Are You Ready for the Most Romantic Night of the Year? Christmas Eve Ranks #1 for Marriage Proposals

Hey, guys. Tonight is Christmas Eve, and not only is it the most magical night of the year, it’s also the most romantic. Did you know that more men deliver marriage proposals on Christmas Eve than any other time of the year?

According to a survey by Brides magazine, nearly one in five marriage proposals (19%) takes place during the month of December. TheKnot.com reported that 39 percent of marriage proposals occur between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day.

The U.K. web site Chillisauce.com was even more specific, ranking Christmas Eve (12/24), Christmas Day (12/25) and New Year’s Eve (12/31) as #1, #3 and #4, respectively, for marriage proposals. Valentine’s Day (2/14) rated #2.

While May and June remain the most popular months for weddings, the winter season seems to be the best time for getting down on bended knee and popping the question. Experts believe that the winter engagement phenomenon is attributed to two factors: the romantic nature of the season... and convenience.

The festive season seems to bring out the best in all of us. It’s a time of giving, and a time to cherish our families. And, certainly, there’s no better time to propose than when all the family is in town to celebrate with the newly engaged couple.

Other interesting takeaways from the Brides 2014 American Wedding Study include the following:

• The average engagement ring costs $5,002; the average wedding rings cost $1,727;
• 59% of brides-to-be posted a picture of their engagement ring after receiving it;
• 46% say most of their friends learned about their engagement through social media;
• After telling close friends and family about the engagement, 71% of brides-to-be changed their social-media status to “engaged”;
• The average length of an engagement is 14.7 months;
• 64% are using social media site Pinterest to aggregate inspiration for their big day;
• Today's average bride is 28 years old and her groom is 29;
• Almost all couples incorporate wedding traditions into their big day, including cake cutting, first dances, toasts... and wearing something old, new, borrowed and blue;
• Couples spend $508 on gifts for each other. A timepiece is the top gift for the groom and jewelry is the top gift for the bride.
• Couples will also spend an additional $760 on gifts for parents ($262), bridesmaids ($308), and groomsmen ($280).