The perfect Valentine's Day proposal
‘Will you marry me?’ is arguably the most important question any man will ask in his life and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, this can be a daunting time for anyone considering a proposal.
Popping the question doesn’t have to be difficult though, provided grooms-to-be follow a few expert tips from Macdonald Hotels & Resorts.
The group‘s Kilhey Court Hotel in Lancashire was originally built by local brewer James Fairhurst as a wedding present for his new bride. To this day the stunning Victorian mansion serves as a favourite venue for proposals and weddings.
The hotel’s General Manager, Kerian Barnes, has a few tricks up her sleeve for the perfect proposal:
- Plan and prepare the proposal: this is not the time to be spontaneous as you will most likely be nervous anyway. Discuss any special arrangements with your chosen venue. If you would like the ring to be set in jelly or baked into a cake, the kitchen team will need time to prepare.
-Know your fiancée-to-be: consider whether she is very girly or more of a tomboy and plan the proposal accordingly. A pre-arranged picnic on top of a hill following a bracing walk can be as perfect as a ring presented in an elaborate pink box – depending on the recipient.
- Create an occasion: there’s no room for understatement here - even the least romantic woman will appreciate Champagne or a stay in a hotel’s feature suite. Talk to the venue about playing ‘your song’ when you are proposing or create a special cocktail to commemorate your first holiday together.
- Add special touches: very few things would be considered over the top for a proposal. Think about having rose petals strewn across your bed or her favourite flowers delivered
to the table in a restaurant.
- Ask for help: if you have selected a particularly romantic venue staff will often be able to make suggestions such as having the ring delivered to the table under a cloche, arranging a candlelit dinner or having luxury gifts waiting in your room.
Kerian explains: “Proposing is all about showing someone that they are the single most important person in your life and making them feel truly special. Allowing some planning time goes a long way and I would always recommend asking for expert help if there is anything a man is unsure about”.
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts have a number of experienced events and wedding coordinators happy to lend a helping hand. The group has created a range of Valentine’s Day packages, perfect for a romantic proposal – or simply to celebrate the day of love.
Sample packages include:
Lancashire, Victorian-style country house
The Macdonald Kilhey Court is easily reached from Manchester and Liverpool – perfect for a quick, romantic getaway that won’t break the bank. Valentine’s breaks include:
- Two nights’ luxurious accommodation
- Full English breakfast on both days
- Three course dinner on the first night to the value of £25 per person
- From £98 per person for two nights
- macdonaldhotels.co.uk/kilheycourt
Stratford-upon-Avon, the spiritual home of Romeo and Juliet
The Macdonald Alveston Manor offers the perfect setting for romance including roaring log fires, quiet river walks and beautiful gardens. Valentine’s breaks include:
- Rose petals on your bed
- Champagne on arrival
- Dinner on the second night
- Two nights’ luxurious bed & breakfast accommodation
- Use of the Vital Health & Wellbeing facilities throughout your stay
- From £130 per person for two nights
- macdonaldhotels.co.uk/alvestonmanor
Marlow, Buckinghamshire – Pure luxury in one of the UK’s Top 200 Hotels
If your goal is to show your loved one how special they are to you look no further than this amazing two night break for two. Set on the River Thames, the Macdonald Compleat Angler is the perfect riverside retreat this February with breaks including:
- Champagne on arrival
- Chocolates and strawberries in your room
- Jazz three course meal in Bowaters restaurant on the Friday night
- Romantic candlelit four course dinner on the Saturday night
- Two nights’ accommodation
- Full English breakfast
- From £449 per room per stay (two nights)
- macdonaldhotels.co.uk/compleatangler
Ledsham, near Chester – Gourmet two night break
A haven of peace on the outskirts of Chester, this hotel is perfect for a romantic escape. Its tree-lined drive will lead you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to an enchanted setting of mature woods and well-kept gardens. The Macdonald Craxton Wood’s Valentine’s breaks include:
- Five course evening meal in the AA rosette awarded restaurant on Saturday
- Champagne on arrival
- Decléor spa gift in your room
- Luxurious bed & breakfast accommodation on both nights
- £125 per person per stay for two nights
- macdonaldhotels.co.uk/craxtonwood
North Berwick, Scotland - Spa break
The coastal town North Berwick is home to one of the Group’s flagship hotels, the Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa overlooking the town’s beautiful beach and the Firth of Forth. Spend a romantic spa weekend that will have you relaxed and renewed, including:
- Hot stone massage
- Single red rose and chocolate-dipped strawberries on arrival
- Bottle of Champagne on arrival
- Luxury accommodation including full Scottish breakfast
- Three course evening meal in the two AA rosette award-winning restaurant
- Luxurious bathrobes and slippers in your room
- £130 per person per night
- macdonaldhotels.co.uk/marine
For more inspiration and a full list of Macdonald Hotels & Resorts’ Valentine’s Day offers, visit MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/offers/valentines.