So you are planning to propose soon. This is huge. You better start planning! Because yes, even proposals take some planning. But lucky for you- we are here to help.

So first things first- you have to find the perfect location. Are you a sun chaser or love chilly weather? Find the perfect romantic spot and then you are halfway done with proposal planning!

Now let’s talk about engagement ring boxes. Most are bulky and there is no discreet way to conceal them in your pocket or jacket. They bulge out and are so obvious! We have the perfect solution.

Check out our thin engagement ring box! It has a really sleek and attractive design. It is perfect for stashing the gorgeous engagement ring away in your pocket. 

We will also be the first to admit it looks absolutely amazing in photos! It truly highlights the ring and lets it be the star of the show. We think your partner is going to love it and we know they will be surprised.

Because honestly, the surprise is half the fun. Get yourself an engagement ring box that will keep the secret for you. You control when they see the box and ring!

So you proposed. 

YAY! Let us be the first to congratulate you. We are so excited for you both and cannot wait for your wedding.

Maybe you hired a photographer. Maybe they are amazing and did spur of the moment engagement photos! They probably got a few ring shots as well. But you know what’s annoying?

Those photos probably will not be in your hands for at least a few days. Photographers usually take the time to edit the full gallery before sending it over. 

But wait, your partner now wants to show off their ring. Should you wait for the photographer’s professional photos?

We have reason to believe that with these tips we’ve prepared, you will be able to capture your ring beautifully and share all over the gram- because you deserve to show that beauty off!

Our Best Tips on Ring Selfies

1. The Classic Hand Up Pose

First things first, there’s the classic “hold up the hand” selfie. Both of you in the frame, big smiles, and hand up making sure you capture that sparkly gorgeousness! 

You can bring the hand closer and let the camera blur your faces out, or simply hold your hand up, right below your face and show off how happy you are with that ring!

2. Make sure your nails are done

Is this entirely necessary? Okay, fine. It really is not. But it does make the photo pop. A pretty, neutral nail polish really accentuates that gorgeous ring. People are not focused on the nail color or if your nails are unkempt. They are focused on the star- that ring of yours!

So hold your hand up and out and take a shot of that ring you will be wearing forever. You are going to love how it turns out!

3. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting!

Lighting can totally make or break your photo. It can make your ring shine, or make it look dull. It can make your ring look brand sparkling new, or a few years old.

Okay, okay, we’ll stop now. You get the point. Lighting can truly make your ring stand out and look as amazing as it does in person.

If you want your ring to look as natural as possible (how you see it!), take your photo in natural light. It doesn’t necessarily have to be outdoors, but by a nice bright window with lots of light flowing in. 

Make sure that lighting is behind you. As in, make sure the light is actually hitting your ring, not the back of your hand. If you are facing the window and have your hand up, the light is pouring onto your hand, and the camera won’t capture any light on the ring at all. 

Instead, turn around. Turn your back to the window and raise your hand up. Now the light is pouring in directly at your ring. You may even capture a few sparkling moments on your phone camera as you tilt your hand around. Tada! You’ve got this and it’s looking amazing!

4. A Few Tips for Using a Phone Camera

These tips apply for both iPhones and androids alike:

-Do not use flash! Natural light is always best.

-Overhead shots don’t capture the entire ring. Try different angles (even flipping your phone upside down!) to capture all the details.

-Do not zoom in. Zooming in weakens the quality of your photo. It makes it pixelated and hard to see the details. If you want a closer photo- just move your phone up closer to the ring!

You should now be all set to capture amazing selfies with your new ring. Do it because you are never going to want to forget this moment! 

If these tips helped you with your ring selfie, be sure to tag us so we can see it and congratulate you! And if you’d love more help to find the perfect proposal spot, photographer and get all the details taken care of for proposal day, check out the proposal planners at The Heart Bandits!

As part of the proposal planning company, The Heart Bandits, I’ve helped many guys propose all over the world. Even though we’re based in Los Angeles, by far the most popular city we’ve seen people propose at has been New York City. So today, you’re in luck as I will be giving you some awesome New York Proposal Ideas for you to use.

Probably the city that is most popular amongst people in the U.S. or visiting the U.S. to propose marriage is New York City. It’s no surprise because there are just so many landmarks, romantic locations, and things to do during all seasons of the year. Here are some great New York Proposal Ideas in case you’re thinking of popping the question soon.

