or more years.
Despite this, most respondents (31%) believe that it should be up to the couple themselves, whenever they are ready, suggesting modern attitudes are moving away from fixed timelines in favour of personal choice and emotional readiness.
Why the right time matters
Relationship expert Giovanna Smith from Perfect Fusions says: “Timing is everything. Proposing too early can feel like jumping ahead without building a solid base, while waiting too long can create frustration or doubt. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline, but couples who have navigated both the highs and lows together usually feel more secure in saying “yes.” It’s less about a number of months or years and more about whether both people feel understood, supported, and aligned in their long-term vision.”
Why the right location matters
Relationship expert Giovanna Smith adds: “The setting is an extension of the couple’s story. Some people thrive on a public declaration, while others feel overwhelmed by it. I’ve seen proposals declined because they happened in ways that made the person feel pressured or overshadowed, like proposing at someone else’s wedding or in a place where the partner wasn’t comfortable. The right location is about emotional safety, and a good time to demonstrate attunement to what’s important to you and your partner, not just aesthetics.
Why the right ring matters
Professional Jeweller Jeremy Hinds from F. Hinds comments: “An engagement ring is far more than a piece of jewellery, it is a lifelong symbol of love, intention, and shared future. Long after the proposal moment has passed, the ring remains as a daily reminder of that promise.
“That’s why the perfect ring matters. It’s not about size or price, but about choosing something that reflects the depth of your relationship, the uniqueness of your partner, and the thought you’ve put into forever.”
Jeremy Hinds, Professional Jeweller at F. Hinds, comments: “Despite the rise of non-traditional proposals, some traditions continue to stand the test of time, none more so than the engagement ring. While 29% of people say a public proposal would put them off and 27% believe proposing too soon is a deal-breaker, 20% say not having a ring at all would spoil the moment, and 8% would be disappointed if they didn’t like the ring itself. Even asking for a parent's permission still holds value for some, with 8% citing it as a preferred gesture. These figures reveal that traditions are still deeply important.”
For the full study, please visit: https://www.fhinds.co.uk/blog/The-proposal-dos-and-don%E2%80%99ts-according-to-new-data-F-Hinds
