Plans may be changing, but we’ve got plenty of ideas for at-home proposals. The most iconic on-screen scenes are filled with quarantine-friendly engagements – and here are our favorites!
In the age of social distancing, what’s a starry-eyed couple to do? We’re here with good news: coronavirus doesn’t mean you have to cancel your proposal. But, yeah, the original plan is probably off.
Luckily, inspiration abounds for at-home proposals that knock it out of the park. Just grab your remote. Countless couples from TV and film have gotten engaged in the cozy homes they built together.
The most iconic at-home proposals of TV and film:
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Chandler + Monica in “Friends”
When one of TV’s favorite couples finally got engaged, it was Chandler who was surprised by Monica in her candlelit apartment. As Chandler said in the iconic scene, “I thought that it mattered what I said, or where I said it, then I realized that the only thing that matters is that you make me happier than I ever thought I could be.”
Flaunt the ring that’ll make you scream to the neighbors “I’m engaged!”
Monica’s Diamond & Sapphire Engagement Ring
Luke + Isabel in “Stepmom”
In the movie “Stepmom,” Luke wakes Isabel with a ring box containing a spool of thread. As he ties the thread around her finger, he says, “Even when things are hard and you feel like giving up you have to hang on to that decision, that choice to love each other. Even if it’s only by a thread…Will you marry me?” He then proposes by sliding an engagement ring down the thread and onto her finger. Now that’s charming.
Twist this around your finger:
Isabel’s Entwined Solitaire Engagement Ring
Ian + Toula in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”
This couple knows how to hold each other close. In an intimate at-home proposal, Ian spontaneously pops the question to Toula while in bed. They share a rare, quiet moment together before revealing their engagement to her boisterous family.
A simple ring that strives for the sweetest moments:
Toula’s Tapered Scroll Engagement Ring
Mr. Darcy + Elizabeth in “Pride and Prejudice”
You can both self-isolate while still taking in the great outdoors. In the 2005 remake of “Pride and Prejudice,” Mr. Darcy tells Elizabeth that she has “bewitched [him], body and soul.” Foggy, early-morning walks are socially distant and perfect for romantic declarations!
A vintage, nature-inspired style perfect for lovers of the classics:
Elizabeth’s Vintage Vine Engagement Ring
Sheldon + Amy AND Leonard + Penny in “The Big Bang Theory”
On the “Big Bang Theory,” at-home proposals are the norm! Both Sheldon + Amy as well as Leonard + Penny get engaged in their apartments. Each couple gets engaged in their own characteristically quirky fashion, showing that the perfect proposal is the one that gets you engaged! Sheldon even makes a few socially distanced phone calls to Amy’s dad and Stephen Hawking for permission.
Amy would go all fluttery for this classically-inspired rose gold ring:
Amy’s Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
The trending fashionista of the group, Penny would be all over this:
Penny’s Pear-Cut Halo Engagement Ring
Mr. Big + Carrie in “Sex and the City”
For Carrie Bradshaw, the ideal engagement spot was her dream closet in her new home with Mr. Big. After the “will they”s and “won’t they”s – they did! Make this proposal a reality by choosing your favorite spot in the house, whether or not it’s full of Manolo Blahniks.
That famed black diamond engagement ring:
Carrie’s Black Diamond Pavé Engagement Ring
Luke + Lorelai in “Gilmore Girls”
In his empty diner beneath his apartment, Luke gets interrupted when Lorelai spontaneously proposes to him. But Luke’s answer was at the ready: “Yes.” Not even equipped with a ring, Luke and Lorelai dive straight into celebration mode anyway – proof that the perfect proposal can come before the perfect ring. Cheers to that!
Lorelai’s Twisted Halo Engagement Ring
BONUS Romantic gesture ideas!
Quarantining together can make it a bit tricky to stay sentimental. So, presto! Three romantic movie moves that you can pull off, even while social distancing.
Lloyd + Diane in “Say Anything”
Even if you haven’t seen it, you know it: Lloyd holding up a boombox playing “In Your Eyes” was the original socially-distanced romantic gesture. It may be one of the most parodied acts, but we’ll let you in on a secret: deep down, everyone wishes they were a Lloyd or a Diane.
Diane-Inspired Diamond Stud Earrings
Jerry + Dorothy in “Jerry Maguire”
When Jerry Maguire knocks on Dorothy’s door and gives his famous “you complete me” speech in front of her entire family, she simply responds with “you had me at hello.” Make the family dinner virtual, and you’ve got yourselves a setting ready for a heart-melting romantic outburst.
Dorothy-Inspired Tennis Bracelet
Joe + Kathleen in “You’ve Got Mail”
The email courtship between Joe and Kathleen in “You’ve Got Mail” is perfect for these times. When they finally meet in-person for a walk in the park, she simply replies “I wanted it to be you.” The 2020 version: send your sweetie love-filled texts (rather than emails) from the next room.
Kathleen-Inspired Diamond Pendant
Creative, COVID-ready ring ideas:
- 9 COVID-Safe Customer Proposals
- Ring-Cleaning Tips In The Age Of COVID-19
- How To Nail The At-Home Proposal
- Virtual Engagement Ring Try-On
- How To Drop A Hint – Gracefully
Obsessing over one (or more) of the celebrity engagement rings in this post? Share the love on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or in the comments below!
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