WILL EU MARRY ME: Nearly 3 in 5 women would want to be proposed to outside the UK

• According to research by Virgin Media O2, Paris is the most romantic European city to get engaged in. 
• As leap day approaches, so does the tradition attached to the date where women are encouraged to ‘break the norm’ and propose to their boyfriends. 
• Over a third of women (38%) would immediately spread the word of their engagement via videocall (67%) and phone call (52%). 
• O2 is the only major UK provider to offer its customers inclusive roaming in 49 European countries, up to 25GB, at no extra cost. 

Research by Virgin Media O2 has found that nearly three in five (58%) women want to be proposed to while abroad, with Paris ‘The City of Love’ winning the hearts of the nation as Europe’s most romantic backdrop for a proposal followed by Rome, Santorini, London and Barcelona.  

As leap day (29th February 2024) approaches, so does the tradition attached to the date where women are encouraged to ‘break the norm’ and take the plunge to propose to their boyfriends.  

But research suggests women proposing shouldn’t be limited to a leap year, as nearly half (44%) of unmarried heterosexual women believe they would do a better job than their boyfriend at popping the question. It seems men might not care about sticking to ‘the norm’ either, as nearly three in four (73%) women believe their partners would be ok with them popping the question.   

On what would make or break a proposal, the ring not fitting is an obvious mishap, while not feeling ‘photo ready’ or being able to speak to loved ones straight away were also deemed to be big no nos. Over a third of women (38%) would immediately spread the word of their engagement to family or friends via videocall (67%) or a phone call (52%). And making it social media ‘official’ also proves important for would-be fiancées as over two in five (41%) women would post the news on social media immediately (13%) or the next day (28%).   

For men who do plan to propose the pressure is firmly on, as seven in ten (72%) women believe the way a partner proposes is important and over one in four (26%) women would reject their partner if their proposal didn’t meet expectations.  

With so many women hopeful for a holiday proposal (58%) and being able to share the happy news straight away deemed essential for post-proposal plans (38%), Brits across the country could be in with luck this leap day as O2 is the only major UK provider to offer all customers inclusive EU roaming in 49 European countries (up to 25GB) as standard and at no extra cost. So, whether getting engaged this leap year in Rome, or popping the question in Portugal, O2 customers can celebrate with their loved one back home without having to worry about their phone bill.  

To avoid the possibility of any future rejections, Virgin Media O2 has pulled together the top 10 worst proposal failings according to heterosexual women. 

A spokesperson at Virgin Media O2 said: “For those planning to pop the question while away in Europe, the cost of a trip abroad and an engagement ring on top can be a significant financial strain. As the only major UK provider to offer all customers inclusive roaming in 49 European countries (up to 25GB) at no extra cost, O2 customers have one less thing to worry about when their fiancée wants to flaunt their new ring on a videocall.” 

While everyone gets to enjoy an additional day this year, Virgin Media O2 customers can also get a leap in their broadband speeds, mobile data and access to inclusive roaming in an additional 26 countries including the USA, Mexico and Australia when they connect their Virgin Media and O2 accounts together via Volt. Supercharge your world with Volt | Virgin Media O2 

ENDS 

Notes to Editor 

• Research conducted by Strand. Survey of 501 heterose