Marriage Proposals in the Social Media Age

In the 1950s, magazines whisked women away from daily routines into a world of dreams where anything seemed possible. Readers devoured stories of la dolce vita, scandals and fairytale weddings—Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco, Elizabeth Taylor’s eight “I dos,” the enchanting Soraya’s union with the Shah of Persia, or Aristotle Onassis’s marriage to Jackie Kennedy. Then, as now, it was almost effortless to lose yourself in those tales, fueling fantasies and desires and unlocking the romantic spirit in every woman—and beyond.

Times change, but the love of spectacle remains the same. You don’t have to look far back to recall that fateful night in 2017 at Verona’s Arena, when rapper Fedez—dressed to the nines in a tuxedo—took the stage to sing a song he’d written for his partner. He then dropped to one knee before a crowd of fifteen thousand, ring in hand, and, amid tears, hugs and stunned applause, asked her to marry him.

Not to be outdone, Kanye West went all out in 2013 to secure a “yes” from Kim Kardashian. He rented an entire baseball stadium, blindfolded her on a secret drive, and led her—friends and family in tow—to San Francisco’s AT&T Park. As a fifty-piece orchestra played “Young and Beautiful,” he lifted her blindfold to reveal a 15-carat diamond while the jumbotron lit up with the words “Please, marry me!” Two million dollars well spent: Kardashian, 33 and twice-divorced, capitulated once more.

Then there was the private-jet proposal. On Christmas Eve 2008, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady invited Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen aboard a flight to New Jersey, where her future in-laws waited. Surrounded by white roses and champagne flutes, he popped the question—eliciting tears, joy and just a hint of disbelief.

During a 2010 safari in Kenya, Prince William transformed an ordinary holiday into an unforgettable moment by presenting Kate Middleton with Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring—the most precious jewel in his possession. The heirloom became the perfect symbol of a love built to last, safe for the moment from tabloid gossip.

And then there was Joe Manganiello’s 2014 proposal to Sofia Vergara in Hawaii at Christmastime. What made the True Blood star’s gesture truly unique was that he popped the question entirely in Spanish, the native tongue of the Colombian-born, U.S.-naturalized actress—an attentive touch that revealed a deeply caring heart.

What truly sweeps a woman off her feet? Often it’s the spark of spontaneity—a willingness to take a risk and make romance tangible. You need a bit of creativity, but if your budget doesn’t rival the celebrity set, don’t worry. You can still work magic. Rent a vintage car for the occasion or book a sleek ride for an unexpected escape. It’s the atmosphere, the intention, the words…that will do the rest.