Valentines Day: "Almost Getting Engaged" Party - The Tradition of The Promise Ring For The Modern Couple

It’s Valentine’s Day: Someday He Will Propose, But Not Today

Does Anyone Give Promise Rings Anymore?

By Celebrity Wedding Officiator, Dr. Linda

(Director of Engagements and Proposals)

Planning A Valentine’s Day – “Almost Getting Engaged” Party or Getaway!

He is not going to propose this year.  And, it is o.k. with you. Your relationship has long since transitioned from newish to a daily public fact. Never-before-things say, “This is certainly it!”  Yet, it is not quite right to say, “Yes” for life.  But, those closest are expecting the “big announcement” of marriage. It has been my experience as Director of Engagement & Proposals at LegallyMarried and The Clergy Network, to meet couples wanting something significant “in-between”.  And, Valentine’s Day seems the best holiday of the year to take the next step.  But, is “Engagement” the only next move? There is dating, courting, engagement and marriage, right? 

Back in the day, there was a remedy for that “Almost committed for life feeling”. This “rite of passage” was a bonafide substantive gesture that promised a future together.  This gift and a statement said, “Ours is not a passing fancy”, or, “Until someone better comes along”.   They called it a “Promise Ring”. It wasn’t only the not-so-gainfully unemployed teenagers that utilized this method of declaring affection. Those a bit older might have done so too!

Go For It - Throwing An “Almost Getting Engaged” Party or “Almost Getting Engaged” Dinner

So, what does this mean to your Valentine’s Day? Well, for the comic couple, a Valentine’s Day get-together for the purposes of “Almost Getting Engaged”, the giving of a promise and ring, has a certain humorous appeal.  And, at an “Almost Getting Engaged” romantic dinner, for the serious minded couple, there is intentional charm, and, a really significant advancing of their relationship.  As a wedding officiator, I have conducted the simple, but tearfully joyful, “I promise to get engaged someday soon” ceremony before!  After the vow is given, the casual relationship is in the distance of love’s rear view mirror. And, with the gifting of a “Promise Ring or Necklace”, “Becoming Engaged” is in the not-so-distant horizon. The “Almost Getting Engaged” vow is for the “in-betweeners” needing to take the next step.  For some, it is a psychological necessity.  For example, while setting the momentum toward “Engagement”, it focuses each one’s thoughts on more seriously preparing for marriage together. Or, it might even slow things down to a crawl. Which, until a couple is really ready to “get engaged”, may be a good thing! In any event, drawing the romantic line in the sand on Valentine’s Day could be the best thing that you did for your relationship.

Ready To Exchange “Almost Getting Engaged” Vows? Maybe A Promise Ring?

So, if you are there, time to make a “Promise to Promise”?  Think about it for this Valentine’s Day.  In just your favorite setting, a gift and a “Promise to Promise”!  Share your vows with us, or, ask us to write the “Promise to Promise” Vows.  Happy Almost!  Sincerely, Dr. Linda - Director of Engagements & Proposals at Legally Married & The Clergy Network.   To find out about our “Almost Getting Engaged” Vows writers – info@theclergynetwork.com – www.facebook.com/legallymarri