Say Goodbye To Leap Year Traditions With These Celebrity Female Proposals

You’re probably aware of the old tradition that says women can only propose every four years when it’s a leap year on the 29th February. Is it just us or does that sound extremely outdated? We don’t believe you have to wait to take control ladies. When you know they’re the one, whether it’s on a leap year or any year, we think you should be able to propose whenever you want!

We ran our own poll and asked you how you feel about the leap year tradition and we were not surprised to find that 71 percent feel this tradition is outdated. We couldn’t agree more. We’ve also seen a big trend and demand for men’s engagement rings, which goes to show more and more ladies are the ones now asking the question.

Take note from some of these inspiring and famous women who proposed and took matters into their own hands. If you’re feeling inspired, discover our beautiful collection of men’s engagement rings and men’s proposal rings.

Bella Mackie and Greg James

In 2018, the beautiful Bella Mackie decided to ask Radio 1 DJ Greg James to marry her and they married the same year. Greg James announced the lovely news on his Instagram with the above adorable image and the caption: “I said yes immediately because she is the smartest, funniest and most beautiful person I’ve ever met.” (Aww!) They managed to keep their engagement private for four months before Greg revealed the lovely news.

Greg James has recently spoken about the Leap Year tradition on Radio 1 and voiced how it’s the 21st century and women should be allowed to propose whenever they want. We hear you Greg. We love this idea of a modern man who is more than happy to be proposed to. And, of course, well done to Bella for taking the plunge and proposing.

Elizabeth Taylor

The iconic Elizabeth Taylor married eight times in her lifetime, so we’re pleased to hear she proposed at least one of those eight times. Liz Taylor asked her second husband, British actor Michael Wilding for his hand in marriage. They married in London in 1952 with a small 15 minute civil ceremony and went on to have two children together before they split in 1957.

It’s reported that Elizabeth Taylor said after their divorce that Michael was the sweetest man she’d ever met, but that she wasn’t mature enough for their 20 year age gap.

See the jaw dropping 24.9ct diamond engagement ring Elizabeth Taylor went on to receive from her third engagement and more iconic celebrity engagement rings here.

Pink

Never one to follow the rules, it’s no surprise that pop star Pink took the plunge and set her own destiny by proposing to her now husband, Carey Hart.

Pink starting dating motorcross racer Carey in 2001 after she managed to convince him to star in her “Just Like A Pill” music video. After a few break ups, Pink realised he was the one and decided to ask him to marry her in 2005.

Apparently spontaneously, Pink decided to propose whilst Carey was competing in a motorcross race. As he began his third lap, she held up a pit board to read “Will you marry me?”, quickly followed by “Serious!” after he didn’t pull over the first time. Of course he said yes or “Well, yeah of course” to be exact and they tied the knot in 2007 in Costa Rica.

We love this proposal story, especially as Pink tied it in with something her partner loves. Take note from Pink and propose to your partner during their favourite hobby. Think during or after a football game or out on a country walk - whatever they’re into!

Kristen Bell

Actress Kristen Bell and Actor Dax Shepard made the decision that they wouldn’t get married until marriage equality existed in America and the ban on same-sex marriage had been dropped.

Kristen revealed that they had talked about marriage a lot and were both looking forward to being married, but that she had to support what she believed in. She didn’t feel right taking advantage of being able to get married if some of her friends couldn’t.

Once the ban on same sex marriage had been lifted, Kristen took to Twitter to ask the big question and tweeted Dax with “Will you marry me? Xo #marriageequlaity #love is love”

We won’t repeat Dax’s exact response, but let’s just say he said yes! They’re still one of Hollywood’s most loved couples today and with their thoughtful proposal story, we can see why.

We’re loving the modernity of Kristen’s proposal. Would this suit your loved one? If he’s not one for traditions then this might be a good idea for him. Make it extra special and be there ready on one knee as soon as he sees it.

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria was famously very much in love with her husband Albert, but did you know that is was her who did the proposing? We’re going to gloss over the fact that as the monarch, if they wanted to marry, it had to come from her…anyway, if it’s good enough for a queen then it’s good enough for us.

The Queen had no intention of marrying at all until she fell for Prince Albert. Once she realised he was the one, she confided in her Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne, to ask for his approval. As soon as he approved, Victoria wasted no time and sent for Albert and proposed on his arrival.

It has been revealed that on the same day Queen Victoria wrote in her diary “Oh! How I adore and love him, I cannot say!!”

We’re feeling very empowered and inspired by these female proposal stories. We’re saying goodbye to Leap Year traditions, and hello to taking matters into our own hands. Why wait around to plan your future if you’re ready to take the next step?

Discover our beautiful collection of men’s engagement rings or our selection of proposal rings for men.

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