since 2006
Marriage Proposal Trends in 2025: These Numbers Will Shock You!
By Nicolas, proposal expert in Paris | May 8, 2025
At ApoteoSurprise, we’ve been unforgettable marriage proposals in Paris since 2006. Over nearly two decades, more than 3,500 couples from around the world have trusted us to organize this magical moment.
To better understand the desires, emotions, and expectations surrounding this life-changing event, we launched a major survey. Over several months, 1,800 people kindly shared their insights with us. Some of their answers surprised us, many moved us, and all fascinated us.
Here’s what we discovered.
Your thirties: the ideal age for a marriage proposal
When it comes to popping the question, your thirties clearly stand out as the most common age range. In fact, half of all men who propose are between 30 and 35 years old!
This striking figure shows that the thirties are by far the prime decade to ask your beloved to marry you.
Those in their late twenties (25 to 29) aren’t far behind, making up about a quarter of all proposals.
After 35, the numbers gradually decline: 14% of proposals come from men aged 36 to 40, and just 9% from those between 41 and 50. Men aged 51 to 60 account for only 3% of proposals.
This means nearly 75% of proposals happen before 35 — a stage in life when passion often outweighs rational considerations, and the desire to build a future together feels natural.
Only 3% of marriage proposals are made by women
Traditional values remain strong, with just 3% of marriage proposals initiated by women rather than men. From childhood, many women have grown up with the image of Prince Charming — shaped by fairy tales, films, and books. For some, this may be one of the few moments where, despite societal changes, they still hope to see these romantic, traditional ideals honored.
December: the favourite month for a marriage proposal
When it comes to popping the question, timing matters just as much as the location. And if there’s one month that stands out as the perfect moment, it’s definitely December. Nearly 15% of all proposals happen during this special month, proving that the holiday season is ideal for surprising your loved one.
The magical Christmas atmosphere, family gatherings, and festive spirit all play a big part. While December remains by far the most popular month, there’s a noticeable lull between January and April. The dark days, the end of the festivities, and the return to routine explain the dip in proposals during this period.
But as soon as warmer weather arrives, proposals pick up again! From May onward, there’s a surge — especially in the summer and autumn months, with August, September, October, and November all seeing high numbers of engagements. While these months are busy, none surpass December, which still holds the crown for the most proposals. The final month of the year is, without question, when the majority of engagements take place.
Valentine's Day: the ideal date for a marriage proposal?
Thirty-two percent of men believe Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day to pop the question. However, only 19% of women agree, with many finding the date too predictable. While the occasion is certainly symbolic, it can lose some of its magic due to high expectations and over-commercialization.
What truly matters for a successful proposal is spontaneity and the element of surprise—not the date itself. Interestingly, despite Valentine’s Day’s reputation as the perfect moment to propose, only 3% of men actually choose to do so on this day.
Two months on average to prepare a marriage proposal
Planning a marriage proposal takes time, thought, and often meticulous organization. On average, 35% of men spend about two months preparing for this special moment.
This preparation typically involves everything from brainstorming the perfect idea to choosing the ideal location—or even working with a proposal specialist like ApoteoSurprise.
Some men move faster: 5% manage to organize everything in just a few days, while 1% take a bold leap and propose on the spot, without a ring and completely on impulse. Meanwhile, 40% spend between three and twelve months planning, making sure every detail is just right to create an unforgettable experience.
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50% of men choose the engagement ring 2 to 3 months before proposing
Choosing the engagement ring is one of the most important steps in planning a marriage proposal. About 25% of men decide on the ring two months before popping the question, while another 25% wait around three months. These timeframes offer useful guidelines to help you organize your proposal and avoid any last-minute rush.
Interestingly, 5% of men end up buying the ring after the proposal—either because they acted impulsively or because the ring hadn’t arrived in time. That’s why it’s crucial to order the ring well in advance, to avoid the stress of waiting and wondering when it will finally arrive!
The average cost of a marriage proposal is €1500 (excluding the ring)
Planning a marriage proposal requires thought—and, of course, a budget. On average, you can expect to spend around €1500, not including the ring. This typically covers a romantic dinner, renting a memorable location, hiring a photographer to capture the moment, and perhaps adding a few decorative touches.
