From your favorite color to your go-to coffee order, your future spouse knows you better than anyone. Planning a surprise for someone who knows you so well can be a challenge in and of itself. So where do you hide something as important as an engagement ring, when you want to maintain the element of surprise? Here are a few suggestions for keeping your proposal plan under wraps, so you can orchestrate the perfect moment.
ALWAYS KEEP IT IN A BOX
First and foremost, never take the ring out of its box. While it may be harder to hide a clunky velvet box than it is to hide a loose ring, removing the ring increases the chances of damage or loss. You do not want the lead-up to one of the happiest moments of your life to be filled with panic. So, if you need to hide the ring on your person, choose a flat and slim ring box that’s easy to slip into a pocket or purse.
AVOID THE OBVIOUS
Whether you’ve discussed marriage at length or only touched on the topic, your significant other may suspect that you’re ready to put a ring on it — even if they don’t let on. Innocent sleuthing, such as peeking in dresser drawers or digging through jacket pockets, isn’t unheard of. Get creative and choose a hiding spot that’s both secure (no burying it in the yard or tucking it inside a return air vent) and secluded. A false bottomed drawer, gym bag or out-of-season garment are typically safe options.
ENTRUST IT WITH A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND
Sometimes it’s simply not realistic to hide a ring from your partner, especially if you live under the same roof. In this case, it may be wise to hand off the ring to a reliable and responsible family member or friend. Just make sure they can be trusted to not only protect the ring, but also to remain tight-lipped. Alternatively, you can keep the ring in a safe spot at work or rent a safety deposit box.
USE CAMOFLAUGE
Velvet ring boxes are pretty recognizable, which is why you have to be clever about finding the perfect place to stash yours. But there are ways to successfully hide a ring box without picking a spot so obscure you’ll need a treasure map to find it later. Slide it inside a pair of socks in your drawer or tuck it inside a larger box at the top of your closet. If you want to get creative, cut out a square in the middle of a book no one’s picked up for a while and put it back on the shelf, or slip it into your travel bag for a trip. Make the ring look like something commonplace, so your partner has no reason to investigate.
Remember, while the act of surprising your significant other can add a special touch to the proposal, the most important thing is expressing your love in a way they’ll remember for a lifetime. Have an idea for a covert and creative way to hide the ring? Share in the comments and come back to The Union to tell us how you disguised the surprise!
We have actually had a guest who hid the engagement ring in the spare tire compartment of his car! He said that no woman would get in there voluntarily! He added that he wouldn't recommend there if you drove a truck tho!
My husband hid my ring in the secret compartment under the backseat in his truck for 6 months before proposing. I was so mad when I found out. Do you know how many times I was in that truck and had no clue it was within arms reach?
The trusted family member seems to be a good idea to me!!! I sent the rings out for sizing and didn’t pick them up until the day before we left for the trip!
The look on each one of their faces are priceless. It gave me chills to see it. How neat will it be to have this reaction caught on camera for years to come! I am all for the surprise!