Could the trend for quiet proposals signal a future of equality in wedding planning?

Published by Claire Gould on May 30, 2025

This Friday, I thought a short but thoughtful blog post would be lovely. I was contacted by a media agency about ‘quiet proposals’ – a rising trend where couples are shopping together for engagement rings, rather than keeping the ring a secret and planning a super romantic, surprise proposal. This got me thinking: taking this first step together as a couple could lead to more and more of us planning our weddings together – and that would be a wonderful thing, don’t you think?

Diamonds Factory has revealed that in 2025, couples choose engagement rings together 50% of the time, highlighting Gen-Z’s rising trend: “quiet proposing”. They interviewed their store staff and revealed that in over half (53%) of cases, the engagement ring shopper was accompanied by their own partner. More couples wanting to choose a ring together reflects a shift towards a more intentional, collaborative proposal process. Rather than rejecting romance, it shows that many modern, Gen-Z couples value communication and shared decision-making over tradition for tradition’s sake.

I’ve been writing about weddings for 15 years now, and every so often I’ll come across a wedding which was entirely one-sided. Most often, it’s a bride sharing her story of “my wedding” – and that makes me a little sad. You see, weddings should be like modern ring shopping: a collaboration and an event that reflects the two of you equally. I think it’s really important for the very beginning of every married couple’s future to be grounded in equality – and so weddings shouldn’t be the work of one half of a couple: ideally, your wedding is about, and for, the both of you.

This isn’t just about aesthetics or the look of your wedding: there’s a serious mental health concern here. While the media writes about wedding “planxiety” we’ve acknowledged on English Wedding that anxiety caused by the pressures of planning a wedding is a serious issue. We’ve even collaborated with Bupa’s mental health experts to write about wedding planning stress. It can be really tough if you have the support of your other half; but if you’re planning a wedding largely alone, there’s something wrong.

So modern couples, you’re giving me hope for a more equal future in weddings. Choosing to buy engagement rings together is a smart move – and if it sets the mood for your wedding planning journey, all the better. Once that ring is on your finger, stick together like glue and work as a team (and you’ll be the best team ever, obviously!) to plan a wedding that reflects you both. It doesn’t have to be showy, or overly styled or filled with Pinterest-worthy decor. It certainly doesn’t have to be pink, or feminine – unless that look sparks joy for both of you! It should simply bring together all of the people you love most in the world, and make you happy.

Let’s take note of the research about engagement ring shopping together. For me this is a story of equality, of couples making big decisions together, and of making a first step hand-in-hand. It’s still romantic – and it makes so much sense.

“Our research found that, more often than not, partners are joining to help you choose the all-important engagement ring. Not only does this take the guesswork out of it, it ensures the ring is exactly what they want—style, fit, stone, everything. It’s a practical move that takes pressure off the buyer and boosts confidence in the decision.” ~ Ella Citron-Thompkins, Jewellery Expert from Diamonds Factory

“The quiet proposal suits couples who value open communication and want the moment to reflect their real-life dynamic, rather than a traditional surprise. It doesn’t make the proposal any less romantic, in fact, it often feels more meaningful because it’s built on shared excitement and transparency.”

The same could be said for weddings. Weddings I’ve blogged where couples have shared the planning equally, communicating everything along the way (especially where planning gets tough) are always the most joyful.

The day should reflect who you are as a couple – so if your home and lives are relaxed and full of laughter, think that way for your wedding too! Skipping the frills for a wedding inspired by your home vibe rather than other weddings you’ve seen on social media doesn’t make the day any less romantic.

Your wedding will feel more meaningful if it’s all about the two of you, and the culmination of months spent planning it together.

If you’re in need of some engagement ring inspiration for your partner, or if you’re testing out your best friend’s dream ring, check out Diamonds Factory’s beautiful range of engagement ring styles here.