That said, about 20% of men don’t set a specific budget, opting instead for simpler, more personal ideas.
While €1500 may seem like a significant amount, many see it as a worthwhile investment to make the day truly unforgettable. After all, a large majority of women say the memory of the proposal often outshines the wedding itself. It’s an intimate moment, just the two of you, away from the eyes of guests—and that’s part of its magic.
The majority of marriage proposals take place abroad
More and more couples are choosing to pop the question in dream destinations far from home. Around 55% of proposals happen abroad, in idyllic spots like the beaches of the Maldives, the canals of Venice, or the breathtaking views of Santorini. But for lovers worldwide, Paris remains the ultimate capital of marriage proposals.
When couples travel abroad, they leave everyday life behind and find themselves in a completely new setting. This change of scenery makes them feel like they’re the only two people in the world, as if the place belongs just to them.
That said, not everyone goes overseas. About 30% of couples choose to propose closer to home, often in places filled with sentimental value — like a favourite restaurant or a park they visit regularly. With thoughtful planning, these intimate moments can be just as special and memorable, while still rooted in everyday life.
65% of marriage proposals are neither photographed nor filmed
Most couples aren’t interested in following the trend of over-the-top, staged proposals complete with flower decorations, heart-shaped petals, candles, and photo shoots. While these setups may seem romantic—especially given their viral popularity on social media—they often take away the element of surprise that makes a proposal truly unforgettable. When a couple opts for this, the bride-to-be usually knows what’s coming as soon as she sees the scene, and the surprise is lost.
For 65% of men, what truly matters is the emotion of the moment. A successful proposal relies on suspense and spontaneity. The moment she realizes what’s happening—without any warning—is what makes it unforgettable. In the end, the memory, the surprise, and the shared emotion outweigh any perfect photo or video meant to go viral.
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The majority of couples marry within a year of the marriage proposal
After the proposal, many couples waste no time. Around 30% get married within a year, eager to take the next step in their lives.
Meanwhile, 45% choose to marry between 12 and 24 months after the proposal. This allows them to enjoy their engagement while having enough time to plan the wedding without feeling rushed.
And for those who can’t wait, 5% tie the knot just six months after popping the question, excited to become husband and wife!
7 out of 10 men find the marriage proposal incredibly stressful
According to a U.S. study, most men find proposing more terrifying than swimming with sharks! This is because men realize the marriage proposal is the most important moment in their romantic lives. So feeling anxious is completely normal. But here’s the reassuring part: with proper preparation, the proposal can become one of life’s most magical moments!
1 in 5 women accidentally swallows her engagement ring!
Inspired by romantic movies, many men still try to improvise their proposal in a restaurant, hoping to recreate a Hollywood scene. But without the perfect soundtrack or carefully arranged lighting, the moment can quickly lose its magic—or even turn into a disaster.
A study across 850 Parisian restaurants found that 1 in 5 women accidentally swallows her ring when it’s hidden in a glass of champagne. This classic move, deeply rooted in our collective imagination, turns out to be as risky as it is outdated. It’s much safer to plan a surprise with every detail thoughtfully arranged—poetic, emotional, and, most importantly, safe.
8 out of 10 women are disappointed by their marriage proposal
The numbers are striking: 80% of women say they were disappointed with how they were proposed to. Why? Because many proposals are poorly planned or left to the last minute. Despite their best intentions, many men feel lost—they don’t know where to start, struggle to come up with an original or doable idea, or run into logistical problems when trying to create a memorable proposal.
This gap comes from not fully understanding what this moment means to most women. For them, a marriage proposal is much more than just “Will you marry me?”—it’s the moment when the dream of finding the perfect partner becomes real, where emotion, magic, and surprise must come together to create an unforgettable memory. The biggest mistake is thinking that simply asking the question is enough, without considering the setting, the presentation… and the heart behind it.
Proposing marriage is a truly unique, extraordinary moment — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Magical yet nerve-wracking, it stirs a whirlwind of emotions. That’s exactly why ApoteoSurprise exists: to transform any anxiety into pure enchantment. By crafting tailor-made proposals in Paris, our mission is to make every proposal an unforgettable memory — worthy of a true fairy tale.