How to propose without a ring: Engagement ring alternatives for guys and masculine folks

Posted by
This post features affiliate links, so if you make a purchase after clicking a link, we may receive a commission. These paid links help keep our website free for everyone to enjoy.

DSC0023.JPG alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

I'm not engaged, but very much in love with my sweet geek and amazing boyfriend and I'm thinking about popping the question. I would like to give him something like an engagement ring but not really. I feel so confused… how do I propose without a ring, and what should I propose with??

What would you suggest as cool alternatives for an engagement ring for a guy?

-Melissa

If you're thinking of proposing to your masculine partner of any gender, we think there are two things to keep in mind when thinking of what object you should give your partner:

  1. Whatever you choose should have specific relevance to your relationship
  2. You want it to be something long-lasting like a ring would be

I'm reminded of an Offbeat Bride reader who proposed to her boyfriend with a spoon! Franki explained:

We were talking about engagements one night and I said, ‘Who decided on rings, anyway? Rings are completely arbitrary and I don't really want one. An engagment spoon — now that would be original.' A month or so later… I bought a spoon and proposed to him. Most people think it's neat, some people don't get it at all. The important part is that we both like it and he was totally over the moon when I asked — just as much as I was over the moon when he said yes.

But, if you don't happen to have convenient inside jokes that revolve around engagement traditions, I've compiled a super fun list of things you could use to propose to your boy or otherwise masculine partner:

A necklace

Okay, so maybe your partner isn't into an engagement ring, but would they wear a necklace?

mens leather necklace on offbeat bride alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
I like how this men's leather necklace has rings on it… sorta like wedding rings!

 

guitar pick fingerprint necklace alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
This guitar pick guitar pick fingerprint necklace could be the perfect option for the musicians… and you could customize it with your fingerprint for extra sweetness.

 

capsule necklace on offbeat bride alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
This customized capsule necklace comes with personalized stamping, and you can slip a love note inside. We'd suggest investing in a more durable chain, though.

A handkerchief

Remember the “bromance notes” Ariel featured in her gifts for groomsmen post? Well you could use them as their original purpose… to convey words of love!

custom embroidered handkerchief engagement ring alternative alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
What would you write on this custom embroidered handkerchief?

A fancy watch

Watches are sort of like rings in that you can find them in any price range. Here are a few we like…

skull and bones diamond watch alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
This skull & crossbones watch has diamond accents

 

Personalized Wooden Watch from AVANTwatches on offbeat bride alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
This Personalized Wooden Watch has a custom message on the inside of the leather band!
custom engraved wooden watch for men on offbeat bride alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
Here's another custom engraved watch option… this one comes with a gorgeous box, perfect for proposing with!

Engraved lock

engraved lock on offbeat bride alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
This custom engraved lock & key set is a nice reference to someone having the key to your heart

Customized Leatherman

Leatherman, maker of those all-in-one tools, make some truly stunning personalized and custom options… perfect for proposing to your handy sweety.

custom leatherman alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
Customized Leatherman available here

An engraved lighter

We know one Offbeat Bride reader proposed to her guy with an engraved “engagement lighter.”

engraved zippo lighter alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
We like the looks of this engraved zippo lighter

An engraved axe

Are you proposing to a viking? We gotchoo…

engraved axe on offbeat bride alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
Aww, what viking wouldn't love to be proposed to with this custom engraved axe with leather sheath

Pocket watch

engraved pocket watch as engagement ring alternative alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
A pocket like this custom engraved one with a meaningful quote makes for a great engagement ring alternative

 

Other ideas…

Anyone else have any ideas? Leave 'em in the comments!

Meet our fave wedding vendors