Planning a Christmas proposal? Here are some important things to keep in mind

There is no shortage of Christmas films that depict the festive period as a time of heightened romance and a particularly poignant setting for a proposal, with famous examples including Love Actually and The Holiday. But while snowfall and fairy lights certainly create the ideal atmosphere for getting on bended knee, a new survey from 77 Diamonds suggests that anyone planning to ask for their partner's hand this Christmas should keep a few important things in mind to make sure the proposal ends up being a memory to cherish.

77 Diamonds' new survey of 1,055 women across the United Kingdom* reveals that although the idea is charming in theory, most women would prefer not to receive a proposal on Christmas Day itself, with fewer than one in five (18%) women keen on the idea.

When asked how they view a Christmas proposal, a quarter (25%) describe the concept as 'corny and clichéd'. Instead, the prevailing view held by 65% of respondents is that the suitability of a Christmas proposal depends entirely on the couple and the story of their relationship.

One reason so few people are keen on the idea of a Christmas Day proposal is that it has the potential to add unwanted tension to the moment.

79% of women agree that a Christmas Day proposal adds a heightened degree of pressure to say yes or else risk 'ruining' the rest of the day for everyone.

For those who are planning to propose during the festive season, privacy is advised, as those surveyed wouldn't want the proposal to happen during public or family moments.

58% of women say the last place they would want a proposal is at a family gathering, while one in five (21%) consider Christmas dinner the least welcome moment of all.

The overall sentiment is that Christmas Day is a shared celebration, not an occasion that should be overtaken by a single couple's news, with 71% of those surveyed believing a Christmas proposal diverts attention from the true spirit of the day.

Instead, 47% think a different date in December is preferable, so long as it is separate from the main festivities.

One in five (20%) think that New Year's Eve is the ideal time, while 16% suggest that Christmas Eve can be wonderfully romantic. Once again, it is stressed that a private moment is preferable to a public affair.

Co-founder of 77 Diamonds, Tobias Kormind, commented:

"Tis the season for grand gestures, so it is no surprise that many people consider Christmas the perfect backdrop for a proposal. But our research shows that the moment itself needs to be handled with real care. For many, Christmas Day carries its own traditions and emotions, and a proposal can unintentionally add pressure that detracts from what is already a meaningful occasion.

The most important thing is to think about your partner, your relationship, and the setting in which they will feel happiest. A private moment earlier in the month, Christmas Eve, or even New Year's Eve can offer all the festive magic and, ultimately, a proposal should feel authentic to the two of you, not shaped by expectation or the storylines we see on screen."