Promposals have become an exciting tradition in high school, but with so many ways to ask, what truly makes for the ideal proposal? Should it be a grand public gesture, or is it something simple and personal just as meaningful? Whether it’s about the perfect location, the right amount of creativity and effort or simply making the other person feel special, everyone has their own idea of what makes a promposal unforgettable.
In the weeks leading up to prom, Marriott’s Ridge has seen a variety of creative promposals, ranging from poster boards in the commons to surprises outside classrooms. Some students plan for days and force their friends, teachers or entire groups to help bring their big moment to life.
“There was a kid a couple years ago, his girlfriend and he drove to school together everyday, he called a radio station and had the DJ ask her to prom on the radio. It was great and adorable” beloved math teacher Mrs. Scott stated.
Public proposals tend to grab attention and go viral on social media, but for others, the charm lies within something more personal. For some, the promposal is not about making a scene,but about making it personal. Even something as simple as grabbing food together and then asking in a genuine, thoughtful way can be just as meaningful as a grand gesture.
“All the attention with everyone looking is kind of a nerve racking and a personal one means more that they aren’t only doing it because there are people around. A personalized one would feel more intimate and not for attention” senior Megan Nguyen stated.
However, some people love the excitement of a big crowd, the cheers, the energy and the chance to make a fun memory in front of friends. Whether in front of a hundred people or just one, it all comes down to what feels right for the person being asked.
The effort matters more behind the promposal rather than the scale of it; the moment should reflect the relationship and connection. Inside jokes, shared memories or the person’s interests can leave a lasting impression.
“ A good promposal is made from something personal- something that relates to your relationship [or] inside jokes. It shows that you remember, which can go a long way” junior Yakup Akbas stated.
Another popular approach is the classic front-door approach. Showing up randomly outside someone’s house often with flowers, a sign or a small surprise helps add a more personal touch. As the parents peek through the blinds, siblings run to the door to watch and the quiet excitement of knowing the whole household is watching adds to the charm. A way to create a special moment in a familiar setting,
“ I love the [promposals where they show up with a] sign outside the door at the house- those ones are the best! The family’s there watching secretly- it’s really cute- moms love it they are looking [and] watching and the kid is there. It’s much more personal.” Mrs. Scott stated.
While promposals are meant to be fun and meaningful, there’s always the chance that the answer might not have been what was hoped for. For those planning a public promposal, it’s important to consider how the other person might feel, especially when in front of a crowd. Being asked while in front of a big crowd can often make someone feel pressured to say yes, even if they’re unsure.
“It all depends on the person- you have to know the person you’re promposing to… One of the downsides of doing it in front of a big public area is that a lot of times I think people will be pressured to give you an answer that they might not really mean.” senior Jake Schreiber expressed.
That’s why a respectful and considerate approach not only eases nerves but also shows maturity, no matter the outcome.
Despite the differences in approach one thing remains true;the best promposals are the ones that feel authentic. Whether there are cameras with people around or in a secluded restaurant- the magic comes from the connection between the people involved.
Junior Alyssa Trivette talks about how she got asked to prom, she excitedly says “ It was a huge surprise- I knew nothing about it- what made it really special to me was that my best friends helped too. He really put a lot of thought into it, which is really important to me. I came home to ‘prom?’ balloons on the wall a gift basket on my bed a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a poster. It was really great and I loved how much effort he put into it,”
As Prom night approaches, more proposals are bound to pop up. No matter how it’s done, the heart of a promposal is simple- making someone smile and asking them to share a special night together. Good luck out there, Mustangs.