Rooftop Proposal

With it’s world-renown skyline, if you can get a view of it you are destined to have an amazing marriage proposal. The best way to go about this is to reserve a rooftop or penthouse that is gorgeously decorated, private, and has a stunning view.  New York is the land of great high-rises and skyscrapers. Proposing on a rooftop is the perfect way to experience an elegant night out with amazing views of the city. The Heart Bandits even have an NYC Rooftop Package that you can book directly!

Central Park Picnic

What’s more iconic and scenic than Central Park? It is a place with lots of greenery and places to enjoy a romantic stroll.  It has loads of history associated with it along countless cameos in movies and television.  You can surprise your partner with a picnic overlooking Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Fountain, or the Mall and you’ll have a beautiful spot to reminisce about for years to come. Be sure to have a Ring Stash on you so that you can dress in a slim outfit. The Heart Bandits even offer the perfect Central Park Picnic.

Musical Serenade

If you and your partner have a special song, then there is no better way to propose than by having a musician do a surprise serenade for you two.  Start off by having a nice dinner so that your partner is dressed up for the night.  After dinner tell her that you want to take a stroll around some scenic romantic location.  Some good options are Central Park, the MET, Grand Central Station, or Rockefeller Center.  Or even better, you can even take her to a location that a perfect sunset or river view.  While you’re there a musician then approaches you two and begins playing your song.  Your partner is shocked about what is happening and then you propose at the end.  The musician then hands her a bouquet of flowers to congratulate her.

Garden Proposal

In addition to Central Park, New York also has many hidden gems such as gardens. You can try checking out the HighLine for a place with a great view in an awesome location of town. Take your girlfriend here and she’ll be shocked when you come upon a romantic setup or a musical serenade.  This hidden spot can be returned to later to celebrate an anniversary and it would most likely be more secluded than a regular crowded park.

Times Square Billboard Proposal

The way to go big is by doing your proposal in actual Times Square. Known around the world as an ultimate tourist destination and also where the ball drops during New Years. How shocked will she be if one of the billboards is actually used to proclaim your message of love?  There is no grander way to announce your love for her.  Check out The Heart Bandits Times Square Proposal Package.

Flash Mob Proposal

For the person that is an extrovert and wouldn’t mind having people giving your big moment, big attention, then a Flash Mob proposal is perfect.  This can be done at a place like Times Square, Madison Square Park, or by DUMBO.  You take your partner on a stroll and all of a sudden your song is played through speakers.  “Stranger” then all dance a choreographed routine that make it look so cool.  To make it even cooler, you would actually jump into the routine and propose at the end.  How exciting would that be?!  You can book this New York Flash Mob package here!

Be sure to check out other great New York Marriage Proposal Ideas from our pals at The Heart Bandits! They even have their own pre-made packages that are easy to book. After your proposal, if you’re looking for New York Elopement Packages check out our friends at Pop the Knot!

There are infinite other proposal ideas you can do in New York. With so much to do there, you can have any style of proposal you want. Make sure to get a slim engagement ring box from Ring Stash before you decide on a proposal idea so that you can enjoy your proposal moment instead of worrying about your partner discovering your ring beforehand.

So your partner has been dropping hints for months that they wanted to get engaged and what their perfect ring was. You asked her parents for their blessing and you got it. You got your partner the perfect engagement ring and you’re super excited! What now?

Well now you actually have to do the very important part of planning, including using a Ring Stash unit.  There are a lot of things to work out so check out our tips below.

The Marriage Proposal Plan

One of the first steps in planning your proposal is to have an awesome-sauce proposal plan. To get such a plan, our partners at The Heart Bandits have you covered.   If you’re looking for All Inclusive Packages like a New York Rooftop Proposal or a Los Angeles Flash Mob, they have these ready made for you.  Additionally, they can even help you with customized proposal planning if you’re looking for something more elaborate or specialized.  After you work with them then you’ll get a beautifully written itinerary that will have all the details you’ll have to follow in order for your proposal to go perfect.

If you end up planning your proposal on your own, that’s great too.  You just need to make sure that you have all the details covered.  Has the venue been secured?  Have all your vendors been paid and do they know the overall plan?  Have you created a back story to tell your partner? Make sure you have all your bases covered of the proposal plan before your big day.

Make Sure Your Ring Fits in Ring Stash

Since you would obviously love to have your proposal be a complete surprise.  To do so you can’t have your engagement ring box the size of a baseball!  You would need to get yourself a slim engagement ring box from Ring Stash.  First, you must do a vital check though.

