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⏰Thinking About Proposing On A Holiday? Think Again!

By: Z Family Law

The holiday season is cherished by many as a time full of love, family, and friends. No matter what you're celebrating, it's a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. However, contrary to popular belief, the holidays may not be the ideal setting for a wedding proposal. Though your spirits may be lifted and love flowing through your veins, proposing during the holidays can have significant drawbacks. Moreover, if things go awry, a proposal during the holidays can lead to more than just a broken heart— it can have legal consequences.

 

1. A Romantic and Personal Engagement

You want to make your engagement as romantic and personal as possible. A holiday can outshine your proposal.
Becoming engaged is a significant milestone that many people dream of their entire lives. Proposing on a holiday can overshadow the personal significance of your engagement day. The holidays are for everyone; your engagement is not. Don't complicate the holiday by sharing the day with your proposal. On the contrary, imagine your proposal is rejected. You would forever associate the holiday with that painful memory, potentially leading to emotional trauma and diminishing your enjoyment of future holidays. Keep the holiday for celebrating with loved ones and choose another day for your engagement.

 

2. Doubling Up on Celebrations

You complicate things when adding a holiday to another holiday.
Adding an engagement to a holiday can complicate things. Are you prepared to double your gift-giving forever? The engagement ring, as special as it is, does not replace other presents you should get for Christmas, birthdays, or Valentine's Day. It's crucial to distinguish each occasion and purchase unique gifts for each event.

 

3. Contract of marriage or gift

If you propose on a holiday and anything goes wrong, you may not get your ring back. 
If you propose on a holiday and things go awry, you may not get your ring back. No one wants to think about their proposal or engagement never making it to the altar, but it's something to consider. Generally, a ring given for a proposal is seen as a contract of marriage, and if the engagement is broken, the recipient should return the ring. However, if you propose on a holiday or birthday and tragedy strikes before you marry, you may lose financially. The law might view the ring as a holiday gift, which is irrevocable, rather than a gift contingent on marriage. In this case, your ex could keep the ring and do with it as they please. Consider the value of that piece of jewelry before you "gift" it during a holiday proposal. Make it clear to your significant other that the ring is part of a marriage contract, not just a holiday gift. 

 

In conclusion, the special moment of a proposal shouldn't be overshadowed by holiday festivities. Pick a date, place, and time that will make the moment truly unforgettable. If you decide otherwise, the potential end of your engagement could lead to financial hardship and put a damper on future holidays. Getting engaged and married is exciting, but it's crucial to understand the legal implications. To set your marriage up for success, have practical conversations about your future and consider a prenuptial agreement. For more information on the prenup process, call us at (301) 388-5528.

 

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