As much as we would love Ring Stash to fit every possible ring size out there, there are just some limitations to where it would stop being thin. So if you have the world’s largest engagement ring with 50 halo diamonds around the center stone, then Ring Stash won’t work (at least not now 😉 ).

The internal dimensions of the box can fit an engagement ring that is 9.5mm at its widest point. This is about equivalent to a 1 carat circular diamond with smaller diamond halos around it (which is pretty common these days).  If you have a solitaire engagement ring, then this is about equivalent to about a 3 carat circular diamond ring.  If you’re not sure of the size then you can ask your ring maker about the specs, they usually have them. If not, the taking out a ruler is the old fashioned way that will still work.

Put Ring Inside Ring Stash and Practice

A very unique part about Ring Stash that NO OTHER ring box in the world has is its ring holder. The ring holder took inspiration from watch displays that make the watches appear as if they are floating.  Now imagine this feature as part of your engagement. This gives your ring the amazing feature that makes it appear as if it’s floating.

So each Ring Stash comes with two sized ring holders; a small and large one.  The small one fits finger sizes of 3-5 and the larger one fits ring finger size of 5-12.  First, determine which ring holder is best for the engagement ring you have purchased.  The ring holders simply slide out of a small stem in the base of Ring Stash.

Once you have the proper sized ring holder, you can place the ring in the ring holder by pinching the top of the ring holder together.  One side of the ring holder is open (while the other side has tabs to stop the ring from sliding).  Slide the ring in through the open side until it hits the tabs then stop the pinching. You can then close the box and you’ll be all set.

Ring Stash has a patented rotating feature that will give your presentation yet another cool effect.  The lids of Ring Stash also have embedded magnets so as to keep it secured when closed. Practice opening the box so that you can get the hang of it. Do not try opening it with one hand. The box is thin so each lid is half as thin and not meant to be opened one-handed.

On Proposal Day, Hide Ring Stash

At this point you will be VERY happy you have Ring Stash. If you didn’t you would be forced to either wear an enormous trench coat, put it in your sock (which is very gross!), or carry the ring without the box. Ring Stash will fit in any of your pockets so you can easily hide it so that your partner will not suspect a thing at all.

Unveil the Ring and Propose

The drill is when you are ready to pop the question, you get down on one knee, then pull out Ring Stash, open it (like you’ve rehearsed), and propose. Once she says yes then you know that you did a good job and she didn’t catch on to the enormous ring box that the ring originally came in. Make sure to shoot us an email to tell us about your awesome Ring Stash proposal story.

If you’re ready to propose and want to keep it a surprise, then Ring Stash is your answer! It is a thin, durable, and stylish engagement ring box that was specifically engineered for your special proposal moment. Get your Ring Stash today!

Yes I’m very familiar with what you are feeling.  You just bought your dream girl her dream engagement ring.  You’re feeling ecstatic because one day soon you will pop the question and she will hopefully say YES!

But there’s only one problem.  That big day FEELS like it’s taking forever to get here.  It’s making you even more and more nervous with each passing day that something will happen to the engagement ring.  Even though the engagement ring weighs a few ounces, it feels like a ton to you because of your nerves.

You are nervous that you might lose the ring or damage it.  You are nervous that your partner may somehow stumble upon it and ruin the surprise.  You need a plan for where to hide the engagement ring (and the engagement ring box) before your proposal day.  Read these tips to learn where these places are to figure out what’s best for you.

In Your House

This may or may not make you feel at ease.  If your partner doesn’t live with you then you’re probably good.  Some good hiding places for the engagement ring are in a random drawer or hidden in a box in your closet.   Basically places that your partner would have no reason to ever check when she visits you.

If your partner lives with you then that gets a little more complicated.  Even if you think a place might be a good location, something might happen around the house and your partner might snoop around.  You may think that putting the ring in the garage box of old photos might be good but given too much time there and she may remember a photo that she wants to find to show someone.  Be careful with this one.

At Your Work

Hiding the engagement ring at your work is relatively safe but you just have to be very careful with cleaning crews.  If you have a locked drawer or tool chest, then this would be a great idea.  Take the key to this home with you everyday and you’ll probably be good to go.

In Your Car

Hiding the ring in your car is ok if your house or work are not good options.  Unfortunately there are just not too many options of where to hide a ring in a car.  There is the center console or the glove compartment.  But there is always a chance that your partner may fiddle around and open one of these two locations and discover the ring.

Another option might be to put it in your trunk but if you do so, then make sure it is in something else like luggage or a backpack.  It’s never a good idea to have an engagement ring box in plain view in your car because there could be a chance someone can break into your car.

At a Friend or Family Member’s House

This is probably one of the better options, especially if you have complete trust and faith in the person you are having hold the ring.  With this option you won’t need to worry about your girlfriend accidentally finding the ring.

This doesn’t mean that it will make you any less nervous though. Since you won’t necessarily be seeing the ring every day then you may start wondering if it’s ok, if it’s accidentally lost, if it got sucked into a vacuum cleaner, if their dog ate it, etc.  If you go this route you would probably be checking in with the host every few days so make sure the person is ok with that.

With the Jeweler

This is another good option that is safe but not necessarily every jeweler would be able to do it.   Some jewelers may want you to take the ring after you purchase it but if you have a jeweler that is ok with holding it then by all means tell them to hold it until right before the big day.

Once you do pick it up, which you would want to do at least a few days before your proposal day then make sure you have it in a safe spot.  Of course at this point you’ll be back at square one and would want to reread all these tips again for the short term before your marriage proposal.

Buy a Slim Engagement Ring Box

Once you have finally arrived for your big day and you’re ready to propose marriage to your partner, you’ll absolutely need a Ring Stash!  At this point, you can have the slim engagement ring box right in your pocket all day without your partner ever knowing you are hiding it. Once you do get on bended knee, your partner will be shocked to know that you had it on you all day and she didn’t suspect a thing!  Get your Ring Stash today!

Today we are thrilled to announced that we have been featured on none other than The New York Times!  The New York Times heard about Ring Stash and the story about why we started it and wanted to interview us to hear all about it.

I loved sharing the story about how when I actually proposed to Michele, that I was scared to death that I had to carry her engagement ring naked in my pocket.  Never mind that it was her dream engagement ring, all I was worried about was that the ring was not protected.  I worried about it slipping out of my hand because I was nervous or sweating.  I worried that it might get scratched so I had to put my keys in my other pocket.  I worried that lint or dirt might get on the ring and it would not have the sparkly glow that it needed.  I even worried about magnets dragging it away, as nonsensical as that sounds!

If only there was a Ring Stash product back then, it would have saved me all the stress of concealing and displaying the ring for the big moment.

This lingering thought about how my proposal could have been soooooo much better stayed on my mind.  So much so that when we started The Heart Bandits and were thinking about ways to further help our clients, my first thought was to create a slim engagement ring box.  That’s when development of Ring Stash started.

Fast forward a few years, countless hours of thought and working putting together many units, we have what we feel is the perfect ring box for your proposal.

Read the full New York Times article HERE!

Remember, that if you want to have your proposal be a complete surprise, then you absolutely need to have your own Ring Stash!

You’ve been around proposal block. But calling each other “fiance” is a new stage in your relationship. What does it mean for holidays like Valentine’s Day when you’re engaged? Expert pop-up wedding planners from Pop the Knot say it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new and mix things up. And they’ve compiled some of their best ideas for you down below.  

Start a New Tradition

New engagement equals new traditions! Head to a candlelight picnic instead of a restaurant, surprise them with a weekend getaway, or sweep them off their feet by covering the bedroom with rose petals. 

Cook a Romantic Dinner at Home

The go-to Valentine’s night is a classy dinner at a fancy restaurant. But you’ve probably already done that. Instead, why not do the opposite with a cozy dinner at home. Cook it together to make it extra intimate. 

Go to a Concert

You don’t hear of a concert date night on Valentine’s Day very often, but it’s actually a great way for engaged couples to get out of their wedding planning mindset and into the moment.

Celebrate Like the Day You Got Engaged

If you and your fiance have been stressing like crazy over wedding plans, ideas, and commitments, it’s time to re-spark the excitement. Celebrate Valentine’s Day as if it’s right after the proposal when you both have never felt more in love. Valentine’s Day when you’re engaged should be super special! 

Don’t know how to take care of your ring? Store it in a flat-ring box and read up on how to keep it from scratching.

Have you picked out the ring? If you’re proposing this season or want to give your significant a few hints on trendy styles, you’re in the right place. Here at Ring Stash, we’ve compiled the top 5 winter engagement rings to choose from. 

1. Vintage

Antique rings are making their way back around. With a mix of options ranging from colored stones, cluster shapes, and mixed metals, old-school, retro rings will be sure to make a pop.  

2. Floral

Much like Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, florals have a large center stone, like a sapphire or ruby, along with tiny petal-shaped diamond clusters circling around.

3. Oval Cuts

Oval cuts are all the rage if you’re into larger rings. This type of cut can make the carat size look bigger because of its unique shape and surface area. It’s not your typical round ring!   

4. Whisper-Thin Bands

Another way to make your diamonds look larger is to place them on a super-thin band. This way the stones will stand out even bigger, elongate your fingers, and up the pizzazz. 

5. Morganite

Easy on the budget and the eyes, morganite rings have that trendy rose gold color with gentle touches of peach.

2020 Winter Engagement Rings

You don’t have to worry about a shortage of in vogue 2020 winter engagement rings. There are plenty to choose from! To keep both the ring and your secret proposal a surprise, purchase a flat-ring box and head over to The Heart Bandits for some amazing, all-inclusive proposal packages.

Wouldn’t proposing on New Years’ Eve be an amazing way to start out the new decade? Talk about ringing in the new year with a bang! It’s a great idea, especially with all of the fun festivities, decor, and holiday magic. However, there are a few things to know if you’re planning on proposing on the last day of the year. So, we asked expert proposal planners, The Heart Bandits, to put together their top New Year tips.    

Be Wary of Parties

As exciting as it would be to pop the question at a fun gathering, New Year’s Eve parties are on the iffy side for proposal territory. You’ll probably have to deal with drunkenness, which ruins the romantic factor.

Make Sure to Add Creativity

Just because it’s a New Years’ proposal doesn’t mean you have to throw all of your creativity out the window. Make it as meaningful as possible, just as if it wasn’t a holiday.  

Catch It On Camera

You’re going to want to be able to look back on such a special moment as this. If you can, hire a professional photographer and don’t rely on a friend/family member. 

Hire a Planner

Hiring a planner can help you check off all of the tips above: great location, creativity, and photography for proposing on New Years’ Eve. Check out The Heart Bandits’ all-inclusive proposal packages or contact them to custom make your own. Don’t forget to purchase a small engagement ring box to keep the surprise!

While you’re at it, take a look at 3 Reasons to Hire a Photographer for Your Proposal.

Thinking of proposing this Christmas season? The festivities bring loads of fun opportunities for popping the question. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Expert proposal planners, The Heart Bandits, have your back with the ultimate do’s and don’ts list of a holiday engagement.

Don’t:

Forget winter weather

Along with the Christmas season comes winter weather, which can sometimes derail plans. Keep this in mind as you decide on the details and try to be as flexible as possible. 

Include family unless your partner wants to

Sometimes your significant may not want family involved. And as easy as it would be to include loved ones during the holidays, make sure it’s okay with your proposee first.  

Do:

Have a private moment

Between all of the excitement and family time during the holidays, set aside a private moment for just the two of you to enjoy. This will make your engagement even more intimate and special.

Think about the rest of the day

To not dull down the exciting day, have some fun, romantic things planned for after you pop the question. Make the entire day about celebrating your proposal.  

Ask for help

Holiday engagements can be tricky, especially if family is going to be there. Check out The Heart Bandits’ all-inclusive proposal packages. Not only will they bring your dream proposal ideas to life, but they’ll also make you shine in the spotlight.

Don’t forget to purchase a flat-ring box to keep your holiday engagement a surprise!

October means deep orange and red hues, loads of pumpkins, and sweet bonfires: fall. It’s here! And it’s time to take advantage of the cool weather and naturally scenic backdrops. Are you proposing this month? Great! We’ve compiled a list of the top proposal locations for October from our expert proposal planning friends, The Heart Bandits.

San Francisco

You won’t find lack of scenery here! Between the gorgeous parks, vibrant red Golden Gate Bridge, and perfect weather, you’re bound to find a proposal spot. On top of that, The Heart Bandits have perfect San Francisco proposal packages to choose from.

Washington DC

The cherry blossoms are what people come for in the spring, but in the fall, Washington is decked out with picturesque fall leaves. Have a romantic picnic in the park, take a tour of the massive historical monuments, and pop the question! It’s one of the perfect proposal locations for October, so take advantage of The Heart Bandits’ Washington DC proposal ideas.

Boston

Boston is also known for its rich history, but it’s really known for stunning fall foliage around this time of year. While strolling the streets, soak up breathtaking views of autumnal trees sprinkling their hues across town. And check out these all-inclusive Boston proposal packages. You won’t want to miss out!

As you scope out your plans, use this list of top proposal locations for October to help with your decisions. And above all else, make sure to purchase a flat-ring box from www.ringstash.com to secure your surprise! Let’s make your October proposal an autumn dream come true.